News

Elk Grove library workers win with help of community

When AFSCME members at the Elk Grove Village Public Library sent their bargaining committee into negotiations in March, they were aiming high. With the help of their community, they achieved their goals.

AFSCME intervenes to block sale of DeKalb nursing home

The sale of the DeKalb County Nursing Home to a for-profit buyer has been blocked by a state review board after new light was shed on the questionable background and ethics of its would-be for-profit buyer.

Local 2040 members take bus driver shortage into their own hands

A novel training program spearheaded by AFSCME results in the filling of all driver vacancies

New Chief Safety Officer position makes prisons safer

Union-created role addresses crises, issues in pandemic: “The union’s Chief Safety Officer is there to ensure that the safety of all is priority number one.”

AFSCME members help students thrive—safely

“We’re going to get through this. We know AFSCME has our back.” From early childhood to higher education, AFSCME Council 31 members are navigating a radically changed school community while advocating for the resources and protections needed for a safe workplace and learning environment.

Stop the sale of our water and sewer!

A public water system is the best way to ensure accountability for employees, consumers and our community. AFSCME Local 988 members are fighting the proposed sale of Rock Island’s municipal water service to a for-profit operator.

O School counselors join AFSCME

“The union will allow counselors and administration to work together to improve overall working conditions,” counselor Loren Sargent said. “The union will improve staff conditions, which will ultimately improve student conditions as well.”

Their Job: Stopping the spread of the virus

The Illinois Department of Public Health, local health departments and public health partners throughout Illinois are working together with federal agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency. AFSCME members at IDPH in Chicago, Springfield and Carbondale are on the front lines in the battle against the virus, helping save as many lives as possible.

Union gets justice for Chicago library employees

Steward’s investigation finds contract violation and AFSCME Council 31 member wins decisive victory in arbitration.

A graduate at age 57: “If I can do it, you can do it!”

AFSCME Local 3692 member Bill Jones completed his associate degree at age 57—completely free with the AFSCME Free College benefit.

City of Champaign makes gains

Using interest-based negotiations for the first time, AFSCME Local 1960 at the City of Champaign settled a three-year contract in less than three months.