* More in a bit…
*** UPDATE 1 *** Catherine Kelly at the governor’s office…
“Today’s decision is fair for taxpayers and state employees. As a result of this agreed-to process, the state can now implement its contract, saving the taxpayers more than $3 billion over four years.
“The contract, mirroring agreements we have already reached with eighteen other unions, includes merit pay for the vast majority of AFSCME employees and the same forty-hour work week requirement that applies to most employees outside state government. It will also allow individuals to volunteer their time to help fellow Illinois residents through things like assisting social services agencies, cleaning up state parks, or training state employees.
“We thank the Labor Board for its careful work and hope AFSCME will partner with us as we consider how best to implement the contract.”
*** UPDATE 2 *** This is a full impasse, I’m told. So the governor can impose his last, best and final offer. According to the Illinois Policy Institute, it was a 5-0 decision. Three of those five were appointed by Pat Quinn.
From Treasurer Frerichs…
“The governor’s labor board decision today is disappointing. Illinois workers have stated clearly their desire to work while negotiating in good faith. The good news is this: The governor could choose to return to the bargaining table. I urge him to do exactly that.”
*** UPDATE 3 *** AFSCME…
The state panel of the Illinois Labor Relations Board, whose members are appointed by Governor Rauner, today issued a verbal ruling that contract negotiations between the Rauner Administration and AFSCME Council 31—the largest union of state employees, representing some 38,000 Illinois state workers—are at an impasse.
“Our union strongly disagrees with this ruling,” AFSCME Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch said. “We have consistently made clear that we are prepared to continue negotiating, while the Rauner Administration’s extreme demands, unfair labor practices and refusal to meet have sabotaged the collective bargaining process.”
The board’s ruling in effect rejects the recommended decision and order advanced in September by its own administrative law judge who presided over months of hearings in the case last spring.
“The judge who heard the facts in this case found there was no impasse on key issues and urged the board to order Governor Rauner back to the bargaining table. The board is wrong to ignore her findings,” Lynch said.
Rauner is demanding that employees pay 100% more for health care even as he would freeze their wages for four years. He also wants to do away with standards that prevent unaccountable outsourcing of public services for private profit.
An impasse ruling from the board opens the door for Governor Rauner to try to unilaterally impose his demands, but does not require him to do so.
“The governor is trying to force state workers to accept his unfair terms or go out on strike,” Lynch said. “Rauner’s path of conflict and confrontation is unfair to workers and wrong for the people of Illinois.”
Instead, Rauner could opt to renew the negotiations he broke off more than 10 months ago. His representatives walked away from the bargaining table on Jan. 8 and have refused to meet with the union’s bargaining committee ever since.
“The governor should negotiate, not dictate,” Lynch said. “Public service workers in state government deserve fair treatment and they want to do their jobs. They know that a strike would hurt every Illinoisan. That’s why our union has said repeatedly that we want to work constructively toward a settlement. We have not seen the same commitment from the governor.”
Rauner cannot seek to implement his terms until the board issues a final written ruling—not just today’s verbal order—in the days or weeks ahead. Once the order is issued, the union will appeal it in state court.
Illinois state employees represented by AFSCME Council 31 protect kids from abuse and neglect, care for veterans and individuals with developmental disabilities, keep prisons safe, respond to emergencies, maintain state parks and historic sites and provide many other vital public services statewide every day.
Emphasis added.
- Duh! - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:40 pm:
Duh!
- reddevil1 - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:41 pm:
So Rauner’s hand picked board ruled in his favor….I am not surprised
- Earnest - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:41 pm:
Thank goodness the elections are over and things can calm down for awhile. /s
- Team Sleep - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:42 pm:
I predict a flood of angry comments and sniping in 3, 2, 1…
- Casual observer - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:42 pm:
Just sigh. I Really needed another kick in the sack. I just don’t understand what is going on any more.
- DHSJim - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:43 pm:
Time to prepare for a strike. And dusting off the old resume. Very disappointed that ILRB didn’t fulfill it’s mission to promote labor peace.
- so... - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:45 pm:
==So Rauner’s hand picked board ruled in his favor….I am not surprised==
3 of the 5 were originally appointed by Quinn. Try again.
- Fixer - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:45 pm:
I will be interested to see AFSCME’s response.
- Nick Name - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:46 pm:
Not so fast on the strike. AFSCME says it will appeal in state court.
- Honeybear - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:46 pm:
No angry comments. Only sadness and fear
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:46 pm:
Somewhere, Pat Quinn is learning his lesson…
- walker - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:46 pm:
The previous opinion might have been an accurate statement of reality, but provided no workable path forward.
- MSIX - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:46 pm:
Just the beginning. Collective bargaining lost bigly last week. I think we can expect the incoming DC crowd to further reduce collective bargaining rights on a national level. And I know die-hard union folks who voted for Trump. SMH.
- Demoralized - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:47 pm:
Not sure how she figures it’s fair for state employees. Next battle will be when he tries to bill state employees for an entire year of increased Healthcare costs back to July 1.
- MSIX - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:49 pm:
=…saving the taxpayers more than $3 billion over four years.=
Think we’ll ever see proof of that?
- Anon1234 - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:50 pm:
Glad I’ve been preparing for this. It’ll be interesting to see how many people will strike. Does anyone know what the vote needs to be for afscme to support a strike. At my location, it seems about 2/3 of the staff are willing to strike based on the last contract offer. Our facility barely functions now and if we lose federal accreditation, we will have a huge amount of lost revenue. Strange times.
- ABC123 - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:50 pm:
I honestly can’t understand how the Board ruled negotiations are at an impasse. I could go on with reasons and evidence on why this decision is absurd, but my guess is that most people on here already know. This is a sad day indeed.
- Grand Avenue - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:51 pm:
I think one of them was originally a Blago appointee
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:51 pm:
- Demoralized -
The Rauner Word Jumble face out the following for “ck” and she did the “best” she could..,
Taxpayers
Merit Pay
Social Service
Training
Not much to work with, but…
- MSIX - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:52 pm:
=It will also allow individuals to volunteer their time to help fellow Illinois residents through things like assisting social services agencies, cleaning up state parks, or training state employees.=
Say what?
