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.

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.

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.

Illinois voters across the state selected representatives for city councils, mayors, school boards, park boards and other local elected officials during the Illinois Consolidated Election on Apr. 6.

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.

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.

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.

Early drafts of criminal justice reform legislation threatened employee bargaining rights and legal protections, but member phone calls and staff lobbying efforts blocked the most harmful provisions.

Getting vaccinated can prevent getting sick with COVID-19 and spreading the virus to your co-workers and loved ones.

A public water system is the best way to ensure accountability for employees, consumers and our community. AFSCME Council 31 urges opposition to the proposed sale of Rock Island’s municipal water service to a for-profit operator.