* AFSCME Council 31 memo to state employee members…
Important Updates for State Employees
Rigid Mandate Won’t Work
More and more employers are turning to vaccination mandates in the epic battle to contain the spread of COVID-19. Tyson Foods and United Airlines are the latest Illinois-based companies to announce that employees must get vaccinated or be fired.
This week Governor Pritzker took a step down that road, announcing that vaccinations would be required for all employees in the state’s congregate facilities in DOC, DHS, DVA and DJJ, citing emergency conditions that not only jeopardize employee health, but that of individuals in the state’s custody or care.
The governor left open how this requirement would be implemented, stating that the details would be worked out in bargaining with the unions representing state employees. AFSCME has already contacted CMS to initiate those negotiations.
AFSCME has already made clear to the Administration that our union opposes a rigid, universal vaccination mandate. Our fundamental priority is to protect the lives and health of every union member and the people they serve. That’s why, since the first availability of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, AFSCME has worked to educate and encourage union members to be vaccinated in order to protect themselves, their families, co-workers and communities.
We have been working collaboratively with state agencies over the past months to increase vaccination rates and reduce the incidence of COVID in veterans’ homes, correctional facilities and care centers. And those efforts have been making steady progress.
In fact, in many of these state facilities vaccination rates now exceed those in the surrounding communities. More importantly, the numbers of COVID cases have declined dramatically in every one of these settings. In fact, some facilities have had no new cases at all—even with the arrival of the highly contagious Delta variant.
In other words, the combination of education about vaccine efficacy, rigorous testing, and appropriate protective measures, such as masking, has in fact been highly effective in reducing the spread of the virus in these facilities. Moreover, it is clear that the impacted agencies could do much more to contain the virus through such proactive measures.
First and foremost, they could reverse the extremely irresponsible plan to terminate what’s been called “COVID time” which our union strongly opposes (see more information below).
Vaccinations should not be seen as punitive measures, but rather as protective ones. AFSCME believes that more time and effort are needed to raise vaccination rates through voluntary action. There’s a need for more education—both about the highly reliable science on which the vaccines are based and about the threat that unvaccinated individuals pose to others—as well as incentive programs that have greatly increased vaccination rates in other sectors.
Before its recent action to institute a vaccination mandate, United Airlines already had a 90% vaccination rate among its pilots and an 80% vaccination rate among flight attendants. One factor credited with this strong uptake is an agreement reached with the airline’s unions for an additional day off for all vaccinated employees.
Employees in the state’s congregate facilities have been on the job every day throughout this pandemic, putting their own health and safety at risk to assure public safety and care for vulnerable individuals. In addition to the danger posed by the coronavirus, they have continued to face the dangers posed daily by assaults from patients and offenders and other constant stressors in the workplace. Just over the past few weeks, a nurse at Elgin MHC was beaten nearly to death by a patient, several officers at Pontiac CC were sent to the hospital as a result of injuries suffered in an attack by inmates, and an officer at Shawnee CC committed suicide in the facility parking lot.
There are other paths the state could follow that would not serve to increase tensions and stress in the way that a hard mandate would do. President Biden laid out such a path last week for most federal government employees: All employees must either be fully vaccinated OR be regularly tested. In fact, this is the approach that some agencies in state government are already taking. Such a flexible and balanced approach is preferable to a rigid universal vaccination requirement—and AFSCME will fight for it in the negotiations set to get underway.
Don’t End COVID Time-Off Policy!
Over AFSCME’s strong objections, the State intends to proceed with its plan to end “COVID Time” effective Monday, August 9. The COVID Time policy allows individuals who contract COVID-19 (or are under a health department quarantine) to have paid time off without using their own benefit time.
Under the revised policy, employees will have to use their own benefit time if they become sick with COVID and would have the option of filing a workers’ compensation claim to recoup that time.
AFSCME believes that “COVID Time” is a key means of helping to contain COVID outbreaks, especially in congregate settings such as prisons and veterans’ homes.
In a letter to CMS Chief of Labor Relations, Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch stressed that “AFSCME is very concerned that requiring any employee—whether vaccinated or unvaccinated—to use their own benefit time if they contract COVID could contribute to a heightened risk for all employees,” pointing out that employees who do not have any benefit time on the books may end up coming to work sick and infecting their coworkers.
