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*** UPDATED x1 *** AFSCME disputes Rauner’s statements on impasse, asks for clarification
Thursday, Jan 14, 2016 - Posted by Rich Miller * You get the feeling we’re heading for something big? The full letter from AFSCME to the governor’s office can be read by clicking here… 
That’s a pretty darned big difference of opinion about what was said last Friday. * By the way, the governor’s chief legal counsel Jason Barclay had this to say to Jim Dey earlier in the week…
*** UPDATE *** Governor’s office…
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- Truthteller - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 5:12 pm:
Rauner said he’d spoken with the Speaker when he hadn’t. Why would anyone believe what he has to say?If he was telling the truth,he’ll order his team back to the table immediately. If he doesn’t, it’ll prove he’s lying.
- Formerly Known As... - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 5:16 pm:
Barclay’s point is human nature.
How likely is anyone to agree to the reduction of benefits if they can keep those benefits by stalling and extending negotiations?
Is AFSCME negotiating in good faith, or deliberately dragging out negotiations?
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 5:20 pm:
“(I want the Governor to) say publicly what he’ll say privately. He’s not fighting for the state of Illinois,” says everyone who is confused by Rauner’s confusing talks. “Its outrageous that the Governor is trying to pretend all sorts of things and continues to blame others for his failure.”
Better, lol
- @MisterJayEm - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 5:22 pm:
“Rauner said he’d spoken with the Speaker when he hadn’t. Why would anyone believe what he has to say?”
For some people, the truth is merely one of many rhetorical tactics, something to be deployed when necessary and abandoned when it is no longer useful. The last 12 months have given all of us ample evidence with which we can make our own determinations regarding Gov. Rauner’s relationship to the truth.
– MrJM
- Whipsawed - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 5:24 pm:
“You have insisted what the governor says to the press is irrelevant to the bargaining process.”
So, is the governor lying to the press, or is he lying to the union, or does he just change his mind a lot? Whatever it might be, it doesn’t sound good. When an administration says that what the governor tells reporters is, to coin a phrase, inoperative, it doesn’t build up much confidence in the administration.
“Every government is run by liars and nothing they say should be believed.”
–I.M. Stone
- Truthteller - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 5:25 pm:
And Rauner has a perverse incentive not to negotiate in good faith since he wants draconian terms which, if an imasse is reached, he can impose. What’s his incentive to negotiate in good faith?
- RNUG - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 5:27 pm:
If this is mishandled, Rauner may wish that binding arbitration bill had passed. The conflicting messages may set the stage for an unfair labor practices claim.
Or is this part of a ‘lose to win’ master plan mere mortals can’t understand?
- AC - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 5:46 pm:
One thing is certain, when it comes to communications, Bruce Rauner is no Ronald Reagan.
- DHSJim - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 5:48 pm:
Wonder how many reps will change their vote when 1229 comes around again now that Rauner’s bargaining team has revealed his cards by declaring impasse at negotiations…
- thoughts matter - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 5:49 pm:
These differences cannot be explained as misunderstandings or differences in communication style. The governor’s representatives either did this things or not.
- DHSJim - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 5:55 pm:
He did it. Makes me wonder if he thought about the consequences of doing it. Once again, I hope everyone in the GA is clear on what he wants to do and act accordingly by voting yea to the arbitration bill coming up. I believe the public wouldn’t be with the governor in the event of a strike, but something tells me he wouldn’t care and would still not come to the table.
- sal-says - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 6:06 pm:
‘perverse incentive’ ?
The only ‘perverse incentive’ here is Raunner’s continuation of what he’s doing to IK for his own ego.
- burbanite - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 6:07 pm:
Mr. Newman’s letter merely by being in writing is more credible than anything I have seen or heard by the administration. You can’t change what you said once you have said it in writing. I believe every word of it. I am so sick of this whole what is being said in private is not what is being said publicly. Why not?
