Fired Cook County police officers could be back on the job due to technicality
Fired Cook County police officers could be back on the job due to technicality
In a ruling that could cost taxpayers millions, a former Cook County officer who was fired for failing to disclose his criminal history will likely return to work and receive back pay.
By Brendan Bakala
District 15 strike leaves Palatine-area students and parents in the lurch
District 15 strike leaves Palatine-area students and parents in the lurch
When contract negotiations get tough, school employee unions should not be able to strike. It only serves to punish students and their parents, and it gives unions an unfair tool at the negotiating table.
By Mailee Smith
The union myth of ‘free riders’
The union myth of ‘free riders’
A solution to the union’s “free rider” claim is on the table. Why doesn’t it enjoy union support?
By Mailee Smith
Janus v. AFSCME could mean more freedom for Illinois’ government workers
Janus v. AFSCME could mean more freedom for Illinois’ government workers
For four decades, government workers have been denied their First Amendment right to freedom of association, but that could change with a U.S. Supreme Court decision in 2018.
By Mailee Smith
Meet the man who could end forced union fees for government workers
Meet the man who could end forced union fees for government workers
Mark Janus finds himself at the center of a historic U.S. Supreme Court case that could end forced union fees for government workers.
Languishing contract negotiations show need for labor law reforms in Illinois
Languishing contract negotiations show need for labor law reforms in Illinois
Government-worker unions can negotiate for months or even years without reaching a new contract, and can use negotiations to push for even cushier perks from pricier health insurance to paid time off for birthdays.
By Mailee Smith
School buses finally arrive for East Aurora students, but unfairness remains
School buses finally arrive for East Aurora students, but unfairness remains
Thousands of East Aurora students will be able to take buses to school for the first time, but the community still stands as an example of how school district decisions don’t always prioritize students.
By Mailee Smith
Stacked deck: Of all neighboring states, only Illinois gives strike powers to government unions
Stacked deck: Of all neighboring states, only Illinois gives strike powers to government unions
Illinois is the only state in the region that allows government workers to go on strike, effectively depriving residents of services they need and driving up the highest property tax bills in the nation.
By Mailee Smith
AFSCME stall tactics are all political – and they’re costing Illinoisans millions
AFSCME stall tactics are all political – and they’re costing Illinoisans millions
Illinois’ largest government worker union is likely stalling contract negotiations in hopes of dealing with a new governor in 2019.
By Mailee Smith
More than 2 years later, AFSCME still fighting state on new contract
More than 2 years later, AFSCME still fighting state on new contract
Since the expiration of AFSCME’s contract with the state of Illinois on July 1, 2015, the union has ignored the state’s financial plight, sticking to its demands and refusing reasonable contract provisions offered by Gov. Bruce Rauner.
By Mailee Smith
Federal bill would give more rights to workers in unionized workplaces
Federal bill would give more rights to workers in unionized workplaces
A bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives would allow workers a real say in which union represents them, require secret ballots for union voting, and ensure that all workers’ voices count – not just those who align with the union.
By Mailee Smith
CTA rail workers’ union threatens strike, CTA claims a strike would be illegal
CTA rail workers’ union threatens strike, CTA claims a strike would be illegal
Union officials have voiced concern over contract issues such as the CTA seeking higher worker contributions toward health insurance and the elimination of “inefficient practices.”
By Kevin Angell
3 reasons charter school teachers should vote against union merger with CTU
3 reasons charter school teachers should vote against union merger with CTU
Unionized teachers at Chicago charter schools are voting on whether to merge with the Chicago Teachers Union – a move that would be detrimental to both teachers and students in Chicago.
By Mailee Smith
Chicago’s inspector general suggests unions negotiate commonsense provisions in government worker contracts
Chicago’s inspector general suggests unions negotiate commonsense provisions in government worker contracts
Among the inspector general’s suggestions are shortening the length of contracts, allowing subcontractors to take over more services, and keeping employee compensation in line with what taxpayers can afford.
By Mailee Smith