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Jun. 29, 2021

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Jun. 29, 2021

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Cook County employees win contract

After months of bargaining, 4,000 Cook County employees secured a new union contract with significant pay increases.

Cook County employees win contract

Jun. 23, 2021

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Jun. 23, 2021

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Tentative agreement reached with Cook County

We did it! On June 23, the AFSCME bargaining committee reached a tentative agreement on a new union contract for some 4,000 members in Cook County government.

Tentative agreement reached with Cook County

Jun. 14, 2021

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Jun. 14, 2021

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Niles-Maine library employees form union with AFSCME

U.S. Rep. Schakowsky, other leaders sign letter backing workers, opposing library board’s threatened cuts.

Niles-Maine library employees form union with AFSCME

Jun. 03, 2021

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Jun. 03, 2021

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Progress on the Legislative Front!

In an unprecedented “virtual” legislative session, AFSCME Council 31 succeeded in positively impacting the state budget and helping pass a number of bills of importance to union members—and block passage of a number that would be harmful.

Progress on the Legislative Front!

May. 11, 2021

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May. 11, 2021

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Growing the Library Workers Movement Webinar

A panel of library worker activists discuss strategies for effective worker and community advocacy, building library worker power to make a difference!

Growing the Library Workers Movement Webinar

May. 04, 2021

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May. 04, 2021

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COVID vaccines offer a shot of hope

AFSCME members are helping bring the light at the end of a long, dark tunnel as they help out with the state and local vaccination program.

COVID vaccines offer a shot of hope

Apr. 28, 2021

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Apr. 28, 2021

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Honoring those we have lost

April 28 marks the observance of Workers’ Memorial Day in the United States. This day honors fallen workers and serves as a reminder that the fight for safe workplaces must continue.

Honoring those we have lost

Apr. 21, 2021

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Apr. 21, 2021

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"AFSCME stands as one. Let’s vaccinate as one."

Randy Hellmann—a longtime Illinois AFSCME local union president, Council 31 executive board member and staff representative—died of COVID-19. His final wish was that his fellow union members get vaccinated.

"AFSCME stands as one. Let’s vaccinate as one."

Apr. 15, 2021

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Apr. 15, 2021

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AFSCME member is Illinois Head Start 2021 Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to AFSCME Local 900B Chief Steward Jennifer Feeney who was selected as the 2021 Teacher of the Year for the Illinois Head Start Association!

AFSCME member is Illinois Head Start 2021 Teacher of the Year

Apr. 13, 2021

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Apr. 13, 2021

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On the Job: Brad Hardcastle, Telecommunicator

In 2020, Hardcastle and his fellow AFSCME Local 1960 members answered approximately 214,908 calls, including 99,979 emergency calls, while dispatching to 35 different police and fire departments in Champaign County.

On the Job: Brad Hardcastle, Telecommunicator

Apr. 07, 2021

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Apr. 07, 2021

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Local elections bring some good news

The majority of candidates endorsed by the AFSCME PEOPLE program won their races in the primary and general consolidated local elections, including two AFSCME members.

Local elections bring some good news

Apr. 01, 2021

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Apr. 01, 2021

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Students stand with EIU employees

Students at Eastern Illinois University are standing behind AFSCME Local 981 members fighting for a fair contract.

Students stand with EIU employees

Mar. 16, 2021

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Mar. 16, 2021

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Pro-union PRO Act would empower workers

In a win for the labor movement, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act on March 9. The PRO Act reforms labor laws to give power back to workers so they can freely organize unions.

Pro-union PRO Act would empower workers

Mar. 11, 2021

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Mar. 11, 2021

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President Biden’s American Rescue Plan brings help to Illinois

AFSCME played a key role in ensuring the allocation of nearly $700 billion in investment in public services, including $360 billion in flexible aid for struggling states, cities, counties and schools—including some $13 billion to Illinois.

President Biden’s American Rescue Plan brings help to Illinois

Mar. 01, 2021

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Mar. 01, 2021

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AFSCME’s Jack Matthews joins SERS Board of Trustees

AFSCME Local 1964 President Jack Matthews will join the State Employees Retirement System (SERS) Board of Trustees after being the only candidate who submitted sufficient signatures for election.

AFSCME’s Jack Matthews joins SERS Board of Trustees

Feb. 24, 2021

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Feb. 24, 2021

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AFSCME rebuffs Chicago Tribune's demand for concessions from state employees

In a Feb. 24 letter to the editor, Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch took on the Tribune's demand that Governor Pritzker "get tough" on AFSCME.

AFSCME rebuffs Chicago Tribune's demand for concessions from state employees

Feb. 24, 2021

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Feb. 24, 2021

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Probation employees join AFSCME

Despite all the challenges facing workers who want to join a union during the pandemic, the ranks of new AFSCME members are growing. On February 1, 164 employees of the 19th Circuit Chief Judge won certification of their union.

Probation employees join AFSCME

Feb. 18, 2021

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Feb. 18, 2021

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AFSCME Council 31 COVID Vaccination Forum

Get answers to your questions about the COVID-19 vaccines. Watch this Feb. 4, 2021, virtual forum and Q&A with AFSCME staff and union members.

AFSCME Council 31 COVID Vaccination Forum

Feb. 17, 2021

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Feb. 17, 2021

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Pritzker's budget plan provides path forward

Governor Pritzker’s budget plan for the 2022 fiscal year appears to maintain vital services, continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic and meets the state’s pension obligations.

Pritzker's budget plan provides path forward

Feb. 08, 2021

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Feb. 08, 2021

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Karen Lewis, tireless fighter for justice

Statement of Roberta Lynch, AFSCME Council 31 Executive Director on the passing of former Chicago Teachers Union president, Karen Lewis.

Karen Lewis, tireless fighter for justice