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 6:13 pm:
Can these meetings be recorded? Seems to be he said/she said. What does seem abundantly apparent is that our governor is not in any hurry to do anything for this state. Not a budget, not a contract with AFSCME, not anything. Mr. DO NOTHING.
- Macbeth - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 6:27 pm:
This is is an unusually detailed letter. I believe AFSCME here.
- Mama - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 6:29 pm:
This paragraph says a lot about the governor and his word, “When we have questioned you about the discrepancy, in each of those instances you have insisted that what the governor’s office says in the press is irrelevant to the bargaining process and should not be given any consideration by the Union – that only what is said across the bargaining table can be considered to represent the Administration’s position- and that the employer’s bargaining team is in no way bound to ensure that its positions are consistent with statements made by the governor’s office away from the table.”
- illinoised - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 6:32 pm:
I think Governor Rauner is so used to having his own way that he is incapable of bargaining in good faith. I think he has a hard time with the truth. I felt that way before he was elected and therefore am not surprised about his “governing” style. What surprises me are Republican GA members who silently watch their constituents suffer, all so they get Rauner ‘ s campaign support.
- walker - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 6:34 pm:
See Mama 6:29 above.
The quoted response is accurate, not just with this boss or union. Never pay attention to any part of contract negotiations attempted via the press.
- Just Me - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 6:46 pm:
Does AFSCME have anyone on their payroll with an English degree? This letter looks like it was written by a high school student. “If the employer is indeed to refusing to continue to bargain…”
- Independent retiree/lawyer/journalist - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 6:47 pm:
Gee, Rauner says one thing in public while his team says something else in private. He’s a politician. He lies. Who here is surprised?
Meanwhile, I know Mike Newman. He’s not a politician. He doesn’t lie.
- Mama - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 6:48 pm:
The people at the bargaining table representing the ‘Employer’ (in this case the IL Governor) should be on the same page as Gov. Rauner at the bargaining table and in the press. The right hand does not seem to know what the left hand is doing, and they call this bargaining in good faith?
- Mama - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 6:54 pm:
“Never pay attention to any part of contract negotiations attempted via the press.”
Why is AFSCME’s contract being negotiated via the press by Rauner?
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 7:04 pm:
If you watch Rauner’s face closely, you can tell when he is lying.
If his lips are moving, he’s lying
- walker - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 7:04 pm:
Mama: Why? Because Rauner’s a politician trying to impress somebody. It often is that way. Best to pay little attention to what he says on this topic.
As an aside, Rauner’s labor negotiators seem to have been completely professional, even if we don’t like their positions.
- somalia - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 7:07 pm:
State? We don’t need no stinking state! Shut it all down. Anarchy for all. “Somalia of the Midwest” we could call ourselves
- AC - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 7:18 pm:
==The right hand does not seem to know what the left hand is doing, and they call this bargaining in good faith?==
Is that Rauner talking to the media, Rauner represented at the bargaining table, pre primary Rauner, Carhart Rauner, or general election Rauner? If there were Rauner action figures, they would certainly be more varied than Star Wars action figures. I’m not sure the “I’ll bury her Rauner” would be a big hit, but some may purchase that one ironically, especially if the proceeds went toward funding indigent burials.
I’m trademarking Rauner Legos. They will come assembled as a model of the state of Illinois. Anyone that dismantles the model of the state of Illinois and posts video to social media will receive 1.4% more Lego pieces as a bonus.
- Lincoln Lad - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 7:20 pm:
Wouldn’t want to be the guy saying what the Gov and the Gov’s Office says doesn’t matter. I’m sure that will be represented as spun, but it is still an embarrassment.
