Brothers and Sisters,
As you most likely know by now, last night the General Assembly passed—and Gov. Quinn signed—a new state budget. This means that virtually all state employees will be paid in full and on time. Consequently, Council 31’s lawsuit to compel the state to issue paychecks will not be pursued any further at this time.
While it is too early to say at this point exactly what the budget will mean for AFSCME members in state government, there is no doubt that it is an irresponsible budget that puts the state deep in debt and leaves it potentially vulnerable to mid-year funding shortfalls. At the end of the day, the sad fact was that too many legislators refused to honestly confront the state’s dire fiscal straits and raise the revenues urgently needed to fix the problem.
Legislators said in floor debate that this budget includes sufficient appropriation authority to maintain state operations at last year’s level and avert layoffs of state employees. But unfortunately, we cannot rely on those assurances for several reasons:
*No one can make a convincing case that this budget is balanced. Estimates of the potential shortfall are as high as $2 billion. Moreover, it is predicated on borrowing over $3 billion in “pension notes” with no plan at all for how that money will be paid back next year. In fact, just this morning the Wall Street bond-rating agency, Moody’s, announced it will review and possibly downgrade the state’s credit rating.
*So-called “grant” lines are only funded at 50% of last year’s levels—with an additional $3+ billion in “lump sum” spending authority given to the Governor to bring those lines up to an average of 86%. Although most of these “grants” go to nonprofit community human service agencies, there are also thousands of state employees who are paid out of grant lines. Depending on how Quinn chooses to allocate the “lump sum” dollars, those lines could be cut by as much as 50%.
*Even as debate on this budget plan was getting underway, Governor Quinn refused to commit that if it passed he would not lay off state employees or even to agree that he would reduce the number of potential layoffs from the 2,600 figure he had previously announced.
*Gov. Quinn already announced that given the potential funding shortfalls in this budget, he intends to ask AFSCME to reopen our contract and accept furlough days and/or a wage freeze for the coming year.
For all of these reasons, AFSCME opposed passage of this budget. We said—and continue to believe—that the only real solution to the state’s budget problems is enactment of a tax increase based on the blueprint set forth in HB174. It is the height of irresponsibility for legislators to refuse to act on that legislation when there is such widespread consensus that the budget as enacted is unsustainable. Senate President John Cullerton made clear in the floor debate that he does not believe this budget can meet the needs of the State of Illinois and he pledged to bring the Senate back into session in early January with its first order of business being to vote (once again) on the revenue-raising plan embodied in HB 174.
It will be absolutely essential that our union continue to do everything that we can to build support among legislators—especially in the House—for passage of this measure.
For now, given legislators’ statements that this budget does fully fund state operations, AFSCME is calling on Gov. Quinn to rescind the scheduled layoffs and halt any further layoffs. If it turns out that the budget as enacted cannot meet the state’s needs and instead threatens to result in cutbacks in services and layoffs of employees, the General Assembly should come back in Special Session or in the November Veto Session and pass the needed tax increase to prevent such cutbacks.
Later today we will be sending you a bulletin to distribute to your members with a report on the budget outcome—and next steps in our campaign for new revenues.
Nothing was more indicative of the crucial role that AFSCME will play in that battle than the “Send-Off” events that our Union organized on Monday of this week. We targeted 40 legislators—and ended up with effective actions at about 33 legislative offices. Given that there was only a week to put these events together, on the whole, local unions did an outstanding job. There really is no other organization in this state that has the geographic reach, the grassroots involvement and the capable local leadership to pull off so many successful gatherings. The events got terrific press coverage in many media markets—much of it presenting clear information on the harm that budget cuts would cause and positive statements about the need for a tax increase. That is just hugely significant given the current political climate. Whether or not the legislator was in his or her office, you can be very sure that they were keenly aware of your presence there and the message you were sending.
Most of you deserve high praise for your intensive organizing efforts to make these events a success. Local 1866, Local 29, Local 46 and Local 632—all of whom turned out over 100 folks—are particularly to be congratulated. However, it was disappointing to see that some locals did not make an effort to participate in these events at all. There will be many battles in the difficult days ahead, and it is important that each local carry its weight. To that end, staff representatives will be working with you to increase your mobilization capacity.
Finally, one piece of good news amidst all of the gloom. Earlier this week, Gov. Quinn announced that he is withdrawing his proposal to close down IYC Pere Marquette. This victory—like so many others we’ve achieved—is the result of the intensive grassroots efforts of AFSCME members, combined with the top-notch lobbying, policy and communications work of Council 31 staff. We’d like to say that’s an unbeatable combination—but we can’t count on never being beaten. What we can count on is that if we all continue to work together in unity and solidarity—using every resource at our disposal—we have the best possible chance of prevailing.
Sincerely,
Henry Bayer, Executive Director
Roberta Lynch, Deputy Director
Friday, July 17, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
New Budget Developments—Let’s Have Some Fireworks on the Fourth!
Brothers and Sisters,
*“No tax” budget is a “no solution” budget – The latest phony solution to the state’s budget crisis is a plan being circulated by some House Democrats that claims that issuing pension notes, sweeping some special funds, and changing some revenue assumptions in combination can “solve” the budget crisis without raising taxes. This is baloney, pure and simple. AFSCME budget analysts don’t believe that the revenue assumptions the House plan makes are correct. But even if they were, that plan still leaves a $3 billion budget hole—that’s the cost of the entire annual payroll for state employees. In other words, you’d have to basically shut down state government to fill a budget hole that big.
*Pension fund borrowing AGAIN? – The pension notes plan now under consideration is preferable to previous pension bonding or to just outright shorting the pension funds because it requires that all of the money be paid back within five years. However, this kind of short-term borrowing only makes sense if there’s reason to believe there will be additional revenues in the out years so that the debt can be repaid. And the only way that will happen is if taxes are raised now. The pension notes plan doesn’t make any sense unless it’s part of an overall revenue package that includes an income tax increase.
*Senate led the way with HB174 – The Senate has already stepped up to the plate and passed a revenue bill that would go a long way toward fixing the state’s fiscal mess now and in the years to come. It raises the income tax, expands the sales tax base and lowers property taxes. The key question now is: Why doesn’t the House do the same? And that means both Democrats and Republicans in the House because any bill now needs a 3/5 vote to pass.
*Don’t come home without it! – That has to be our message to our legislators. The danger now is that they will claim they can fix the problem without a tax increase—and then we’ll be facing big service cuts and layoffs just months down the road. We have to make clear to our state representatives that we know the problem can’t be fixed without a tax increase—and demand that they support it.
*Getting our message across – We’ve got to keep the heat on House Democrats and Republicans non-stop. We know that many of you are weary of the battle—but that is just what they want, to tire us out and make us go away. If we do that, we’ll be paying the price for years to come. So, please, get that second wind and head back into the ring.
Here’s what you can do:
**It is critical that you as the leader of your local immediately call the state representatives in your area whom you’ve met with in the past. Tell their office that it’s important that you speak personally with the representative. When you get him or her on the phone, let them know that you’ve heard about the new plan that’s circulating in the House (see above). Tell them it’s a non-solution and will still put thousands of jobs at risk and close down vital services. Tell the representatives you want them to support a tax increase plan like HB 174, as already passed by the Senate.
**Greet your state representative at the Fourth of July Parade in your communities. Legislators love parades—they like to smile and wave and think about all the good will they’re earning. This is our opportunity to let them know that we’re not going to let them go out and garner good will while they’re wiping out our jobs and the services we provide. Council 31 will provide you with signs to carry and flyers to distribute. The flyers will specifically focus on the state representatives likely to be in your local parades.
**If you can’t make it to the Fourth of July parade, look for other opportunities to leaflet at public events your state representatives will be attending. Council 31 can help you identify where they will be in the coming week or two.
Here are some of the things that Council 31 will be doing:
**At AFSCME’s request the State Federation of Labor is making robocalls to every union member in the districts of many of the House Democrats and Republicans who haven’t committed to support a tax increase. Mike Carrigan, State Fed President, told union members that jobs are the number one issue for working families in Illinois—and that without a tax increase, tens of thousand more jobs will be lost, weakening our state’s economy even further. He urged them to contact their representative (and gave the name) in support of a tax increase.
**AFSCME is sending out a “get active” email to a list of more than 10,000 citizens who have previously indicated their support for a tax increase to urge them to contact their legislators again.
**AFSCME will be running newspaper ads detailing the harm the cuts will do to appear in the paper in areas where the representatives have not yet committed to support a tax increase.
*”Sources” in Governor’s Office are misleading the press -- Last week, sources in the Governor’s office told the press that they were in ongoing negotiations with the Union regarding a demand for twelve furlough days and a wage freeze. All of you were at the only “negotiations” that have taken place thus far with this Administration. As you know, they lasted less than a day and did not include a specific request regarding either furlough days or a wage freeze. We will let you know if any further requests are made to the Union (as opposed to announced in the press).
*Keep on fighting!
Sincerely,
Henry Bayer, Executive Director
Roberta Lynch, Deputy Director
*“No tax” budget is a “no solution” budget – The latest phony solution to the state’s budget crisis is a plan being circulated by some House Democrats that claims that issuing pension notes, sweeping some special funds, and changing some revenue assumptions in combination can “solve” the budget crisis without raising taxes. This is baloney, pure and simple. AFSCME budget analysts don’t believe that the revenue assumptions the House plan makes are correct. But even if they were, that plan still leaves a $3 billion budget hole—that’s the cost of the entire annual payroll for state employees. In other words, you’d have to basically shut down state government to fill a budget hole that big.
*Pension fund borrowing AGAIN? – The pension notes plan now under consideration is preferable to previous pension bonding or to just outright shorting the pension funds because it requires that all of the money be paid back within five years. However, this kind of short-term borrowing only makes sense if there’s reason to believe there will be additional revenues in the out years so that the debt can be repaid. And the only way that will happen is if taxes are raised now. The pension notes plan doesn’t make any sense unless it’s part of an overall revenue package that includes an income tax increase.
*Senate led the way with HB174 – The Senate has already stepped up to the plate and passed a revenue bill that would go a long way toward fixing the state’s fiscal mess now and in the years to come. It raises the income tax, expands the sales tax base and lowers property taxes. The key question now is: Why doesn’t the House do the same? And that means both Democrats and Republicans in the House because any bill now needs a 3/5 vote to pass.
*Don’t come home without it! – That has to be our message to our legislators. The danger now is that they will claim they can fix the problem without a tax increase—and then we’ll be facing big service cuts and layoffs just months down the road. We have to make clear to our state representatives that we know the problem can’t be fixed without a tax increase—and demand that they support it.
*Getting our message across – We’ve got to keep the heat on House Democrats and Republicans non-stop. We know that many of you are weary of the battle—but that is just what they want, to tire us out and make us go away. If we do that, we’ll be paying the price for years to come. So, please, get that second wind and head back into the ring.
Here’s what you can do:
**It is critical that you as the leader of your local immediately call the state representatives in your area whom you’ve met with in the past. Tell their office that it’s important that you speak personally with the representative. When you get him or her on the phone, let them know that you’ve heard about the new plan that’s circulating in the House (see above). Tell them it’s a non-solution and will still put thousands of jobs at risk and close down vital services. Tell the representatives you want them to support a tax increase plan like HB 174, as already passed by the Senate.
**Greet your state representative at the Fourth of July Parade in your communities. Legislators love parades—they like to smile and wave and think about all the good will they’re earning. This is our opportunity to let them know that we’re not going to let them go out and garner good will while they’re wiping out our jobs and the services we provide. Council 31 will provide you with signs to carry and flyers to distribute. The flyers will specifically focus on the state representatives likely to be in your local parades.
**If you can’t make it to the Fourth of July parade, look for other opportunities to leaflet at public events your state representatives will be attending. Council 31 can help you identify where they will be in the coming week or two.
Here are some of the things that Council 31 will be doing:
**At AFSCME’s request the State Federation of Labor is making robocalls to every union member in the districts of many of the House Democrats and Republicans who haven’t committed to support a tax increase. Mike Carrigan, State Fed President, told union members that jobs are the number one issue for working families in Illinois—and that without a tax increase, tens of thousand more jobs will be lost, weakening our state’s economy even further. He urged them to contact their representative (and gave the name) in support of a tax increase.
**AFSCME is sending out a “get active” email to a list of more than 10,000 citizens who have previously indicated their support for a tax increase to urge them to contact their legislators again.
**AFSCME will be running newspaper ads detailing the harm the cuts will do to appear in the paper in areas where the representatives have not yet committed to support a tax increase.
*”Sources” in Governor’s Office are misleading the press -- Last week, sources in the Governor’s office told the press that they were in ongoing negotiations with the Union regarding a demand for twelve furlough days and a wage freeze. All of you were at the only “negotiations” that have taken place thus far with this Administration. As you know, they lasted less than a day and did not include a specific request regarding either furlough days or a wage freeze. We will let you know if any further requests are made to the Union (as opposed to announced in the press).
*Keep on fighting!
Sincerely,
Henry Bayer, Executive Director
Roberta Lynch, Deputy Director
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
PSA Option 6 Salary Grade Placement
As you are aware, CMS and AFSCME Council 31 have been negotiating over the salary grade placement for the PSA Option 6 classification.
CMS had taken the position that the appropriate salary grade was RC-063-23. The Union had planned on taking the case to arbitration on June 9th, because we believed that, while most employees would have received a pay increase at salary grade 23, a strong case could be made for Salary Grade 24.
Shortly before the hearing, CMS contacted Council 31 with a new offer and we were able to reach an agreement. PSA Option 6 employees will be placed in RC-063-24. Placement will be retroactive to the date of certification (December 2, 2008). Option 6 employees will also get the January 1, 2009 increase (1.5%), retroactive to the first of the year, and the general increase due on July 1, 2009 (2.5%).
Negotiations over the salary grade for Option 6’s were particularly complex given the variance in duties and responsibilities within the classification. In recognition of this, CMS has also agreed to conduct a study of the PSA Option 6 classification. Studies involving large numbers of positions typically take some time to complete. Depending upon the results, it is possible the study will recommend that some positions be moved to a new title in a higher pay grade.
We will be sending out a memorandum of understanding on this within the next few days that will provide further details. Given the large number of employees in this classification, and the high level of interest in the scheduled arbitration hearing, we wanted to get something out to you right away.
The fight for union representation and fair pay for Option 6 employees has been long and difficult All those who have been involved in the fight are to be congratulated. Please be sure to ask any Option 6 employees who are not yet members to sign a dues deduction card right away.
Sincerely,
Mike Newman
Associate Director
CMS had taken the position that the appropriate salary grade was RC-063-23. The Union had planned on taking the case to arbitration on June 9th, because we believed that, while most employees would have received a pay increase at salary grade 23, a strong case could be made for Salary Grade 24.
Shortly before the hearing, CMS contacted Council 31 with a new offer and we were able to reach an agreement. PSA Option 6 employees will be placed in RC-063-24. Placement will be retroactive to the date of certification (December 2, 2008). Option 6 employees will also get the January 1, 2009 increase (1.5%), retroactive to the first of the year, and the general increase due on July 1, 2009 (2.5%).
Negotiations over the salary grade for Option 6’s were particularly complex given the variance in duties and responsibilities within the classification. In recognition of this, CMS has also agreed to conduct a study of the PSA Option 6 classification. Studies involving large numbers of positions typically take some time to complete. Depending upon the results, it is possible the study will recommend that some positions be moved to a new title in a higher pay grade.
We will be sending out a memorandum of understanding on this within the next few days that will provide further details. Given the large number of employees in this classification, and the high level of interest in the scheduled arbitration hearing, we wanted to get something out to you right away.
The fight for union representation and fair pay for Option 6 employees has been long and difficult All those who have been involved in the fight are to be congratulated. Please be sure to ask any Option 6 employees who are not yet members to sign a dues deduction card right away.
Sincerely,
Mike Newman
Associate Director
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Special Update
Bad Budget Passes
Legislative Session Ends with No Tax Increase
Keep Pressure on
to Prevent Layoffs and Service Cuts
The State Senate did its job—stepping up to the plate to vote to raise the revenues needed to keep state government operating and prevent layoffs and service cuts. Senators voted in support of HB174, legislation similar to SB750 which AFSCME has long supported. It would raise the income tax and limit property taxes, garnering sufficient new revenues to fund education, as well as vital state services.
The House fell down on the job—Speaker Madigan would not call HB174 for a vote in the House. The House did vote on a more modest temporary tax increase, but it was defeated when all Republicans and too many Democrats voted against it. (See reverse side for a list of those who voted wrong on this important measure.)
No new revenues equal bad budget—In the final hours of the legislative session, the General Assembly then went on to adopt SB1197 which, combined with some previously-adopted budget bills, will result in massive cuts to state services and layoffs of many state employees.
Budget bills put on hold—Gov. Quinn has strongly suggested that he would veto the budget as enacted—citing the damage it would do to vital services. The House and Senate leaders are now using a parliamentary maneuver to prevent the budget bills from going to the Governor’s desk, filing motions to have them reconsidered.
Scope and nature of the cuts not clear yet—Rumors abound, but because of the way that the budget was passed (with large lump sums allotted to agencies rather than all funds assigned to specific budget lines), it is still not known exactly where the budget cuts would be made. However, the Governor has told agencies they will need to cut their budgets by 25%. There’s no way to make cuts of that magnitude without large numbers of layoffs.
Still searching for solution—Even now that the legislative session has ended, the legislative leaders and the Governor are still meeting to try to come up with a compromise solution to the state’s budget woes. The task is tougher now because any revenue increase or budget revisions will require a 2/3 vote to pass—which means that Republican votes will be needed. Legislators have until the end of June when the current fiscal year ends. If there’s not a new budget in place then, state government would be faced with a shut down.
