Labor

The Policy Shop: Dunces and double standards in Chicago City Hall

The Policy Shop: Dunces and double standards in Chicago City Hall

This episode of The Policy Shop is by Mailee Smith, senior director of labor policy and staff attorney. Chicago’s current political culture has sprung from the heart of the radical Chicago Teachers Union. CTU leaders got their lobbyist elected mayor, meaning their beliefs are dominating both the city’s and schools’ direction. But a number of...

Union membership in Illinois hits record low

Union membership in Illinois hits record low

Public and private sector unions in Illinois saw another 27,000 workers reject union membership in 2023. Just 12.8% of public and private-sector workers chose union membership, the lowest it’s been in 34 years on record.

By Mailee Smith

Chicago Teachers Union sees plenty of scandals in 2023

Chicago Teachers Union sees plenty of scandals in 2023

The Chicago Teachers Union and its president – Stacy Davis Gates – have offered lots of controversy this year. Their lack of accountability and politicking have consequences: residents suffer, students can’t read or do math at grade level.

By Mailee Smith

The Policy Shop: CTU’s next target? Public school choice.

The Policy Shop: CTU’s next target? Public school choice.

This edition of The Policy Shop is by policy analyst Hannah Schmid. The Chicago Teachers Union has been making a list, checking it twice, figuring out how to be naughty – not nice. Killed private school choice. The CTU destroyed the Invest in Kids Act through liberal investments of cash and threats during 2023, making Illinois the only...