Category: City of Chicago / Cook County

Every time we turn around, some politician or pundit is launching an attack on the modest pensions of public employees. But anti-pension pols go strangely silent when their big business pals go out the door with exorbitant pensions.

“Public service workers deserve our thanks for their work during this crisis.” —Bob Reiter, Chicago Federation of Labor president

Frontline public service workers—like tens of thousands of AFSCME members across Illinois—are putting their lives at risk to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Tell Congress to do its part to fund the front lines.

April 21 is National Library Workers Day. Library workers are facing unprecedented circumstances due to the coronavirus pandemic and AFSCME members at Illinois libraries are rising to the challenge.

When the coronavirus hit Illinois, Menard Correctional Center was poised to help. Participants in the prison's industries program are helping produce thousands of masks for state use during the crisis.

The good people of Wisconsin made some important history last week by electing pro-labor justice Jill Karofsky to the state’s Supreme Court.

When the COVID-19 crisis hit, the shortage of personal protective equipment like face masks became quickly apparent. AFSCME Local 401 member Stacy Mickelson knew she could help.

The newly-enacted CARES Act requires the Education Secretary to defer student loan payments, principal and interest for six months without penalty to the borrower—and provides other forms of assistance during the coronavirus pandemic.

AFSCME members are working hard during the public health emergency posed by the coronavirus, often on the front lines where they are at greater risk for exposure to COVID-19.

Many public service workers need help in caring for their children at this critical time—here are resources and additional information.