Cook County Employees

May. 14, 2026

News

The long fight for pension fairness

A look back at politicians' repeated attempts to cut pension benefits and our union's efforts to stop them.

The long fight for pension fairness

AFSCME member holding sign that says "It's about freedom"

Mar. 12, 2026

News

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

AFSCME members at the Capitol, rallying to fix Tier 2

Mar. 06, 2026

News

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

Jun. 10, 2025

News

Carrying the fight to fix Tier 2 forward

Despite a vigorous grassroots lobbying campaign and more than a year of good-faith engagement with lawmakers by the We Are One Illinois coalition of unions, the General Assembly failed to take action on Tier 2 in this legislative session as fears of sweeping cuts to Illinois’ federal funding drew concern from lawmakers.

Carrying the fight to fix Tier 2 forward

Sign reading "Don't Take Our Health Care'

May. 02, 2025

News

Medicaid cuts could hit us all

Deep cuts to Medicaid being pushed by President Donald Trump’s administration and Republicans in Congress could do real damage to public services and to the jobs of AFSCME members in Illinois.

Medicaid cuts could hit us all