A worker’s right to choose
A worker’s right to choose
Hundreds of thousands of Illinois workers are forced to pay union dues to keep their jobs. But close by, worker freedom reigns.
In Friedrichs case, First Amendment freedom must trump federalism
In Friedrichs case, First Amendment freedom must trump federalism
The states are the laboratories of democracy, but their experiments can’t violate citizens’ constitutional rights to free speech and freedom of association under the First Amendment of the Constitution.
6 reasons the Chicago Teachers Union has no business striking again
6 reasons the Chicago Teachers Union has no business striking again
The Chicago Teachers Union should think twice before making demands that could result in more taxes on city residents, school closings and teacher layoffs.
Under Illinois law, CTU must wait 4 months to strike after mediation fails
Under Illinois law, CTU must wait 4 months to strike after mediation fails
The Chicago Teachers Union cannot legally strike before completing several procedural steps, which would take four months following failed mediation with Chicago Public Schools; however, the union could flout the law and strike sooner in the hope of pressuring Chicago Public Schools to reach a deal quickly.
AFSCME’s hidden raises: A primer on government-worker salary schedules
AFSCME’s hidden raises: A primer on government-worker salary schedules
Under the union’s complicated salary formulas, yearly government-worker raises are higher than the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees would lead Illinoisans to believe.
Rauner administration reaches contract deals with three unions
Rauner administration reaches contract deals with three unions
Gov. Bruce Rauner’s administration said Thursday it has reached tentative agreements with unions representing roughly 300 engineers and operators, plumbers, steamfitters and machinists.
Dues and don’ts: SEIU spent caregivers’ money for ‘representation’ on advertising, Christmas party
Dues and don’ts: SEIU spent caregivers’ money for ‘representation’ on advertising, Christmas party
SEIU spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on things clearly unrelated to the representation of union members.
Illinois child care providers sue SEIU for millions in wrongfully withheld union fees
Illinois child care providers sue SEIU for millions in wrongfully withheld union fees
Illinois child care providers are suing to recoup the dues they were forced to pay to the Service Employees International Union.
AFSCME files suit to stop state layoffs and guarantee step-pay raises
AFSCME files suit to stop state layoffs and guarantee step-pay raises
It’s back to court for state and its unions.
AFSCME, Rauner reach another deal to keep talking
AFSCME, Rauner reach another deal to keep talking
Both the administration and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31 have agreed to stay at the table until they reach impasse.
SB 1229 officially dead: Madigan’s defeat is Illinois taxpayers’ victory
SB 1229 officially dead: Madigan’s defeat is Illinois taxpayers’ victory
On Sept. 2, the Illinois House of Representatives failed to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of the government-worker union arbitration bill, and on Sept. 4, the deadline for doing so officially expired – a major defeat for House Speaker Mike Madigan.
Madigan comes up short on SB 1229 override
Madigan comes up short on SB 1229 override
House Speaker Mike Madigan said on multiple occasions he had the votes to override the governor’s veto.
Failure to override veto of SB 1229: Great win for taxpayers
Failure to override veto of SB 1229: Great win for taxpayers
The failure of the Illinois House of Representatives to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of Senate Bill 1229 represents a great win for taxpayers on two fronts. First, taxpayers’ voice in AFSCME negotiations was protected. The governor, not an unelected and unaccountable arbitrator, will set the terms of the next contract. But the failure of...
Senate Bill 1229: An assault on taxpayers
Senate Bill 1229: An assault on taxpayers
Illinoisans’ household incomes have fallen by 8 percent since 2000, while state-worker salaries have increased by 22 percent.