- Anon - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:52 pm:
Will the strike vote come now or later after the court appeals play out?
- kangaroocourts - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:52 pm:
TIME TO STRIKE!!!!
- BK Bro - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:53 pm:
Hate to say it, but this could actually spur some movement between Rauner and Madigan. For the past few years they’ve basically just held pointless meetings where neither side budges on anything. There’s more drama in the preparation for the meeting than the actual meeting. Perhaps this will encourage them to compromise…. for once.
- btowntruth from forgotonnia - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:53 pm:
Elections have consequences.
Elections have consequences.
Elections have consequences.
You AFSCME members that voted for Rauner:
You sure taught Pat Quinn a lesson didn’t you?
- yeah - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:54 pm:
I will sleep well knowing my State Representative Jimenez supports State workers./s
- Chicago_Downstater - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:54 pm:
@OW
Dang man, drop the mic.
To the post: This has been an…interesting week. Does this mean a strike is imminent? If so, right before the holidays is gonna be extra hard on those families.
- Pete Mitchell - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:55 pm:
Lynch……Its not Rauner……its Govenor Rauner
- cdog - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:56 pm:
This is a good development for taxpayers.
A state job is still extremely attractive to those who have no where near the benefit package of state employees, even after impasse changes are implemented.
- Robert the 1st - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:58 pm:
How soon can Rauner implement his terms? 11/1/16, 12/1/16, 1/1/17, or 7/1/17?
- Bigfoot - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:58 pm:
No surprise.
- Demoralized - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:58 pm:
Nothing will happen immediately. It will be sometime early next year before all of this plays out with the expected appeal.
- hisgirlfriday - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:59 pm:
Is this the clock Durkin was talking about? The time ’til AFSCME strikes clock?
After the election result I halfway wondered if Rauner would wait to put the hammer down until Abood got overturned at SCOTUS so he wouldn’t have to get his hands so bloody. Guess he wants the credit for busting the union.
- Magic carpet ride - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:00 pm:
We’ll if rauner doesn’t finish off the unions trump will.
- Grand Avenue - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:01 pm:
Hey, any word whether Ken Dunkin is around for the veto session?
- Chicago_Downstater - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:01 pm:
@Demoralized
Thanks for the info. I’m woefully ignorant of how long something like this should realistically take. I’ll stop being lazy & look into it.
- Team Sleep - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:02 pm:
Yeah - she won by 24 points. Come on. That was a straight up beatdown. If voters were that upset they certainly missed one heck of a golden opportunity to enact change. They did not.
So let me get this straight. A majority of the board members are Quinn appointees but Rauner and his peeps get the blame? Makes sense.
With statements like that it certainly looks like Mike Frerichs is following in his predecessors’s footsteps and showing his ambitions (perhaps too early).
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:02 pm:
Maybe one day those who find that they have nothing will realize that they have nothing to lose.
- Springfieldish - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:03 pm:
Cue Scott Drury’s lecture on maintaining a union’s right to strike.
He better be contributing a boatload of cash to AFSCME’s strike fund.
- springfield_cornbread - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:05 pm:
I hope all the idiots in springfield cheering about this are happy when their city is even more run down than it already is. Who do you think drives the economy here?
- Shanks - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:06 pm:
=It will also allow individuals to volunteer their time to help fellow Illinois residents through things like assisting social services agencies, cleaning up state parks, or training state employees.= ??
Sad day for Labor…
- Honeybear - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:07 pm:
Actually a take that back just one angry comment. Teamster boss Coli can go pick up his thirty pieces of silver from Rauner at the crossroads tonight
- Deft Wing - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:07 pm:
The hammer has dropped, just as expected by all reasonable people.
This settles nothing, however, as there’s FAR more to come to clean up the fiscal mess that is Illinois.
- Give Me A Break - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:07 pm:
Hey AFSCME, remember State Fair Governor’s Day and your behavior when PQ tried to speak? Karma says hello.
- Honeybear - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:08 pm:
Now let’s see if Lisa Madigan pops the nuke of no one gets paid by challenging the court order. Maybe that’s why Mendoza wants to start late
- Trolling Troll - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:09 pm:
What a great way to instill consumer confidence during the holiday season. I hope the Springfield businesses have a strike fund. This may their worst holiday ever.
- Henry Francis - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:10 pm:
CK says it will save taxpayers over $3 billion over 4 years. There are 38,000 workers. My back of the envelope math tells me that it is “saving” roughly $20k an employee per year, over the 4 years. Can that really be?
- LetsPlayTwo - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:10 pm:
AFSCME has been rattling the “we’re going out on strike” sabre for 20 plus years, let’s see who has saved up and can go without a paycheck.
- Captain Illini - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:13 pm:
Very disappointing to say the least. My advice would be to respect the process and don’t speculate about the outcome. I think the Board has a lot of ’splaining’ to do once it gets to court, since another judge is going to ask why the administration judges’ advice was not followed. Where is their research? Justice may yet prevail. Nothing is yet settled.
- duh - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:13 pm:
@henry francis “CK says it will save taxpayers over $3 billion over 4 years. There are 38,000 workers. My back of the envelope math tells me that it is “saving” roughly $20k an employee per year, over the 4 years. Can that really be? ”
Why do you think AFSCME is so upset about it?
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:13 pm:
The majority of Board members were appointed or Re-appointed by the Governor
- Grand Avenue - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:13 pm:
I have a feeling AFSCME & friends are going to bungle the public relations of this in a way that makes Rauner look like a champion of the taxpayers. Call it a hunch.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:13 pm:
Scared. I need to provide for my family. Rauner trying to take that away. I work hard.
- Wensicia - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:14 pm:
Post-election, Rauner will pick up where he left off. Nothing but bad faith going forward.
- Last Bull Moose - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:15 pm:
I hope that someone knowledgeable in labor law can sketch out the appeal path and the basis for an appeal.