Pensions and health care safe for now—AFSCME and our allies in the labor movement won a major victory in beating back efforts to make state employees pay more toward their pensions, to make both active and retired employees pay much more for their health care, and to drastically cut the pension benefits of new hires. However, as negotiations continue among legislative leaders during the coming weeks, it is very possible that some of these cutbacks could resurface and be included in a “compromise” budget plan.
Keep the Pressure On – It is critical that we keep the pressure on. Council 31 and your local union will be reaching out to you to participate in efforts to turn up the heat on those legislators who voted against raising the revenues needed to prevent layoffs and service cuts—and to thank those who voted right. Make sure you make the calls, send the emails or attend the demonstrations that are needed to let your legislators know they need to do the right thing—and do it now!
Wrong Vote on RevenueState Representatives
Suzanne Bassi
Mark Beaubien
Dan Beiser
Patricia Bellock
Bob Biggins
Bill Black
Mike Boland
Mike Bost
John Bradley
Dan Brady
Rich Brauer
James Brosnahan
John Cavaletto
Franco Coladipietro
Sandy Cole
Michael Connelly
Beth Coulson
Fred Crespo
Tom Cross
Shane Cultra
John D’Amico
William Davis
Lisa Dugan
Jim Durkin
Roger Eddy
Keith Farnham
Bob Flider
Mike Fortner
Jack Franks
John Fritchey
Paul Froehlich
Careen Gordon
Jehan Gordon
Kay Hatcher
Jay Hoffman
Tom Holbrook
Kevin Joyce
Renee Kosel
David Leitch
Joseph Lyons
Sid Mathias
Karen May
Emily McAsey
Michael McAuliffe
Kevin McCarthy
Deborah Mell
David Miller
Bill Mitchell
Jerry Mitchell
Don Moffitt
Rosemary Mulligan
Rich Myers
Joann Osmond
Right Vote on Revenue
Brandon Phelps
Sandra Pihos
Raymond Poe
Robert Pritchard
Randy Ramey
Dennis Reboletti
David Reis
Dan Reitz
Chapin Rose
Jim Sacia
Angelo Saviano
Timothy Schmitz
Darlene Senger
Keith Sommer
Ron Stephens
Ed Sullivan
Jil Tracy
Michael Tryon
Ron Wait
Mark Walker
Jim Watson
Dave Winters
Michael Zalewski
State Senators
Pamela Althoff
Tim Bivins
Larry Bomke
Michael Bond
Bill Brady
Brad Burzynski
Dan Cronin
Gary Dahl
Kirk Dillard
Dan Duffy
Susan Garrett
Bill Haine
Randy Hultgren
John Jones
Chris Lauzen
David Luechtefeld
Edward Maloney
Kyle McCarter
John Millner
Matt Murphy
Carole Pankau
Christine Radogno
Dale Righter
Dale Risinger
Dan Rutherford
Jeff Schoenberg
Ira Silverstein
Dave Syverson
State Representatives
Edward Acevedo
Luis Arroyo
Maria Antonia Berrios
Dan Burke
Will Burns
Linda Chapa LaVia
Annazette Collins
Marlow Colvin
Barbara Flynn Currie
Monique Davis
Anthony DeLuca
Ken Dunkin
Sara Feigenholtz
Mary Flowers
LaShawn Ford
Ester Golar
Deborah Graham
Julie Hamos
Betsy Hannig
Greg Harris
Elizabeth Hernandez
Constance Howard
Eddie Jackson
Naomi Jakobsson
Charles Jefferson
Lou Lang
Michael Madigan
Frank Mautino
Jack McGuire
Susana Mendoza
Elaine Nekritz
Harry Osterman
Al Riley
Robert Rita
Kathleen Ryg
Michael Smith
Cynthia Soto
Andre Thapedi
Art Turner
Pat Verschoore
Eddie Washington
Karen Yarbrough
State Senators
James Clayborne
Jacqueline Collins
Maggie Crotty
John Cullerton
James DeLeo
William Delgado
Deanna Demuzio
Gary Forby Michael Frerichs
Don Harmon
Ricky Hendon
Linda Holmes
Mattie Hunter
Toi Hutchinson
Mike Jacobs
Emil Jones, III
David Koehler
Dan Kotowski
Kimberly Lightford
Terry Link
Iris Martinez
James Meeks
Antonio Munoz
Michael Noland
Kwame Raoul
Martin Sandoval
Heather Steans
John Sullivan
Donnie Trotter
Louis Viverito
A.J. Wilhelmi
Legislative Session Ends with No Tax Increase
Keep Pressure on
to Prevent Layoffs and Service Cuts
The State Senate did its job—stepping up to the plate to vote to raise the revenues needed to keep state government operating and prevent layoffs and service cuts. Senators voted in support of HB174, legislation similar to SB750 which AFSCME has long supported. It would raise the income tax and limit property taxes, garnering sufficient new revenues to fund education, as well as vital state services.
The House fell down on the job—Speaker Madigan would not call HB174 for a vote in the House. The House did vote on a more modest temporary tax increase, but it was defeated when all Republicans and too many Democrats voted against it. (See reverse side for a list of those who voted wrong on this important measure.)
No new revenues equal bad budget—In the final hours of the legislative session, the General Assembly then went on to adopt SB1197 which, combined with some previously-adopted budget bills, will result in massive cuts to state services and layoffs of many state employees.
Budget bills put on hold—Gov. Quinn has strongly suggested that he would veto the budget as enacted—citing the damage it would do to vital services. The House and Senate leaders are now using a parliamentary maneuver to prevent the budget bills from going to the Governor’s desk, filing motions to have them reconsidered.
Scope and nature of the cuts not clear yet—Rumors abound, but because of the way that the budget was passed (with large lump sums allotted to agencies rather than all funds assigned to specific budget lines), it is still not known exactly where the budget cuts would be made. However, the Governor has told agencies they will need to cut their budgets by 25%. There’s no way to make cuts of that magnitude without large numbers of layoffs.
Still searching for solution—Even now that the legislative session has ended, the legislative leaders and the Governor are still meeting to try to come up with a compromise solution to the state’s budget woes. The task is tougher now because any revenue increase or budget revisions will require a 2/3 vote to pass—which means that Republican votes will be needed. Legislators have until the end of June when the current fiscal year ends. If there’s not a new budget in place then, state government would be faced with a shut down.
Pensions and health care safe for now—AFSCME and our allies in the labor movement won a major victory in beating back efforts to make state employees pay more toward their pensions, to make both active and retired employees pay much more for their health care, and to drastically cut the pension benefits of new hires. However, as negotiations continue among legislative leaders during the coming weeks, it is very possible that some of these cutbacks could resurface and be included in a “compromise” budget plan.
Keep the Pressure On – It is critical that we keep the pressure on. Council 31 and your local union will be reaching out to you to participate in efforts to turn up the heat on those legislators who voted against raising the revenues needed to prevent layoffs and service cuts—and to thank those who voted right. Make sure you make the calls, send the emails or attend the demonstrations that are needed to let your legislators know they need to do the right thing—and do it now!
Wrong Vote on RevenueState Representatives
Suzanne Bassi
Mark Beaubien
Dan Beiser
Patricia Bellock
Bob Biggins
Bill Black
Mike Boland
Mike Bost
John Bradley
Dan Brady
Rich Brauer
James Brosnahan
John Cavaletto
Franco Coladipietro
Sandy Cole
Michael Connelly
Beth Coulson
Fred Crespo
Tom Cross
Shane Cultra
John D’Amico
William Davis
Lisa Dugan
Jim Durkin
Roger Eddy
Keith Farnham
Bob Flider
Mike Fortner
Jack Franks
John Fritchey
Paul Froehlich
Careen Gordon
Jehan Gordon
Kay Hatcher
Jay Hoffman
Tom Holbrook
Kevin Joyce
Renee Kosel
David Leitch
Joseph Lyons
Sid Mathias
Karen May
Emily McAsey
Michael McAuliffe
Kevin McCarthy
Deborah Mell
David Miller
Bill Mitchell
Jerry Mitchell
Don Moffitt
Rosemary Mulligan
Rich Myers
Joann Osmond
Right Vote on Revenue
Brandon Phelps
Sandra Pihos
Raymond Poe
Robert Pritchard
Randy Ramey
Dennis Reboletti
David Reis
Dan Reitz
Chapin Rose
Jim Sacia
Angelo Saviano
Timothy Schmitz
Darlene Senger
Keith Sommer
Ron Stephens
Ed Sullivan
Jil Tracy
Michael Tryon
Ron Wait
Mark Walker
Jim Watson
Dave Winters
Michael Zalewski
State Senators
Pamela Althoff
Tim Bivins
Larry Bomke
Michael Bond
Bill Brady
Brad Burzynski
Dan Cronin
Gary Dahl
Kirk Dillard
Dan Duffy
Susan Garrett
Bill Haine
Randy Hultgren
John Jones
Chris Lauzen
David Luechtefeld
Edward Maloney
Kyle McCarter
John Millner
Matt Murphy
Carole Pankau
Christine Radogno
Dale Righter
Dale Risinger
Dan Rutherford
Jeff Schoenberg
Ira Silverstein
Dave Syverson
State Representatives
Edward Acevedo
Luis Arroyo
Maria Antonia Berrios
Dan Burke
Will Burns
Linda Chapa LaVia
Annazette Collins
Marlow Colvin
Barbara Flynn Currie
Monique Davis
Anthony DeLuca
Ken Dunkin
Sara Feigenholtz
Mary Flowers
LaShawn Ford
Ester Golar
Deborah Graham
Julie Hamos
Betsy Hannig
Greg Harris
Elizabeth Hernandez
Constance Howard
Eddie Jackson
Naomi Jakobsson
Charles Jefferson
Lou Lang
Michael Madigan
Frank Mautino
Jack McGuire
Susana Mendoza
Elaine Nekritz
Harry Osterman
Al Riley
Robert Rita
Kathleen Ryg
Michael Smith
Cynthia Soto
Andre Thapedi
Art Turner
Pat Verschoore
Eddie Washington
Karen Yarbrough
State Senators
James Clayborne
Jacqueline Collins
Maggie Crotty
John Cullerton
James DeLeo
William Delgado
Deanna Demuzio
Gary Forby Michael Frerichs
Don Harmon
Ricky Hendon
Linda Holmes
Mattie Hunter
Toi Hutchinson
Mike Jacobs
Emil Jones, III
David Koehler
Dan Kotowski
Kimberly Lightford
Terry Link
Iris Martinez
James Meeks
Antonio Munoz
Michael Noland
Kwame Raoul
Martin Sandoval
Heather Steans
John Sullivan
Donnie Trotter
Louis Viverito
A.J. Wilhelmi
June 1, 2009
No Tax Increase, Major Budget Cuts – The General Assembly failed to act to raise the revenues needed to address the state’s dire fiscal crisis, instead enacting a barebones budget in the final hours of the legislative session and then adjourning and heading home, leaving disaster in its wake.
The Senate, under the leadership of its new president, John Cullerton, did the right thing and actually passed HB174, a version of SB750, legislation AFSCME has long advocated that would have raised the income tax, while providing property tax relief. But Speaker Madigan refused to call the bill in the House. Instead the House voted on a smaller income tax increase which would have only been temporary—and even that failed by a wide margin.
Many legislators who should have stood with AFSCME members voted against the tax increase—and paved the way for enactment of a budget that will radically cut state services, as well as funding for other vital programs, such as the community disability agencies where thousands of AFSCME members work. (Council 31 will soon send out a list of those legislators who voted wrong to every local.)
The legislative leaders admit they have passed an unworkable budget—and say they will continue to seek a compromise to raise the needed revenue. But in meantime, the situation is dire. The legislature passed a budget in several parts. Funding for most staff and other operations from the General Revenue Fund, as well as staff and operations from dedicated funds, were passed at the level originally proposed by Governor Quinn. But a third bill containing programmatic staff and grant funding key to state operations was appropriated at only half of the Governor’s introduced level.
The bill cut funding for state employees in several agencies, as well as AFSCME members caring for the disabled in community based programs, to unsustainable levels. If this budget stands it will mean layoffs. And the bill also cut funding for programs affecting all state employees, like health insurance and Upward Mobility. Despite these cuts, the total budget as enacted – the three bills above plus Medicaid expenditures and two bills funding education – is short $2 billion. During floor debate legislators said they would short fund the pensions to make up the difference.
It is impossible to predict at this point what the fallout from these cuts will be. The budget bills appropriated money not by division or facility but in lump sums by agency. This gives the Quinn administration great authority to decide how the limited funding available would be used—if the Governor signs this budget. Gov. Quinn has already made clear that he recognizes that the budget as enacted is inadequate to meet the state’s needs. It is not yet clear whether he intends to veto it—or how the legislature will respond if he does.
Unions Beat Back Pension,Healthcare Cuts – In a remarkable demonstration of unity and determination, AFSCME joined with the teachers’ unions (IFT and IEA) in an intensive grassroots lobbying campaign that beat back an all-out assault by big business on public employee pension benefits. Seizing on the state’s current fiscal woes as a cover for their anti-government crusade, the Civic Federation and other corporate forces sought to create the impression that public employee pensions were excessively high and a drain on the state budget. In response to their pressure, Gov. Quinn’s budget plan included increases in pension and health care contributions for current employees, higher health care costs for retirees, and drastically lower pension benefits for new hires. Legislative leaders got on board with his proposals—and many claimed the changes were all but inevitable.
But AFSCME and our allies in the Illinois Retirement Security Initiative (IRSI) quickly went to work to build opposition. Union members fought back, turning out in droves for regional legislative forums and deluging legislators with phone calls and mail. After months of intensive lobbying, when the final bell rung, all of the pension cutbacks were off the table. Nor was any legislation ever moved to effectuate the employee and retiree health care cost increases that the Governor had proposed. However, it is important to note that the budget as enacted significantly underfunds group health insurance.
This critical victory in the effort to protect retirement security for AFSCME members is a clear indication of the importance of having a strong labor movement. In states without unions—or where unions didn’t organize and fight back—there have already been major cuts to pension benefits. This battle is by no means over. Our opponents have already made clear that they are mobilizing for another round when the legislature reconvenes. We’ll have to be ready to continue the fight—but for now, our retirement security remains strong.
No New State Aid to Local Governments – HB174 as passed by the Senate, would have brought significant new revenues to local governments all across the state that are struggling with their own fiscal crises. The failure of the House to concur in passing this legislation effectively robbed local governments of millions of dollars.
Community Disability Agencies Could Face Layoffs -- The budget as enacted drastically reduces funding to DHS which provides the funding to community agencies serving individuals with developmental disabilities, so there is a very real threat that funding to these agencies could be drastically reduced unless the legislature acts swiftly to repair the damage it has done by failing to enact a tax increase.
Legislation Leverages Historic Agreement to Limit Mandatory Overtime – SB1369, AFSCME’s legislation to force a total ban on mandatory overtime in state prisons, mental health and developmental centers and vets home had strong backing in the state senate, where it passed overwhelmingly. But the bill ran into resistance in the House because of opposition from Gov. Quinn. The Administration argued that it would be impossible to operate 24-hour facilities without being able to mandate overtime at critical points. AFSCME countered that under the Blagojevich Administration, mandation was not just used in emergencies as was the original intent, but had become a normal part of operations, relied on rather than hiring the staff that are needed to function effectively.
Sen. Mike Frerichs and Rep. Emily McAsey, the measure’s sponsors, asked AFSCME and the Governor’s Office to try to work out a compromise. The result was a landmark agreement reached in the final days of the legislative session. Entered into as a Memorandum of Understanding that will become part of the AFSCME Master Agreement with the state, it sets a goal of cutting overtime in half over the next two years. It states clearly that overtime should be the exception, not the norm, of state operations and, effective July 1, 2010, it prohibits disciplining employees for refusing mandation--unless the mandation occurred due to an unusual or unforeseen circumstance.
This historic agreement is another example of the ability of AFSCME to tackle a tough problem—and force management to respond. AFSCME began the campaign against forced overtime with a dramatic report documenting its consequences in human and financial terms which was issued last year. The report received press coverage all across the state and laid the basis for an intensive lobbying campaign in which dozens of legislators signed on to cosponsor legislation aimed at halting the widespread abuse of mandation in state government.
Questions Remain on Facility Closures -- The budget did not clearly restore the funding needed to keep IYC Pere Marquette open, nor did it ensure that Tinley Park MHC and Howe DC would have sufficient funds to operate for a full year. If this budget stands, AFSCME will be pushing to get some of the “lump sum” dollars in DOC and DHS budgets used to keep these facilities open.
Require legislative approval for closures (HB2376) -- HB2367, sponsored by Rep. Gordon/Sen. Crotty, would amend the state’s Facility Closure Act to require that if a facility or site is funded in the budget enacted by the General Assembly, it cannot subsequently be closed without a joint resolution of the General Assembly approving the closure. This legislation was vigorously opposed by those forces that want to close down all state mental health and developmental centers, as well as by the Quinn Administration. The measure was not called for a vote and AFSCME lobbyists are now trying to get the deadline extended till the end of the year.
Bring greater equity to the Unemployment Insurance program (HB2555 and SB1350) -- AFSCME sought to enact legislation (HB2555) that would expand UI benefits to those school district and university employees who are laid off in the summer months. However school districts and universities vigorously opposed this measure because of the costs involved.
In addition, Council 31 sought to enact legislation (SB1350) that would extend the time period for cut-off of UI benefits when an employer has locked out its employees. This measure was sparked by the experience of AFSCME members at Heartland Human Services in Effingham who have been locked out by their employer for nearly a year—and whose unemployment benefits expired many months ago. Even though the costs of implementing this bill were minimal, it was vigorously opposed by big business lobbyists who want to strengthen the hand of employers in labor disputes.
