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* Newsweek took a look at Gov. Rauner’s anti-union moves and concluded its story with this quote…
…Roberta Lynch, executive director of AFSCME Council 31 in Illinois, says Rauner’s efforts are supplemented by “unprecedented resources” and “an incredible level of coordination” involving anonymous donors funding a network of self-described “policy institutes” now operating in every state.
She also says the Illinois governor harbors “pure, unalloyed hatred and [a] Darth Vader destruction fantasy” toward the state’s unions, and predicts Rauner’s “dangerous obsession” will backfire with Illinois voters. “We have a $4 billion deficit in this state, and he has no plans to address it. He spends his time running around the state every day launching attacks on unions. That’s how he spends his time.”
Um, wow.
Those contract negotiations are going swimmingly, I presume
* Actually, I told subscribers last week about a rare behind the scenes look provided by AFSCME itself…
Negotiations show governor’s real agenda – Negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement for state employees got off to a late start. Then they got thrown dramatically off course when, on the very first day of bargaining, the Rauner Administration flagrantly violated the current agreement by issuing an Executive Order (EO) to bar Fair Share fees.
That EO’s stated aim is “preventing Illinois state employee unions from using…fair share fees to influence wages, pensions, and benefits that are….subjects of collective bargaining under the Illinois Labor Act.” In other words: trying to hamper unions’ ability to negotiate strong, fair contracts. And now that negotiations have gotten underway, it’s clear that Rauner’s effort to weaken unions in state government is the Number One goal of his representatives at the bargaining table.
As is normally the case, negotiations are first addressing only non-economic issues, such as health and safety, grievance procedure, hours of work, layoff protections, seniority, subcontracting, or discipline. Management is proposing dozens of changes to key sections of the contract, all with one overriding aim: to undo decades of progress in shaping working conditions for state employees that are safe, humane and fair. To achieve that goal, they are also seeking contractual changes that would drastically undermine the union’s ability to safeguard employee rights.
Gov. Rauner has said his goal is to eliminate all union membership in Illinois within the next four years. He’s also pushing privatization of public services. No doubt state employees are at the very top of his hit list on both counts. He’s putting out misleading information about state employee wages and benefits (which AFSCME has already discredited!). And the proposals he’s making at the bargaining table, even before discussions of economic issues begin, make all too clear his hostility toward state employees and the vital work we do.
Your AFSCME Bargaining Committee – more than 200 democratically elected rank-and-file members – is determined to stand fast against this onslaught. But this is not a fight that can be won solely at the bargaining table. It will require the involvement of every union member in every corner of this state – standing up and standing together. It will also involve reaching out to your friends and family to let them know what the governor is trying to do and to enlist their support. Your local Bargaining Committee members and your local’s Member Action Team will keep you informed about the progress of negotiations and how you can join in the critical battle to defend your union contract.
Oof.
* Meanwhile, the governor’s office added to its “Coalition of the Willing” today…
Hi, Rich –
Another update:
Heyworth passed the governor’s Turnaround Agenda Resolution. It is attached.Best,
If you didn’t know, Heyworth is in McLean County and has a population of 2,841.
[”Coalition of the Willing” idea stolen from a commenter.]
*** UPDATE *** From the governor’s office…
Hi, Rich –
Got a few more for you.Milledgeville
Shannon
MartinsvilleThey are all attached.
Best,
ck
Milledgeville: Pop. 1,031
Shannon: Pop. 757
Martinsville: Pop. 1,167
* And the National Review looks at the latest developments in Kentucky…
Now a dozen counties in Kentucky — including three of the ten largest in the state — allow workers to choose for themselves whether to pay union dues. Local laws now protect half a million Kentuckians from forced union dues. Unions have filed suit in federal district court.
Hardin County (the county the unions sued) just filed their motion for summary judgment. Final arguments are due in to the court in early May; the judge will rule sometime thereafter.
* Related…
* Government spends $153 billion per year helping working families: The study, released by Ken Jacobs, Ian Perry and Jenifer MacGillvary, says that low wages ultimately cost U.S. taxpayers $152.8 billion per year in benefits paid to those low-wage workers.
* Report: Rauner’s Proposed Right-To-Work Zones Would Weaken Illinois Economy
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 3:25 pm
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“Darth Vader”?
Maybe. Not the “best” discription, still think Sonny really captures Rauner…
Um, Governor’s Office.
Really sad when 2,900 populated town is… “Winning!”
Pathetic, but…”yeah you!”.
Dopes.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 3:33 pm
When does the current AFSCME contract expire? If I was a member of the bargaining unit I’d be planning on a lockout.
Comment by Stones Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 3:40 pm
The contract for AFSCME expires July 1st, 2015. I think that all contracts with all the state unions expire on that day after the legislation was pushed thru that no contract can go 6 months past a current election???? I am not positive though.