Our union intends to make the restoration of COVID Time a top priority in the negotiations over the proposed vaccination mandate.
Hey, AFSCME. You wouldn’t need COVID Time all that much if your members were vaccinated. But if it gets you to agree to a firm vax mandate, so be it, I suppose.
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* Media advisory…
What:
The U.S. Census Bureau will hold a news conference to discuss the release of the first local level results from the 2020 Census. States use these data on race, Hispanic origin, and the voting-age population to redraw the boundaries of their congressional and state legislative districts.
The news conference will provide initial analysis of the first local level results from the 2020 Census on population change, race, ethnicity, the age 18 and over population, and housing occupancy status.
A live Q&A session with Census Bureau subject-matter experts will immediately follow the briefing for credentialed media who have RSVPed.
When:
Thursday, August 12, at 1 p.m. EDT
Who:
Ron Jarmin, acting director, U.S. Census Bureau
James Whitehorne, chief, Redistricting & Voting Rights Data Office, U.S. Census Bureau
Nicholas Jones, director and senior advisor of Race and Ethnic Research and Outreach, Population Division, U.S. Census Bureau
Marc Perry, senior demographer, Population Division, U.S. Census Bureau
Michael C. Cook, Sr., chief, Public Information Office, U.S. Census Bureau (moderator)
The legislature held off drawing the congressional maps until this data was available. It’s also possible that some state legislative districts will be redrawn if the data highlights important errors.
…Adding… Jim Nowlan on the new legislative maps. He really doesn’t like them…
We wouldn’t be facing such atrocious maps had not the state high court in 2016 blocked a petition signed by 700,000 voters. The ballot proposal would have allowed voters to determine if they wanted an independent commission to draw maps, without partisan gerrymandering.
But the court, in a vote of four Democrats over three Republicans, blocked this opportunity. The majority opinion was the most contrived bit of jurisprudence since the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dred Scott decision, a catalyst for the Civil War.
Um, wow.
The opinion is here.
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Richard Trumka
Thursday, Aug 5, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Late last month…
The head of the AFL-CIO said on Tuesday that the labor organization supports vaccine mandates for workers.
AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka outlined the group’s position during an interview on C-SPAN’s “The Washington Journal,” explaining why such mandates are important.
“Yes we do,” Trumka said, when asked if the AFL-CIO supports vaccine mandates. “If you are coming back into the workplace, you have to know what’s around you.”
* Today…
AFL-CIO president Richard Trumka, one of the country’s most powerful labor leaders and an influential voice in many Washington debates, died suddenly at 72, according to the federation.
Trumka, a third-generation coal miner who rose to power through the United Mine Workers, had become one of the most powerful labor leaders in the country and a key ally of Democrats in Washington, having worked in some capacity with every Democratic White House the last 30 years. […]
He has played an important part in debates during both Democratic and Republican administrations, playing a key role during the Trump administration’s effort to rewrite the North American Free Trade Agreement. Democrats only signed onto the pact after Trumka helped negotiate key changes.
As labor issues took center stage in the Biden administration, Trumka’s profile — and sway — was perhaps at its peak. With his blue collar background and working class credibility, he had been a crucial ally and public advocate in the larger discussions about strengthening the country’s labor laws, through legislation like the Pro Act, that remains a top Democratic priority.
* AFL-CIO Communications Director Tim Schlittner…
The labor movement, the AFL-CIO and the nation lost a legend today. Rich Trumka devoted his life to working people, from his early days as president of the United Mine Workers of America to his unparalleled leadership as the voice of America’s labor movement. He was a relentless champion of workers’ rights, workplace safety, worker-centered trade, democracy and so much more. He was also a devoted father, grandfather, husband, brother, coach, colleague and friend. Rich was loved and beloved. Today, the 56 unions and 12.5 million members of the AFL-CIO mourn the passing of our fearless leader and commit to honoring his legacy with action. Standing on Rich’s shoulders, we will pour everything we have into building an economy, society and democracy that lifts up every working family and community
I don’t usually do this for national figures, but a number of Illinoisans have weighed in, so I thought I’d post their remarks.
* Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch…
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka. I had the pleasure of meeting and discussing important issues for our working families with Rich just last week. Our nation owes a debt of gratitude to Rich for his tireless efforts in fighting for the rights of working families. He was a steadfast champion for all and will be dearly missed. His family and loved ones will be in my thoughts and prayers.
