AFSCME promises to appeal after Illinois Labor Relations Board formalizes impasse ruling
AFSCME promises to appeal after Illinois Labor Relations Board formalizes impasse ruling
A recent labor board decision means Gov. Bruce Rauner can start implementing his last contract offer to state workers. But the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees continues to obstruct progress toward a contract for state workers, vowing to appeal the labor board’s decision.
By Mailee Smith
7 public officials arrested in Metro East area on corruption charges
7 public officials arrested in Metro East area on corruption charges
Corruption from several public officials in Metro East underscores the need for more government transparency in the area.
Illinois companies announce 650 mass layoffs in November
Illinois companies announce 650 mass layoffs in November
Employers in the Land of Lincoln announced 650 mass layoffs in November, according to the November edition of the Illinois Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification, or WARN, report. This report marks the first time since July 2015 that there wasn’t single mass-layoff announcement in the manufacturing sector. The types of jobs lost were spread across...
By Brendan Bakala
After court ruling, Chicago food trucks must fight on against protectionist city rules
After court ruling, Chicago food trucks must fight on against protectionist city rules
In her Dec. 5 ruling, a Cook County Circuit Court judge said Chicago’s oppressive food truck regulations serve legitimate city interests. But evidence shows the only interests the rules protect are those of politically connected restaurant owners and politicians.
Property taxes mount on ‘Home Alone’ house
Property taxes mount on ‘Home Alone’ house
Real reform to help overtaxed Illinoisans – such as a property-tax cap and aggressive government consolidation – would be the gift that keeps giving the whole year round.
By Brendan Bakala
Judge upholds onerous Chicago food truck rules
Judge upholds onerous Chicago food truck rules
Cook County Circuit Court Judge Anna Helen Demacopoulos squelched a ray of hope for Chicago food trucks Dec. 5 as the court upheld two of the city’s most oppressive regulations. In recent weeks, Mayor Rahm Emanuel has been coming after these small-business owners. But they’ve faced the city’s wrath for years, even after City Council...
By Hilary Gowins
Jason B.
Jason B.
“I was homeless before I got this job. I sat right out here for years with a sign that said ‘Please help.’ Every day, for years, even with eight feet of snow out here. Every day. People look at me a lot different now. They were seeing me sitting on the ground, now they see...
Aaron Moore
Aaron Moore
“This thing started with me, my buddy and a paintbrush. It was all bootstrapped. We ran the businesses out of two garages and a den at our secretary’s house. Now we have anywhere from 20 to 40 guys working for us. I’m really proud of it. It’s what I’ve spent my entire adult life doing....
Trump can help save Chicago manufacturing jobs by taking on sugar tariffs
Trump can help save Chicago manufacturing jobs by taking on sugar tariffs
Chicago and Illinois have plenty of their own problems on the manufacturing front, with issues such as high property taxes and workers’ compensation costs driving production facilities to other states. But U.S. trade policy regarding sugar isn’t helping matters. For each one sugar growing and harvesting job saved through high U.S. sugar tariffs, nearly three confectionery manufacturing jobs are lost, according to the International Trade Administration.
By Michael Lucci
On top of top salaries and health care, AFSCME contract includes lesser known provisions unheard of in private sector
On top of top salaries and health care, AFSCME contract includes lesser known provisions unheard of in private sector
AFSCME’S outrageous demands when negotiating for a new contract led to an impasse in negotiations. Now the union is suing to keep the state from implementing the contract – while ignoring that state workers will maintain many lavish perks unlike anything offered in the private sector.
By Mailee Smith
Local corruption hits Chicago, suburbs and downstate communities
Local corruption hits Chicago, suburbs and downstate communities
November was a sad reminder of the corruption at various levels of Illinois government from retired House Speaker Denny Hastert to the small Village of Bellwood.
Ex-offenders less likely to quit their jobs, no more likely to be fired than other employees
Ex-offenders less likely to quit their jobs, no more likely to be fired than other employees
Although a new study by Northwestern University researchers shows ex-offenders can make good hires, obstacles such as negligent-hiring liability hinder employers willing to give ex-offenders a chance.
By Amy Korte
Illinois lawmakers are suing the state for their paychecks
Illinois lawmakers are suing the state for their paychecks
A group of state representatives has filed a lawsuit against Illinois Comptroller Leslie Munger.
By Austin Berg