- AC - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:16 pm:
Elections indeed have consequences. We have all the people who voted against their own best interests to thank for this. This includes the over 40% of union households who voted for Rauner and the overwhelming majority of Central Illinoisans who voted for his appointees along with the residents of most college towns across the state.
- JS Mill - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:17 pm:
=It will also allow individuals to volunteer their time to help fellow Illinois residents through things like assisting social services agencies, cleaning up state parks, or training state employees.=
What the what? Allow individuals to volunteer? Why is that even a point to make? Did they need permission in the past or are the Raunerites going to force people to “volunteer”? Just goofy.
Ok, I am not totally surprised at what happen as it was definitely one of the possibilities. But, I will not take joy in the misfortune of others like some of the folks here.
One of the things about winning is to be classy when you win. Seems like there are a lot of far right/alt right folks that are struggling with that right now.
- Grand Avenue - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:19 pm:
CK’s press release showed amazing restraint by refraining from using the term “AF-SCAMMY”
- thoughts matter - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:19 pm:
Henry - keep in mind that health insurance premiums will change for all employees and their families, not just AFSCME union families. As will deductibles and co-pays. This will be a serious hit to Sangamon County economically.
- to the point - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:19 pm:
What!!! Work 40 hrs a week!!!! Never! Man the barricades!
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:20 pm:
“Don’t kid yourself, Rauner loves this stuff.”
- NobodysAccountable - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:20 pm:
The elected officials and ruling parties who have allowed yearly financial obligations to not be met. Have now caused a funding issue to become a benefits/pension issue, which has caused a part of the taxpaying body to become demonized by the populace.
- Sue - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:22 pm:
If I am correct two of the 5 are Dem appointees but the decision was 5 zip.
- LTSW - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:24 pm:
Henry, that savings is mostly healthcare costs. Which includes university employees also. If someone knows for sure please post.
- Grand Avenue - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:24 pm:
Tinfoil hat time - interesting that this decision didn’t come until after the election. I’m just sayin’…
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:25 pm:
Gov. Rauner can’t WAIT for angry picketers at the Capitol.
Rauner hopes its as angry as Wisconsin was.
These past 2 years have been as wonderful for Rauner as his Twitter and Instagram show everyone.
Meanwhile, Pat Quinn is still wondering how 2 in 5 households think Rauner was better.
Trades. You’re next. It’s not property taxes, it’s prevailing wag and collective bargaining to lower… property taxes.
Maybe Decatur wasn’t a mistake but the triumph of winning, and now these are Rauner’s rewards.
- Deft Wing - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:25 pm:
Hey partisans, that was a 5-0 opinion with 3 members being Quinn appointees! Let that soak in and should some semblance of objectivity hit you, perhaps then you may be able to recognize the decision was fair.
In contrast is our Treasuer, who revealed himself to be a hack opportunist with his grade D groveling.
- Skeptic - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:26 pm:
(Don’t feed the trolls.)
- Grand Avenue - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:28 pm:
Willy hit the nail on the head - if AFSCME & Friends’ reaction is to shut down the Capitol, Rauner will be jumping for joy.
- Trolling Troll - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:29 pm:
Team Sleep and Deft Wing
What exactly did you “win”? Because you two are sure thumping your chests.
- Grand Avenue - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:32 pm:
MSIX & Shanks - this is what the “Volunteer” line refers to:
https://capitolfax.com/2016/01/28/rauner-lashes-out-at-afscme/
- Team Sleep - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:36 pm:
I worked hard to get my friends Sara Jimenez and Avery Bourne elected. I worked hard to help out Bryce Benton, and though he lost I still gave it my best effort.
Honeybear worked hard for Katie Stuart. HB should be proud of his efforts.
Those who dislike both Rep. Jimenez and Bourne can complain all they want but each handily won reelection. I’m not gloating or thumping my chest. I’m just stating the obvious.
- City Zen - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:39 pm:
AFSCME has made significant contributions to Frerichs over the years, so his disappointment is to be expected.
Does AFSCME has some cuts in mind to counter their demands? I see no issue finding a middle ground in medical costs, but the money has to come from somewhere else.
- Milkman - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:39 pm:
Representative Borne says the Governor should negotiate. Will she vote to make him? Or is she just his puppet as we thought?
- Crispy - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:39 pm:
Captain Illini @ 4:13, thank you for those words of reason and calm, & I second Last Bull Moose’s comment @4:15; would really like to hear from an expert on this.
To the chest-thumpers: please knock it off and be civil; we’re all still equally citizens of the state, despite BVR’s attempts to make us feel otherwise. Likewise to the “karma” people–that ship sailed 2 years ago. Do you really think Labor hasn’t had ample opportunity to regret its choice?
- Norseman - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:40 pm:
Not surprised. Now for the next phase of the war.
- facts are stubborn things - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:41 pm:
This thing still has a long way to go.
- LessAnon? - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:42 pm:
@springfield_cornbread
You seem to overplay the state employees in Springfield card. First, while they are a large portion of employees, so are the hospitals, medical clinics, schools and UIS. Second, he’s not firing people en mass. The businesses in Springfield will do just fine this year. Many of us may see our portion of benefit contributions increase, but it’s not going to put many - if any at all - anywhere near the poor house to maintain a benefits package still far-and-away better than anything around in the private sector. A little perspective here would be good.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:42 pm:
That I think everyone can agree…
No one was surprised.
- Grand Avenue - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:44 pm:
Why did so many union members vote for Rauner? Usually when union guys go for the anti-Labor Republican it’s because the Democrat is portrayed as a gun-grabber. I’m in Chicagoland, so I would not have seen those ads, but did Rauner make an effort in 2014 to highlight Quinn’s anti-gun record and agenda? I just don’t remember hearing that.
- TaxesBuyCivilization - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:45 pm:
So — time for any state employee with better options that’s under tier 2 to quit and find a new line of work.
The labor market is a thing. Good luck with government administrated by people without better options.
- Deft Wing - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:49 pm:
“No one was surprised?” Oh, really?
