This report, conducted by researchers at the Illinois Economic Policy Institute, the University of Illinois Project for Middle Class Renewal, and Occidental College, analyzes the course of unionization in Illinois, in the Chicago metropolitan statistical area (MSA), and in the United States from 2006 to 2015. It is the third annual report of its kind […]
By Report Type: Policy Brief
THE IMPACT OF PREVAILING WAGE LAWS ON MILITARY VETERANS: AN ECONOMIC AND LABOR MARKET ANALYSIS
Over the past five years, more than 1 million veterans have exited the military and entered the civilian workforce. Ensuring that those who served the country are able to secure stable civilian employment is a priority for the country. Construction, a fast-growing industry where employers report widespread skills shortages, is a vital option for blue-collar […]
THE APPLICATION AND IMPACT OF LABOR UNION DUES IN ILLINOIS: AN ORGANIZATIONAL AND INDIVIDUAL-LEVEL ANALYSIS
An estimated 15.2 percent of Illinois’ workers are represented by a union. These workers can voluntarily choose to leave their unionized workplace, opt out of paying certain dues, or vote to decertify their labor organization. Thus, labor unions in Illinois must continually demonstrate how workers benefit from contributing membership dues. This Policy Brief, conducted jointly […]
Policies that Support Employment: Investments in Public Education, Investments in Public Infrastructure, and a Balanced State Budget
Governments utilize policies to impact the efficiency of labor markets. These policies are designed to increase employment by encouraging people to look for work, make it easier for people to get to work, provide support for people who are working, create opportunities for employment, and help people become qualified to work. This report, conducted by […]
THE SHIFT-WORK SHUFFLE: FLEXIBILITY AND INSTABILITY FOR CHICAGO’S FAST FOOD WORKFORCE
Fast food workers in Chicago suffer from the uncertainty of not knowing how many hours they will work in any given week and the lack of autonomy to voice their concerns without fear of reprisal. Unstable schedules lead to tangible income insecurity and the inability for workers to obtain supplemental employment or even attend schooling […]
The State of the Unions 2015: A Profile of Unionization in Chicago, in Illinois, and in America
Since 2005, unionization has declined in Illinois, in the Chicago region, and in America. There areapproximately 97,000 fewer union members in Illinois today than there were in 2005, contributing to the 1.12 million drop in union workers across the nation over that time. Declining union membership has primarily been the result of decreases in male […]
A Report by the Chicago Taxi Drivers Workers Rights Board
Common Sense Construction: The Economic Impacts of Indiana’s Common Construction Wage
Indiana’s Common Construction Wage (CCW) promotes positive labor market outcomes for both construction workers and contractors. … Ultimately, the Common Construction Wage for publicly-assisted construction projects provides substantial economic benefits for workers, contractors, and the overall Indiana economy. The Common Construction Wage supports a dynamic, high-road economy that promotes worker productivity and improves public safety.
The State of the Unions 2014: A Profile of Unionization in Chicago, in Illinois, and in America
Since 2003, unionization has declined in Illinois, in the Chicago region, and in America. There areapproximately 116,000 fewer union members in Illinois today than there were in 2003, contributing to the 1.26 million drop in union workers across the nation over that time. Declining union membership has primarily been the result of decreases in male […]
Minimum Wage, Maximum Benefit
The Impact of Raising Illinois’ Minimum Wage to $10.00: A 21.2-percent minimum wage hike in Illinois would Increase labor income by $1.9 to $2.3 billion for intended beneficiaries and by $5.4 to $7.2 billion for all workers; Cause either a small drop or small gain in employment (between -70,000 and 32,000 jobs); Have no impact […]