- Stones - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 7:22 pm:
Labor law is full of pitfalls as it pertains to issues invoking collective bargaining agreements. I’m sure the Governor has access to competent legal counsel who specialize in this area of the law. He and his staff would be wise to listen to them and stop trying to negotiate in the press. They look and act like a bunch of rank amatures.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 7:26 pm:
More hysteria from AFSCME. Unless the relevant paperwork has been filed, it’s all empty talk.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 7:30 pm:
The statement he made during this recorded campaign stop should not be forgotten. I’m not saying that this is the end game, firing all state employees who are eligible to strike for striking would be illegal but forcing a strike may be where this is being steered.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgT9QVkGXxI
- G'Kar - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 7:31 pm:
I suspect the reply from the governor’s office will not come until after 4 on Friday. /s
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 7:33 pm:
“They look and act like a bunch of rank amatures.”
That’s because Rauner IS an amateur politician. Too many people forget that he has ZERO experience governing or in government for that matter. He does not understand the nuances and really needs to get up to speed quick before everything completely snowballs out of control on the guy.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 8:13 pm:
There have been No step increases.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 8:17 pm:
The holdouts will grasp at any straws possible to fire up their base.
- Gobsmacked - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 8:20 pm:
Anon at 7:26 pm:
1) come up with a nickname, any nickname
2) if you were responsible for negotiations impacting over 30K employees, you would not hesitate to reduce to writing a summary of what occurred last Friday, else you would be quite derelict in your duties.
- Omega Man - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 8:29 pm:
Whom to believe?
A “destroy all unions” governor who uses “shock & awe” tactics at the negotiating table, lurching from one position to another while acting like an innocent “aw shucks” country boy in public.
Or
The hundred or so union negotiators (many of whom I have talked to) who all seem to be giving the same account (the same one set forth in this letter).
- present - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 8:39 pm:
I’m just tired. This is beyond the definition of a Hostile work environment.sigh.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 8:47 pm:
“- Just Me - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 6:46 pm:
Does AFSCME have anyone on their payroll with an English degree? This letter looks like it was written by a high school student. “If the employer is indeed to refusing to continue to bargain…””
Really Man, you have some real problems if all you have is a complaint about an extra to in the letter. Get some professional help. Maybe your sickness is the reason that you have nothing better to do then enjoy the destruction of State Workers lifes.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 8:49 pm:
“- present - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 8:39 pm:
I’m just tired. This is beyond the definition of a Hostile work environment.sigh.”
Thank you
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 8:50 pm:
RNUG will we be going on strike? If so, when will it be?
What do you think will happen?
- RNUG - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 9:03 pm:
-anonymous-,
I don’t have a clue. In this case, I think one of the others here might be somewhat clued in.
Personally, I think striking would be a strategic mistake at this point.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 9:05 pm:
So wonderful to see in print the frustrations of the last year. To say over and over again that what gets leaked to Cap Fax isn’t really the Administrations position and you have no idea how it got there and all that matters is what we say at the table. And then to take proposals to Capitol Fax before giving the union a chance to respond. I’m no fan of Mike Madigan, but I understand why the legislature can’t work with this guy either. When you repeatedly show that your word means nothing this is what you get.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 9:08 pm:
===Personally, I think striking would be a strategic mistake at this point.===
Concur - RNUG -
It’s the one thing that bails Rauner out;
Out of dismaning social services
Out of the 1.4% return on the Turnaround Agenda
Out of not having produced a budget.
… plus, seeing picketers inside and outside the Capitol reinforces Rauner as a “fighter” instead of what he’s been, which is honest about practically anything to the governing.
Man, a strike could backfire somethin’ really bad…
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 9:09 pm:
“… isn’t honest… ”
silly phone
- Blue dog dem - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 9:11 pm:
Is it possible that an unfair labor practice is the face saving tactic the the RAUN Man is seeking?
- Sad State - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 9:17 pm:
The biggest problem is that Rauner might declare an impasse and have a horrible last offer. In that case, what other choice do employees have then to strike. Rauner controls the labor board and taking his offer would lower our standard of living and destroy the Union.
- Anon - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 9:18 pm:
What are the consequences of violating the Tolling agreement? They can’t be forced to the bargaining table, can they? Also, what are the consequences of an unfair labor practice?