I’ll bet many rank & file AFSCME members are in a state of shock right now as they were lead to believe a contrary decision was coming. C’mon this is NOT Crazy Roberta Lynch’s predicted outcome to her membership.
And to those who say “it’s not over,” you’re right, it isn’t. But the odds just got considerably worse than they were … oh, but remember that was “no surprise.”
- Honeybear - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:50 pm:
Thank you Team Sleep. I did work extremely hard and my part of the line held. Unfortunately the rest did not. I am not hurt by chest thumpers. They live in their own cages. If anything it stiffens my resolve to fight harder. I’ve got a lot of work left to do organizing the metro east rally and I do keep OW’s warnings in mind. Although the public favors us ultimately they will not come to our rescue. We are surrounded but will fight a good fight. I mourn most for our state. This will deepen the suffering right at the holidays. Be sad for that. But thank you for your salute team sleep. It means a lot.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:52 pm:
- Honeybear -
All the best to you and yours.
Do not feed the Troll.
- The_Equalizer - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:53 pm:
I am shocked, shocked!
- JMorales - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:55 pm:
What a silly system. The Governor of Illinois makes ridiculous demands regarding healthcare, pay freezes and privatization. He doesn’t compromise at all on any major issue and declares impasse. Then his own board agrees with him and this is where we are today. There has to be a better system than both sides not compromising and one just gets everything he wants. This needs to be decided by an impartial court. One side should not get everything they want in a case such as this.
- Honeybear - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:56 pm:
Thank you OW. I am actually gathering strength and purpose. Not many times in life is one called to valor. I am blessed
- Shake - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 4:58 pm:
Lisa Madigan Governor 2018!!!
- Demoralized - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 5:00 pm:
Deft
I think those that are going to have the cost of their Healthcare doubled might disagree that this is fair
- Robert the 1st - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 5:02 pm:
=This needs to be decided by an impartial court.=
- Robert the 1st - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 5:03 pm:
Why should a court be needed? An employer bargains with the union to determine pay and conditions. If they can’t agree the union can strike. That’s the system.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 5:04 pm:
==I think those that are going to have the cost of their Healthcare doubled might disagree that this is fair==
Private sector employees who will still be paying more for healthcare will play those State workers the world’s tiniest violin in sympathy
- JMorales - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 5:05 pm:
Yes, Robert. This case had a lot of room for compromise from both sides, any fair minded person can see that.
- Demoralized - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 5:06 pm:
Anonymous
States workers will now be paying more than any of my friends in the private sector so don’t give me that nonsense
- Grand Avenue - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 5:09 pm:
No matter what legitimate arguments AFSCME members have, it will get drowned out by Rauner repeating “37 1/2 hours” “37 1/2 hours” “37 1/2 hours”.
- Demoralized - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 5:09 pm:
It’s really sad to see some of you so giddy about what has just happened. I don’t get the attitude at all
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 5:10 pm:
==States workers will now be paying more than any of my friends in the private sector so don’t give me that nonsense==
They’ll be paying along the same lines as structured by Obamacare, that unions supported, you should be happy.
- Robert the 1st - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 5:11 pm:
= get drowned out by Rauner repeating “37 1/2 hours” “37 1/2 hours” “37 1/2 hours”.=
Yep. Which is why the union should have dropped that demand in round 1.
- Demoralized - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 5:11 pm:
Keep on trolling
- Yep - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 5:11 pm:
Vote accordingly…oh wait that didn’t work in 14 or 16.
- MyTwoCents - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 5:13 pm:
LessAnon? Springfield businesses may beg to differ:
www.sj-r.com/news/20161108/state-finances-continue-to-weigh-on-local-employer-outlook
If they are worried about the State finances imagine what would happen with any negative changes to the State workforce or labor unrest. And any labor unrest is completely preventable because there is a huge difference between being a tough negotiator and trying to destroy collective bargaining. But Rauner has made his feelings known towards AFSCME for years.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 5:13 pm:
- Yep -
Vote Accordingly did work in 2014… Quinn got only 3 in 5 union households… and lost.
- CrispyCritter - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 5:15 pm:
I agree with Captain Illini , the labor board will have a lot of explaining to do on the appeal process. It’s not over yet.
- Politix - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 5:19 pm:
The gov’s office statement is super amusing. They appear to be void of any knowledge of the process. “We’ll just implement our very fair contract now….dum de dum.” LOL
- The Dude Abides - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 5:19 pm:
I believe the Governor can replace any member of that board at his whim. I guess all 5 members wanted to stay on the board. This ruling was expected. I would advise the Union not to strike. Also I would suggest they mobilize for the next election. Elections have consequences, anyone paying attention to Rauner’s campaign leading up to the Primary had to know trouble was coming. He told Senator Durbin that he wanted Union’s to go away. Now you have to deal with it for at least two more years. See to it that it’s not six.
- Politix - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 5:21 pm:
By the time this works its way through the courts, Rauner will be up for reelection. And I may be eligible to retire.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 5:23 pm:
“Higher healthcare costs for thee, but not for me!” - AFSCME
- Ma-num-a-num - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 5:32 pm:
Last one to leave at each work site, please turn out the lights. With CMS on strike or licked out, it will be difficult to subcontract that function. /
- Ex Spsa - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 5:49 pm:
For all of you who are so happy look at the turnover rate at the state you cannot keep an educated Workforce without increases this does not save money in the long run this ruins destroy the system and I suppose that is the goal
- Moby - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 5:50 pm:
State employees should skip the picket line and instead come together and vow to not purchase anything other than groceries and gas for a few weeks. That’ll give the local economy and local politicians a taste of things to come. That would send a much more powerful message than picketing.
- btowntruth from forgotonnia - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 5:51 pm:
“Trades. You’re next.”
=========================================
Yes we are,OW.
And not enough people will acknowledge that fact.
- Rabid - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 5:51 pm:
Where do I sign up to train executive branch?
- 32nd Ward - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 5:59 pm:
The Dude does Abide, and the wise should listen.
