I started with the Illinois Federation of Teachers as a work study student in 1997. I was then hired as part time and eventually a full time employee. I have served on my units Grievance Committee, Policy and Procedures Committee … Continue reading →

Joliet Unit Treasurer Brian Stanley has been a guild member since joining the Herald-News in 2004. He grew up in the Joliet area and holds a journalism degree from Governors State University. Brian was hired as the paper’s librarian and … Continue reading →

Ralph Zahorik was a reporter, copy editor and city editor during the more than 30 years he worked at The News-Sun in Waukegan. He has been active in Chicago Newspaper Guild and the labor movement since the 1970s. He was Waukegan unit chair for … Continue reading →

Benita Twillie – Illinois Organizers Union – Professional Support Staff, Secretary After a successful career as a medical practice management consultant specializing in “organizing” physicians for managed health care contracts, I joined the Illinois Federation of Teachers in 2005. Assigned … Continue reading →

Teresa Schultz has served as chairwoman of the Post-Tribune unit since 2011. She joined the Gary Newspaper Guild in 2009, before it joined the Chicago Newspaper Guild, and previously served as social chairwoman and vice president. She has worked at … Continue reading →

Tim has been a Guild member since 2007 when he joined the General Press unit. As part of the editorial team at The Devine Connection, Tim has assisted unions, local political campaigns, nonprofits, and others who work for a fair … Continue reading →

Vice Chair Cindy Wojdyla Cain is serving as the alternate representative from the Joliet Unit during negotiations. She is the business and county beat reporter at The Herald-News. She writes a weekly column on local business news and is the creator of and a frequent contributor … Continue reading →

Education Undergraduate:  Bradley University, Mass Communication Master:  UIS (formerly Sangamon State), Public Affairs Reporting   IFT/IOU 1991 – Present: IFT Dept. of Political Activities   Unit Offices:  IOU Support Staff Chair, 2004 – present IOU Vice-Chair Support Staff, 2001 – … Continue reading →

Dave Roknic is a page designer and copy editor at the Chicago Sun-Times. He’s been with the Sun-Times company since 1989 and has had stints at Pioneer Press and the Daily Southtown. He cut his journalistic teeth as a reporter, … Continue reading →

Kathy Routliffe has been a reporter with Pioneer Press since 1983, covering five different communities’ municipal, education and political beats during that time. She currently covers the North Shore village of Wilmette. She was born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and … Continue reading →