AFSCME poll: Biased, pro-union questions omit key facts about contract negotiations with the governor
AFSCME poll: Biased, pro-union questions omit key facts about contract negotiations with the governor
Despite prior agreements with the state, Illinois’ largest government-worker union is backtracking on its promises and distorting facts in order to reach its unreasonable demands.
By Mailee Smith
State workers’ jobs would still have job protections if they cross a picket line
State workers’ jobs would still have job protections if they cross a picket line
AFSCME officials have indicated that the union is preparing to strike this fall.
By Illinois News Network
3 things Illinoisans should know about the AFSCME contract delay
3 things Illinoisans should know about the AFSCME contract delay
The Illinois Labor Relations Board on July 7 denied Gov. Bruce Rauner’s request to expedite contract-negotiation impasse proceedings between the state and AFSCME. Thus, impasse proceedings continue to drag on, giving the union more time to prepare for a potential strike, costing state taxpayers an additional $35 million to $40 million per month in AFSCME worker health benefits, and impeding progress on reining in the state’s out-of-control spending.
By Mailee Smith
Illinois’ AFSCME contract needs a reality check
Illinois’ AFSCME contract needs a reality check
AFSCME is demanding pay hikes, better health care coverage and pension benefits over a new, four-year contract, which would cost state taxpayers $3 billion more than what the state is offering.
By Austin Berg
AFSCME stays silent regarding generous benefits, continues to demand $3B in pay raises, lavish perks
AFSCME stays silent regarding generous benefits, continues to demand $3B in pay raises, lavish perks
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.
By Mailee Smith
Illinois taxpayers pay $15,000 per AFSCME worker in annual health care costs
Illinois taxpayers pay $15,000 per AFSCME worker in annual health care costs
AFSCME balks at Gov. Bruce Rauner’s proposal that state workers chip in more for their Cadillac health insurance.
By Mailee Smith
More than 300 Cook County Jail employees called in sick during Game 7 of the NBA Finals
More than 300 Cook County Jail employees called in sick during Game 7 of the NBA Finals
The Cook County Jail was placed on lockdown after 317 guards called in sick during Game 7 of the NBA Finals on June 19.
By Cole Lauterbach
Governor asks to fast-track AFSCME impasse decision
Governor asks to fast-track AFSCME impasse decision
The governor’s office has asked the Illinois Labor Relations Board to allow the impasse proceedings between the state and AFSCME to go straight to the five-member labor board instead of first waiting for a decision from the administrative law judge.
By Mailee Smith
Palatine school-district contract a case study in how closed-door, government-union deals hurt taxpayers
Palatine school-district contract a case study in how closed-door, government-union deals hurt taxpayers
Palatine-area Community Consolidated School District 15 posted its 10-year contract with its teachers union more than a month after it had been signed, ensuring that potentially harmful contract provisions can only come to light after it is too late for students, parents and taxpayers to do anything about it.
By Mailee Smith
State rep. seeks revote on veto override of binding arbitration bill
State rep. seeks revote on veto override of binding arbitration bill
The Illinois House will attempt a fifth vote on an AFSCME arbitration bill designed to remove Gov. Bruce Rauner from the collective bargaining process.
By Lori Browning
AFSCME analysis FAQ: Illinois state workers highest-paid in nation
AFSCME analysis FAQ: Illinois state workers highest-paid in nation
Illinois AFSCME workers enjoy yearly wages of nearly $60,000 when adjusted for cost of living, in addition to Cadillac health care benefits. Most Illinois state workers will also get free health insurance when they retire, and career state retirees receive $1.6 million in pension benefits on average.
By Ted Dabrowski, John Klingner
What happens next in Illinois AFSCME negotiations now that HB 580 has failed?
What happens next in Illinois AFSCME negotiations now that HB 580 has failed?
The state’s largest government-worker union has no strike fund, but refuses to agree to a contract taxpayers can afford.
By Mailee Smith
HB 580 fails: Illinois House Democrats lacked votes to override Rauner’s veto of union arbitration bill
HB 580 fails: Illinois House Democrats lacked votes to override Rauner’s veto of union arbitration bill
Illinois House Democrats failed to muster the 71 votes needed to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of HB 580, which would have allowed government-worker unions to remove the governor from labor contract negotiations and replace him with a panel of unelected arbitrators.
By Heather Weiner