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Local 3350’s strong contract follows strong action

As they began bargaining a new contract in early 2024, Rockford Public Library workers’ biggest priority was to expand health and safety procedures and secure a stronger voice for workers in the creation of those procedures.

Local 3350’s strong contract follows strong action

Illinois Central bus drivers and monitors join AFSCME

The 52 school bus drivers and monitors from the Illinois Central bus company near Peoria have seen what AFSCME has accomplished for other school bus drivers in their region. 

Illinois Central bus drivers and monitors join AFSCME

AFSCME members pack hearings on Stateville & Logan closure plans

On June 11 and 13, hundreds of AFSCME members from Locals 1866 at Stateville Correctional Center and 2073 at Logan Correctional Center made their voices heard at two Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) community hearings on the state Department of Corrections’ proposed

AFSCME members pack hearings on Stateville & Logan closure plans

Sounding the alarm on Project 2025

What’s at stake in the election this November? A lot, actually. The media chatter is all about candidates’ personalities or their personal lives—not so much about their policies or political goals. And that’s where Project 2025 comes in.

Sounding the alarm on Project 2025

Retiree Notes: Congressional Democrats fight for Social Security boost

Congressional Democrats fight for Social Security boost

Retiree Notes: Congressional Democrats fight for Social Security boost

Shedd workers expose anti-union campaign by aquarium’s top leadership

Weeks after announcing the formation of their union Shedd Workers United/AFSCME, employees of Shedd Aquarium are blowing the whistle on a secret but aggressive anti-union campaign being run by senior leadership of the aquarium.

Shedd workers expose anti-union campaign by aquarium’s top leadership

Wilmington city workers look out for undervalued positions

“A lot of our new members came away seeing what organized labor can do and how it can impact members’ benefits and rights,” local president Jack Sadrakula said. “This contract was pushed through by the entire union."

Wilmington city workers look out for undervalued positions

Evanston Public Works action leads to union wins

After experiencing a sharp uptick in the number of on-the-job injuries and violations of their union contract, workers in the Evanston Public Works Department took to the picket line in an action that caught management’s attention.

Evanston Public Works action leads to union wins

Legislature passes wage increase for DSPs

On May 28, the Illinois General Assembly passed a budget that includes a $1 per hour wage increase for Direct Support Professionals.

Legislature passes wage increase for DSPs

Macon County conservation workers join AFSCME

The 20 employees of the Macon County Conservation District protect Macon County’s precious natural areas. Now they have a union to protect themselves.

Macon County conservation workers join AFSCME

AFSCME slams Stateville-Logan plans at hearing

Read AFSCME's full report underlining the problems with IDOC's plans at the link here.

AFSCME slams Stateville-Logan plans at hearing

DSP Lobby Day 2024: We spoke, lawmakers listened

DSPs from across the state converged on the Capitol on May 8 to push for higher wages, the latest lobbying action in our decades-long battle to increase funding for their important work.

DSP Lobby Day 2024: We spoke, lawmakers listened

Our Safety Matters!

Recently I learned from a local union president that one of our members had her thumb bitten off by a resident in her care at a state developmental center.

Our Safety Matters!

Retiree Notes: Busting the myth that all Americans are living longer

Photo: Sub-chapter 86 members enjoy the outdoors together.

Busting the myth that all Americans are living longer

Retiree Notes: Busting the myth that all Americans are living longer

The super-rich are getting richer every day—and we're paying the price

Over the past year, we’ve seen so many AFSCME members make remarkable progress in round after round of contract negotiations. But those gains haven’t come easy and often we’ve had to mobilize and fight for every dime.  

The super-rich are getting richer every day—and we're paying the price

Workers Memorial Day: Remembering fallen workers

There are events this weekend in observation of Workers Memorial Day throughout Illinois. Check this list to find one near you.

Workers Memorial Day: Remembering fallen workers

Shedd Aquarium workers forming union with AFSCME

John G. Shedd Aquarium employees announced on April 18 they are forming their union, Shedd Workers United, with AFSCME Council 31.

Shedd Aquarium workers forming union with AFSCME

AFSCME-backed bill would put brakes on selling, closing public nursing homes

State legislation supported by AFSCME Council 31 would give county residents a stronger voice on questions of sales or closures of nursing homes. HB 5537 would also require counties to be more transparent about the negative effects those sales or closures could have on the community.

AFSCME-backed bill would put brakes on selling, closing public nursing homes

AFSCME member returns resident’s priceless heirloom

David Block has always had an eagle eye. His coworkers in the city of DeKalb Public Works Department joke that he could spot a penny on the side of the highway at 80 mph.

AFSCME member returns resident’s priceless heirloom

Three AFSCME members secure seats on state pension board

AFSCME has always sought to strengthen Illinois’ public pension funds by working to elect union members who will serve as a strong voice for frontline employees on pension fund boards.

Three AFSCME members secure seats on state pension board