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
Saturday, May 23, 2009
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.
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