5 ways state law empowers the Chicago Teachers Union and how it can change

By Gerrin Alexander

02/10/2026

The union's extraordinary power in Chicago is propped up by actions in Springfield.

3 things teachers unions don’t want teachers to know

By Mailee Smith

08/12/2025

Illinois public school teachers can opt out of union membership and stop paying dues in August. But union misinformation is spread to keep them in.

TAGS: teachers union

Chicago Teachers Union can strike after March 7

By Mailee Smith

03/06/2025

The Chicago Teachers Union entered a 30-day “cooling off” period following its rejection of a neutral fact-finder’s contract recommendations. The 30 days are up. The union can go on strike after March 7.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

No Illinois teacher strikes in 2024, but will Chicago Teachers Union strike in 2025?

By Mailee Smith

02/13/2025

After going on strike 63 times in the previous 13 years, Illinois teachers unions gave families a break and didn’t walk out on students in 2024. But the Chicago Teachers Union may change that soon.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

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.

No current teachers voted to make Chicago Teachers Union their union

By Mailee Smith

08/30/2024

Chicago teachers were handed a union without the ability to choose for themselves. It’s the result of a system that props up government unions at the expense of the members they are supposed to serve.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Illinois teachers unions have threatened to strike 188 times since 2010

By Mailee Smith

08/18/2023

Illinois public school students are at a severe disadvantage. Educational unions here can strike, keeping kids out of school, but that’s not the case in other big cities or neighboring states.

TAGS: teachers union

How Illinois politicians allow government unions to rewrite state law

By Mailee Smith, Hannah Schmid

04/06/2023

No other state’s constitution or labor laws are like Illinois’ – broadly allowing government unions to override statutes simply by negotiating contrary provisions into collective bargaining agreements. Illinois may not be alone for long.

Unions still fund Johnson, individuals back Vallas for Chicago mayor

By Mailee Smith

03/31/2023

The campaign funding of Chicago’s mayoral candidates shows they are financially supported by very different sources. Hefty teachers union contributions to Brandon Johnson’s campaign have resulted in an unfair labor practice charge by members of the Chicago Teachers Union.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson, Paul Vallas

Illinois labor board says government unions cannot discriminate against nonmembers

By Mailee Smith

11/30/2022

Illinois government unions wrote the law that gives them a monopoly over all government employees in a unionized workplace. And that means they can’t discriminate against workers who choose not to be members.

TAGS: government unions, ILRB: Illinois Labor Relations Board

Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board

5 ways state law empowers the Chicago Teachers Union and how it can change

3 things teachers unions don’t want teachers to know

Chicago Teachers Union can strike after March 7

No Illinois teacher strikes in 2024, but will Chicago Teachers Union strike in 2025?

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

No current teachers voted to make Chicago Teachers Union their union

Illinois teachers unions have threatened to strike 188 times since 2010

How Illinois politicians allow government unions to rewrite state law

Unions still fund Johnson, individuals back Vallas for Chicago mayor

Illinois labor board says government unions cannot discriminate against nonmembers

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