I’m a state employee with a job offer elsewhere and I need to make a decision on it soon? What should I do, as I do not want to get involved in a strike or be stuck with an awful contract.
- Norseman - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 9:20 pm:
A strike is not strategically desirable, however, Rauner is going to force one by imposing his all takeaway contract. AFSCME will have no choice.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 9:20 pm:
“- Blue dog dem - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 9:11 pm:”
No, he wants to destroy the Union and lower State employees quality of life.
- Anon - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 9:22 pm:
Sad state’s question is valid. What other option does AFSCME have besides striking? Those who say they shouldn’t strike, what are the other options. I don’t want a strike either, but what other power does a union have in negotiations like this?
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 9:22 pm:
“- Norseman - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 9:20 pm:”
This is what I thought and fear.
- Anon - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 9:26 pm:
I think Norseman is right. Sigh, it was nice working for the state for 11 years. Thankfully I had the foresight to start looking for a job when the override on the veto of SB 1229 failed.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 9:31 pm:
Welp… - Norseman -
I stated before my idea if there were a “work stoppage” of some sort, I’d suggest…
Zero picketing. Zero demonstrations.
Let the Administration flounder, and every single day, at 9:45 am, and 5 pm, have a lone spokesperson state the following.
“As there is a work stoppage due to a labor impasse, our update is…
… it is our desire to work for the people of Illinois in our jobs for a better state. Until this impasse ends, we will remain away from the jobs we love. Thank you.”
… and leave it there.
The SuperStars would have zero images to work with, no boisterous rhetoric to play off of, and who knows, if the National Guard occupies state government, man, that can be a huge PR win.
Gettin’ agencies to work with zero protests would frustrate Rauner to no end.
- Lincoln Lad - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 9:33 pm:
A strike would be a huge mistake. That will not end with a ‘win’ for the union.
- Lincoln Lad - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 9:35 pm:
There is no sympathy for state employees in the general public.
- Stipen - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 9:39 pm:
So the question is, is Rauner actually lying or is be being told lies and believes he is telling the truth?
- Mama - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 9:39 pm:
OW - good points.
- Mama - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 9:42 pm:
- Anon -
Good luck to you in your new job.
- The Dude Abides - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 9:49 pm:
Unfortunately, I feel that from a public relations view point a strike will engender negative feelings toward the Union regardless of how unfair the Administrations’s final offer is. Of course that’s what Rauner wants.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 9:56 pm:
If the offer is so bad that it really lowers our standard of living, we will need to strike.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 9:58 pm:
Thanks - Mama -…
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 9:59 pm:
If we lose, there will be a major run for the door as many State employees will look for a new job. Working for the State would not be worth it.
A Strike might be the last option before running for the door.
- Independent retired lawyer, journalist - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 10:02 pm:
OW: Isn’t that still a strike? A smarter, quieter strike, perhaps, but I think a work stoppage of indefinite duration is a strike…?
- Honeybear - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 10:02 pm:
OW– Prayer meetings and gospel choirs, charity and public service events. Showing that we will serve Illinois regardless. God is on our side against Pharoah. That’s what I’m working on right now.
Anon-take the private job. Get out while you can and best of luck.
- Honeybear - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 10:05 pm:
Oh and BTW this exactly matches the account given to me by two people in the room. It’s accurate.
- Anon - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 10:08 pm:
Honeybear - Thank you so much. I wish my brothers and sisters in AFSCME all the best! They have been nothing but great to me. I hope you can defeat this horrible Governor.
I was born and raised in South Dakota where the state politics are nowhere near as nuclear as they are in Illinois (They’re practically a non-issue). I enjoyed my time in Illinois but will be moving back there as I was fortunate enough to get interviews and land a job there.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 10:13 pm:
- Honeybear -
Just be very cautious, imagery is only good when you control how the image is seen.
Being gone is most inpactful… with the lowest chance to be misconstrued. As in anything, less is always more.
