The Illinois House and Senate passed legislation that provides long-term funding for mass transit. Thursday's action comes just days before the January 20 "doomsday" scenario that would have resulted in 2,400 CTA workers losing their jobs, drastic service cuts, and higher fares for riders.
Chicago's labor unions honor and thank Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
"Our needs are identical with labor’s needs: Decent wages, fair working conditions, livable housing, old-age security, health and welfare measures, conditions in which families can grow, have education for their children, and respect in the community.” -Martin Luther King Jr.
Four decades ago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led what would be his last campaign—a strike in Memphis, Tenn., involving hundreds of working people who dared to take a stand for dignity and respect on the job and a voice at work with AFSCME.
Daley creates commission to confront choked pensions
BILLIONS UNDERFUNDED | Benefit cuts, 401(k) plans may be options
January 13, 2008
BY FRAN SPIELMAN City Hall Reporter/
Mayor Daley on Friday created a commission drawn from labor, business and banking to confront a problem that threatens to choke future generations of Chicago taxpayers: underfunded city pension funds.
The comprehensive solution Daley is seeking within 18 months could include everything from benefit reductions and increased employee contributions to a shift away from "defined benefit" pension plans and toward the "defined contributions" or 401-K plans favored by private industry.