Neither HB 2555 nor the content of SB 1350 made it through the General Assembly this year. But AFSCME intends to continue its efforts to enact these important bills.
Improve health care quality for all AFSCME members/support nurse staffing ratios (SB224/HB485) --The American health care system is in crisis. The only real solution is a national program of universal health care—and Council 31 is participating in the AFL-CIO’s nationwide campaign to press for the development and enactment of major health care reform to meet that goal. At the same time, we will seek to address problems that can be tackled at the state level.
To that end, AFSCME has taken up the challenge of enacting legislation to establish required nurse-to-patient staffing ratios in Illinois hospitals and to provide for nurse input into staffing plans. SB224 and HB485 were held in committee pending negotiations with the Illinois Hospital Association, which is fiercely opposing to establishing required staffing levels.
During the coming months, the Coalition for Quality Patient Care, spearheaded by nurses from Resurrection Health Care hospitals who are part of the HEART/AFSCME organizing committee, will be engaging in grassroots activities through the state to build support for this important legislation.
Provide fairness for Corrections health care employees (SB1987) – AFSCME-represented medical vendor employees in DOC and DJJ have made steady progress through their union toward achieving wage parity with state medical personnel in these departments. However, they still have to pay significantly more for their health coverage and do not have a defined benefit pension plan. AFSCME pushed for passage of this legislation that would make employees of corrections medical vendors state employees and enable them to keep their union representation. The legislation met very strong opposition from the vendors (HPL and Wexford), as well as from the Illinois Nurses Association (INA), who effectively kept it from moving forward. The bill’s chief sponsor, Sen. John Sullivan, is very committed to the measure and has pledged to continue to work with the union to move it forward when the legislature reconvenes.
Restore and expand union rights (HB2445) -- Council 31 worked with the Illinois AFL-CIO to pass this omnibus reform of the Illinois public sector labor relations law in order to address the lengthy delays employees have experienced in obtaining union recognition. HB 2445 has passed both houses and now goes to the Governor.
Establish fair mileage reimbursement rules (HB 480) – AFSCME has been pressing for several years now to bring state mileage reimbursement regulations in line with federal protocols which are fairer to employees. HB480, sponsored by Rep. Boland, would accomplish that goal.
HB 480 has passed both houses and now goes to the Governor.
Establish MRSA protections in law (HB185) – Since MRSA infections first emerged as a serious health threat, AFSCME has led the effort to force employers to institute appropriate protocols to prevent the occurrence of such infections. Council 31 supported this legislation to make sure that every workplace in Illinois state government has appropriate employee protections in place to prevent the spread of MRSA. HB185 has passed both houses and now goes to the Governor.
Preserve Tamms CC role as IDOC safety valve (HB2633) – HB 2633 would have made it more difficult to transfer dangerous inmates to Tamms, as well as barred the incarceration of inmates with mental health problems at Tamms. It also established more clearly-defined procedures for inmates to be moved out of Tamms.
AFSCME opposed this measure as originally introduced because it could have greatly increased the danger at other correctional facilities throughout the system by making it more difficult to swiftly move an inmate who presents an immediate danger to Tamms. IDOC also opposed the bill. The sponsor, Rep. Hamos, has sought to bring together concerned parties—including AFSCME—to see if a compromise can be reached. The bill was never called for a vote, but discussions regarding how to changes procedures relative to the operation of Tamms are continuing.
Anti-Privatization bill blocked – As originally introduced SB 1602 was intended to place strong restrictions on the ability of state government to contract out bargaining unit work. It passed the Senate by a wide margin. However, Rep. Jack Franks, the bill’s sponsor in the House, allowed the Quinn Administration—which opposed the bill as introduced—to strip out all of the language restricting privatization and to substitute an unrelated measure.
Agency restructuring – In the final hours of the legislative session, a bill (HB 88) was enacted that would override Gov. Quinn’s Executive Order merging the Department of Natural Resources and the Historic Preservation Agency. It is not known whether the Governor will sign this bill; if not, then his EO will stand.
Legislation seeks alternatives to incarceration (SB1289) – In the final few weeks of the legislative session, a bill was introduced to foster greater use of alternative sentencing programs at the local level. While AFSCME believes that such programs can play a valuable role in the criminal justice system, the Union opposed the bill as originally introduced because it required that such programs be operated by private agencies (rather than counties or other local governments) and because it explicitly stated that funding for such programs would have to be reallocated from state correctional facilities. IDOC is supporting the bill. AFSCME lobbyists were successful in getting the bill amended to address the Union’s key concerns. As amended it will allow counties and other public entities to operate alternative sentencing programs and it will not require that funding for such programs be reallocated from state correctional facilities. SB 1289 has passed both houses and now goes to the Governor.
“Fumigation” bill (SB1333) – Legislation introduced to terminate state employees in certain exempt positions stalled in the Senate. Originally, this legislation covered all Rutan-exempt employees, but it has since been amended to only cover those who are both Rutan-exempt and exempt from the Personnel Code and to exclude bargaining unit employees. SB 1333 also codifies several the of the agency restructuring proposed by Governor Quinn via executive orders.
Employee privacy jeopardized – AFSCME strongly supports real reforms that would prevent the kind of gross ethical violations committed by the Ryan and Blagojevich administrations that have given state government such a black eye. However, the Union had to oppose Senate Amendment 6 to SB1013, Gov. Quinn’s ethics bill, because it would require the disclosure of the name and related information of any state employee who is disciplined before his or her due process rights are exhausted. In another blatant assault on employee privacy, HB 35, which provides for the establishment of a web portal listing all state employees’ names and salaries, passed both houses by wide margins. AFSCME was the only organization to oppose this measure. Amendment 6 to SB 1013 was never called for a vote. HB 35 has passed both houses and goes to the Governor.
Employee protection included in bill to privatize lottery management (HB255/HB2424) – This legislation is primarily intended to jump start a massive capital program to repair and rebuild our state’s infrastructure. However, it also includes language to allow for the privatization of the management of the Illinois lottery. AFSCME pushed for inclusion of strong employee protection language for lottery employees in this measure, but it was not included in the original bill that passed. However, as a result of the Union’s efforts, employee protection language was added to HB 2424 which is the budget implementation bill for the capital program.
Legislation To undermine sheriff’s deputies blocked (SB1817) – This measure would have encouraged the use of volunteer auxiliary deputies in county sheriff’s departments. AFSCME opposed the legislation which stalled in committee and was never called for a vote.
Measure sought to block expansion of services (SB682) – This legislation would have required that new state programs (or expansions of current programs) include a specific funding source. It would have made it very difficult to expand important services and made it even harder to achieve the additional funding needed to raise the wages of AFSCME members in community disability agencies. The measure passed the Senate by a wide margin, but at AFSCME’s request, the House sponsor (Rep. Will Burns) agreed to hold the bill
Limit outsourcing of DNA testing (SB2010) – Under the Blagojevich Administration, rather than hire needed staff, the State Police Crime Lab sent much of its DNA testing to outside labs—which often botched the job. This measure would make it more difficult for such outsourcing to occur. This legislation passed both houses and awaits approval by the Governor.
Campaign finance “reform” (HB7) – This very complicated and controversial legislation was adopted by both houses in the final days of the legislative session and could have a significant impact on labor’s participation in electoral politics. AFSCME is still analyzing the bill to determine whether it will level the playing field to enable working families to have a stronger voice in the political arena—or whether it will make it more difficult for that voice to be heard.
Mandatory Overtime Agreement
June 1, 2009
I am very pleased to report to you that AFSCME has taken a major step forward in addressing one of the most critical problems that our members face. Excessive amounts of mandated overtime have plagued our members ever since Governor Ryan’s early retirement program led to a mass exodus of state employees.
The problem was further exacerbated by former Governor Blagojevich who drove staffing levels down to a point where mandates became a part of everyday operations.
As you know, the union has vigorously pursued a solution to this problem first in the legislature and then at the bargaining table.
Despite hitting a brick wall in our initial efforts, we were not deterred and introduced legislation to deal with the overtime problem once again in this legislative session.
The Quinn administration insisted that, while recognizing the seriousness of the problem, it was opposed to a legislative solution. The administration did, however, express a willingness to sit down and try to work out an agreement outside of the legislative realm.
In response to the Governor’s concerns, the sponsors of the legislation urged us to try to work out an agreement with the administration.
The result is the enclosed agreement which includes the following provisions:
1) A goal of reducing overtime work by at least 30% in the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2009 and by 50% in the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2010 from the level of the fiscal year which ends on June 30, 2009.
2) An acknowledgement that mandatory overtime should not be routinely assigned and the right to refuse mandation effective July 1, 2010, unless there are circumstances beyond the employer’s control, e.g. last minute call off or a major disruption such as hurricane, flood, riot, etc.
3) A commitment, subject to budgetary appropriation, to have a minimum net increase in the number of staff hired in each agency to alleviate the overtime problem and to monitor progress on a regular basis to determine if additional staff are needed.
4) A prohibition against compromising security or care in order to meet overtime goals and a requirement that staff to patient ratios not be reduced or mandatory posts eliminated without prior notification and a meeting with the union.
5) Existing overtime procedures are not changed by the agreement, and facilities cannot reduce the number of employees permitted to take days off.
6) The employer will alter its hiring procedures to fill vacancies in a more expeditious manner in order to maintain targeted staffing goals.
It has been a long, hard road, one which required the union to keep constant pressure on lawmakers to ensure that the issue drew their attention. At last, through persistence at the grassroots level, in Springfield, and through the media, our message was driven home, and there will be relief for our members who suffered through this nightmare of mandatory overtime on a routine basis.
The uncertainty regarding the state budget will complicate implementation of the agreement, but the Council has every intention of pressing forward to make sure it happens. The issue is too important, and we’ve worked too hard to let this opportunity slip away now.
To all of you and your members who made phone calls on the legislation, who personally lobbied your legislators to bring the problem to their attention, or spoke out in the press about the burdens of mandatory overtime, let this agreement be a reminder that problems of this magnitude are not easily solved, but if we persist, we can prevail.
Sincerely,
Henry Bayer, Executive Director
Roberta Lynch, Deputy Director
I am very pleased to report to you that AFSCME has taken a major step forward in addressing one of the most critical problems that our members face. Excessive amounts of mandated overtime have plagued our members ever since Governor Ryan’s early retirement program led to a mass exodus of state employees.
The problem was further exacerbated by former Governor Blagojevich who drove staffing levels down to a point where mandates became a part of everyday operations.
As you know, the union has vigorously pursued a solution to this problem first in the legislature and then at the bargaining table.
Despite hitting a brick wall in our initial efforts, we were not deterred and introduced legislation to deal with the overtime problem once again in this legislative session.
The Quinn administration insisted that, while recognizing the seriousness of the problem, it was opposed to a legislative solution. The administration did, however, express a willingness to sit down and try to work out an agreement outside of the legislative realm.
In response to the Governor’s concerns, the sponsors of the legislation urged us to try to work out an agreement with the administration.
The result is the enclosed agreement which includes the following provisions:
1) A goal of reducing overtime work by at least 30% in the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2009 and by 50% in the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2010 from the level of the fiscal year which ends on June 30, 2009.
2) An acknowledgement that mandatory overtime should not be routinely assigned and the right to refuse mandation effective July 1, 2010, unless there are circumstances beyond the employer’s control, e.g. last minute call off or a major disruption such as hurricane, flood, riot, etc.
3) A commitment, subject to budgetary appropriation, to have a minimum net increase in the number of staff hired in each agency to alleviate the overtime problem and to monitor progress on a regular basis to determine if additional staff are needed.
4) A prohibition against compromising security or care in order to meet overtime goals and a requirement that staff to patient ratios not be reduced or mandatory posts eliminated without prior notification and a meeting with the union.
5) Existing overtime procedures are not changed by the agreement, and facilities cannot reduce the number of employees permitted to take days off.
6) The employer will alter its hiring procedures to fill vacancies in a more expeditious manner in order to maintain targeted staffing goals.
It has been a long, hard road, one which required the union to keep constant pressure on lawmakers to ensure that the issue drew their attention. At last, through persistence at the grassroots level, in Springfield, and through the media, our message was driven home, and there will be relief for our members who suffered through this nightmare of mandatory overtime on a routine basis.
The uncertainty regarding the state budget will complicate implementation of the agreement, but the Council has every intention of pressing forward to make sure it happens. The issue is too important, and we’ve worked too hard to let this opportunity slip away now.
To all of you and your members who made phone calls on the legislation, who personally lobbied your legislators to bring the problem to their attention, or spoke out in the press about the burdens of mandatory overtime, let this agreement be a reminder that problems of this magnitude are not easily solved, but if we persist, we can prevail.
Sincerely,
Henry Bayer, Executive Director
Roberta Lynch, Deputy Director
AFSCME NEWS for PSA Option 6 Employees
EET Restored
As a result of the Unfair Labor Practice charge we filed, AFSCME Council 31 and the State of Illinois resolved the issue of Earned Equivalent Time. Up until July 1, 2007, EET not used by the end of the fiscal year was lost. This changed on July 1, 2007, when employees were first allowed to carry their EET over into the next fiscal year. Under the resolution, all EET employees had accumulated since July 1, 2007 will be restored. The memorandum of understanding is attached to this update.
“Fumigation” Bill (SB1333) Update
Speaker Madigan is pushing hard for passage of legislation that would terminate state employees in certain exempt positions. Originally, his legislation covered all Rutan-exempt employees, but it has since been amended to only cover those who are both Rutan-exempt and exempt from the Personnel Code and to exclude bargaining unit employees. AFSCME is further seeking to exclude employees who are included in petitions for union representation pending at the labor board from this legislation.
Salary Grade Negotiations
At this point, we have not reached a resolution for your salary grade. We remain hopeful that we will reach an agreement. However, if we cannot, your arbitration hearing on this issue is scheduled for June 9th.
Labor Board Update
The Labor Board has denied AFSCME’s petition to merge PSA Option 6 employees into RC-62/63. The Union had pointed out to the Board that it was SEIU, not AFSCME that petitioned for a separate unit. Since employees voted overwhelmingly to be represented by AFSCME, they should be represented as AFSCME had originally petitioned. The Labor Board’s denial means that RC-150 employees (PSA Option 6) do not have bidding rights to RC-62/63, though this is something we can seek in future bargaining with the State. Employees do have bidding rights to other Option 6 positions and, of course they have increased job security. In the event of a threatened layoff, they would have bumping rights into other AFSCME represented bargaining units, as well as rights to vacant positions in other AFSCME bargaining units. The RC-63 contract language still applies to RC-150 employees, but as a separate bargaining unit. AFSCME Council 31 will continue to seek to negotiate the expansion of your rights with the State.
As a result of the Unfair Labor Practice charge we filed, AFSCME Council 31 and the State of Illinois resolved the issue of Earned Equivalent Time. Up until July 1, 2007, EET not used by the end of the fiscal year was lost. This changed on July 1, 2007, when employees were first allowed to carry their EET over into the next fiscal year. Under the resolution, all EET employees had accumulated since July 1, 2007 will be restored. The memorandum of understanding is attached to this update.
“Fumigation” Bill (SB1333) Update
Speaker Madigan is pushing hard for passage of legislation that would terminate state employees in certain exempt positions. Originally, his legislation covered all Rutan-exempt employees, but it has since been amended to only cover those who are both Rutan-exempt and exempt from the Personnel Code and to exclude bargaining unit employees. AFSCME is further seeking to exclude employees who are included in petitions for union representation pending at the labor board from this legislation.
Salary Grade Negotiations
At this point, we have not reached a resolution for your salary grade. We remain hopeful that we will reach an agreement. However, if we cannot, your arbitration hearing on this issue is scheduled for June 9th.
Labor Board Update
The Labor Board has denied AFSCME’s petition to merge PSA Option 6 employees into RC-62/63. The Union had pointed out to the Board that it was SEIU, not AFSCME that petitioned for a separate unit. Since employees voted overwhelmingly to be represented by AFSCME, they should be represented as AFSCME had originally petitioned. The Labor Board’s denial means that RC-150 employees (PSA Option 6) do not have bidding rights to RC-62/63, though this is something we can seek in future bargaining with the State. Employees do have bidding rights to other Option 6 positions and, of course they have increased job security. In the event of a threatened layoff, they would have bumping rights into other AFSCME represented bargaining units, as well as rights to vacant positions in other AFSCME bargaining units. The RC-63 contract language still applies to RC-150 employees, but as a separate bargaining unit. AFSCME Council 31 will continue to seek to negotiate the expansion of your rights with the State.
Earned Equivalent Time Resolution and PSA Option 6 Update
As you may be aware, many Merit Compensation employees are not eligible for overtime, but earn something called “earned equivalent time” (EET). EET is similar to comp time, but is earned at straight time and only after 40 hours actually worked in a week. Several months ago, AFSCME learned that the state has been unilaterally taking accumulated EET away from newly organized employees as they won AFSCME representation. AFSCME Council 31 filed an unfair labor practice charge against the state challenging the state’s right to unilaterally change a condition of employment. We have now reached an agreement with the state which will resolve our unfair labor practice charge.
Up until July 1, 2007, EET not used by the end of the fiscal year was lost. This changed on July 1, 2007, when MC employees were first allowed to carry their EET over into the next fiscal year. Under the resolution, all EET (after July 1, 2007) that employees had at the time they became represented by AFSCME will be restored. Agencies should be adjusting employees leave balances to reflect the restoration of their EET.
The attached update is going out to all PSA Option 6 employees. The EET memorandum of understanding is attached to the update. Please note that the application of the EET MOU is not limited to only PSA Option 6’s. It covers all MC employees organized since July 1, 2007 who were previously eligible for EET. As we continue to organize new titles, it is also important to note that this MOU will apply prospectively as well. You should take this opportunity to urge any recently organized employees who have not yet signed a membership card that they should do so.
