How Chicago Teachers Union members can stop forced political donations
How Chicago Teachers Union members can stop forced political donations
The Chicago Teachers Union has drawn criticism from members for its handling of member money and use of dues for political purposes. Teachers who don’t like the way CTU uses their money can opt out and join alternative organizations.
By Mailee Smith
‘Local 1’: How Chicago Teachers Union impacts children, community
‘Local 1’: How Chicago Teachers Union impacts children, community
Illinois Policy Institute’s documentary about the history of the Chicago Teachers Union and its political influence is now available. Here’s a study guide about what the union has done to education in the city.
By Dylan Sharkey
Pritzker signs bill allowing Chicago Public Schools principals to unionize
Pritzker signs bill allowing Chicago Public Schools principals to unionize
Chicago Public Schools principals already make nearly 30% more than their peers in the rest of the state. A newly signed law allows them to unionize and push for even more.
By Mailee Smith
Chicago Teachers Union, affiliates put over $2.3M in Brandon Johnson campaign
Chicago Teachers Union, affiliates put over $2.3M in Brandon Johnson campaign
The Chicago Teachers Union, the Illinois Federation of Teachers and the American Federation of Teachers have backed CTU lobbyist Brandon Johnson with more than $2.3 million in his run for Chicago mayor. The sitting mayor said CTU wants to take over City Hall.
By Mailee Smith
Chicago Teachers Union spends $17M on Illinois political campaigns
Chicago Teachers Union spends $17M on Illinois political campaigns
The Chicago Teachers Union has funneled more than $17 million to Illinois political committees since 2010, when the militant Caucus of Rank and File Educators took over leadership. Now, one of their employees is running for Chicago mayor.
By Mailee Smith, Jon Josko
Illinois union membership shrinks by 17,000 in 2022
Illinois union membership shrinks by 17,000 in 2022
The drop in union membership for Illinois workers follows a 33-year downward trend, moving from more than 1-in-5 workers being in a union, to nearly 1-in-8.
By Mailee Smith
Illinois House bill would give more power to Chicago Public Schools unions
Illinois House bill would give more power to Chicago Public Schools unions
The Chicago Teachers Union has already created havoc for kids and parents in Chicago Public Schools, with 5 work stoppages in the past 11 years. Now lawmakers are giving principals and other employees union powers, creating more potential instability for students and parents.
By Mailee Smith
What’s next for Amendment 1?
What’s next for Amendment 1?
Now that the Illinois Constitution has been amended to expand government union power, residents can expect to see costly government union demands, increased taxes and litigation to clarify its vague language.
By Mailee Smith
Amendment 1 narrowly clears voter threshold to become law
Amendment 1 narrowly clears voter threshold to become law
Amendment 1 is now included in the Illinois Constitution after the State Board of Elections certified the Nov. 8 election results.
By Dylan Sharkey
Illinois labor board says government unions cannot discriminate against nonmembers
Illinois labor board says government unions cannot discriminate against nonmembers
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.
By Mailee Smith
Why Amendment 1 is too close to call
Why Amendment 1 is too close to call
Voters can change the Illinois Constitution in one of two ways: 60% of votes on the change, or a majority of total election votes. The Amendment 1 vote is so close and so many ballots remain uncounted, that calculating those two numbers remains elusive.
By Patrick Andriesen
Alper Turan
Alper Turan
“If you’re living in this district, this city, this state or this country, you have rights and responsibilities. This responsibility is not just for you, but your kids and your grandkids, your brothers and sisters and all families. That’s why I decided to run. “I wasn’t expecting to win, but at least I helped other...
Amendment 1 vote too close to call
Amendment 1 vote too close to call
Votes were still being counted on Amendment 1, but the vote was very close. If approved, the change to the Illinois Constitution would expand collective bargaining powers just for government unions.
By Dylan Sharkey
Chicago Teachers Union backs its own lobbyist for Chicago mayor
Chicago Teachers Union backs its own lobbyist for Chicago mayor
Chicago Teachers Union leader Brandon Johnson announced his candidacy for Chicago mayor. It’s the latest push for political power by CTU, which has backed many campaigns including Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx.
By Dylan Sharkey