AFSCME turns to courts to delay Rauner contract, costing taxpayers millions
AFSCME turns to courts to delay Rauner contract, costing taxpayers millions
A judge in Cook County has issued a temporary restraining order halting a labor board decision that would allow the state to implement its contract with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. The delay costs Illinois taxpayers over $1 million more each day in state-worker health coverage costs.
By Mailee Smith
AFSCME promises to appeal after Illinois Labor Relations Board formalizes impasse ruling
AFSCME promises to appeal after Illinois Labor Relations Board formalizes impasse ruling
A recent labor board decision means Gov. Bruce Rauner can start implementing his last contract offer to state workers. But the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees continues to obstruct progress toward a contract for state workers, vowing to appeal the labor board’s decision.
By Mailee Smith
On top of top salaries and health care, AFSCME contract includes lesser known provisions unheard of in private sector
On top of top salaries and health care, AFSCME contract includes lesser known provisions unheard of in private sector
AFSCME’S outrageous demands when negotiating for a new contract led to an impasse in negotiations. Now the union is suing to keep the state from implementing the contract – while ignoring that state workers will maintain many lavish perks unlike anything offered in the private sector.
By Mailee Smith
AFSCME skirts legal requirements to file lawsuit against Illinois in union-friendly court
AFSCME skirts legal requirements to file lawsuit against Illinois in union-friendly court
AFSCME’s most recent ploy is a clear demonstration of its discard for the labor process. The union isn’t interested in fair negotiations and outcomes – it is only interested in skewing the process to serve its own goals.
By Ted Dabrowski
3 reasons AFSCME has so much power over Illinois taxpayers
3 reasons AFSCME has so much power over Illinois taxpayers
Over the years, AFSCME – the state’s largest government-worker union – has amassed incredible benefits for state workers through contract negotiations with the state. When AFSCME comes to the bargaining table, it isn’t AFSCME versus the governor – it’s AFSCME versus the state taxpayer. And AFSCME holds extraordinarily more power in the process than the state taxpayers footing the bill.
By Mailee Smith
New overtime rules in AFSCME contract could save $111 million if implemented
New overtime rules in AFSCME contract could save $111 million if implemented
With AFSCME and the state at impasse for a new contract, the governor can implement his last offer to the union. That offer includes overtime pay after employees work the market norm of 40 hours in a week – as opposed to the 37.5 hour workweeks AFSCME demanded. Adjustments to overtime pay will save the state $111 million over the term of the contract.
By Mailee Smith
Labor board declares impasse in contract negotiations between AFSCME and the state
Labor board declares impasse in contract negotiations between AFSCME and the state
Negotiations between Illinois and AFSCME – the state’s largest government-worker union – languished for months. While AFSCME demanded contract benefits that would cost the state $3 billion in additional salary and benefit increases, Gov. Bruce Rauner offered a contract that treats state workers fairly and avoids further burdening taxpayers. On Nov. 15, the Illinois Labor Relations Board issued a decision that prevents AFSCME from obstructing progress on an agreement.
By Mailee Smith
November election results mean Illinois’ neighbors likely to embrace worker freedom
November election results mean Illinois’ neighbors likely to embrace worker freedom
The outcome of 2016 races in nearby states may result in all states surrounding Illinois becoming Right-to-Work states – leaving Illinois a lone island in a sea of worker freedom. To remain competitive for workers and business, Illinois must consider similar reforms.
By Mailee Smith
As health care premiums soar in Illinois, AFSCME demands additional $3B in raises, health care
As health care premiums soar in Illinois, AFSCME demands additional $3B in raises, health care
As Illinois taxpayers struggle under Obamacare’s skyrocketing health insurance costs, AFSCME has called for tax hikes to fund an additional $3 billion in pay and benefits for state workers.
By illinoispolicy
For state workers, a special holiday come vote time
For state workers, a special holiday come vote time
Deciding to work on a holiday can yield big payouts for AFSCME members.
By Austin Berg
Labor reform needed: In Illinois, worker freedom lags behind neighboring states
Labor reform needed: In Illinois, worker freedom lags behind neighboring states
In a recent study, Illinois received a grade of D for the negative impact its collective bargaining laws have on taxpayers and government workers alike.
By Mailee Smith
Palatine school board approves $130 million building referendum for November ballot
Palatine school board approves $130 million building referendum for November ballot
Palatine-area Community Consolidated School District 15 is once again a hotbed of debate, as the school board that recently tied taxpayers to a 10-year union contract has now approved a $130 million building referendum to be placed on the November ballot. Before voting, residents need to take into consideration the school board’s history of closed-door decision-making, as well as the substantial economic impact the referendum could have on local taxpayers.
By Mailee Smith
AFSCME leaders rejected offer of bereavement leave, performance bonuses
AFSCME leaders rejected offer of bereavement leave, performance bonuses
AFSCME and Gov. Bruce Rauner are deadlocked in negotiations for a new contract for Illinois state workers. AFSCME claims to advocate for its members — but union leadership has turned its back on contract provisions that would benefit state employees and their families.
By Mailee Smith