This just in…
Friday, May 17, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* 2:49 pm - From AFSCME…
In voting completed yesterday, frontline employees of the state of Illinois represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31 elected to implement their new collective bargaining agreement with the state.
It was the second time that state workers have voted on the agreement. The re-vote was necessary because a condition of the first ratification vote—that the state would drop its appeal of a court ruling on the matter of back wages owed to employees since July 2011—has not yet been met. While the Quinn Administration sought to drop the appeal, Attorney General Lisa Madigan holds final authority on such matters and has indicated she will not yet do so.
“Frontline state employees have done their part,” AFSCME Council 31 executive director Henry Bayer said. “They work, often without adequate staff, in state parks and prisons, to care for the most vulnerable and protect children from abuse.
“We urge legislators to act now to pass House Bill 212, House Amendment 2, to pay state workers the back wages they are owed.”
93 percent voted “Yes,” according to AFSCME.
- LINK - Friday, May 17, 13 @ 2:55 pm:
Anyone betting on whether HB 212 Amendment 2 passes….
- Anon - Friday, May 17, 13 @ 2:56 pm:
State parks contain “the most vulnerable” and abused children
- Grandson of Man - Friday, May 17, 13 @ 3:07 pm:
That was fast. We voted just a few days ago. The strong ratification means the members are willing to accept the cuts in the new contract that will save the state hundreds of millions of dollars.
After all the savings this new contract will provide the taxpayers, I expect that HB 2, Amendment 2 will pass.
I have to say (again!) that I’m very proud of the unions for stepping up to help the state, both with the pensions and the new contract. The fracking deal with business and labor cooperating is also great to see.
Today has been a day of very good news.
- Demoralized - Friday, May 17, 13 @ 3:08 pm:
It’s nice to see the second vote was productive.
- Anon - Friday, May 17, 13 @ 3:42 pm:
Now we have to Trust that Q and the Legislature will actually pass HB212A2. Right….I think they have shown how trustworthy they are already. LOL
- Just The Way It Is One - Friday, May 17, 13 @ 4:10 pm:
Yikes–93% is quite a hefty affirmation!