Sincerely,
Mike Newman, Associate Director
AFSCME Council 31
Up until July 1, 2007, EET not used by the end of the fiscal year was lost. This changed on July 1, 2007, when MC employees were first allowed to carry their EET over into the next fiscal year. Under the resolution, all EET (after July 1, 2007) that employees had at the time they became represented by AFSCME will be restored. Agencies should be adjusting employees leave balances to reflect the restoration of their EET.
The attached update is going out to all PSA Option 6 employees. The EET memorandum of understanding is attached to the update. Please note that the application of the EET MOU is not limited to only PSA Option 6’s. It covers all MC employees organized since July 1, 2007 who were previously eligible for EET. As we continue to organize new titles, it is also important to note that this MOU will apply prospectively as well. You should take this opportunity to urge any recently organized employees who have not yet signed a membership card that they should do so.
Sincerely,
Mike Newman, Associate Director
AFSCME Council 31
Saturday, May 23, 2009
TDF Budget Campaign
Brothers and Sisters,
I would like to congratulate everyone on their perseverance this week. We have worked hard to let legislators know that new revenues are needed to prevent cuts to services and layoffs in the State of Illinois. Monday, the local union can account for 68 people making calls, and Tuesday we can account for 57 people making calls to their state representatives and senators. Wednesday, our email campaign sent emails for 134 of our employees. We wrapped up the week with 110 people signing faxes which were sent to the appropriate legislators. The last leg of our campaign will have your executive board members bringing around a petition to be signed which will be delivered to Springfield next week. Thanks for your support.
Sincerely,
Travis Houzenga
I would like to congratulate everyone on their perseverance this week. We have worked hard to let legislators know that new revenues are needed to prevent cuts to services and layoffs in the State of Illinois. Monday, the local union can account for 68 people making calls, and Tuesday we can account for 57 people making calls to their state representatives and senators. Wednesday, our email campaign sent emails for 134 of our employees. We wrapped up the week with 110 people signing faxes which were sent to the appropriate legislators. The last leg of our campaign will have your executive board members bringing around a petition to be signed which will be delivered to Springfield next week. Thanks for your support.
Sincerely,
Travis Houzenga
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
PSA Option 8(e) Employees
Today, AFSCME Council 31 won an election for SPSA Option 8(e) employees. The vote was AFSCME - 17; ISEA/LIUNA - 2; No Representation - 2.
In addition, we have been recently certified for the Data Processing Supervisors I, II, III, BCCS Program Managers, SPSA Option 8(p), and Statistical Research Supervisors.
In addition, we have been recently certified for the Data Processing Supervisors I, II, III, BCCS Program Managers, SPSA Option 8(p), and Statistical Research Supervisors.
TDF Budget Campaign
Brothers and Sisters,
Thanks for your participation to date. We have been busy the last few days making phone calls and sending emails to support raising additional revenue in our state to protect services, jobs, and our benefits. Today, 108 people from our local made their voices known by 3 pm. Lets see if we can duplicate that tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Travis Houzenga
Thanks for your participation to date. We have been busy the last few days making phone calls and sending emails to support raising additional revenue in our state to protect services, jobs, and our benefits. Today, 108 people from our local made their voices known by 3 pm. Lets see if we can duplicate that tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Travis Houzenga
Brothers and Sisters,
Our fight for a fair budget is well underway. But we can't let up.
I wanted to let you know that, even as members like you are working hard on the ground--reaching out to your legislators by phone and e-mail--Council 31 has taken to the air.
We're on both broadcast and cable TV in Springfield--where the lawmakers are--with our first ad. We have two radio spots running in rotation. And there's more to come.
Every bit of it is meant to drive home our message to lawmakers: Our jobs and the public services we provide are critically important. Our communities count on us every day. And right now, we're counting on legislators to do what's right--raise the new revenue needed to prevent harmful cuts and layoffs.
At the end of this note, you'll find links to see and hear the ads for yourself. When you're finished, take a minute to make sure your co-workers are all signed up for this e-mail list by clicking Tell A Friend below. And as always, remember to visit the AFSCME Council 31 Web site for the latest news.
"No One Is Here To Take Your Call" (TV - YouTube link)
"Recession" (radio - mp3)
"Emergency Responders" (radio - mp3)
Finally, be sure to stay involved with the grassroots program being implemented by your local union.
In solidarity,
Henry Bayer
Executive DirectorAFSCME Council 31
http://www.afscme31.org
Our fight for a fair budget is well underway. But we can't let up.
I wanted to let you know that, even as members like you are working hard on the ground--reaching out to your legislators by phone and e-mail--Council 31 has taken to the air.
We're on both broadcast and cable TV in Springfield--where the lawmakers are--with our first ad. We have two radio spots running in rotation. And there's more to come.
Every bit of it is meant to drive home our message to lawmakers: Our jobs and the public services we provide are critically important. Our communities count on us every day. And right now, we're counting on legislators to do what's right--raise the new revenue needed to prevent harmful cuts and layoffs.
At the end of this note, you'll find links to see and hear the ads for yourself. When you're finished, take a minute to make sure your co-workers are all signed up for this e-mail list by clicking Tell A Friend below. And as always, remember to visit the AFSCME Council 31 Web site for the latest news.
"No One Is Here To Take Your Call" (TV - YouTube link)
"Recession" (radio - mp3)
"Emergency Responders" (radio - mp3)
Finally, be sure to stay involved with the grassroots program being implemented by your local union.
In solidarity,
Henry Bayer
Executive DirectorAFSCME Council 31
http://www.afscme31.org
Monday, May 18, 2009
Brothers and Sisters,
Legislators can't avoid the ugly reality of the $12 billion state budget deficit any longer. Those who say the budget should be balanced by cuts instead of tax increases are on the spot. In a speech Monday the Governor made clear what a "doomsday" budget--one with no new revenues--would look like.
In addition to devastating cuts to K-12 and higher education, health care, transportation, local government and more, that doomsday scenario includes the closure of all four state veterans homes, half the state parks and all the historic sites, 1 in every 5 DHS field offices, and six prisons and youth centers--coupled with the release of 6,500 inmates. As Governor Quinn himself said, "to legislators who think we have to cut, maybe they can take those prisoners home to their own houses.
"The doomsday budget would slash state agencies by 37 percent, forcing thousands upon thousands of state-employee layoffs and decimating the services we provide.
There's not a moment to waste. We have to say NO WAY to doomsday, stand up for a fair budget--and demand that our legislators join us.
That's why AFSCME Council 31 launched our aggressive Fair Solutions for a Fair Budget campaign. Thousands of union members and retirees already attended Fair Budget forums and made their voices heard. Now we're turning up the heat.
This week, it is critical that you call, e-mail and fax your legislators. Tell senators and representatives what you do, why your work is vitally needed, and that they must support the new taxes necessary to prevent the doomsday plan's deep service cuts and thousands of layoffs. Your local union stewards and officers are putting this outreach program into action in worksites everywhere, so see them for more information.
And AFSCME is launching a comprehensive media campaign to take our message directly to legislators while they're at the state capitol in Springfield this week. That campaign will include TV and radio ads and a new interactive Web site.
As a member of the AFSCME Council 31 Action Center, you'll be among the first to know of new developments. Please take a moment to click "Tell A Friend" below--and let all your co-workers know how they can get updates like this one, plus important action alerts.
In solidarity,
Henry Bayer
Executive DirectorAFSCME Council 31
http://www.afscme31.org
Legislators can't avoid the ugly reality of the $12 billion state budget deficit any longer. Those who say the budget should be balanced by cuts instead of tax increases are on the spot. In a speech Monday the Governor made clear what a "doomsday" budget--one with no new revenues--would look like.
In addition to devastating cuts to K-12 and higher education, health care, transportation, local government and more, that doomsday scenario includes the closure of all four state veterans homes, half the state parks and all the historic sites, 1 in every 5 DHS field offices, and six prisons and youth centers--coupled with the release of 6,500 inmates. As Governor Quinn himself said, "to legislators who think we have to cut, maybe they can take those prisoners home to their own houses.
"The doomsday budget would slash state agencies by 37 percent, forcing thousands upon thousands of state-employee layoffs and decimating the services we provide.
There's not a moment to waste. We have to say NO WAY to doomsday, stand up for a fair budget--and demand that our legislators join us.
That's why AFSCME Council 31 launched our aggressive Fair Solutions for a Fair Budget campaign. Thousands of union members and retirees already attended Fair Budget forums and made their voices heard. Now we're turning up the heat.
This week, it is critical that you call, e-mail and fax your legislators. Tell senators and representatives what you do, why your work is vitally needed, and that they must support the new taxes necessary to prevent the doomsday plan's deep service cuts and thousands of layoffs. Your local union stewards and officers are putting this outreach program into action in worksites everywhere, so see them for more information.
And AFSCME is launching a comprehensive media campaign to take our message directly to legislators while they're at the state capitol in Springfield this week. That campaign will include TV and radio ads and a new interactive Web site.
As a member of the AFSCME Council 31 Action Center, you'll be among the first to know of new developments. Please take a moment to click "Tell A Friend" below--and let all your co-workers know how they can get updates like this one, plus important action alerts.
In solidarity,
Henry Bayer
Executive DirectorAFSCME Council 31
http://www.afscme31.org
Campaign for a Fair Budget
—‘Consider the Consequences’
Raise Revenues—Preserve Services, Prevent Layoffs
Phase 1 – Call-in Days
If lawmakers don’t support a tax increase, thousands of state employees could be laid off. Essential services will be slashed. Pensions may be cut, creating two tiers. Yet many legislators, even some of our most reliable allies are saying they won’t support the tax increase needed to close the $12 billion budget gap. They claim they are only hearing from tax-increase opponents. We’ve got to turn that around!
Call-in Days are Monday and Tuesday, May 18 and 19. Call on either or both days. Get the word out. The union office will be open to make calls. If you make the call from your own phone, report it to President Houzenga so that he can give Council 31 an accurate accounting of support from our local union. Thank you.
Senator Sullivan - 217-222-2295
Rep. Tracy - 217-223-0833
Rep. Myers - 309-836-2707
Raise Revenues—Preserve Services, Prevent Layoffs
Phase 1 – Call-in Days
If lawmakers don’t support a tax increase, thousands of state employees could be laid off. Essential services will be slashed. Pensions may be cut, creating two tiers. Yet many legislators, even some of our most reliable allies are saying they won’t support the tax increase needed to close the $12 billion budget gap. They claim they are only hearing from tax-increase opponents. We’ve got to turn that around!
Call-in Days are Monday and Tuesday, May 18 and 19. Call on either or both days. Get the word out. The union office will be open to make calls. If you make the call from your own phone, report it to President Houzenga so that he can give Council 31 an accurate accounting of support from our local union. Thank you.
Senator Sullivan - 217-222-2295
Rep. Tracy - 217-223-0833
Rep. Myers - 309-836-2707
Council 31 Legislative Update
Tax Increase in Jeopardy – The state’s leading source for breaking news at the State Capitol is reporting today that a growing number of legislators are resisting any form of income tax increase—and are prepared to make draconian cuts to the state budget. There’s a $12 billion budget hole—and even they can find ways to paper over a few billion of that, without a tax increase, there will undoubtedly be major service cuts, massive layoffs of state employees, and hard hits on university budgets and funding for community disability agencies.
Council 31 has launched the "Consider the Consequences " campaign—which will combine intensive grassroots lobbying with a saturation media outreach in the Springfield area where legislators will remain for the rest of the session. Currently they are scheduled to enact a budget and adjourn by May 31st.
Action Needed: AFSCME members should be calling, writing and emailing their legislators to tell them to support the income tax increase and other revenue-raising measures needed to close the state’s budget gap.
Two-Tier Pensions Pushed – This week SB 1292, the Governor’s proposed two-tier pension plan, which would eliminate the alternative formula for new public safety employees, as well as reducing benefits for all other new hires in state government and state universities, was up for a hearing in the House Committee on Pensions. Council 31 Executive Director, Henry Bayer-- along with leaders of the IFT, the IEA and the Illinois Federation of Labor--was there to testify against the measure. The union leaders made a powerful case against the folly of the bill which would continue to drastically underfund the pension system at the same time that it drastically cuts benefit.
After the hearing, the House leadership convened a meeting in which key legislators insisted that they were determined to enact legislation that would reduce pension benefits for new hires—and argued that the unions should work with them to craft an "acceptable" bill. Henry and the other labor leaders present made clear that benefit cuts are not acceptable--and that labor would oppose any bill that cuts pension benefits for new hires.
Action Needed: Make sure your legislators know you oppose two-tier pensions. Legislators argue they’re not hurting union members—only those not yet in our ranks. But those folks will be our members the day they’re hired—and they will be very unhappy members when they realize they have a much lower pension than the employees working alongside them.
AFSCME Working to Amend "Fumigation" Bill – HB 4450, House Speaker Michael Madigan’s legislation to immediately terminate all "political" hires and appointees from the Ryan and Blagojevich administrations, would hit thousands of dedicated, hard-working employees who are anything but political hacks. AFSCME lobbyists are working nonstop to amend the legislation to exclude anyone in an AFSCME bargaining unit—or any employee included in a petition for union representation currently before the labor board. At the same time, it is the union’s position that the ‘just cause’ clause of the AFSCME master agreement would prohibit the termination of any AFSCME member even if the bill should pass as is.
Action Needed: AFSCME local unions in state government should make sure that any of their members potentially impacted by this bill—or newly-organized employees in their jurisdiction—know that the union is working to amend this legislation to exclude them from its provisions. And remind members that it is the union’s position that the AFSCME contract would prevent their termination even if the bill passes as is.
Council 31 has launched the "Consider the Consequences " campaign—which will combine intensive grassroots lobbying with a saturation media outreach in the Springfield area where legislators will remain for the rest of the session. Currently they are scheduled to enact a budget and adjourn by May 31st.
Action Needed: AFSCME members should be calling, writing and emailing their legislators to tell them to support the income tax increase and other revenue-raising measures needed to close the state’s budget gap.
Two-Tier Pensions Pushed – This week SB 1292, the Governor’s proposed two-tier pension plan, which would eliminate the alternative formula for new public safety employees, as well as reducing benefits for all other new hires in state government and state universities, was up for a hearing in the House Committee on Pensions. Council 31 Executive Director, Henry Bayer-- along with leaders of the IFT, the IEA and the Illinois Federation of Labor--was there to testify against the measure. The union leaders made a powerful case against the folly of the bill which would continue to drastically underfund the pension system at the same time that it drastically cuts benefit.
After the hearing, the House leadership convened a meeting in which key legislators insisted that they were determined to enact legislation that would reduce pension benefits for new hires—and argued that the unions should work with them to craft an "acceptable" bill. Henry and the other labor leaders present made clear that benefit cuts are not acceptable--and that labor would oppose any bill that cuts pension benefits for new hires.
Action Needed: Make sure your legislators know you oppose two-tier pensions. Legislators argue they’re not hurting union members—only those not yet in our ranks. But those folks will be our members the day they’re hired—and they will be very unhappy members when they realize they have a much lower pension than the employees working alongside them.
AFSCME Working to Amend "Fumigation" Bill – HB 4450, House Speaker Michael Madigan’s legislation to immediately terminate all "political" hires and appointees from the Ryan and Blagojevich administrations, would hit thousands of dedicated, hard-working employees who are anything but political hacks. AFSCME lobbyists are working nonstop to amend the legislation to exclude anyone in an AFSCME bargaining unit—or any employee included in a petition for union representation currently before the labor board. At the same time, it is the union’s position that the ‘just cause’ clause of the AFSCME master agreement would prohibit the termination of any AFSCME member even if the bill should pass as is.
Action Needed: AFSCME local unions in state government should make sure that any of their members potentially impacted by this bill—or newly-organized employees in their jurisdiction—know that the union is working to amend this legislation to exclude them from its provisions. And remind members that it is the union’s position that the AFSCME contract would prevent their termination even if the bill passes as is.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Council 31 Legislative Update
May 7, 2009
Threat of Massive Layoffs in State Government Looms Larger – It’s hard to believe, with state government already cut to the bone, but a growing number of legislators are saying that they won’t vote for a tax increase—which will leave the state with a $12 billion budget shortfall that could well translate into massive service cutbacks and employee layoffs.
Gov. Quinn has stepped up to the plate and proposed an increase in the state’s income tax to address this dire shortfall. The reality is that just to pay for existing state and university pension liabilities and maintain current service levels the state needs a larger increase than the one Gov. Quinn has proposed. But rather than talking about how to raise more revenues, virtually all Republicans—and even many Democrats—are opposing any tax increase at all.
AFSCME members know all too well that state government is already a barebones operation, but there’s no doubt that without a tax increase, more cuts will be made.
So it’s going to be up to us to get that message out to our members and the wider public—to stand up against those who would deliberately deceive by claiming that we can cut our way out of Illinois’ fiscal crisis.
Action Needed: It is critical that AFSCME members stand up and speak out in support of raising desperately needed new revenues by raising the state’s income tax and expanding the sales tax base. Make sure you let your state senators and representatives know that you support raising taxes to avert cuts to vital services, pension underfunding and layoffs.
Quinn Backs Off Pension Increase for Current Employees—Still Pushing Big Health Care Cost Increases and Two-Tier Pension Benefits -- AFSCME members and retirees all across the state have been packing regional legislative forums to press legislators to oppose Gov. Quinn’s proposals to make current state and university employees pay more for their pensions and slash pension benefits for new hires—as well the Governor’s proposal to require employees and retirees to pay more for their health insurance. More than 2,000 union members and retirees have turned out for the forums thus far—and thousands more have called their legislators to make their voices heard. AFSCME has been joined in our opposition to these draconian benefit reductions by both teachers’ unions, the IFT and the IEA
Yesterday, union members won a partial victory in that battle. The Governor appeared at an IEA rally and announced that he would back off his proposal to require that current employees pay 2% more toward their pensions. Quinn is still pushing for both current employees and retirees to pay a lot more for their health insurance—and for drastically lower pension benefits for new hires.
