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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

Fair Tier 2: The path forward

Looking for answers to your Tier 2 questions?

Fair Tier 2: The path forward

Tier 2: Your questions answered

Q: Which Illinois public sector pension funds have two tiers of benefits?

A: All of them! SERS, SURS, TRS, IMRF, Cook County, City of Chicago (actually has three), and all police and firefighter funds.

Tier 2: Your questions answered

2024 Primary Election Results for AFSCME-recommended candidates

AFSCME-recommended candidates won up and down the ballot in the March 19 primary elections. Overall, 80% of our endorsed candidates prevailed.  See the full results below.

Note: AFSCME does not typically endorse in uncontested races.

2024 Primary Election Results for AFSCME-recommended candidates

Pritzker's recommended 2025 budget in summary

Pritzker’s recommended 2025 budget in summary

Pritzker's recommended 2025 budget in summary

AFSCME raises serious concerns, questions about plan for Stateville, Logan prisons

Our union was only notified late on Thursday, March 14, of the Department of Corrections plan to demolish Stateville and Logan prisons and build new facilities in their place.

AFSCME raises serious concerns, questions about plan for Stateville, Logan prisons