A clearer look at those who choose not to join a union

All state and local government workers in Illinois have the right to choose whether they belong to the union representing employees in their workplace. Choosing to belong – or not to belong – to a union is a constitutional freedom. But hostile labels deteriorate that freedom to choose. Labeling workers who do not chose union membership as “free-riders” is derogatory and bullying.

It’s also not true.

Government unions wrote the laws in Illinois that require them to represent all workers. The AFL-CIO, the Illinois Federation of Teachers and the Illinois Education Association helped draft the bills that became Illinois’ labor laws. Unions’ powerful lobbying machines could easily change that, but they don’t want to. Representing all workers is a monopoly the unions coveted and created.

Yet, in a Daily Herald column on Oct. 4, Frank Manzo IV attacked workers simply because they chose to exercise their rights in a way he disapproves.

What’s more: The unions aren’t even using most members’ dues to represent workers – what should be their core focus.

AFSCME Council 31, the union representing most state workers, in 2024 reported just 21% of its spending was on representational activities such as contract negotiation. SEIU Illinois State Council was worse, with just 3% of its spending on representing workers. Chicago Teachers Union reported less than 18% of its spending was on representing workers in its 2025 fiscal year.

The rest? It’s spent on administration, politics and other union leadership priorities.

How can “free riders” be benefiting from “representation” that isn’t a core spending priority of unions?

Instead, it’s government union leaders who are getting a free ride on the hard-earned money of the union members. And when union members get 21 cents worth of representation for every $1 in dues, they are getting taken for a ride.

Mailee Smith

Morton