Quinn’s two-tier pension proposal has now been put before the General Assembly in the form of SB 1292. AFSCME and our allies in the Illinois Retirement Security Initiative (IRSI) are gearing up for a full court press for next Tuesday, May 12, when SB 1292 will be up for a vote in the House Committee on Pensions. But even if the Union’s lobbyists are successful in preventing the bill from moving out of committee next week—and that will be a tall order—the threats to pension and health care benefits still remain.
Gov. Quinn and all four legislative leaders appear united in the effort to reduce benefits for new hires. So if SB 1292 goes down, we will almost certainly see some other variation of this legislation before the General Assembly adjourns.
They are also still planning to once again shortchange the pension system by failing to make the full share of the employer’s contribution—greatly increasing the risk that the pension funds could go broke in the near future.
Action Needed: We have to keep the pressure on our state senators and representatives so that they’ll make clear to their leadership that they won’t vote to cut pension or health care benefits or put the stability of the pension funds at risk. We have to make sure our legislators understand that Illinois pension benefits are modest and well-deserved. New hires should not have to do the same work for a much diminished retirement benefit. And remind legislators that state employees and retirees already pay a lot for our health insurance and can’t afford the kind of big increases Quinn is pushing.
State University Funding Also at Risk – Without a tax increase, state universities will likely lose even the modest funding increase included in the Governor’s proposed FY10 budget plan. While it’s not clear that this loss will result in layoffs, it certainly could have that consequence. And even if layoffs don’t occur, such funding limitations will heighten the pressure for employee concessions and givebacks.
Action Needed: AFSCME members at state universities should let their legislators know that they support an income tax increase—and expansion of the sales tax base—to raise sufficient revenues to keep state universities fully operational.
Oppose Reduction in State Aid to Local Governments – Governor Quinn is failing to take into account the increased financial woes besetting cities, counties, and other units of local government throughout Illinois. As a result his proposal to raise the state income tax increase revokes (for purposes of the increase only) the normal requirement that 10% of state income tax revenues be reallocated to local units of government. AFSCME believes that any state tax increase should be large enough to meet the state’s needs, while also maintaining the state’s commitment to aid local government.
Action Needed: AFSCME members who work for municipalities, counties and other units of local government should contact their state legislators and tell them to make sure that local governments are not left out of any new state income tax increase.
Rep. Franks Tries to Kill Forced Overtime Bill (SB1369) – AFSCME members have built broadbased support in the General Assembly for legislation to restrict mandatory overtime after legislators heard reports of the exhausting hours so many state employees are working and the terrible toll they take. That’s why SB 1369, AFSCME-backed legislation to ban mandatory overtime in IDOC, DJJ, DHS and DVA facilities, passed out of the Senate by an overwhelming margin last month. But at the behest of the Quinn Administration which opposes the legislation, Rep. Jack Franks (D-Woodstock) effectively hijacked the sponsorship of SB 1369 when it came over from the Senate, then refused to call it for a vote. AFSCME Position: Support. Status: SB1369 is effectively dead; AFSCME lobbyists are now looking for ways to amend the substance of this measure onto another bill that did get out of committee.
Action Needed: -- Rep. Franks is trying to kill a measure of immense importance to the health and well-being of thousands of state workers. AFSCME members should call Rep. Franks (217-782-1717) and tell him that if he doesn’t find a way to help revive this bill in this legislative session, we will hold him accountable for the dangerous amounts of mandatory overtime that employees are being forced to work.
Oppose Facility Closures/Support Needed Expansion – Governor Quinn’s proposed FY 10 budget would result in the closure of IYC-Pere Marquette and would put the brakes on the plan to fully open the Thomson Correctional Center. In addition, the budget does not include full funding for Howe Developmental Center or Tinley Park Mental Health Center, leaving these facilities still facing the threat of closure. AFSCME is working to convince legislators that Pere Marquette, Howe and Tinley Park should remain open—and that new beds should be opened at Thomson CC.
Action Needed: AFSCME members who work at Pere Marquette, Thomson, Howe or Tinley Park should be sure to contact their legislators and urge them to provide funding for these facilities.
Push on for COLA for workers in community disability agencies -- Employees in community-based agencies serving people with disabilities or others in need must depend on state funding. Last year, after vigorous grassroots lobbying by direct care workers, AFSCME succeeded in passing legislation for a 50ct./hr. pay increase for community disability workers. But the previous governor vetoed that funding. Unfortunately, Gov. Quinn did not include any funding for a pay raise for these workers in his proposed FY 10 budget, so AFSCME is once against gearing up an intensive lobbying effort to convince legislators to include such funding in any final budget that is enacted.
Action Needed: AFSCME members in community disability agencies should call their legislators to urge them to push for funding for a pay raise for direct care workers in the FY 10 budget. Members should also be sure to get as many signatures as possible on the “Campaign for Fairness” postcards which will be delivered to Governor Quinn.
Require legislative approval for closures (SB327/HB2376) -- Council 31 is working to enact legislation that will require greater legislative oversight of any proposed closure. SB327, sponsored by Sen. Crotty/Rep. Riley, and HB2367, sponsored by Rep. Gordon/Sen. Crotty, would amend the state’s Facility Closure Act to require that if a facility or site is funded in the budget enacted by the General Assembly, it cannot subsequently be closed without a joint resolution of the General Assembly approving the closure. This legislation is vigorously opposed by those forces that want to close down all state mental health and developmental centers. AFSCME Position: Support. Status: SB327 passed out of the Senate by a solid margin and is in House Executive Committee; HB2376 passed out of the House and is on Second Reading in the Senate.
Bring greater equity to the Unemployment Insurance program (HB2555 and SB1350) -- AFSCME is seeking to pass legislation (HB2555) that would expand UI benefits to those school district and university employees who are laid off in the summer months. However school districts and universities are vigorously opposing this measure because of the costs involved. In addition, Council 31 is seeking to enact legislation (SB1350) that would extend the time period for cut-off of UI benefits when an employer has locked out its employees. This measure is vehemently opposed by big business lobbyists. AFSCME Position: Support. Status: HB2555 was not called for a vote in the House; SB1350 passed out of the Senate and is on Second Reading in the House.
Improve health care quality for all AFSCME members/support nurse staffing ratios (SB224/HB485) --The American health care system is in crisis. The only real solution is a national program of universal health care—and Council 31 is participating in the AFL-CIO’s nationwide campaign to press for the development and enactment of major health care reform to meet that goal. At the same time, we will seek to address problems that can be tackled at the state level.
To that end, AFSCME is leading a statewide coalition that is seeking to enact legislation to establish required nurse-to-patient staffing ratios in Illinois hospitals and to provide for nurse input into staffing plans. SB224 and HB485 are being held in committee pending negotiations with the Illinois Hospital Association, which is fiercely opposing this measure.
Provide fairness for Corrections health care employees (SB1987/HB2375) – AFSCME-represented medical vendor employees in DOC and DJJ have made steady progress through their union toward achieving wage parity with state medical personnel in these departments. However, they still have to pay significantly more for their health coverage and do not have a defined benefit pension plan. AFSCME is pushing for passage of this legislation which would make employees of corrections medical vendors who are union-represented state employees and enable them to keep their union representation. This legislation is meeting very strong opposition from the vendors (HPL and Wexford), as well as from the Illinois Nurses Association. AFSCME position: Support. Status: HB2375 was not called for a vote in the House; SB1987 is in the Senate Assignments Committee.
Action Needed: It is very important that AFSCME members who work for an IDOC medical vendor immediately call their state senator and state representative to tell them that they want to become state employees represented by AFSCME—and that they want the legislator to support SB 1987.
Oppose efforts to reduce services for individuals with mental illness and developmental disabilities (HJR 28/SJR30) -- There is growing pressure to close or downsize state-operated centers for persons with mental illness and developmental disabilities. HJR28and SJR30, as originally drafted would have put the General Assembly on record in support of a “blueprint” for the future of development disability services which calls for closing down five state developmental centers. Council 31 supports a comprehensive array of services for people with mental illness and developmental disabilities and opposes efforts to fund one type of service by cutting another. To that end, AFSCME lobbyists worked with sponsors of these measures to amend the language so that it did not explicitly support state facility closures.
Restore and expand union rights (HB2445) -- Council 31 is working with the Illinois AFL-CIO to pass this omnibus reform of the Illinois public sector labor relations law in order to address key problems that have arisen, such as lengthy delays in adjudicating Unfair Labor Practice charges. AFSCME Position: Support. Status: HB 2445 has passed the House and is on Second Reading in the Senate.
Establish fair mileage reimbursement rules (HB 480) – AFSCME has been pressing for several years now to bring state mileage reimbursement regulations in line with federal protocols which are fairer to employees. HB480, sponsored by Rep. Boland, would accomplish that goal.
AFSCME Position: Support. Status: HB 480 passed out of the House and is on Second Reading in the Senate.
Establish MRSA protections in law (SB105/HB185) – Since MRSA infections first emerged as a serious health threat, AFSCME has led the effort to force employers to institute appropriate protocols to prevent the occurrence of such infections. Council 31 is supporting this legislation to make sure that every workplace in Illinois state government has appropriate employee protections in place to prevent the spread of MRSA. AFSCME Position: Support. Status: HB185 passed out of the House and is on Second Reading in the Senate; SB105 passed out of the Senate and is in the House Executive Committee.
Preserve Tamms CC role as IDOC safety valve (HB2633) – HB 2633, as introduced, would make it more difficult to transfer dangerous inmates to Tamms, as well as preventing the incarceration of inmates with mental health problems at Tamms. It would also establish more clearly-defined procedures for inmates to be moved out of Tamms. AFSCME opposed the measures as originally introduced because it could greatly increase the danger at other correctional facilities throughout the system by making it more difficult to swiftly move an inmate who presents an immediate danger to Tamms. IDOC also opposed the bill. Currently, the sponsor, Rep. Hamos, is seeking to bring together concerned parties—including AFSCME—to see if a compromise can be reached.
Dozens of bills impact AFSCME members – There are literally dozens of other bills that the AFSCME lobbying team is working to support or defeat that would affect AFSCME members—in some cases as few as a dozen employees. Whatever the number of employees involved, if a bill could hurt or help them—and if it has a chance of moving forward in the General Assembly—Council 31 lobbyists are hard at work to make sure that the interests of union members are protected and advanced. If any of these bills emerge as a real threat to members’ well-being or as potential benefits to members, the local unions that are impacted will be notified so that they can assist in the lobbying effort.
Threat of Massive Layoffs in State Government Looms Larger – It’s hard to believe, with state government already cut to the bone, but a growing number of legislators are saying that they won’t vote for a tax increase—which will leave the state with a $12 billion budget shortfall that could well translate into massive service cutbacks and employee layoffs.
Gov. Quinn has stepped up to the plate and proposed an increase in the state’s income tax to address this dire shortfall. The reality is that just to pay for existing state and university pension liabilities and maintain current service levels the state needs a larger increase than the one Gov. Quinn has proposed. But rather than talking about how to raise more revenues, virtually all Republicans—and even many Democrats—are opposing any tax increase at all.
AFSCME members know all too well that state government is already a barebones operation, but there’s no doubt that without a tax increase, more cuts will be made.
So it’s going to be up to us to get that message out to our members and the wider public—to stand up against those who would deliberately deceive by claiming that we can cut our way out of Illinois’ fiscal crisis.
Action Needed: It is critical that AFSCME members stand up and speak out in support of raising desperately needed new revenues by raising the state’s income tax and expanding the sales tax base. Make sure you let your state senators and representatives know that you support raising taxes to avert cuts to vital services, pension underfunding and layoffs.
Quinn Backs Off Pension Increase for Current Employees—Still Pushing Big Health Care Cost Increases and Two-Tier Pension Benefits -- AFSCME members and retirees all across the state have been packing regional legislative forums to press legislators to oppose Gov. Quinn’s proposals to make current state and university employees pay more for their pensions and slash pension benefits for new hires—as well the Governor’s proposal to require employees and retirees to pay more for their health insurance. More than 2,000 union members and retirees have turned out for the forums thus far—and thousands more have called their legislators to make their voices heard. AFSCME has been joined in our opposition to these draconian benefit reductions by both teachers’ unions, the IFT and the IEA
Yesterday, union members won a partial victory in that battle. The Governor appeared at an IEA rally and announced that he would back off his proposal to require that current employees pay 2% more toward their pensions. Quinn is still pushing for both current employees and retirees to pay a lot more for their health insurance—and for drastically lower pension benefits for new hires.
Quinn’s two-tier pension proposal has now been put before the General Assembly in the form of SB 1292. AFSCME and our allies in the Illinois Retirement Security Initiative (IRSI) are gearing up for a full court press for next Tuesday, May 12, when SB 1292 will be up for a vote in the House Committee on Pensions. But even if the Union’s lobbyists are successful in preventing the bill from moving out of committee next week—and that will be a tall order—the threats to pension and health care benefits still remain.
Gov. Quinn and all four legislative leaders appear united in the effort to reduce benefits for new hires. So if SB 1292 goes down, we will almost certainly see some other variation of this legislation before the General Assembly adjourns.
They are also still planning to once again shortchange the pension system by failing to make the full share of the employer’s contribution—greatly increasing the risk that the pension funds could go broke in the near future.
Action Needed: We have to keep the pressure on our state senators and representatives so that they’ll make clear to their leadership that they won’t vote to cut pension or health care benefits or put the stability of the pension funds at risk. We have to make sure our legislators understand that Illinois pension benefits are modest and well-deserved. New hires should not have to do the same work for a much diminished retirement benefit. And remind legislators that state employees and retirees already pay a lot for our health insurance and can’t afford the kind of big increases Quinn is pushing.
State University Funding Also at Risk – Without a tax increase, state universities will likely lose even the modest funding increase included in the Governor’s proposed FY10 budget plan. While it’s not clear that this loss will result in layoffs, it certainly could have that consequence. And even if layoffs don’t occur, such funding limitations will heighten the pressure for employee concessions and givebacks.
Action Needed: AFSCME members at state universities should let their legislators know that they support an income tax increase—and expansion of the sales tax base—to raise sufficient revenues to keep state universities fully operational.
Oppose Reduction in State Aid to Local Governments – Governor Quinn is failing to take into account the increased financial woes besetting cities, counties, and other units of local government throughout Illinois. As a result his proposal to raise the state income tax increase revokes (for purposes of the increase only) the normal requirement that 10% of state income tax revenues be reallocated to local units of government. AFSCME believes that any state tax increase should be large enough to meet the state’s needs, while also maintaining the state’s commitment to aid local government.
Action Needed: AFSCME members who work for municipalities, counties and other units of local government should contact their state legislators and tell them to make sure that local governments are not left out of any new state income tax increase.
Rep. Franks Tries to Kill Forced Overtime Bill (SB1369) – AFSCME members have built broadbased support in the General Assembly for legislation to restrict mandatory overtime after legislators heard reports of the exhausting hours so many state employees are working and the terrible toll they take. That’s why SB 1369, AFSCME-backed legislation to ban mandatory overtime in IDOC, DJJ, DHS and DVA facilities, passed out of the Senate by an overwhelming margin last month. But at the behest of the Quinn Administration which opposes the legislation, Rep. Jack Franks (D-Woodstock) effectively hijacked the sponsorship of SB 1369 when it came over from the Senate, then refused to call it for a vote. AFSCME Position: Support. Status: SB1369 is effectively dead; AFSCME lobbyists are now looking for ways to amend the substance of this measure onto another bill that did get out of committee.
Action Needed: -- Rep. Franks is trying to kill a measure of immense importance to the health and well-being of thousands of state workers. AFSCME members should call Rep. Franks (217-782-1717) and tell him that if he doesn’t find a way to help revive this bill in this legislative session, we will hold him accountable for the dangerous amounts of mandatory overtime that employees are being forced to work.
Oppose Facility Closures/Support Needed Expansion – Governor Quinn’s proposed FY 10 budget would result in the closure of IYC-Pere Marquette and would put the brakes on the plan to fully open the Thomson Correctional Center. In addition, the budget does not include full funding for Howe Developmental Center or Tinley Park Mental Health Center, leaving these facilities still facing the threat of closure. AFSCME is working to convince legislators that Pere Marquette, Howe and Tinley Park should remain open—and that new beds should be opened at Thomson CC.
Action Needed: AFSCME members who work at Pere Marquette, Thomson, Howe or Tinley Park should be sure to contact their legislators and urge them to provide funding for these facilities.
Push on for COLA for workers in community disability agencies -- Employees in community-based agencies serving people with disabilities or others in need must depend on state funding. Last year, after vigorous grassroots lobbying by direct care workers, AFSCME succeeded in passing legislation for a 50ct./hr. pay increase for community disability workers. But the previous governor vetoed that funding. Unfortunately, Gov. Quinn did not include any funding for a pay raise for these workers in his proposed FY 10 budget, so AFSCME is once against gearing up an intensive lobbying effort to convince legislators to include such funding in any final budget that is enacted.
Action Needed: AFSCME members in community disability agencies should call their legislators to urge them to push for funding for a pay raise for direct care workers in the FY 10 budget. Members should also be sure to get as many signatures as possible on the “Campaign for Fairness” postcards which will be delivered to Governor Quinn.