- RNUG - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 6:03 pm:
== State employees should skip the picket line and instead come together and vow to not purchase anything other than groceries and gas for a few weeks. ==
They should be doing that anyway, and hording all the cash they can, if they think a strike is coming.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 6:08 pm:
40 hours a week! My goodness seems unfair!
- anonymous - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 6:10 pm:
===Who do you think drives the economy here?===
Suburban taxpayers?
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 6:12 pm:
===Suburban taxpayers===
Taxpayers include AFSCME members.
Your ignorance is noted.
- illini - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 6:22 pm:
Having neither been a state employee nor a Union member, I am reading these comments with great interest. Yet I have been supportive of the union workers and their position in our state as best I can.
That being said, there are some trolls on this thread today, and ———– I am still tired of the lazy commenters who only want to be “Anonymous.” Get a handle and use it!
- PENSIONS ARE OFF LIMITS - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 6:23 pm:
=== State employees should skip the picket line and instead come together and vow to not purchase anything other than groceries and gas for a few weeks. ===
At union grocers just for emphasis.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 6:25 pm:
To the trolls: 37 1/2 hours plus 5 30 minute lunches = 40 hours. Keep mindlessly repeating Rauner propaganda tho
- AFSCME GOP voters - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 6:29 pm:
But…but…Bruce…
- Grandson of Man - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 6:36 pm:
“They should be doing that anyway, and hording all the cash they can, if they think a strike is coming.”
It’s dollars and cents, almost literally, for many families. A middle class lifestyle is expensive. A home/car repair here, medical bills there, other bills always there. There’s not much if any money to stash away for so many government employees.
But, we have a governor who made almost $190 million last year, to some degree or a lot from government employee pensions. He mentioned it when he gave comments to the media the other day.
Rauner paid under 3.75% state income tax on that $188 million. That’s something Democratic lawmakers hopefully keep in mind when dealing with this guy. Therein also is the political message–the guy who is slashing the poor, sick and middle class makes hundreds of millions of dollars and doesn’t want to pay a penny more than anyone else.
- Loop Lady - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 6:54 pm:
Is anyone surprised? The middle class is over…Roosevelt is rolling over in his grave…
- Grandson of Man - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 6:57 pm:
My comment at 6:55 p.m. got cot off. The Republican reps who cry tears of conciliation should put their votes where their mouths are. If not, they should say nothing.
- Anon1234 - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 6:58 pm:
Won’t the higher health care costs also apply to merit comp? Are there any other employees who have their health insurance based off whatever afscme has in their contract?
- ABC123 - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 6:59 pm:
There was some interesting information in the article on the sj-r website. The article explained the Board ruled that since the parties were at impasse on outsourcing jobs then the parties were viewed to be at impasse on all areas of the contract. I am not sure I follow their logic, but as others have said it will be interesting to see what happens in court. I believe the judge will have some questions the board and administration may not like answering (why information was withheld from the union etc.). The actions of the administration over the new few days and weeks should also prove interesting. Perhaps RNUG or another resident legal expert could opine on declaring the parties at impasse on all areas of the negotiations based on a perceived impasse on one specific area.
- piece of work - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 7:07 pm:
Demo, a guy on talk radio this week said this. He has coverage for himself, his wife and 2 kids is $300 a month on a state plan. He checked what he would pay for similar plan and it was going to be $2000 per month. Think about that
- Anon - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 7:12 pm:
The labor board’s decision can only be overturned based on factual findings if they are against the manifest weight of the evidence. If the appeal were based on allegedly incorrect factual findings, the agency’s decision will be affirmed almost assuredly.
- Honeybear - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 7:13 pm:
No Deft Wing, -AFSCME members are in a state of shock right now as they were lead to believe a contrary decision was coming.-
We’ve been planning for the worst for a while now. But yes people are in shock and surprise not because we were told differently but because we can’t believe Rauner would be so cruel. I firmly believe that Rauner is a Sociotrail(sp). Just as the trolls on here are. Wow to take such glee in other peoples suffering. It’s sick.
Rauner will not compromise. Rauner has not ever compromised. He has driven the whole time for this moment. To destroy AFSMCE then start on the trades.
He has never had any intention of governing this state. This state is under attack by a capitalist sociotrail who is destroying the very government which serves us.
Prove me wrong.
It’s all for profit. As I have said many times.
Venture Capitalists
Buy it
Break it
Sell it
It’s totally what he’s doing with the state.
- Honeybear - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 7:17 pm:
Again with the Great Perfidy. Rauner instructs his board to deny his decision to proceed quickly so that he can totally overturn the ALJ recommendation and perfidiously maintain the appearance of impartiality.
PERFIDY
Rauner has no honor.
- Cubs in '16 - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 7:18 pm:
I am not a legal expert but this is my take on ABC123’s comment. I’ve always thought of impasse as an either or proposition. Either the negotiations as a whole meet the definition or they don’t. The labor judge’s ruling was just odd. If one aspect of the negotiations are at impasse then the entire negotiations, by definition, should be at impasse. Then comes the question of bargaining in good faith. I think that’s where AFSCME’s unfair labor lawsuit comes into play. One side can’t neglect to bargain in good faith and then arbitrarily declare an impasse. There’s nothing fair about that. So, yes an impasse may exist but was it self-imposed by one side? That’s probably what an appeals court will have to decide. And then how to remedy the situation if the appeals court rules the Admin. didn’t bargain in good faith.
- Mal - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 7:19 pm:
Honeybear
I don’t know what you have been reading, but everything AFSCME put out led us to believe the ILRB would rule in Rauners favor since board members are appointed by him.
- TJ - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 7:27 pm:
Again, elections have consequences!
- mal-i am-not - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 7:31 pm:
Mal:
TROLL
- - mal-i am-not - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 7:33 pm:
don’t feed it!…it’s BS
- Present - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 7:39 pm:
@Mal word of advice, change your name. After your third grade remark we cant take you seriously anymore. If I agree with you I question myself. Thanks!