* Robin Kelly…
Democratic Party of Illinois Chairwoman Robin Kelly on Richard Trumka’s passing:
“My deepest condolences are with the family and friends of Richard Trumka. Rich’s dedication to making sure American workers had a voice and ability to build a good life will be a lasting legacy for the AFL-CIO that will benefit working families for generations to come. Rich was a true warrior and fighter for everyday men and women.”
* CFL…
Chicago Federation of Labor President Bob Reiter released the following statement regarding the news that AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka has passed away at 72:
“Rich Trumka was a dedicated unionist, a ferocious fighter for working people, and a beloved friend to so many. I met Rich over 11 years ago during my early days at the Chicago Federation of Labor. I was fortunate to spend a lot of time with Rich speaking to workers all over the Chicago area. It gave me an early opportunity to get to know him personally and learn from a leader firsthand how to carry the spirit of the American worker wherever I go. It was clear that he loved Chicago and its workers. He partnered with the CFL and local affiliates countless times throughout the course of his career to improve the lives of workers in Chicago and beyond. The entire Chicago labor movement mourns the devastating loss of President Trumka. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, the AFL-CIO, and the entire labor movement.”
* IFT…
Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) President Dan Montgomery issued the following statement upon the news of the sudden death of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka.
“We are shocked and saddened to learn today that Richard Trumka, president of the AFL-CIO, has passed away.
“His death is an immeasurable loss for the labor movement and for all working women and men. Rich dedicated his life to improving the lives of American workers and their families and to fighting for the rights and respect that every working person deserves, whether they sweep floors, build skyscrapers, or teach in classrooms.
“Richard Trumka was a real fighter during a period of upheaval and tremendous attacks on labor. A working man, a unionist to the core. Gracious, tenacious, smart. I was proud to have worked with him and privileged to consider him a friend.
“On behalf of the 103,000 members of the IFT, I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten. The fight he led for the rights of all working people and the betterment of this nation endures. That’s his legacy.”
* SEIU Local 73…
SEIU Local 73 President Dian Palmer issued the following statement on the death of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka.
“Richard Trumka was a champion for working families and an outspoken advocate for social and economic justice. His work on economic advocacy spanned the globe and brought together international labor support for workers struggling for justice.”
“From fighting to end unfair trade practices to restoring U.S. manufacturing strength, Richard Trumka’s leadership and determination to improve life for all working families was a demonstration of his commitment to the labor movement. We shared his values and will continue his fight for living wages, equal pay, respect at work, safe jobs, secure retirement, and the freedom for all workers to form or join unions and bargain collectively.”
“On behalf of the members of SEIU Local 73, I send our condolences to Richard’s family. May his memory and legacy be a blessing and may he rest in power.”
* US Chamber…
U.S. Chamber President and CEO Suzanne Clark today issued the following statement after the passing of Richard Trumka, AFL-CIO President.
“On behalf of the U.S. Chamber, we are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Richard Trumka, who was a fighter, a fierce advocate, and, above all else, a decent man who earned the respect and admiration of anyone who worked with him.
“We enjoyed many years of strong partnership on shared priorities as well as spirited debate grounded in a common desire to better our nation. Our thoughts go out to his family and the millions of active and retired AFL-CIO members who benefited from his great leadership.”
I’ll update as needed. I think one is coming from the governor, but he’s been at an event.
…Adding… I didn’t see Mayor Lightfoot’s tweet when I put this up…
…Adding… Illinois AFL-CIO…
The Illinois AFL-CIO, representing nearly 900,000 workers across the state, today issued the following statement on the passing of national AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka:
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Richard Trumka, a true champion for working people.
Like Richard, I came up through the United Mine Workers union and the Federation of Labor, and worked with him to protect and provide for working families for more than 30 years.
He was always a powerful voice for treating workers fairly and served as a great inspiration for all of our state and local union leaders. But even in his role leading 12.5 million members strong in these challenging times, Richard Trumka never lost sight of who he was fighting for: the everyday men and women who needed good jobs to lead better lives for their families.
He made workplace safety a priority, especially during the pandemic. He understood how to work with Democrats and Republicans, to build the political support needed to keep working families in the fight. He valued social and economic justice, and I know he would be proud of the strides we are taking today in the name of equality and diversity.