Require legislative approval for closures (SB327/HB2376) -- Council 31 is working to enact legislation that will require greater legislative oversight of any proposed closure. SB327, sponsored by Sen. Crotty/Rep. Riley, and HB2367, sponsored by Rep. Gordon/Sen. Crotty, would amend the state’s Facility Closure Act to require that if a facility or site is funded in the budget enacted by the General Assembly, it cannot subsequently be closed without a joint resolution of the General Assembly approving the closure. This legislation is vigorously opposed by those forces that want to close down all state mental health and developmental centers. AFSCME Position: Support. Status: SB327 passed out of the Senate by a solid margin and is in House Executive Committee; HB2376 passed out of the House and is on Second Reading in the Senate.
Bring greater equity to the Unemployment Insurance program (HB2555 and SB1350) -- AFSCME is seeking to pass legislation (HB2555) that would expand UI benefits to those school district and university employees who are laid off in the summer months. However school districts and universities are vigorously opposing this measure because of the costs involved. In addition, Council 31 is seeking to enact legislation (SB1350) that would extend the time period for cut-off of UI benefits when an employer has locked out its employees. This measure is vehemently opposed by big business lobbyists. AFSCME Position: Support. Status: HB2555 was not called for a vote in the House; SB1350 passed out of the Senate and is on Second Reading in the House.
Improve health care quality for all AFSCME members/support nurse staffing ratios (SB224/HB485) --The American health care system is in crisis. The only real solution is a national program of universal health care—and Council 31 is participating in the AFL-CIO’s nationwide campaign to press for the development and enactment of major health care reform to meet that goal. At the same time, we will seek to address problems that can be tackled at the state level.
To that end, AFSCME is leading a statewide coalition that is seeking to enact legislation to establish required nurse-to-patient staffing ratios in Illinois hospitals and to provide for nurse input into staffing plans. SB224 and HB485 are being held in committee pending negotiations with the Illinois Hospital Association, which is fiercely opposing this measure.
Provide fairness for Corrections health care employees (SB1987/HB2375) – AFSCME-represented medical vendor employees in DOC and DJJ have made steady progress through their union toward achieving wage parity with state medical personnel in these departments. However, they still have to pay significantly more for their health coverage and do not have a defined benefit pension plan. AFSCME is pushing for passage of this legislation which would make employees of corrections medical vendors who are union-represented state employees and enable them to keep their union representation. This legislation is meeting very strong opposition from the vendors (HPL and Wexford), as well as from the Illinois Nurses Association. AFSCME position: Support. Status: HB2375 was not called for a vote in the House; SB1987 is in the Senate Assignments Committee.
Action Needed: It is very important that AFSCME members who work for an IDOC medical vendor immediately call their state senator and state representative to tell them that they want to become state employees represented by AFSCME—and that they want the legislator to support SB 1987.
Oppose efforts to reduce services for individuals with mental illness and developmental disabilities (HJR 28/SJR30) -- There is growing pressure to close or downsize state-operated centers for persons with mental illness and developmental disabilities. HJR28and SJR30, as originally drafted would have put the General Assembly on record in support of a “blueprint” for the future of development disability services which calls for closing down five state developmental centers. Council 31 supports a comprehensive array of services for people with mental illness and developmental disabilities and opposes efforts to fund one type of service by cutting another. To that end, AFSCME lobbyists worked with sponsors of these measures to amend the language so that it did not explicitly support state facility closures.
Restore and expand union rights (HB2445) -- Council 31 is working with the Illinois AFL-CIO to pass this omnibus reform of the Illinois public sector labor relations law in order to address key problems that have arisen, such as lengthy delays in adjudicating Unfair Labor Practice charges. AFSCME Position: Support. Status: HB 2445 has passed the House and is on Second Reading in the Senate.
Establish fair mileage reimbursement rules (HB 480) – AFSCME has been pressing for several years now to bring state mileage reimbursement regulations in line with federal protocols which are fairer to employees. HB480, sponsored by Rep. Boland, would accomplish that goal.
AFSCME Position: Support. Status: HB 480 passed out of the House and is on Second Reading in the Senate.
Establish MRSA protections in law (SB105/HB185) – Since MRSA infections first emerged as a serious health threat, AFSCME has led the effort to force employers to institute appropriate protocols to prevent the occurrence of such infections. Council 31 is supporting this legislation to make sure that every workplace in Illinois state government has appropriate employee protections in place to prevent the spread of MRSA. AFSCME Position: Support. Status: HB185 passed out of the House and is on Second Reading in the Senate; SB105 passed out of the Senate and is in the House Executive Committee.
Preserve Tamms CC role as IDOC safety valve (HB2633) – HB 2633, as introduced, would make it more difficult to transfer dangerous inmates to Tamms, as well as preventing the incarceration of inmates with mental health problems at Tamms. It would also establish more clearly-defined procedures for inmates to be moved out of Tamms. AFSCME opposed the measures as originally introduced because it could greatly increase the danger at other correctional facilities throughout the system by making it more difficult to swiftly move an inmate who presents an immediate danger to Tamms. IDOC also opposed the bill. Currently, the sponsor, Rep. Hamos, is seeking to bring together concerned parties—including AFSCME—to see if a compromise can be reached.
Dozens of bills impact AFSCME members – There are literally dozens of other bills that the AFSCME lobbying team is working to support or defeat that would affect AFSCME members—in some cases as few as a dozen employees. Whatever the number of employees involved, if a bill could hurt or help them—and if it has a chance of moving forward in the General Assembly—Council 31 lobbyists are hard at work to make sure that the interests of union members are protected and advanced. If any of these bills emerge as a real threat to members’ well-being or as potential benefits to members, the local unions that are impacted will be notified so that they can assist in the lobbying effort.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
LABOR MANAGEMENT MEETING MINUTES
LABOR MANAGEMENT MEETING MINUTESFROM TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2009
Present for Management: Director Larry Phillips, Assistant Director Brian Thomas, and
Medical Director Michael Bednarz
Absent for Management: Security Director Eugene McAdory, Personnel Director Kendra
Robeson, and Labor Relations Andrea Leake
Present for the Union: President Travis Houzenga, Vice President Amy Clark, Executive
Board Brian Cooper, Executive Board Travis Smith, Treasurer Jerry Markley, and Secretary Cynthia Dougherty
Absent for the Union: AFSCME Representative Chuck Stout
INFIRMARY/HCU Mr. Houzenga said the working beds, bedside tables, and lift equipment
are what we’re seriously looking at. A lot of other issues have been addressed or are being addressed. These are things that we believe nursing staff need with the long-term care in the Infirmary. Dr. Bednarz stated that we are working on trying to get our Infirmary more like a regular Infirmary where we can accommodate longer term. Beds - some are not electric, they are manual. There might be some small problems on the 2 electric ones. Maintenance will be looking at these. The lift is a different story due to the size of our residents. We need to have a lift that can accommodate up to 500 pounds, and it is very costly–over $3,000. We are ordering 2 tables. This information wasn’t brought to my attention or Ms. Mull’s attention. Mr. Houzenga stated that he found this out after the fact. Mr. Phillips said that this is a bad thing due to the budget. This morning in our meeting we did approve the tables to be ordered. We have been looking across the State for surplus items. Mr. Houzenga said that when have long term, it will save in the long run instead of having them at an outside hospital. Dr. Bednarz said that is our goal. Mr. Phillips said that we have come a long way. We will get there. Mr. Markley said that he thought we had some residents pushing that 500 pound mark. Dr. Bednarz said that we do, but that is as big as they come. We will have to look at other ways for those residents. Mr. Houzenga said, "Thank You." It is great to hear you are addressing this.
WHOM DOES MANAGEMENT APPROVE TO CONDUCT WRITTEN DOCUMENTED COUNSELING OF UNION STAFF Mr. Houzenga said that we have already addressed this situation. For Captains it has always been a part of their job description before they were in the Union. When counseling isn’t a discipline, but as a result of a disciplinary hearing, they might need to be done by someone else. We do support the Captains. Mr. B. Cooper said that there are counselings that are part of the disciplinary track that they prefer to be done by someone out of the Bargaining Unit. Mr. Phillips said that is a good point and that is probably something that fell through the cracks. Captains will still do the verbal. Mr. B. Cooper said that there is a little statement at the end of the memo being given. To me a counseling is you call me in and guide me in the right path. We are getting better. Mr. Phillips indicated that we are getting there, and we have talked about it. Mr. B. Cooper said that the Captains have to be reminded that the representation is a must for the counseling. Some have lost that. It has just come about again. Mr. Phillips said that somebody put this in writing over e-mail or bring by the office. I will be getting with all the Captains and II’s in the next 30 days to address some issues.
CAN WE INCREASE THE AWARENESS OF THE NEW INFORMATION BEING PROVIDED TO WRITS (GAS STATIONS & EMERGENCY #S) Mr. Houzenga said that due to the budget crisis, some gas stations do not accept the credit card. Could a list of those general accepting the card be placed in the writ vehicles and any emergency numbers needed. We didn’t know if this has been done, and staff don’t know where it’s located. Mr. Thomas said that it is always important to check before you pump the gas. Mr. Phillips encouraged everyone to check before they pump due to the budget situation. Mr. Houzenga asked about a general list of those that are still accepting the card. Ms. Clark said that way down south the gas stations there are gas stations I’ve never heard of before. Mr. Phillips said that he believes Casey’s is pretty safe. We will get a list together for a Briefing memo. Mr. Houzenga stated that they don’t need a list, just informed about the location of the list and the numbers.
THE UNION IS INTERESTED IN FINDING RELIEF TO SGT. CONSTRAINTS ON 2ND SHIFT Mr. Houzenga said that we have lost a lot of Sgts. lately. We need to fill some vacancies. Mr. Phillips said that is on the table. We are working on it. I don’t know where we are going to land, but we are working on it. Mr. Houzenga said that if we can’t fill, will it be overtime or temporary assignment? Mr. Phillips said that he is looking at several things. So, you are saying that the Union is in agreement with a TA as needed? The Union indicated they were in agreement. Mr. Phillips said that the rules have changed on TA’s. It has to be in writing and get extended if need be. Mr. Houzenga said that they are willing to work with Management.
THE UNION IS INTERESTED IN DISCUSSING A DAY TRADE PROGRAM Mr.
Houzenga said that Mr. Hankins is doing the time off for Security now, and people are getting denied. We got spoiled and are not used to that. There are people, however, that are always here that aren’t getting things they ask for. Could put different constraints on those people? Mr. Phillips indicated that he worked with this in Corrections, but it wasn’t called the same thing. Mr. B. Cooper wondered if it worked. Mr. Phillips said that it worked some days and didn’t work on other days. It is you on the books even though you’re not here, so you better hope that your trade shows up. I will discuss it with you. I put Mr. Hankins on this to try and keep people from going to Pre-D’s for time abuse. Our overtime is running about the same. The only thing I’ve cut is IV’s and above and non-security in order to leave overtime for the I’s and II’s. I talked with Mr. McAdory on the phone last night. I think we were allowing 8 people off if we didn’t have a heavy schedule. I need to look at that. Mr. Houzenga said that it will change from day to day. Mr. Phillips said that if your call-ins are low, things will change. Mr. Houzenga said that another thing we might be able to adjust is the time frame - right now 14 days is the cutoff to put in for a day off. If you put in farther in advance, Mr. Hankins is automatically denying the day. Some people need to plan and can’t wait until the last minute. Mr. Phillips indicated that this is something we can look at in the next 30 days. Get me a proposal before our next meeting, and I will take a look at it. Mr. B. Cooper said that he appreciates the fact that someone is keeping track as far as the Pre-D’s. Mr. Phillips stated that there was no ulterior motive. The Administrative Directive says that we have and the employee has responsibility for their time. I am not looking to get someone into trouble. It is going to get better. Mr. B. Cooper said that people are not used to the change. They are used to getting any day off that they want. Mr. Phillips indicated that a lot of them don’t have the time. Mr. B. Cooper said that some have never taken any time. Mr. Phillips wants to check on this. You are telling me something that I didn’t know. Mr. Houzenga said that we could put a day trade program in place that would benefit everyone. Mr. Phillips said that he is not totally against the program. It has a lot of cracks. It sounds good. How far in advance? Mr. B. Cooper indicated that right now 2 weeks is all they are looking at. Anything past that is denied. Then you get in the 24-hour period, and it is the Shift Commander’s responsibility. You might have someone who doesn’t have the time go ahead and ask for it, and get it approved. Someone that does have the time, goes with the original denial and doesn’t ask again. Mr. Hankins reviewing these has stopped a lot of problems that we had. Mr. Phillips said to let him get with Mr. Hankins. You also get me a proposal in writing, but I ask that you put in that the trade must be done within a 30-day time frame.
General Discussion
Mr. Houzenga brought up a clarification issue. A disciplinary result referred a staff member to EAP instead of PSP. Mr. Phillips said that he just recently went through training with Springfield on this very thing. Both PSP and EAP are available, but we are to offer both to the employee and let them decide which route they want to take. Mr. B. Cooper said that he things we have it covered with Mr. Winters, and it is not a grievable issue. We are fine with offering both. We just want to make sure that PSP is getting offered. Another concern was that this was just put in the employee’s mailbox. We feel he should’ve been called in and talked to. Mr. Phillips indicated that he likes to call people in and discuss. I plan to attend some Briefings in the next 60 days. Members are always welcome to come talk to me. We are going to try to step up our efforts. Ms. Clark stated that everyone appreciates that. Mr. Phillips said that we have nothing to hide. We sometimes send grievances up to a higher level to get clarification. Please pass on to your members that they are appreciated. There’ve been people that have had some cost-saving ideas. People do realize this is serious. I don’t know where it’s headed. The TDF budget proposal for 2010 looks okay. Our treatment numbers are good. I really appreciate the people who were involved at St. John’s. I hear about people being professional, and that makes a big difference.
The next Labor Management Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, 2009, at 11A.
Present for Management: Director Larry Phillips, Assistant Director Brian Thomas, and
Medical Director Michael Bednarz
Absent for Management: Security Director Eugene McAdory, Personnel Director Kendra
Robeson, and Labor Relations Andrea Leake
Present for the Union: President Travis Houzenga, Vice President Amy Clark, Executive
Board Brian Cooper, Executive Board Travis Smith, Treasurer Jerry Markley, and Secretary Cynthia Dougherty
Absent for the Union: AFSCME Representative Chuck Stout
INFIRMARY/HCU Mr. Houzenga said the working beds, bedside tables, and lift equipment
are what we’re seriously looking at. A lot of other issues have been addressed or are being addressed. These are things that we believe nursing staff need with the long-term care in the Infirmary. Dr. Bednarz stated that we are working on trying to get our Infirmary more like a regular Infirmary where we can accommodate longer term. Beds - some are not electric, they are manual. There might be some small problems on the 2 electric ones. Maintenance will be looking at these. The lift is a different story due to the size of our residents. We need to have a lift that can accommodate up to 500 pounds, and it is very costly–over $3,000. We are ordering 2 tables. This information wasn’t brought to my attention or Ms. Mull’s attention. Mr. Houzenga stated that he found this out after the fact. Mr. Phillips said that this is a bad thing due to the budget. This morning in our meeting we did approve the tables to be ordered. We have been looking across the State for surplus items. Mr. Houzenga said that when have long term, it will save in the long run instead of having them at an outside hospital. Dr. Bednarz said that is our goal. Mr. Phillips said that we have come a long way. We will get there. Mr. Markley said that he thought we had some residents pushing that 500 pound mark. Dr. Bednarz said that we do, but that is as big as they come. We will have to look at other ways for those residents. Mr. Houzenga said, "Thank You." It is great to hear you are addressing this.
WHOM DOES MANAGEMENT APPROVE TO CONDUCT WRITTEN DOCUMENTED COUNSELING OF UNION STAFF Mr. Houzenga said that we have already addressed this situation. For Captains it has always been a part of their job description before they were in the Union. When counseling isn’t a discipline, but as a result of a disciplinary hearing, they might need to be done by someone else. We do support the Captains. Mr. B. Cooper said that there are counselings that are part of the disciplinary track that they prefer to be done by someone out of the Bargaining Unit. Mr. Phillips said that is a good point and that is probably something that fell through the cracks. Captains will still do the verbal. Mr. B. Cooper said that there is a little statement at the end of the memo being given. To me a counseling is you call me in and guide me in the right path. We are getting better. Mr. Phillips indicated that we are getting there, and we have talked about it. Mr. B. Cooper said that the Captains have to be reminded that the representation is a must for the counseling. Some have lost that. It has just come about again. Mr. Phillips said that somebody put this in writing over e-mail or bring by the office. I will be getting with all the Captains and II’s in the next 30 days to address some issues.
CAN WE INCREASE THE AWARENESS OF THE NEW INFORMATION BEING PROVIDED TO WRITS (GAS STATIONS & EMERGENCY #S) Mr. Houzenga said that due to the budget crisis, some gas stations do not accept the credit card. Could a list of those general accepting the card be placed in the writ vehicles and any emergency numbers needed. We didn’t know if this has been done, and staff don’t know where it’s located. Mr. Thomas said that it is always important to check before you pump the gas. Mr. Phillips encouraged everyone to check before they pump due to the budget situation. Mr. Houzenga asked about a general list of those that are still accepting the card. Ms. Clark said that way down south the gas stations there are gas stations I’ve never heard of before. Mr. Phillips said that he believes Casey’s is pretty safe. We will get a list together for a Briefing memo. Mr. Houzenga stated that they don’t need a list, just informed about the location of the list and the numbers.
THE UNION IS INTERESTED IN FINDING RELIEF TO SGT. CONSTRAINTS ON 2ND SHIFT Mr. Houzenga said that we have lost a lot of Sgts. lately. We need to fill some vacancies. Mr. Phillips said that is on the table. We are working on it. I don’t know where we are going to land, but we are working on it. Mr. Houzenga said that if we can’t fill, will it be overtime or temporary assignment? Mr. Phillips said that he is looking at several things. So, you are saying that the Union is in agreement with a TA as needed? The Union indicated they were in agreement. Mr. Phillips said that the rules have changed on TA’s. It has to be in writing and get extended if need be. Mr. Houzenga said that they are willing to work with Management.