Comment by Onlooker Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 3:42 pm
I think the mythical and ever elusive zero based budgeting may become a reality. Why not do the same with collective bargaining agreements. Negotiations should not be limited to how much more the unions get; Rauner has every right and responsibility to challenge each and every benefit previously agreed to… After all, that’s what he promised to do.
Comment by old-pol Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 3:43 pm
Agree with OW that “Darth Vader” is not the best description. It implies that Rauner is the Chosen One. Just sayin’.
Comment by State employee Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 3:44 pm
Brucie is more like the Emperor than Darth…Darth had to cross over to the Dark Side, the Emperor was always there!
Comment by D.P.Gumby Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 3:46 pm
So does that make Ken Griffin Emperor Palpatine?
Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 3:56 pm
A really good example of not really grasping…messaging.
The Emperor in the Star Wars saga, yeah, I can “see” it… but Vader, meh.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 3:56 pm
Never understood why administration (past and present) allow these negotiations to be held in places other than the state Capitol city. All those involved get travel, lodging and per idem. Very costly process…..
Comment by Cowboy Dan Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 4:02 pm
Cowboy - It’s typical in contract negotiations to meet in a neutral site. I’m not an insider to this particular negotiation but that’s my guess.
Comment by Stones Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 4:04 pm
===She also says the Illinois governor harbors “pure, unalloyed hatred and [a] Darth Vader destruction fantasy” toward the state’s unions,===
And with that we’ll get started. Welcome to the 2015 negotiations, everyone please take your seats.
This isn’t winning people over to your side in any corner of any state anywhere. I’d say your own choir is already warmed up and on overdrive. The audience isn’t them.
Comment by A guy Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 4:04 pm
“It’s typical in contract negotiations to meet in a neutral site.”
Then they should meet down in Cairo. The’d finish faster.
Comment by State employee Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 4:05 pm
“Dear AFSCME,
Do not strike, or walk out, or protest. That’s what Sonny wants. Make Sonny do something Dopey like “locking out” workers, or trying to “fire/hire back” workers which, by itself, has legalities attached to it.
Hold your powder, Sonny blows it, and always blows up.
He always did.
Sincerely,
Common Sense.”
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 4:09 pm
What a boss! Bringing out the best in everyone!
Comment by AnonymousOne Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 4:10 pm
==Then they should meet down in Cairo. The’d finish faster.==
When I was going down there regularly, the closest practical place to stay was the former Holiday Inn in Muddy. It had great home vittles. If they haven’t torn it down, that would be a great place. And it would be good for some of the higher ups to spend some time in that part of the state.
Comment by Excessively Rabid Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 4:11 pm
“And with that we’ll get started.”
Negotiations literally started a while ago, it even says so in the post.
“This isn’t winning people over to your side in any corner of any state anywhere. I’d say your own choir is already warmed up and on overdrive. The audience isn’t them.”
Of course it is. Membership has to approve of any new contract, not to mention Lynch’s job.
Comment by Arsenal Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 4:12 pm
+1 for OW. And if there is a lockout, stand outside and say “We *want* to work, but we’re locked out.”
Comment by Skeptic Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 4:12 pm
With Heyworth & Makanda on board can Shirley be far behind?? I don’t know about you, but I feel a juggernaut coming!!
Comment by Outsider Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 4:13 pm
Clearly BVR wants a strike….adds to the macho image that is needed for the presidential campaign. Guessin’ BVR has a bunch of provocative moves once the contract expires — 6-30-15 — he will prefer to call it a strike
Comment by anonin' Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 4:21 pm
==The study, released by Ken Jacobs, Ian Perry and Jenifer MacGillvary, says that low wages ultimately cost U.S. taxpayers $152.8 billion per year in benefits paid to those low-wage workers.==
And how much would it cost US taxpayers if we increase the minimum wage and it costs x% of these workers their jobs? It ain’t that simple, folks. One of the big costs in this study is the earned income credit, which was designed to supplement the income of low-wage taxpayers without imposing all the costs on the employer, causing jobs to be lost.
Regarding Darth Vader, is he still schlepping around in that 30-year-old death star or did he drop it after the campaign?
Comment by Anon. Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 4:22 pm
Bruce already has already called the locksmith to change the locks come July 1. AFSCME is not going to settle for anything less than what they already have, Period.
Rauner is less like Vader and more like Jar Jar Binks, in that he relates to almost no one.
Comment by BlameBruceRauner Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 4:25 pm
=== I think the mythical and ever elusive zero based budgeting may become a reality. Why not do the same with collective bargaining agreements. ===
Um: because of labor law?
Recall how Mayor Emanuel tried to force CTU to work a longer school day without any additional pay, and the arbitrator told CPS to take a flying leap?
