Chicago Teachers Union ignores own mandate for financial transparency

By Mailee Smith

02/14/2024

The Chicago Teachers Union hasn’t released an annual audit, required by its internal rules, for at least four fiscal years. What’s happening with members’ dues?

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Chicago Teachers Union runs first reported deficit under Stacy Davis Gates

By Mailee Smith

10/05/2023

For the first time since the Chicago Teachers Union started filing federal reports, the union reported spending more money than it took in for its 2023 fiscal year. It underscores members’ concerns about union leaders for years failing to provide required audits.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, Stacy Davis Gates

What you need to know about who’s running for Chicago mayor

By Joe Tabor, Perry Zhao

02/18/2023

Nine candidates are asking to be Chicago’s next mayor. The election is outside the normal election cycle, meaning voter turnout is low despite the mayor’s impact on crime, education, the economy and Chicagoans’ taxes. Here’s what to know about the nine candidates.

TAGS: Chicago

Union member: Amendment 1 works against union interests

09/26/2022

A union member argues both government union members and taxpayers lose if Amendment 1 passes Nov. 8. He’s against it.

TAGS: Amendment 1

Police union contracts hinder discipline in Illinois’ biggest cities

By Mailee Smith

04/21/2021

Both police reform advocates and law enforcement supporters face the same serious obstacle in Illinois: police union contracts include provisions protecting officers from discipline. Those contracts carry more weight than state law.

Pritzker contract gives AFSCME unfettered access to workers’ private information

By Mailee Smith

09/02/2019

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker agreed to a deal with AFSCME Council 31 that threatens the privacy of state workers and violates workers’ rights.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, contract, JB Pritzker, labor

Madigan’s money: AFSCME spending trail reveals extensive and hidden political activity

By Mailee Smith, Joe Tabor

11/01/2018

AFSCME Council 31, its PAC and AFSCME headquarters are major political players, funneling millions of dollars every year to Democrats or self-proclaimed progressive organizations.

Union pay raise could force Kane County property tax hike

By Vincent Caruso

04/03/2018

As Kane County officials prepare for union contract negotiations, county taxpayers might soon be bracing for higher property taxes.

TAGS: collective bargaining, Kane County, labor, salaries, unions

Chicago offers 5-year deal to snowplow operators following strike threat

By Amy Korte

01/09/2018

Illinois’ unfair collective bargaining laws led to a five-year contract offer on the eve of a strike vote.

TAGS: Chicago, collective bargaining, strike, Teamsters

Rigged: How Illinois’ labor laws stack the deck against taxpayers

By Mailee Smith

12/14/2017

If Illinois is going to compete with its neighbors – and keep people from moving out of the state – it must reduce the enormous property tax burden its families are forced to bear. Following the lead of surrounding states by enacting collective bargaining reforms is one good place to start.

Trade union

Chicago Teachers Union ignores own mandate for financial transparency

Chicago Teachers Union runs first reported deficit under Stacy Davis Gates

What you need to know about who’s running for Chicago mayor

Union member: Amendment 1 works against union interests

Police union contracts hinder discipline in Illinois’ biggest cities

Pritzker contract gives AFSCME unfettered access to workers’ private information

Madigan’s money: AFSCME spending trail reveals extensive and hidden political activity

Union pay raise could force Kane County property tax hike

Chicago offers 5-year deal to snowplow operators following strike threat

Rigged: How Illinois’ labor laws stack the deck against taxpayers

Taxed out: 10 reforms to stop Illinois from losing people and jobs

Report Archive

Take advantage of the various ways to vote

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

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