- Honeybear - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 7:41 pm:
Actually I should clarify. Council said to be prepared to be clobbered. We just didn’t know how it would turn out. But given what the ILRB did to detach healthcare from the FOP, which stunned us. We knew to suspect them.
- Mal - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 7:47 pm:
@Present
I suspect you and the other commenter both are trolls and the same person with fake handles.
- reasonable - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 7:48 pm:
you have the chance to show your disagreement with Rauner on Thursday, there will be protests all over the state, you need to attend if you disagree with the labor board and with Rauners last best and final offer.
- Present - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 7:48 pm:
Yeah you got me. Rolling eyes.
- reasonable - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 7:51 pm:
Demontration Time/Date: Thursday, November 17, 11:45 am to 12:45 pm
Locations:
Willard Ice Bldg
101 W. Jefferson
2nd St and South Grand Ave.
EPA
9th and North Grand Ave
Downtown
Old State Capitol Plaza, NE Corner
Isles Park Place
6th and Ash
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 7:52 pm:
- Mal -
I seriously thought you were leaving. What gives?
To the Post,
This is more of the process instead of the end. That also doesn’t mean the end isn’t getting closer.
The next step(s), and waiting on these steps, especially through the holidays will be stressful. I hope for all involved looking at what is happening that stresses while they can’t all be alleviated, cooler heads can always prevail.
- DuPage - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 7:55 pm:
Part of Rauner’s plan. He never intended to negotiate fairly with AFSCME.
- Mal - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 7:57 pm:
OW aka Present
Is that you with all the fake handles?
- Neveranonymous - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 8:00 pm:
In negotiation, it isn’t realistic to think that progress will be made on every front simultaneously. It doesn’t work that way. In every negotiation I have ever seen, some matters are the focus and others get set aside until later. In fact, some of the stuff set aside until later will be dropped or exchanged for something someone wants more. There was no real way for ILRB, or even the ALJ, to say that would have not or could not have happened unless all progress had ground to halt, and it definitely had not.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 8:02 pm:
Good Luck - Mal -
- Mal - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 8:04 pm:
OW
Good luck on what?
- Jeep - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 8:05 pm:
I agree with Mal-7:19 PM. I get the union e-maik updates and text alerts and they have sounded dire this whole time stressing the ILRB were Rauner appointees and in his pocket (I paraphrased the last part). I wasn’t surprised one bit.
- illini - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 8:06 pm:
Yeah Willy - I thought he/she ( Mal ) left some days ago.
- reasonable - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 8:10 pm:
the courts will not provide an injunction or a temporary restraining order to halt the implementation of Rauners last best and final offer. the court will be decided long after all of this has taken effect.
- Mal - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 8:14 pm:
OW
How many fake handles do you have on here?
Lol
Btw I’m not going anywhere.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 8:19 pm:
I have one. This one. Good Luck.
- illini -
As the story goes, Lorne Michaels tried to talk Andy Kaufman out of the vote that eventually got him off the show. It became a cautionary tale of hubris and smugness… that Kaufman later realized was just plain foolish.
To the Post,
Tomorrow morning, after a night sleeping on this, the realities may be more manageable to think about with the newness gone.
- Tough Guy - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 8:20 pm:
On one hand I really feel bad for the state employees who work hard and “voted accordingly” but came up short as this can potentially have a significant impact on their lives. On the other hand you have state employees who just recently voted for the likes of Jimenez and Bourne, for them I have no sympathy.
- RNUG - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 8:21 pm:
-ABC123-
I’m not a lawyer. I know a bit about pensions because I’ve read up on them for about 30 years. I know a bit about the State’s Personnel and Civil Service Code because I was a manager for years. I know a bit about unions because I grew up in a trade union household that was usually out on strike every 2 or 3 years back in the 1950’s and 1960’s.
But I know almost nothing about labor law
- Ducky LaMoore - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 8:28 pm:
At least something happened. But I think this will lead to a strike. My question is, without a budget, is there money to pay the national guard activations?
- Cadillac - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 8:46 pm:
AFSCME thought they were special. They didn’t need to make concessions. They laughed at the other unions coming to agreement. Now AFSCME reaps what they have sown.
- K3 Wireless - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 8:51 pm:
If AFSCME does go on strike, will jobs open up to those of us who are currently unemployed? My Obamacare Premiums are going up from $200 to $1200 per month next year and I would love to be able to apply for one of my local jobs if possible, especially with good healthcare.
- David - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 8:59 pm:
Like Rnug I don’t know labor law but in the pension cases injunctions varies by judge.There wasn’t one in Maag but there was on sb1 and not on Chicago
- State Worker THX 1138 - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 9:05 pm:
That was a tough punch to the gut to those of us who are “new” around here. I wish I had been given a chance to get a little father up the pay scale. Not sure I can afford to stick around if this becomes reality, which is sad because I really like my job. I’m certain there are many others in the same boat. Good luck to all and let’s hope for the best.
- Ferris Bueller - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 9:05 pm:
The 37 1/2 hour work week versus 40 hours is something that should be a non-issue. I work 8:30-5:00 and it’s considered to only be 37 1/2 hours because I have an unpaid lunch…which is BS as a salaried employee. Where else is a salaried employee’s lunch considered to be unpaid? I think I already work 42 1/2 hours a week.
- Thoughts Matter - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 9:10 pm:
K3 - what is stopping you from applying now, there are lots of openings.
- blue dog dem - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 9:16 pm:
K3. Stop being an ass.
- K3 Wireless - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 9:31 pm:
Thoughts Matter - Thanks for the information. I just looked at the State’s Job Web Site and found a couple dozen openings in my county. I don’t have the background for many, but some look promising.
blue dog dem - I apologize if I offended you. This is my first post. After my Obamacare increases, I really do need a job with affordable healthcare.
- Honeybear - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 9:39 pm:
Reading a great book, The Politics of Resentment. Man do I recognize a lot of trolls from this blog in that book.
- illini - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 9:56 pm:
Thanks, Honeybear,for the reference. Checked some reviews online. Sounds like something similar with “Whats Wrong With Kansas” or some book with a similar title I read many years ago.