We will greatly miss Richard Trumka’s fierce leadership, his undying loyalty to our values, and his sincere friendship. We keep his family in our prayers as we know he will rest in power, with a tremendous legacy.”
Tim Drea
President
Illinois AFL-CIO
…Adding… Governor…
* Sen. Duckworth…
U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after the passing of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka:
“I’m deeply saddened by the tragic and sudden passing of Richard Trumka. Working families across our nation have lost a fierce advocate, one who never shied away from standing up for what was right and who worked every single day to improve the lives of millions of hard-working Americans. His legacy as a champion of working people will live on and I will do all I can to keep up the fight for working families in his honor. My deepest condolences go to his wife, Barbara, and their son, Rich Jr., during this time.”
* Sen. Holmes…
Assistant Senate Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) has released the following statement after hearing the news of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka passing today:
“I’m saddened to hear of President Trumka’s untimely passing, and my heart is not just with his immediate family but also with the millions of working people throughout the U.S. who have lost his leadership and his advocacy for them.
He was a legendary powerhouse who devoted his entire career to making life better for all those engaged in keeping this country moving forward. I will remember him and his tremendous influence on the American labor movement.”
Holmes serves as the Chairperson of the Senate Labor Committee.
* Comptroller Mendoza…
Every American who believes in workers’ rights, a safe workplace, and the right to earn a living wage should take a moment today to grieve the loss of Richard Trumka, a powerful fighter for the rights of working men and women. A coal miner who rose to president of the AFL-CIO, Trumka embodied what’s great and worth fighting for in the United States of America. Rest in Peace and God’s glory. We are all better off because of your life. Thank you and Godspeed.
* Sen. Durbin…
* SEIU Healthcare…
SEIU Healthcare IL, IN, MO, KS President Greg Kelley released the following statement regarding the news of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka’s passing:
The unexpected passing of AFL-CIO President, Richard Trumka has left SEIU Healthcare IL IN MO KS with a heavy heart. He was a larger-than-life figure, whose uncompromising efforts in the fight for workers’ rights have left an indelible mark on the labor movement in this country.
Trumka was a giant, not just in stature but in integrity and commitment. He believed in a strong democracy and an equitable society. He supported working families by advocating for vaccinations and workplace safety.
He spent decades speaking out about issues that truly impacted working class people. Trumka never hesitated to use his powerful voice in political and corporate arenas, championing for the rights of hard-working Americans.
We are saddened to have lost one of our greatest warriors in this battle, but we will be diligent in continuing the fight in his honor.
* US Rep. Schakowsky…
Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and Chairwoman of Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following statement after the death of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka was announced:
“I am heartbroken over the sudden, unexpected, and tragic death of my friend Richard Trumka. President Trumka’s story is one that should inspire all Americans - the son of immigrants, he went to work in a coal mine, and through hard work and determination, eventually became the most powerful labor leader in the United States.
“President Trumka’s commitment to the working men and women of this country was second to none. I was proud to work closely with him on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), representing a paradigm shift towards workers when it comes to our national trade policy.
“Today we lost a giant. We must honor his memory by fighting like hell for the working men and women of this country, never forgetting that that was his life’s purpose.”
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COVID-19 roundup
Thursday, Aug 5, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
…Adding… US Rep. Adam Kinzinger was interviewed about several things, including the mask mandate…
In regards to the state’s school mask mandate, Kinzinger said, “If that’s what keeps kids safe – all these kids aren’t vaccinated – then it’s fine to lean forward on it, as long as it’s not being done in a strong handed way, as long as it’s being done on scientific recommendations.”
* Marni Pyke…
In just one month, new COVID-19 infections more than tripled, but vaccinations dropped nearly by half, Illinois Department of Public Health data showed.
The latest mutation of COVID-19, the delta variant, is spreading rapidly, and it shows in average daily caseloads spurting from 318 in June to 969 in July across Illinois.
However, COVID-19 vaccinations shrunk from an average of 40,452 a day in June to 21,102 in July, reflecting some people’s hesitancy about getting a shot and the fact most Americans who are eligible for a dose have already gotten one. […]
On Tuesday, 26,667 more COVID-19 shots were administered. The seven-day average is 28,180.