THE UNION IS INTERESTED IN DISCUSSING A DAY TRADE PROGRAM Mr.
Houzenga said that Mr. Hankins is doing the time off for Security now, and people are getting denied. We got spoiled and are not used to that. There are people, however, that are always here that aren’t getting things they ask for. Could put different constraints on those people? Mr. Phillips indicated that he worked with this in Corrections, but it wasn’t called the same thing. Mr. B. Cooper wondered if it worked. Mr. Phillips said that it worked some days and didn’t work on other days. It is you on the books even though you’re not here, so you better hope that your trade shows up. I will discuss it with you. I put Mr. Hankins on this to try and keep people from going to Pre-D’s for time abuse. Our overtime is running about the same. The only thing I’ve cut is IV’s and above and non-security in order to leave overtime for the I’s and II’s. I talked with Mr. McAdory on the phone last night. I think we were allowing 8 people off if we didn’t have a heavy schedule. I need to look at that. Mr. Houzenga said that it will change from day to day. Mr. Phillips said that if your call-ins are low, things will change. Mr. Houzenga said that another thing we might be able to adjust is the time frame - right now 14 days is the cutoff to put in for a day off. If you put in farther in advance, Mr. Hankins is automatically denying the day. Some people need to plan and can’t wait until the last minute. Mr. Phillips indicated that this is something we can look at in the next 30 days. Get me a proposal before our next meeting, and I will take a look at it. Mr. B. Cooper said that he appreciates the fact that someone is keeping track as far as the Pre-D’s. Mr. Phillips stated that there was no ulterior motive. The Administrative Directive says that we have and the employee has responsibility for their time. I am not looking to get someone into trouble. It is going to get better. Mr. B. Cooper said that people are not used to the change. They are used to getting any day off that they want. Mr. Phillips indicated that a lot of them don’t have the time. Mr. B. Cooper said that some have never taken any time. Mr. Phillips wants to check on this. You are telling me something that I didn’t know. Mr. Houzenga said that we could put a day trade program in place that would benefit everyone. Mr. Phillips said that he is not totally against the program. It has a lot of cracks. It sounds good. How far in advance? Mr. B. Cooper indicated that right now 2 weeks is all they are looking at. Anything past that is denied. Then you get in the 24-hour period, and it is the Shift Commander’s responsibility. You might have someone who doesn’t have the time go ahead and ask for it, and get it approved. Someone that does have the time, goes with the original denial and doesn’t ask again. Mr. Hankins reviewing these has stopped a lot of problems that we had. Mr. Phillips said to let him get with Mr. Hankins. You also get me a proposal in writing, but I ask that you put in that the trade must be done within a 30-day time frame.
General Discussion
Mr. Houzenga brought up a clarification issue. A disciplinary result referred a staff member to EAP instead of PSP. Mr. Phillips said that he just recently went through training with Springfield on this very thing. Both PSP and EAP are available, but we are to offer both to the employee and let them decide which route they want to take. Mr. B. Cooper said that he things we have it covered with Mr. Winters, and it is not a grievable issue. We are fine with offering both. We just want to make sure that PSP is getting offered. Another concern was that this was just put in the employee’s mailbox. We feel he should’ve been called in and talked to. Mr. Phillips indicated that he likes to call people in and discuss. I plan to attend some Briefings in the next 60 days. Members are always welcome to come talk to me. We are going to try to step up our efforts. Ms. Clark stated that everyone appreciates that. Mr. Phillips said that we have nothing to hide. We sometimes send grievances up to a higher level to get clarification. Please pass on to your members that they are appreciated. There’ve been people that have had some cost-saving ideas. People do realize this is serious. I don’t know where it’s headed. The TDF budget proposal for 2010 looks okay. Our treatment numbers are good. I really appreciate the people who were involved at St. John’s. I hear about people being professional, and that makes a big difference.
The next Labor Management Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, 2009, at 11A.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Regional Legislative Forum—Monday, May 11th
FR: Henry Bayer, Executive Director
Roberta Lynch, Deputy Director
As you know, AFSCME is working with the Illinois Federation of Teachers to sponsor a series of legislative forums across the state. We want state legislators to hear first-hand testimony about the potential impact of the proposed cutbacks--and to be confronted by big crowds of state and university employees, as well as teachers--to make clear that there is massive opposition to these cuts. We've also got to make clear our opposition to the plan to once again underfund the pension systems--putting their very stability at risk.
And just as important, we’ve got to make clear to legislators that the only solution is raising sufficient new revenues to fix all of the state’s fiscal woes.
The forum that will be closest for many of your members will be held in Jacksonville on Monday, May 11th at 6 p.m. at MacMurray College, Bailey Hall, 447 E. College Ave.
Roberta Lynch, Deputy Director
As you know, AFSCME is working with the Illinois Federation of Teachers to sponsor a series of legislative forums across the state. We want state legislators to hear first-hand testimony about the potential impact of the proposed cutbacks--and to be confronted by big crowds of state and university employees, as well as teachers--to make clear that there is massive opposition to these cuts. We've also got to make clear our opposition to the plan to once again underfund the pension systems--putting their very stability at risk.
And just as important, we’ve got to make clear to legislators that the only solution is raising sufficient new revenues to fix all of the state’s fiscal woes.
The forum that will be closest for many of your members will be held in Jacksonville on Monday, May 11th at 6 p.m. at MacMurray College, Bailey Hall, 447 E. College Ave.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Legislative Call-In Day
Thanks to everyone for their support. The local can account for 105 contacts to our local senator and representative on the healthcare and pension issues. In the coming weeks, AFSCME will be teaming up with the Illinois Federation of Teachers to sponsor regional legislative forums across the state. Lets keep the pressure on.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Haymarket May Day Event
On Friday, May 1 the Illinois Labor History Society will be holding its annual event to commemorate the struggle for the 8 hour day which took place right here in the city of Chicago.
This year’s program will feature speakers on the Employee Free Choice Act and the recent victory of the Republic Window workers who occupied their factory to prevent their bosses from denying them the wages and benefits they had earned.
Chicago’s labor history is a rich one and this is an opportunity to celebrate it while reminding ourselves of the important role that labor struggles have played in advancing the interests of working people.
This year’s program will feature speakers on the Employee Free Choice Act and the recent victory of the Republic Window workers who occupied their factory to prevent their bosses from denying them the wages and benefits they had earned.
Chicago’s labor history is a rich one and this is an opportunity to celebrate it while reminding ourselves of the important role that labor struggles have played in advancing the interests of working people.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
High Stakes for State Employees
Dear AFSCME Member:
The State of Illinois has its biggest budget deficit ever—more than $11 billion.
Nobody has a bigger stake in getting the state’s fiscal house in order than state employees. Our jobs, our retirement security, and the services we provide depend on the state’s fiscal solvency.
And we stand ready to do our part.
But we didn’t create this budget mess—and we have no intention of bearing the great part of the burden for fixing it.
That’s why AFSCME has taken a strong stand against Gov. Quinn’s proposals to increase employee pension and health insurance contributions and to cut pension benefits for new hires.
If there is a tax increase, we’ll pay it, like all of our fellow citizens. But we shouldn’t have to pay hundreds, maybe thousands, of dollars more than they do. That’s how much the governor’s proposed changes could cost us when you tally them all up.
And we shouldn’t have to worry about whether our pension benefits will be there when we retire. Gov. Quinn’s plan to withhold most of the employer’s contribution to the pension fund this year could be the “tipping point” that causes the SERS to go broke.
Gov. Quinn’s budget plan would:
*Require all active employees to pay 2% more toward their pensions
*Raise the retirement age and cut benefit levels for new hires
*Withhold more than half of the employer’s share of the pension contribution
*Require employees in the Quality Care Health Plan to make up the difference in cost between that plan and the HMO
*Reduce the state‘s share of the cost of health care premiums for current and future retirees under the age of 65 to the level it pays for retirees on Medicare
*Require all employees—except public safety and direct care—to take four unpaid furlough days.
AFSCME believes that almost none of these changes can be made without bargaining with the Union--and so far the Governor has not made any request for such negotiations.
But one thing you should know for sure: Many legislators support these cuts, especially those that reduce pension benefits or raise pension contributions. And many others oppose the kind of tax increases that are essential to keeping state government operational and preventing layoffs.
So we’ve got our work cut out for us. The corporate elite in Illinois have banded together to press for drastic public employee pension cuts and to keep any tax increase to a minimum.
We’ve got to band together too—working through our Union to push for a fair budget that doesn’t drastically increase our pension and health insurance costs. That means working hard to persuade legislators to preserve the current pension system. And it means pushing hard to convince them to support a bigger tax increase than the Governor proposed—one large enough to get the state’s finances back on track, prevent layoffs and protect employee benefits.
It’s a tall order. Fighting to increase taxes is never easy. But we don’t really have a choice. It’s either every citizen paying a little more or state employees paying a lot more—whether through benefit cuts or massive layoffs. In the coming weeks, your union will be contacting you to get directly involved in this fight. Please be ready to answer that call!
Sincerely yours,
Henry Bayer
Executive Director
P.S. Click here to watch a terrific short video of one of AFSCME’s long-time allies, Ralph Martire of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, making a spirited defense of public employee pensions on a Chicago television program.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P90nR3fhVAs
The State of Illinois has its biggest budget deficit ever—more than $11 billion.
Nobody has a bigger stake in getting the state’s fiscal house in order than state employees. Our jobs, our retirement security, and the services we provide depend on the state’s fiscal solvency.
And we stand ready to do our part.
But we didn’t create this budget mess—and we have no intention of bearing the great part of the burden for fixing it.
That’s why AFSCME has taken a strong stand against Gov. Quinn’s proposals to increase employee pension and health insurance contributions and to cut pension benefits for new hires.
If there is a tax increase, we’ll pay it, like all of our fellow citizens. But we shouldn’t have to pay hundreds, maybe thousands, of dollars more than they do. That’s how much the governor’s proposed changes could cost us when you tally them all up.
And we shouldn’t have to worry about whether our pension benefits will be there when we retire. Gov. Quinn’s plan to withhold most of the employer’s contribution to the pension fund this year could be the “tipping point” that causes the SERS to go broke.
Gov. Quinn’s budget plan would:
*Require all active employees to pay 2% more toward their pensions
*Raise the retirement age and cut benefit levels for new hires
*Withhold more than half of the employer’s share of the pension contribution
*Require employees in the Quality Care Health Plan to make up the difference in cost between that plan and the HMO
*Reduce the state‘s share of the cost of health care premiums for current and future retirees under the age of 65 to the level it pays for retirees on Medicare
*Require all employees—except public safety and direct care—to take four unpaid furlough days.
AFSCME believes that almost none of these changes can be made without bargaining with the Union--and so far the Governor has not made any request for such negotiations.
But one thing you should know for sure: Many legislators support these cuts, especially those that reduce pension benefits or raise pension contributions. And many others oppose the kind of tax increases that are essential to keeping state government operational and preventing layoffs.
So we’ve got our work cut out for us. The corporate elite in Illinois have banded together to press for drastic public employee pension cuts and to keep any tax increase to a minimum.
We’ve got to band together too—working through our Union to push for a fair budget that doesn’t drastically increase our pension and health insurance costs. That means working hard to persuade legislators to preserve the current pension system. And it means pushing hard to convince them to support a bigger tax increase than the Governor proposed—one large enough to get the state’s finances back on track, prevent layoffs and protect employee benefits.
It’s a tall order. Fighting to increase taxes is never easy. But we don’t really have a choice. It’s either every citizen paying a little more or state employees paying a lot more—whether through benefit cuts or massive layoffs. In the coming weeks, your union will be contacting you to get directly involved in this fight. Please be ready to answer that call!
Sincerely yours,
Henry Bayer
Executive Director
P.S. Click here to watch a terrific short video of one of AFSCME’s long-time allies, Ralph Martire of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, making a spirited defense of public employee pensions on a Chicago television program.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P90nR3fhVAs
Wexford Employees
From: Attendance and Absenteeism Committee
The attendance and absenteeism committee has been making recommendations on an attendance and absenteeism policy to the employer. The employer will be responsible for implementing and enforcing an Attendance and Absenteeism Policy. The policy should be finalized in three to four weeks.
The attendance and absenteeism committee has been making recommendations on an attendance and absenteeism policy to the employer. The employer will be responsible for implementing and enforcing an Attendance and Absenteeism Policy. The policy should be finalized in three to four weeks.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Legislative Update
March 16, 2009
Get Ready to Fight Big Battle to Raise Taxes – The State of Illinois has an $11.5 billion budget hole—and that deficit gets bigger every day. Gov. Pat Quinn has made clear that he intends to follow the course AFSCME has long advocated and raise the state’s income tax to address this shortfall.
And his political opposition is already gearing up for a fight. They say Illinois should CUT its way out of its budget woes. That simply can’t be done. If the Governor were to eliminate the entire state workforce—and close down every prison, every state park, unemployment office, child protection service and more—that would save $3 billion, the total wage cost for state employees. Where would the other $6 billion come from????
AFSCME members know all too well that state government has already been cut to the bone, state universities have already raised tuition and cut programs, local governments cannot afford to lose a penny in state aid, and community disability agencies are already vastly underfunded. There is nowhere to make cuts of anything close to that magnitude.
So a tax increase is the only answer. And it is going to be up to us to get that message out to our members and the wider public—to stand up against those who would deliberately deceive by claiming that we can cut our way out of Illinois’ fiscal crisis.
Action Needed: The Council will be getting materials out to local unions soon regarding the necessity of raising the state income tax in order to maintain vital public services. Let your state representatives and senators know that you support an income tax increase.
…And Fight Pension Cutbacks Too – Unfortunately, the hue and cry for cutbacks has led the Governor and legislative leaders to turn to the state’s pension system—which has its own enormous deficit. Although it is not official yet, apparently Gov. Quinn is going to propose reducing the pension benefits for new hires in state government. (We don’t know at this point whether he will propose reductions for employees in any other pension systems—e.g. university, city of Chicago, etc., but we’d better be prepared ) There is also talk that the Governor will propose raising contributions or cutting retiree health care benefits for current employees as well.
Action Needed: Big business is making an all out effort to drastically cut back public employee pensions. AFSCME will be sending out materials for distribution to all union members about the importance of standing up to protect our pension benefits. If we don’t do it, no one else will. Tell your legislators that Illinois pension benefits are modest and well-deserved—and should not be diminished for current employees or those yet to come.
Some good news – Last week Governor Quinn announced that he is reversing his predecessor’s plans to close the Pontiac Correctional Center and to move the IDOT Division of Traffic Safety out of Springfield. AFSCME applauds these decisions which will end the many months of fear and anxiety that beset the employees at these sites who faced losing their jobs or being forced to uproot their families. There is no doubt that these reversals would not have occurred without the intensive protest campaigns waged by Local 494 and Local 2813, working in conjunction with Council 31’s vigorous legal, public relations, and lobbying efforts.
FY10 Budget Should Provide Adequate Staff – Gov. Quinn will present his FY10 budget plan this week (3/18). AFSCME is continuing to press the Governor’s Office and legislative leaders to address the critical problem of understaffing in state agencies by assuring adequate staffing levels in the upcoming FY ‘10 budget. State agencies have already been cut to the bone—and state services are suffering as a result. Even so, given the state’s dire fiscal problems and the willful ignorance on the part of right-wing, anti-government forces, there will undoubtedly be calls for further cuts to state agencies—and we will need to be prepared to intensify the battle for adequate staffing levels.
Budget Plan Should Keep Sites/Facilities Open -- AFSCME is also pressing for the reversal of the previous governor’s closures of state historic sites and the planned closures of Tinley Park MHC and Howe DC. And Council 31 is pushing to expand capacity at Thomson Correctional Center so that more than 200 newly-hired members employed there will not be left in limbo, not knowing where they might be offered employment.
End forced overtime (SB1369/HB1054) By continuing to press for enactment of legislation that would ban forced overtime (SB1369, sponsored by Sen. Frerichs and HB1054, sponsored by Rep. Dugan), we can heighten public—and legislative—awareness of the damage done by inadequate staffing levels, especially in 24-hour facilities. This legislation would ban forced overtime in IDOC, DJJ, DHS and Vets Affairs facilities. AFSCME Position: Support. Status: SB1369 passed out of the Labor Committee and is on Second Reading in the Senate; HB 1054 is in the House Rules Committee.
Require legislative approval for closures (SB327/HB2376) -- Council 31 is working to enact legislation that will require greater legislative oversight of any proposed closure. SB357, sponsored by Sen. Crotty, and HB2367, sponsored by Rep. Gordon, would amend the state’s Facility Closure Act to require that if a facility or site is funded in the budget enacted by the General Assembly, it cannot subsequently be closed without a joint resolution of the General Assembly approving the closure. AFSCME Position: Support. Status: SB327 passed out of the State Government Committee and is on Second Reading in the Senate; HB2376 passed out of the House State Government Committee and is on Second Reading in the House.
Funding for COLA for direct care workers in community service agencies (SB 1368/HB660) -- Employees in community-based agencies serving people with disabilities or others in need must depend on state funding. Thousands of these workers have joined the ranks of AFSCME in order to improve their low wage levels and inadequate benefits. We’ve made progress – but there’s still a long way to go. Last year, after vigorous grassroots lobbying by direct care workers, AFSCME succeeded in passing legislation for a 50 cent pay increase for community disability workers. But the previous governor vetoed that funding. This year it will be even harder to win funding given the state’s budget shortfalls—but AFSCME is determined to make this fight. That’s why the union is pushing for passage of SB1368, sponsored by Sen. Koehler, and HB661, sponsored by Rep. Froehlich, would require the inclusion of a 50 cent pay increase for community disability workers in the FY 10 budget. AFSCME Position: Support. Status: SB1368 is in Senate Appropriations I Committee; HB660 passed out of the Human Services Appropriations Committee and is on Second Reading the House.
