Tentative Agreement Reached

After a 25-hour marathon bargaining session--helped along by the presence of an independent mediator--AFSCME reached a tentative agreement on a new contract with the State of Illinois late Friday morning, August 15.

The AFSCME Bargaining Committee voted overwhelmingly to recommend ratification of this contract settlement.
The settlement represents a real victory for the unity and solidarity that AFSCME members displayed throughout the negotiating process. It meets all of the key goals that the AFSCME Bargaining Committee had set. The new contract:
· Protects retiree health insurance;
· Keeps health care affordable for both active and retired workers;
· Provides for pay increases that help employees keep up with the cost-of-living, and
· Improves workplace rights and protections

Negotiations began over seven months ago--with Management pushing for massive health care concessions which would have drastically increased health care costs for both active and retired employees. At the same time, Management was offering virtually nothing in the way of pay increases or other economic enhancements. Management's proposals would have actually left state employees worse off than they are today.

The AFSCME Bargaining Committee stood firm against the State's demands—and its position was strengthened by the support of thousands of state workers who participated in a variety of solidarity actions to demonstrate their determination to resist such dire concessions. They wore AFSCME green on more than a dozen designated Green Days; participated in worksite picketing; came to Springfield 5,000 strong for a massive march and rally; and reached out to their communities at local summer parades and fairs.

Winning this contract was really about demonstrating the unity and strength of our union. It took all of us standing up together to overcome the State's efforts to shift costs onto the backs of employees. It was this widespread solidarity that ultimately convinced Management to come to the table and negotiate a fair settlement.

Worksite ratification meetings will get underway soon. Contract summaries will be available at these meetings and Union representatives will explain the new provisions and answer all questions. All members are encouraged to attend these meetings and to vote on ratification. As soon as they are scheduled, times and locations will be posted on the Union's website--and notices will be put out in all local unions.