The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees claims to be seeking a “fair contract” on behalf of Illinois state workers. But the power and influence exerted by the state’s largest government-worker union means the bargaining table almost always tilts in AFSCME’s favor. The reality is that AFSCME is the power player in negotiations...

Familiarity with labor law terminology helps Illinoisans understand the impact of government-worker unions and the need for labor reform in the state.

AFSCME does all it can to perpetuate the myth that it is the “little guy” – the victim – in any contract negotiations with the state. The evidence paints a different picture.

More than a year without a contract, the state’s largest government-worker union is requesting unreasonable and unaffordable perks, even though the governor has already offered several extravagant benefits.

Dues-paying members have a right to know how their union is spending their money, and who’s getting a cut.

If people are forced to pay money to unions, they should at the very least have easy access to a detailed account of how their money is spent.

Big spending at hotels, holiday parties and retirement events is financed by forced dues.

Illinois’ biggest public-sector unions fail to meet the standard for nonprofits.