I have faith you know what you’re doing, seriously, just responding to your comment
- IRLJ -
It’s about the packaging.
Angry protesters with signs waving is the image Rauner requires. Empty desks, a podium, no Wisconsin-Like hysterics would drive Rauner crazy.
Rauner needs crazy. Why help him?
- silent majority - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 10:14 pm:
I think the deaf vacation may indeed hit the ventilation.
- Silent majority - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 10:27 pm:
Spot on Mr Oswego. Keep up the good work.
- CrazyHorse - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 10:38 pm:
==charity and public service events==
This is VERY SMART. As tough as it would be without earning a paycheck. For those in a position to still help others would be a great PR move.
As OW said, going on strike is a huge mistake. It just bolsters Rauner’s position.
One thing I would suggest is for the Union to agree to the 40 hour work week. I know it amounts to a pay cut but that strikes the biggest chord with the public. Very few people work less than a 40 hour work week. The public does not and will never understand why AFSCME works 37.5. I’ve personally heard many people bring that up even before Rauner was ever elected.
- Joe M - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 10:44 pm:
I imagine it is kind of hard for Rauner to negotiate in good faith when he has let it be known that he would like the other party (AFSCME) to go away and cease to exist. He also stated a while back that when he became Gov, he may have to shut Springfield down for a while to get what he wants. If things get bad enough, maybe a few more folks in the general assembly will support SB 1229 if it comes up again. They have had ample opportunity to see what Rauner is like in AFSCME and state budget negotiations.
- Just Me - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 11:02 pm:
Anonymous at 8:47 — First of all, I was a 7 year state employee myself. Secondly, the letter is full of painful grammar issues, I just highlighted one of them. Third, in the words of the Speaker, “You’ll be fine,” no matter what the contract is. I make less than half now than what I made five years ago in the private sector due to the recession. Can you say the same thing? How many raises have you had in the past few years? How are your health care benefits? How are your pension benefits?
While those of in the private sector have suffered through the past decade, public employee unions have cried and complained that their raises weren’t big enough.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 11:14 pm:
Hi, ck-
What’s with the quotation marks?
As Ron Sandack might say;
Who is speakin’? Who? Who?
If we guess right, will we get pie? Cannoli?
Quotation marks have to mean… somethin’ right?
Thanks!
ow
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 11:18 pm:
To the update,
“misleading”, “glaring”, “expressing”, “negotiating”
All have “Gs”
It can’t be from Gov. Rauner…
- Independent retired lawyer, journalist - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 11:32 pm:
OW: I hear you, and I like your approach to denying Rauner Madison-like photo ops of angry strikers. But spinning a smartly-done work stoppage as something not to be labeled a strike…I donno. I’m picturing things that walk like a duck.
Kudos for the idea of strikers, er workstoppers, doing volunteer work rather than walking a picket line.
Brilliant!
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 11:37 pm:
===But spinning a smartly-done work stoppage as something not to be labeled a strike…I donno.===
What’s the B-Roll going to be, an empty desk?
Less is always more.
To the Update,
The quote… Is it Slip and Sue?
Hope that doesn’t count as a guess.
Can I call a friend? Multiple choice?
- Independent retired lawyer, journalist - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 11:37 pm:
Let’s see. ck’s credibility, v that of Mike Newman. Not to mention that Newman was there-presumably-and ck was not.
- Anonymity - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 11:49 pm:
Ck’s statement doesn’t say anything. This looks really bad.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 11:52 pm:
===Ck’s statement doesn’t say anything.===
I’m still wonderin’ who she’s quotin’…
So no one isn’t sayin’ anythin’. That’s fun.
- DuPage Bard - Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 12:04 am:
Standard argument from the far right-”I lost so much in the recession you must lose now as well.”
You know who didn’t lose money in the recession, people like Bruce Rauner. But you keep believing he is fighting for you and he has your best interest at heart. If you truly lost half of what you had why would you stick up for the top 1%, who made money off your losses, wouldn’t you stick with people like yourself?