Given what happened a week ago and the discussion on this thread today I think I have to get this book. Thanks for the reference.
- blue dog dem - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 10:00 pm:
K3. I am somewhat shocked that someone unemployed would be paying any Obama care premiums.
- Robert the 1st - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 10:14 pm:
=Where else is a salaried employee’s lunch considered to be unpaid?=
Many/most private sector companies expect salaried employees to be there 8am to 5pm with a supposed 60 min unpaid lunch. It really is like entering never-never land reading AFSCME posts on this blog sometimes.
- Honeybear - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 10:16 pm:
Blue dog dem, it would depend on household composition and whether or not a spouse was employed. A bunch of factors, but I noticed that too.
- Robert the 1st - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 10:20 pm:
Anyway Mr. Bueller, from my understanding, Rauner isn’t even asking any state employees to put in the addition 2.5 hours, just saying 1.5-times wages don’t begin until after 40 hours.
- K3 Wireless - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 10:25 pm:
Honeybear - Correct.
My spouse is happily employed, but only part time. The ACA has been a livesaver for our family. Even with subsidies, premiums went throught the roof for 20017.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 10:27 pm:
Let the battle begin!
- Robert the 1st - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 10:27 pm:
Demoralized- there seems to be a whole bunch of “victims” tonight…? Not calling them out?
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 10:30 pm:
I’ve worked for the state for 30 years and have had a 37.5 hour week (with time and a half overtime past that) the whole time, so give us all a break and stop repeating Rauner’s line that this is a big new Union demand!
- Robert the 1st - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 10:32 pm:
Not a new demand. An un-affordable one. Rauner wasn’t demanding any more hours from employees. Only that time-and-a-half start at 40 hours. The union blew this on the PR side big time.
- Power House Prowler - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 11:01 pm:
Union members that voted for Rauner. This is what you wanted. You were trying to punish Quinn? Because?
The building trades might be in the Governors sites but it is a five year agreement. Were i see it going very badly is from the Federal government. What do you mean about Decatur? Firestone strike?
I would like to know what you mean?
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 11:05 pm:
==Where else is a salaried employee’s lunch considered to be unpaid? ==
Pretty much every private sector job I’ve ever had. Welcome to the real world.
- Robert the 1stxduh - Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 11:30 pm:
Every public school in IL where there is no cost to the employee for healthcare and it’s 8-4 with an hour lunch… AND???????
- Article 12 - Wednesday, Nov 16, 16 @ 4:53 am:
Making ot start at 40 means we essentially work for free from 5 - 5:30. It’s a change in working hours with no change in compensation. Which of course the employer has a right to propose but that is their proposal. They should just be honest about it. It’s not Afscme “demanding” 37.5 hours. We’ve had 37.5 for years. But that’s the paid component. We’re there for 42.5 hours. The employer wants us there for 45 with same pay.
- Piece of Work - Wednesday, Nov 16, 16 @ 6:38 am:
Somebody actually thought their lunch hour should be paid???
Boy, I bet a lot of employers would want this worker.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Nov 16, 16 @ 6:56 am:
Dear Capitol Fax,
Thanks for all of the support.
The free press is next.
Going down for the last time…
Glub, glub, glub,
Yours Truly,
All Loyal State Workers
- jacks - Wednesday, Nov 16, 16 @ 7:03 am:
Can anyone clarify how this will work, timing-wise?
Will we (state workers) still be able to work while the appeal is being heard, or will we take the strike vote right away?
Does anyone have any idea how long the appeal would take?
- thoughts matter - Wednesday, Nov 16, 16 @ 7:04 am:
If you are required to be at your work site for lunch, such as prison guards, you should be paid. I am not required to be at my desk, so I don’t get paid. Didn’t in the private sector either. I work from 8-4, with a 30 minute unpaid lunch. That’s 37.5 hours. I also worked 37.5 hours weekly for decades in the private sector at a large business. That was their work week also. Many private sector businesses treat 37-39.5 hours as full time. I don’t understand why state employees need to be defensive about this. What Rauner wants is to pay the first 2.5 hours of overtime at straight time. I know many private sector businesses have similar provisions. I don’t work much overtime, and when I do, I request time off rather than payment. I’m not AFCSME.
- ANONIME - Wednesday, Nov 16, 16 @ 7:19 am:
K3 - remember that ‘good’ health insurance is not paying any claims right now. State workers are having money withheld from their checks but no payments are being made for claims. people are being asked to pay up front and wait on the state to pay them. why do you want a job that has ‘benefits’, but you don’t get them.
- Nick Name - Wednesday, Nov 16, 16 @ 7:37 am:
“Why should a court be needed? An employer bargains with the union to determine pay and conditions. If they can’t agree the union can strike. That’s the system.”
No, the system is, either side may appeal the LRB decision to the state appellate court. Try to keep up.
- Downstate - Wednesday, Nov 16, 16 @ 7:56 am:
This is a hard reality.
AFSME World - 37.5 hours of work
REAL World - 40 hours, not including time for lunch and breaks.
AFSME World - Platinum health insurance
REAL World - $900/month premiums, $10k deductible.
If AFSME feels so aggrieved, I encourage them to start publishing their pay package (and benefits) to garner the public sympathy they feel they deserve.
BTW - My first job was as a card carrying union member.
- Small Town Girl - Wednesday, Nov 16, 16 @ 8:04 am:
The issue of the overtime after 40 hours or 37.5 hours might have been up for discussion. AFSCME did not get that option because negotiations came to a halt. People are faulting the union for not giving away the farm from the get go. Who knows how it would have turned out had the negotiations continued.
- facts are stubborn things - Wednesday, Nov 16, 16 @ 8:07 am:
this thing has a long way to go, however, if the health care changes are imposed there will quickly be a law suite filed on behalf of retirees.