* Notice that GOP legislators almost never say how they’d vote if a bill was in front of them. It’s mainly a deflection tactic to avoid taking a stand one way or another…
State Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, said such decisions can’t be left to one person. Legislators elected by the people should be debating such issues.
“We’ve been saying from the beginning from here as well that the legislature should be involved,” McClure said. “I think hearings are important.”
* Unclear on the concept…
The governor’s direction requires masks to be worn for workers in state facilities, prisons, day care centers, and public and private schools — where students must mask-up, too. The rule kicks in Oct. 4, allowing for unions that represent state workers to negotiate the specifics.
Um, the governor’s announcement was about a mask mandate for P-12 schools and long-term care facilities and a vaccine mandate for congregate state facility workers. It was in all the papers.
* More like this, please…
The nation’s largest nursing home operator told its workers this week they will have to get COVID-19 vaccinations to keep their jobs — a possible shift in an industry that has largely rejected compulsory measures for fear of triggering an employee exodus that could worsen already dangerous staffing shortages.
The new requirement at Genesis Healthcare, which has 70,000 employees at nearly 400 nursing homes and senior communities, is the clearest sign yet that such places may be willing to take that risk amid the surging delta variant and the fact that more than 40% of U.S. nursing home workers still have not gotten the shot.
Some experts are calling for mandatory vaccinations at nursing homes, warning that unprotected staff members are endangering residents. Even residents who have been inoculated are vulnerable because many are elderly and frail, with weak immune systems.
More than 1,250 nursing home residents across the U.S. were infected with COVID-19 in the week ending July 25, double the number from the week earlier, and 202 died, according to federal data.
* Same for this…
Major hospital system Advocate Aurora Health will require all of its workers to get COVID-19 vaccines, joining a growing list of Illinois health care providers mandating the shots.
Advocate Aurora, which has 10 hospitals in Illinois, will require its workers to be fully vaccinated by Oct. 15. The system has 75,000 workers in Illinois and Wisconsin.
“Our ultimate duty is to protect the health and safety of our team members, patients and communities,” President and CEO Jim Skogsbergh told employees in a video Wednesday. “The data is overwhelming. This vaccine is safe, and it’s highly effective in preventing infection and even more so, serious illness and death.” […]
More than 50 health care organizations, including the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Nursing Association, released a statement last week supporting vaccine mandates in health care.
* Leaving it up to the locals was creating divisive local fights…
At first glance, the hurling of F-bombs, menacing threats and burly security guards whisking away unruly members of the crowds packing suburban school board meetings in recent weeks seems straight out of a reality TV show.
But the scenes are unfolding in real time across the Chicago suburbs, where concerned parents and beleaguered school district officials on Wednesday greeted Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s mask mandate with everything from anger and sadness to relief and appreciation. […]
This summer, some members of the crowd at a Barrington Community School District 220 board meeting were escorted out of the room by security, and a recent District 45 meeting in Villa Park was adjourned after a mask debate devolved into a shouting match.
* Other stories…
* Read Gov. Pritzker’s Full Remarks on New COVID Mitigations for Illinois
* Superintendent concerned Pritzker’s mask order removes local control
* ‘Hard to disagree’; Southern Illinois leaders react to Pritzker’s school mask mandate
* Area superintendents adjust on mask mandate, with changing information, governor’s update
* McLean County Schools Shift As Pritzker Issues Mask Mandate
* Gov. Pritzker issues mask mandate for indoor youth sports
* Masks Mandated at Schools, Day Cares, Long-Term Care Facilities
* Less than 2 months after lifting most COVID-19 orders, Gov. J.B. Pritzker issues mask mandate for schools and vaccine requirement for some state workers
* Illinois announces new mask rules for schools as fight against COVID-19 continues
* Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker Announces Statewide School Mask Mandate
* Pritzker orders up school mask mandate: ‘We all must take immediate and urgent action’
* Mask-optional schools in suburbs reverse course, say they’ll obey governor’s mandate
* If you went to Lollapalooza, get a COVID-19 test this week, Champaign-Urbana health department urges local residents
* Amid delta variant threat, employers step up pressure on unvaccinated workers to get COVID shots
* US plans to require COVID-19 shots for foreign travelers
* Secretary of Defense Austin to announce mandatory vaccine policy for all active-duty military
* Republican official who mocked COVID in final Facebook post dies of virus in Texas
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