- AC - Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 1:10 am:
==This is exactly why we asked last Friday whether future negotiating sessions would be worthwhile==
Who are you asking, ck? It’s an odd forum for thinking out loud, if that’s what you’re doing. If this question was for AFSCME, they gave their answer, AFSCME believes additional bargaining sessions would be worthwhile. Was this question intended for the ghost of Ayn Rand?
- burbanite - Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 5:34 am:
According to ck’s statement, the letter contains a false and misleading statement that the admin has been expressing frustraton? I don’t see that statement in the letter and that statement would be false? Very strange response.
- Trolling Troll - Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 6:10 am:
It would have been nice if she would have listed the core proposals. I’m guessing they wouldn’t have looked good to the public.
- There is power in a union... - Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 6:22 am:
Facts:
Administration negotiator said multiple times that the state believes they are at impasse.
The administration negotiator handed something across the table titled, “last best final offer.”
The administration refuses to agree to bargaining dates.
In negotiations, the only thing that legally matters is what is said or handed across the table.
The administration negotiators are professionals working for a petulant spoiled child. (Ok this last one is opinion.)
So CK, answer those point by point…
- cdog - Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 7:59 am:
The administration is laying the groundwork to drop a bomb on AFSCME, probably at the SOTS address.
Typical for trick from the Trickster. Repeat untruths ad nauseam. Take action based on false reality based on same untruths.
“AFSCME is so scammy they won’t even negotiate. They won’t accept any of our proposals. They just want to extend this current contract forever. I have no choice but to shut down Springfield,” is what Bu11sh*t Bruce is going to say.
AFSCME NEEDS TO MAKE SURE THE FACTS ARE OUT ABOUT THEIR REASONABLE OFFERS. Issue offers to media everytime, update media with administration’s responses. Triangulate.
- Earnest - Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 8:02 am:
>“This letter is filled with more falsehoods and misleading statements from AFSCME,
I think the Governor has reached the end of the line in terms of saying others are lying and he isn’t.
- Oochie - Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 8:18 am:
@CrazyHorse and others questioning the 37.5 hour work week. At my job, we work from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. with a 30 minute UNPAID lunch time. That means that I am at my job for 40 hours each week, but I am paid for only 37.5 of those hours. Where I work is rather isolated so that it is difficult to leave the work environment. In many places, adult prisons, for example, it is forbidden for the employees to leave during lunch.
- There is power in a union... - Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 8:25 am:
To piggy back off oochie,
Many state workers have a 8:30am to 5pm shift. But with an hour unpaid lunch. So we’re there for 8.5 hours but paid for 7.5. Hence the 37.5 work week. A lot of places in the private sector have 8-4 or 9-5 shifts with a 30 minute or 1 hour unpaid lunch.
- Anonymous - Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 8:36 am:
“- Just Me - Thursday, Jan 14, 16 @ 11:02 pm:”
You are clueless. I left the private sector -2 years ago and came to the state with 1/3 the salary.
I came for the big picture. I wanted to have a life outside of work and a better retirement account. The pension is not super great but it is a pension. Get a clue before making assumptions.
- The Dude Abides - Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 10:01 am:
OW is spot on. I remember the Union protests against Quinn On Democrat’s day at the State Fair a few years ago. The Union can not have a repeat of that. The picket sign s and shouting won’t help here. They need to be smart about this should they be faced with a strike or accepting the Governor’s very bad offer.
- FAIRNESS AND FAIRNESS ONLY - Friday, Jan 15, 16 @ 10:56 am:
I’ve worked in the private sector for 20+ years. I’ve never seen or experienced these 8-4 or 9-5 work days, with or without lunch. A typical day is 9-10 hours. I am not paid for overtime. I am paid for doing my job professionally. Sometimes that takes more or less time. The 37.5 hour work week hurts the union membership in the court of public opinion. Agreeing to the 40 hour work week would show compromise and remove the negative lever that can be pulled over and over again in the press.