Category: Universities

In Illinois, state workers have a strong union voice and robust collective bargaining rights. In Missouri, their bargaining rights are restricted and unions weakened. There's a stark union difference between the two sides of the Mississippi River.

"We are heartbroken at the loss of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) investigator and AFSCME member Deidre Silas of Springfield, murdered Tuesday while responding to a report of children in danger."

We're stronger when we unite together to make our voices heard. These local unions worked together to negotiate fair contracts with their employers.

AFSCME Local 981 members at Eastern Illinois University fought long and hard to win a new union contract that protects their jobs and increases their wages.

State pension funds for teachers, state employees and university employees are healthier than they’ve been in years, thanks to big investment returns.

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear four cases aimed at expanding the scope of its 2018 ruling in Janus v. AFSCME Council 31.

With the theme of Better Together, AFSCME Council 31’s 22nd biennial convention focused on all that has been achieved through solidarity over the last two years—and the importance of staying united to overcome the challenges ahead.

This memorial video of AFSCME members who we have lost since our last convention in 2019 was aired at convention on October 15, 2021 and includes a beautiful performance by Renee Barnes who is on the staff of our international union.

AFSCME members have been on the front lines of this pandemic since Day One and we’re still going strong. Don’t miss this video that premiered at the Council 31 convention on October 16.

Three Child Protection Specialists in the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services share their stories of protecting the well-being of vulnerable children despite the risks to their own health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.