Action Needed: Because of the very severe budget shortfall and the difficulty in getting increases in state funding for any purpose, it is critical that local unions representing direct care workers begin now to insist that their local state senators and state representatives fight for the inclusion of a pay increase for community disability workers in the FY10 budget.
Provide fairness for Corrections health care employees (SB1987/HB2375) – AFSCME-represented medical vendor employees in DOC and DJJ have made steady progress through their union toward achieving wage parity with state medical personnel in these departments. However, they still have to pay significantly more for their health coverage and do not have a defined benefit pension plan. AFSCME is pushing for passage of this legislation which would make employees of corrections medical vendors state employees and enable them to keep their union representation. AFSCME position: Support. Status: HB2375 passed out of the House Labor Committee and is on Second Reading in the House; SB1987 is in the Senate State Government Committee.
Action Needed: There is very strong opposition to this bill from IDOC, Wexford and HPL. It is essential that the medical vendor employees contact their state legislators and let them know that they want to become state employees and remain AFSCME members. Tell legislators to support HB 2375 and SB 1987. AFSCME local presidents should call Rep. Smith and Sen. Sullivan to thank them for sponsoring this legislation.
Restrict privatization of state services (SB1602/HB588) – Working with Sen. Harmon and Rep. Hannig, AFSCME has introduced SB1602 and HB588 which would establish strict accountability standards for any proposal to privatize services currently provided by state government. This legislation is based on legislation that the union previously enacted that restricted privatization in local school districts. AFSCME position: Support. Status: HB588 is in the House Rules Committee; SB1602 passed out of the Senate State Government Committee and is on Second Reading in the Senate.
Oppose legislation to restrict placement of inmates at Tamms CC (HB2633) – HB 2633, sponsored by Rep. Hamos, would restrict the reasons for which an inmate can be transferred to Tamms and make it more difficult for IDOC to move quickly to transfer a dangerous or disruptive inmate to that facility, which is currently the state’s “super-maximum” facility to house particularly dangerous inmates. AFSCME Position: Oppose. Status: Passed out of Committee and is on Second Reading in the House.
Action Needed: IDOC local union presidents should contact their state senators and representatives to explain the important role that Tamms plays as a safety valve in the system and explain the reasons why inmates are transferred to Tamms—giving specific examples if possible.
Establish MRSA protections in law (SB105/HB185) – Since MRSA infections first emerged as a serious health threat, AFSCME has led a high-pressure effort to force employers to institute appropriate protocols to prevent the occurrence of such infections. Council 31 is supporting this legislation to make sure that all state agencies have appropriate employee protections in place to prevent the spread of MRSA. SB 105 is sponsored by Sen. Radogno; HB 185 is sponsored by Rep. Bellock. AFSCME Position: Support. Status: HB185 passed out of committee and is on Second Reading in the House; SB105 passed out of committee and is on Second Reading in the Senate.
Action Needed: If any of your members have contracted MRSA infections at work, call your legislators to urge them to support this legislation and let them know that MRSA is still a problem at your worksite.
Improve health care quality and access/Support nurse staffing ratios (SB224/HB485) --
The American health care system is in crisis. The only real solution is a national program of universal health care—and Council 31 is participating in the AFL-CIO’s nationwide campaign to press for the development and enactment of major health care reform to meet that goal. At the same time, we will seek to address problems that can be tackled at the state level.
To that end, AFSCME is leading a statewide coalition that is seeking to enact legislation to establish required nurse-to-patient staffing ratios in Illinois hospitals and to provide for nurse input into staffing plans. SB2224 and HB485 are being held in committee pending negotiations with the Illinois Hospital Association, which is fiercely opposing this measure.
Oppose efforts to reduce care and services for individuals with mental illness and developmental disabilities -- There is growing pressure to close or downsize state-operated centers for persons with mental illness and developmental disabilities. In addition, legislation has been introduced that would change the way disability services are funded, resulting in the drastic downsizing of all Intermediate Care Facilities, both state-operated centers and community-based disability agencies. Council 31 will continue to support a comprehensive array of services for people with mental illness and developmental disabilities and to oppose efforts to fund one type of service by cutting another.
There are a number of bills that have been introduced that would negatively impact state-operated mental health and developmental centers. None of these measures appears to have any traction at this point. Council 31 is monitoring them closely and will sound the alarm if they begin to move through the legislative process.
Restore and expand union rights (HB2445) -- Council 31 is working with the Illinois AFL-CIO to pass this omnibus reform of the Illinois public sector labor relations law in order to address key problems that have arisen, such as lengthy delays in adjudicating Unfair Labor Practice charges. AFSCME Position: Support. Status: Passed out of the Labor Committee and is on Second Reading in the House.
Bring greater equity to the Unemployment Insurance program (HB2555 and SB1350) -- AFSCME is seeking to pass legislation (HB2555, sponsored by Rep. Walker) that would expand UI benefits to those school district and university employees who are laid off in the summer months. However school districts and universities are vigorously opposing this measure because of the costs involved. In addition, Council 31 is seeking to enact legislation (SB1350, sponsored by Sen. Forby) that would extend the time period for cut-off of UI benefits when an employer has locked out its employees. AFSCME Position: Support. Status: HB2555 is in the House Rules Committee; SB1350 passed out of the Labor Committee and is on Second Reading in the Senate.
Establish fair mileage reimbursement rules (HB 480) – AFSCME has been pressing for several years now to bring state mileage reimbursement regulations in line with federal protocols which are fairer to employees. HB480, sponsored by Rep. Boland, would accomplish that goal.
AFSCME Position: Support. Status: Passed out of the House; awaiting committee assignment in the Senate.
Dozens of bills impact AFSCME members – There are literally dozens of other bills that the AFSCME lobbying team is working to support or defeat that would affect AFSCME members—in some cases as few as a dozen employees. Whatever the number of employees involved, if a bill could hurt or help them—and if it has a chance of moving forward in the General Assembly—Council 31 lobbyists are hard at work to make sure that the interests of union members are protected and advanced. If any of these bills emerge as a real threat to members’ well-being or as potential benefits to members, the local unions that are impacted will be notified so that they can assist in the lobbying effort.
Get Ready to Fight Big Battle to Raise Taxes – The State of Illinois has an $11.5 billion budget hole—and that deficit gets bigger every day. Gov. Pat Quinn has made clear that he intends to follow the course AFSCME has long advocated and raise the state’s income tax to address this shortfall.
And his political opposition is already gearing up for a fight. They say Illinois should CUT its way out of its budget woes. That simply can’t be done. If the Governor were to eliminate the entire state workforce—and close down every prison, every state park, unemployment office, child protection service and more—that would save $3 billion, the total wage cost for state employees. Where would the other $6 billion come from????
AFSCME members know all too well that state government has already been cut to the bone, state universities have already raised tuition and cut programs, local governments cannot afford to lose a penny in state aid, and community disability agencies are already vastly underfunded. There is nowhere to make cuts of anything close to that magnitude.
So a tax increase is the only answer. And it is going to be up to us to get that message out to our members and the wider public—to stand up against those who would deliberately deceive by claiming that we can cut our way out of Illinois’ fiscal crisis.
Action Needed: The Council will be getting materials out to local unions soon regarding the necessity of raising the state income tax in order to maintain vital public services. Let your state representatives and senators know that you support an income tax increase.
…And Fight Pension Cutbacks Too – Unfortunately, the hue and cry for cutbacks has led the Governor and legislative leaders to turn to the state’s pension system—which has its own enormous deficit. Although it is not official yet, apparently Gov. Quinn is going to propose reducing the pension benefits for new hires in state government. (We don’t know at this point whether he will propose reductions for employees in any other pension systems—e.g. university, city of Chicago, etc., but we’d better be prepared ) There is also talk that the Governor will propose raising contributions or cutting retiree health care benefits for current employees as well.
Action Needed: Big business is making an all out effort to drastically cut back public employee pensions. AFSCME will be sending out materials for distribution to all union members about the importance of standing up to protect our pension benefits. If we don’t do it, no one else will. Tell your legislators that Illinois pension benefits are modest and well-deserved—and should not be diminished for current employees or those yet to come.
Some good news – Last week Governor Quinn announced that he is reversing his predecessor’s plans to close the Pontiac Correctional Center and to move the IDOT Division of Traffic Safety out of Springfield. AFSCME applauds these decisions which will end the many months of fear and anxiety that beset the employees at these sites who faced losing their jobs or being forced to uproot their families. There is no doubt that these reversals would not have occurred without the intensive protest campaigns waged by Local 494 and Local 2813, working in conjunction with Council 31’s vigorous legal, public relations, and lobbying efforts.
FY10 Budget Should Provide Adequate Staff – Gov. Quinn will present his FY10 budget plan this week (3/18). AFSCME is continuing to press the Governor’s Office and legislative leaders to address the critical problem of understaffing in state agencies by assuring adequate staffing levels in the upcoming FY ‘10 budget. State agencies have already been cut to the bone—and state services are suffering as a result. Even so, given the state’s dire fiscal problems and the willful ignorance on the part of right-wing, anti-government forces, there will undoubtedly be calls for further cuts to state agencies—and we will need to be prepared to intensify the battle for adequate staffing levels.
Budget Plan Should Keep Sites/Facilities Open -- AFSCME is also pressing for the reversal of the previous governor’s closures of state historic sites and the planned closures of Tinley Park MHC and Howe DC. And Council 31 is pushing to expand capacity at Thomson Correctional Center so that more than 200 newly-hired members employed there will not be left in limbo, not knowing where they might be offered employment.
End forced overtime (SB1369/HB1054) By continuing to press for enactment of legislation that would ban forced overtime (SB1369, sponsored by Sen. Frerichs and HB1054, sponsored by Rep. Dugan), we can heighten public—and legislative—awareness of the damage done by inadequate staffing levels, especially in 24-hour facilities. This legislation would ban forced overtime in IDOC, DJJ, DHS and Vets Affairs facilities. AFSCME Position: Support. Status: SB1369 passed out of the Labor Committee and is on Second Reading in the Senate; HB 1054 is in the House Rules Committee.
Require legislative approval for closures (SB327/HB2376) -- Council 31 is working to enact legislation that will require greater legislative oversight of any proposed closure. SB357, sponsored by Sen. Crotty, and HB2367, sponsored by Rep. Gordon, would amend the state’s Facility Closure Act to require that if a facility or site is funded in the budget enacted by the General Assembly, it cannot subsequently be closed without a joint resolution of the General Assembly approving the closure. AFSCME Position: Support. Status: SB327 passed out of the State Government Committee and is on Second Reading in the Senate; HB2376 passed out of the House State Government Committee and is on Second Reading in the House.
Funding for COLA for direct care workers in community service agencies (SB 1368/HB660) -- Employees in community-based agencies serving people with disabilities or others in need must depend on state funding. Thousands of these workers have joined the ranks of AFSCME in order to improve their low wage levels and inadequate benefits. We’ve made progress – but there’s still a long way to go. Last year, after vigorous grassroots lobbying by direct care workers, AFSCME succeeded in passing legislation for a 50 cent pay increase for community disability workers. But the previous governor vetoed that funding. This year it will be even harder to win funding given the state’s budget shortfalls—but AFSCME is determined to make this fight. That’s why the union is pushing for passage of SB1368, sponsored by Sen. Koehler, and HB661, sponsored by Rep. Froehlich, would require the inclusion of a 50 cent pay increase for community disability workers in the FY 10 budget. AFSCME Position: Support. Status: SB1368 is in Senate Appropriations I Committee; HB660 passed out of the Human Services Appropriations Committee and is on Second Reading the House.
Action Needed: Because of the very severe budget shortfall and the difficulty in getting increases in state funding for any purpose, it is critical that local unions representing direct care workers begin now to insist that their local state senators and state representatives fight for the inclusion of a pay increase for community disability workers in the FY10 budget.
Provide fairness for Corrections health care employees (SB1987/HB2375) – AFSCME-represented medical vendor employees in DOC and DJJ have made steady progress through their union toward achieving wage parity with state medical personnel in these departments. However, they still have to pay significantly more for their health coverage and do not have a defined benefit pension plan. AFSCME is pushing for passage of this legislation which would make employees of corrections medical vendors state employees and enable them to keep their union representation. AFSCME position: Support. Status: HB2375 passed out of the House Labor Committee and is on Second Reading in the House; SB1987 is in the Senate State Government Committee.
Action Needed: There is very strong opposition to this bill from IDOC, Wexford and HPL. It is essential that the medical vendor employees contact their state legislators and let them know that they want to become state employees and remain AFSCME members. Tell legislators to support HB 2375 and SB 1987. AFSCME local presidents should call Rep. Smith and Sen. Sullivan to thank them for sponsoring this legislation.
Restrict privatization of state services (SB1602/HB588) – Working with Sen. Harmon and Rep. Hannig, AFSCME has introduced SB1602 and HB588 which would establish strict accountability standards for any proposal to privatize services currently provided by state government. This legislation is based on legislation that the union previously enacted that restricted privatization in local school districts. AFSCME position: Support. Status: HB588 is in the House Rules Committee; SB1602 passed out of the Senate State Government Committee and is on Second Reading in the Senate.
Oppose legislation to restrict placement of inmates at Tamms CC (HB2633) – HB 2633, sponsored by Rep. Hamos, would restrict the reasons for which an inmate can be transferred to Tamms and make it more difficult for IDOC to move quickly to transfer a dangerous or disruptive inmate to that facility, which is currently the state’s “super-maximum” facility to house particularly dangerous inmates. AFSCME Position: Oppose. Status: Passed out of Committee and is on Second Reading in the House.
Action Needed: IDOC local union presidents should contact their state senators and representatives to explain the important role that Tamms plays as a safety valve in the system and explain the reasons why inmates are transferred to Tamms—giving specific examples if possible.
Establish MRSA protections in law (SB105/HB185) – Since MRSA infections first emerged as a serious health threat, AFSCME has led a high-pressure effort to force employers to institute appropriate protocols to prevent the occurrence of such infections. Council 31 is supporting this legislation to make sure that all state agencies have appropriate employee protections in place to prevent the spread of MRSA. SB 105 is sponsored by Sen. Radogno; HB 185 is sponsored by Rep. Bellock. AFSCME Position: Support. Status: HB185 passed out of committee and is on Second Reading in the House; SB105 passed out of committee and is on Second Reading in the Senate.
Action Needed: If any of your members have contracted MRSA infections at work, call your legislators to urge them to support this legislation and let them know that MRSA is still a problem at your worksite.
Improve health care quality and access/Support nurse staffing ratios (SB224/HB485) --
The American health care system is in crisis. The only real solution is a national program of universal health care—and Council 31 is participating in the AFL-CIO’s nationwide campaign to press for the development and enactment of major health care reform to meet that goal. At the same time, we will seek to address problems that can be tackled at the state level.
To that end, AFSCME is leading a statewide coalition that is seeking to enact legislation to establish required nurse-to-patient staffing ratios in Illinois hospitals and to provide for nurse input into staffing plans. SB2224 and HB485 are being held in committee pending negotiations with the Illinois Hospital Association, which is fiercely opposing this measure.
Oppose efforts to reduce care and services for individuals with mental illness and developmental disabilities -- There is growing pressure to close or downsize state-operated centers for persons with mental illness and developmental disabilities. In addition, legislation has been introduced that would change the way disability services are funded, resulting in the drastic downsizing of all Intermediate Care Facilities, both state-operated centers and community-based disability agencies. Council 31 will continue to support a comprehensive array of services for people with mental illness and developmental disabilities and to oppose efforts to fund one type of service by cutting another.
There are a number of bills that have been introduced that would negatively impact state-operated mental health and developmental centers. None of these measures appears to have any traction at this point. Council 31 is monitoring them closely and will sound the alarm if they begin to move through the legislative process.
Restore and expand union rights (HB2445) -- Council 31 is working with the Illinois AFL-CIO to pass this omnibus reform of the Illinois public sector labor relations law in order to address key problems that have arisen, such as lengthy delays in adjudicating Unfair Labor Practice charges. AFSCME Position: Support. Status: Passed out of the Labor Committee and is on Second Reading in the House.
Bring greater equity to the Unemployment Insurance program (HB2555 and SB1350) -- AFSCME is seeking to pass legislation (HB2555, sponsored by Rep. Walker) that would expand UI benefits to those school district and university employees who are laid off in the summer months. However school districts and universities are vigorously opposing this measure because of the costs involved. In addition, Council 31 is seeking to enact legislation (SB1350, sponsored by Sen. Forby) that would extend the time period for cut-off of UI benefits when an employer has locked out its employees. AFSCME Position: Support. Status: HB2555 is in the House Rules Committee; SB1350 passed out of the Labor Committee and is on Second Reading in the Senate.
Establish fair mileage reimbursement rules (HB 480) – AFSCME has been pressing for several years now to bring state mileage reimbursement regulations in line with federal protocols which are fairer to employees. HB480, sponsored by Rep. Boland, would accomplish that goal.
AFSCME Position: Support. Status: Passed out of the House; awaiting committee assignment in the Senate.
Dozens of bills impact AFSCME members – There are literally dozens of other bills that the AFSCME lobbying team is working to support or defeat that would affect AFSCME members—in some cases as few as a dozen employees. Whatever the number of employees involved, if a bill could hurt or help them—and if it has a chance of moving forward in the General Assembly—Council 31 lobbyists are hard at work to make sure that the interests of union members are protected and advanced. If any of these bills emerge as a real threat to members’ well-being or as potential benefits to members, the local unions that are impacted will be notified so that they can assist in the lobbying effort.
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