Union membership remains near record low despite big boost in taxpayer-supported jobs

By Mailee Smith

01/29/2025

Rapid growth in government jobs during 2024 did little to fix the downward trajectory of union membership in Illinois. Just 13.1% of workers are union members in the state.

Illinois unemployment still 3rd highest in U.S.

By Ravi Mishra, Jon Josko

01/28/2025

Illinois continues to maintain a sluggish job market and high unemployment. The December unemployment rate was third highest in the nation, where it has remained for months.

TAGS: jobs, unemployment

Illinois’ low social mobility: causes and cures

01/28/2025

Published Jan. 28, 2025 Illinois Policy Institute Center for Poverty Solutions, in partnership with the Archbridge Institute By Joshua Bandoch, Ph.D., head of policy, Illinois Policy Institute and Justin Callais, Ph.D., chief economist, Archbridge Institute EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A low-income person’s ability to move up in society is worse in Illinois than in any other Midwestern...

How government unions work against interests of private-sector unions, taxpayers

By Mailee Smith

01/08/2025

Government unions posed threats to public welfare that were recognized by founders of the labor movement and by progressive icon Franklin D. Roosevelt. Those threats have become reality, with government union power dominating – especially in Illinois.

Nation gains 227K jobs as Illinois loses 3.4K in November

By Ravi Mishra, Jon Josko

01/07/2025

Job growth was healthy across the nation in November with a gain of 227,000. Illinois’ metropolitan areas lost 3,400, with Peoria losing at the fastest rate.

Illinois unemployment No. 3 in U.S. during November

By Ravi Mishra

12/23/2024

Illinois is caught in a sluggish job market with persistently high unemployment. It was third-highest in the U.S. again during November.

TAGS: IDES: Illinois Department of Employment Security, taxes, unemployment

Only 6 of 15 Illinois metro areas gained jobs in October

By Patrick Andriesen

12/04/2024

New data shows only six of 15 Illinois metropolitan areas added jobs in October as the state shed 2,400 jobs. Twelve metro areas reported higher unemployment than the national average.

TAGS: jobs

Illinois No. 3 for highest unemployment in October

By Ravi Mishra, Jon Josko

11/20/2024

October job numbers for Illinois remained disappointing, with an unemployment rate that was third highest in the nation. There are 346,000 Illinoisans who need a job.

TAGS: unemployment

Chicago Teachers Union president paid over $269K but hides union financial records

By Mailee Smith

11/20/2024

Public records show the Chicago Teachers Union and other union entities pay Stacy Davis Gates a very healthy salary. But union transparency ends there. CTU is refusing to show members how it spends their money, despite that mandate in CTU’s rules.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, Stacy Davis Gates

Unemployment high in 13 of 15 Illinois metro job markets

By Ravi Mishra

10/30/2024

The statewide Illinois job market outpaced the national average. But 13 of 15 metro areas continued to have higher unemployment rates than the U.S. average.

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Union membership remains near record low despite big boost in taxpayer-supported jobs

Illinois unemployment still 3rd highest in U.S.

Illinois’ low social mobility: causes and cures

How government unions work against interests of private-sector unions, taxpayers

Nation gains 227K jobs as Illinois loses 3.4K in November

Illinois unemployment No. 3 in U.S. during November

Only 6 of 15 Illinois metro areas gained jobs in October

Illinois No. 3 for highest unemployment in October

Chicago Teachers Union president paid over $269K but hides union financial records

Unemployment high in 13 of 15 Illinois metro job markets

FAQ: How the federal scholarship program would help Illinois students

Report Archive

Diana Graham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students