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Public services and unions are under fire

The landscape is getting tougher for working. From cutting funding for crucial programs that help families make ends meet to the unilateral termination of union contracts, the challenges continue to grow.   

Public services and unions are under fire

Facing tough economy, Freeport workers stand together to win

Before they hit the bargaining table, the nearly 80 members of Local 3367 were feeling what so many working people are feeling: That the cost of living is just getting higher and it’s getting harder to make ends meet.

Facing tough economy, Freeport workers stand together to win

Fix Tier 2 campaign goes on despite state's fiscal woes

After a lifetime of public service, AFSCME members who work for the state, local governments or universities deserve better than the inadequate benefits that Tier 2 pensions provide.

Fix Tier 2 campaign goes on despite state's fiscal woes

American Library Association employees forming union with AFSCME

Joining the wave of union organizing among cultural workers, employees of the primarily Chicago-based American Library Association (ALA) announced they are forming their union with AFSCME Council 31.

American Library Association employees forming union with AFSCME

AFSCME secures anti-privatization win in Supreme Court case

Our union has always stood for public services in the best interests of our communities, because privately-run, for-profit facilities are beholden only to a company’s shareholders.

AFSCME secures anti-privatization win in Supreme Court case

Executive Director Lynch's statement on proposed FY'27 state budget

“Illinois cities, counties, public universities and school districts must be adequately funded. Workers who care for people with developmental disabilities must be fairly paid. Inequitable public pension systems must be improved."

Executive Director Lynch's statement on proposed FY'27 state budget

We're ready for the battles to come

We're ready for the battles to come

AFSCME PEOPLE Endorsements: March 17 Primary Election

When we vote together, we have the power to elect leaders who value public services and will stand up for working people.

AFSCME PEOPLE Endorsements: March 17 Primary Election

AFSCME files lawsuit to prevent gutting of FEMA

AFSCME, along with a broad coalition of labor unions, nonprofit organizations, and local governments, has filed a new lawsuit opposing the Trump administration’s plan to drastically cut staffing at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 

AFSCME files lawsuit to prevent gutting of FEMA

Adler Planetarium workers set to begin bargaining after voting 'Union YES!'

Workers at the Adler Planetarium overwhelmingly voted “Union Yes!” in an election held on Dec. 11. Now, with their union officially certified by the National Labor Relations Board, they’re getting ready to hit the bargaining table to negotiate their first union contract.

Adler Planetarium workers set to begin bargaining after voting 'Union YES!'

Federal funding freeze threatens vital services and jobs

The Trump administration has announced plans to “freeze” nearly $10 billion in federal social services funding, targeting Illinois and four other states. Thus far, there has been no indication of when the freeze will go into effect or how long it will last.  

Federal funding freeze threatens vital services and jobs

Museum of Science and Industry workers win higher wages in first contract

Employees of the Museum of Science & Industry have won significant wage increases, holiday pay, and other improvements in their first union contract.

Museum of Science and Industry workers win higher wages in first contract

Office of State Appellate Defender attorneys forming union with AFSCME

Attorneys in the Illinois Office of the State Appellate Defender (OSAD) are joining AFSCME Council 31.

OSAD attorneys are court-appointed to represent indigent persons on appeal in criminal cases, ensuring every person’s Sixth Amendment right to counsel.

Office of State Appellate Defender attorneys forming union with AFSCME

AFSCME-backed lawsuit forces reinstatement of federal museum and library funding

The federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) will release millions in grant funding to libraries and museums it was withholding.

AFSCME-backed lawsuit forces reinstatement of federal museum and library funding

New study shows Illinois may lose 86,000 jobs due to Trump cuts

By the end of President Trump’s term, the current wave of project cancellations, funding cuts, mass federal firings, and cuts to public health, nutrition, infrastructure, education, and other programs will shrink Illinois’ economy by $10 billion per year and result in the loss of 86,000 jobs.

New study shows Illinois may lose 86,000 jobs due to Trump cuts

Mail scanning: It’s finally here

Mail scanning is now fully operational at every single state prison.

Mail scanning: It’s finally here

IL Central bus drivers and monitors step up with new contract

The 50 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. 

IL Central bus drivers and monitors step up with new contract

NEIU workers win “life-changing” contract

As members of AFSCME Local 1989 at Northeastern Illinois University entered contract negotiations in 2024, they weren’t feeling like management respected the important work they do.

NEIU workers win “life-changing” contract

Federal workers win as judge further halts Trump’s shutdown layoffs

Federal workers and their unions won big this week as a federal judge extended her order barring the Trump administration from firing federal workers because of the government shutdown. 

Federal workers win as judge further halts Trump’s shutdown layoffs

Public employees: Punching bags for billionaires?

Public employees: Punching bags for billionaires?