- RNUG - Wednesday, Nov 16, 16 @ 8:18 am:
== however, if the health care changes are imposed there will quickly be a law suite filed on behalf of retirees ==
Maybe, maybe not. Who is going to file it? And where is the money going to come to pay for it? Last time the lawyers for the Kanerva group managed to get an escrow order, so that money was eventually unavailable to pay for it. This time there won’t be a big pile of money that I can see anywhere, just the individual co-pay and deductible increases.
- RNUG - Wednesday, Nov 16, 16 @ 8:25 am:
available, not unavailable
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Nov 16, 16 @ 8:29 am:
I fail to see what is wrong with this. Why should one group get preferential treatment over others?
- Thoughts Matter - Wednesday, Nov 16, 16 @ 8:32 am:
Correct me if I am wrong- retiree premiums are already calculated off the full cost of the health insurance ( reduced by 5 percent for each year of service). That isn’t changing. The premiums that active employees pay, which is a percentage if the full cost is changing.
- Cubs in '16 - Wednesday, Nov 16, 16 @ 8:44 am:
===Union members that voted for Rauner. This is what you wanted. You were trying to punish Quinn? Because?===
Um, because he asked us to defer COLAs that he had contractually agreed to. We did so in good faith and he then did everything in his power to renege on his promise to pay us later. Then there were his continual hiring freezes that put added work loads on existing employees. I could go on…
- SKI - Wednesday, Nov 16, 16 @ 8:48 am:
I’d be willing to bet that the 37.5 hours could have been used as a bargaining chip for the AFSCME had negotiations continued. However, AFSCME bungled the PR on this so bad that now it is hurting them in the public eye as no one outside of the ARSCME can relate to them. It’s like when CPS was complaining about extending a 5.5 hour school day. They are in their own little universe with blinders on.
In the private sector, you need to work 40 hours to qualify for overtime if non-salary. If you are salary, technically you have a 40 hour work week, but you are generally expected to work 45 to 50 hours (this does not include lunch) and there is no overtime. I don’t think I have met anyone in the private sector that gets paid lunch breaks either. Even at jobs that they are not to leave the building. If they are hourly, they need to clock out for lunch. If salary, they need to record their billable and non-billable hours to make sure they are working at least 40 hours. This is all pretty standard in the real world.
- Allen D - Wednesday, Nov 16, 16 @ 8:55 am:
Downstate has it right
- X-prof - Wednesday, Nov 16, 16 @ 8:56 am:
My guess is that most retirees and university employees (union or not) are unaware that when it comes to health benefits, as goes AFSCME, so it goes for them.
- Langhorne - Wednesday, Nov 16, 16 @ 8:58 am:
$3 bil in savings over 4 yrs is $19.7 k per AFSCME employee per year
- Union Man - Wednesday, Nov 16, 16 @ 9:00 am:
It’s rare for the board to reject the recommendation of one of its judges. This may be the first time in ILRB history that one was rejected unanimously.
- Langhorne - Wednesday, Nov 16, 16 @ 9:04 am:
I realize “savings” will also b provided by univ employees and retirees, not jst AFSCME. I just want to see their math. Let the lawsuits begin
- RNUG - Wednesday, Nov 16, 16 @ 9:05 am:
== Correct me if I am wrong- retiree premiums are already calculated off the full cost of the health insurance ( reduced by 5 percent for each year of service). That isn’t changing. The premiums that active employees pay, which is a percentage if the full cost is changing. ==
This gets complicated, depending on your status.
Retirees who have the “20 year” rule premium free insurance benefit won’t be affected on the premium change. They may / will have the amount of their co-pays and deductibles increased by a possibly significant amount.
Less than “20 year” rule retirees may find their premium costs going up if the State lowers it’s support level (which is what the State wants to do to everyone) plus the co-pay and deductible changes.
Dependents of retirees will see their premiums go up, potentially double, this round.
Non “20 year” rule retirees, such as teachers, could and probably will see their premiums increase, possibly substantially, all with the above noted dependent, co-pay and deductible increases also.
I believe it is the goal of this administration to, over time, get the State totally out of paying for health insurance and transfer the full cost to the employee (and retiree where they can within the limits of the Kanerva decision). They just can’t jump the premiums that much in one year, so this is the first step of many to come.
- Team Sleep - Wednesday, Nov 16, 16 @ 9:09 am:
It looks as though RNUG beat me to it.
- thoughts matter - Wednesday, Nov 16, 16 @ 9:11 am:
RNUG - the retirees on the non-Medicare Advantage health insurance already pay based on the almost 1000 a month full cost (reduced 5 percent per year as I noted), so those with only 8 years of service are already paying several hundred dollars a month just for themselves without dependents. I don’t see how changing the support level will affect that because they don’t get the benefit of that support level now - right? Co-pays and deductibles are supposed to change for employees that select one of the ‘lesser’ plans that will be offered to reduce premium cost. Now that could affect retirees if the state forces those with free premiums to one of those plans.
- RNUG - Wednesday, Nov 16, 16 @ 9:17 am:
- thoughts matter -
I’ll concede we can’t know for sure about the less than 20 year SERS retiree. That’s why I used
That $1000 premium will continue to go up. Plus, if I remember correctly, the
- RNUG - Wednesday, Nov 16, 16 @ 9:19 am:
Darn, hit the wrong button on this phone.
Anyway, that’s why I used “may” instead of will.
- some random librarian - Wednesday, Nov 16, 16 @ 9:39 am:
Is there a recording or transcript of the full ruling available? If so, can someone post a link?
- HangingOn - Wednesday, Nov 16, 16 @ 9:40 pm:
==will jobs open up to those of us who are currently unemployed==
At the work4illinois website, it shows 315 positions posted. The Agency I work for just had 8 postings that expired. Take the test, turn in your college transcripts, and get on the list.
- HangingOn - Wednesday, Nov 16, 16 @ 9:48 pm:
==I don’t think I have met anyone in the private sector that gets paid lunch breaks==
I had a couple jobs in the past that lunch was paid when I was private sector. And when I worked school pictures we got the same holidays off schools did, except summer because Senior Pictures. Maybe I was just lucky enough to have a job where the owner cared about the employees. *shrug*