Comment by Juvenal Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 4:25 pm
I have one Question for Roberta! Why are the Rank and file members not allowed to vote for the Executive Director of AFSCME? A committee is sent to Springfield who is paid, wined and dined. They then re-appoint the director. It is my understanding that no one is allowed to speak negative about the current leaders and a voice vote is taken. I was forced to pay Union dues or Fair share for 30 years, but only allowed to vote on the local leaders. Now you see why people are sick of being forced to pay and have no voice!
Comment by Why Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 4:27 pm
“It’s typical in contract negotiations to meet in a neutral site.”
A truly neutral site would probably have to be out of state. Any suggestions?
Comment by Secret Square Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 4:27 pm
===Now you see why people are sick of being forced to pay and have no voice!===
LOL
Yeah. Over a quarter of fair share fee payers joined the union a month after the Rauner EO. You’re so spot on!
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 4:29 pm
- Why -,
More workers are joining the Union than complaining about Fair Share…
But, if you feel better complainin’ without understandin’ than you deserve all that Rauner wants to do to workers.
I have no sympathy for those who go against their better selves… Embarrassing.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 4:30 pm
It is on Lexington’s city council meeting tonight.Population 2,080…and falling.
Comment by JS Mill Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 4:30 pm
Not sure what facilities are being used for the “neutral” site but the State has a fair amount of decent state-owned places that should be suitable. Off the top of my head the lodges at either Starved Rock or Pere Marquette or the meeting center at Allerton Park all come to mind.
Comment by RNUG Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 4:31 pm
===Not sure what facilities are being used for the “neutral” site===
It’s usually at the Springfield Hilton.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 4:35 pm
He’s more Grand Moff Tarkin than Vader.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 4:39 pm
Sorry, the Force is NOT with Rauner, so Darth Vader doesn’t work.
Comment by Wensicia Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 4:40 pm
Cmon, these communities represent .000004% of the Illinois population. Clearly’s he’s got a head of steam going!
Comment by Chicago Cynic Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 4:42 pm
if anything else, this is an educational opportunity to learn about all these amazing IL cities I never knew existed before.
Comment by PoolGuy Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 4:45 pm
– This isn’t winning people over to your side in any corner of any state anywhere–
If I read that correctly, Guy’s voices are now telling him he speaks for everyone in the country.
What’s your suggestion on how they should deal with Rauner, Dale Carnegie? A Whitman Sampler?
Rauner is tripping on the national play he gets for his anti-union stuff. It has nothing to do with running the state, it’s just abut getting personal harrumphs in the
WSJ.
Comment by Wordslinger Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 4:46 pm
Now if Summerville passes one, THEN I’ll pay attention.
Comment by Skeptic Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 4:47 pm
“I am altering the deal, pray I don’t alter it any further” is a reasonable summary of Rauner’s response so far to bargaining. I agree with OW, the goal for AFSCME should be to respond in a calm and reasonable manner. For ’tis the sport to have the enginer hoist with his own petard…
Comment by AC Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 4:47 pm
Willy, if the debate is whether Rauner is best compared to Sonny Corleone or Darth Vader, he’s already lost.
Comment by Precinct Captain Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 4:49 pm
Maybe these small town councils are hoping their resolution yes votes will equate to a $20 gift card down the road.
Comment by Johnnie F. Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 4:50 pm
” Local laws now protect half a million Kentuckians from forced union dues.”
They should also be protected from the forced wage/hour/health/working condition benefits the union negotiates on their behalf.
Comment by JoanP Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 4:51 pm
The unions are shaking in their boots with this groundswell of support. If he keeps this up, Rauner will have resolutions from tiny villages representing 0.05 percent of the state’s population.
Comment by Norseman Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 4:54 pm
Most of these rural communities are dying because of the corporatization of agriculture! So, fewer farms=fewer farmers = less sales tax = dying rural Illinois. Right to work is not going to bring people back to these communities.
Comment by BlameBruceRauner Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 4:54 pm
- Precinct Captain -,
That is Cannoli Worthy… and it woukd still be lost on Rauner…
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 4:56 pm
Negotiations are mostly in Champaign and East Peoria this year due to a lack of available meeting spaces in Springfield.
Comment by Pelonski Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 4:59 pm
I agree with OW and AC. The unions should focus on good faith bargaining. There are so many factors involved in negotiations that are not directly pay-related and that have benefited workers all these years. Let Rauner make all the negative moves, like lockouts and fire/rehire.
It doesn’t have to be this way. It can be made much better if Rauner drops the extremism and focuses on working with unions. That remains my sincerest hope, even amidst the rancor.
Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 5:00 pm
Where are they meeting in East Peoria- in “Paradise”?
Comment by Anon221 Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 5:51 pm
Rauner just gets worse and worse. Anyone who says he played straight up during the campaign is kidding themselves. He played the moderate alternative to poor, old, worn out Pat Quinn but once he got the keys to the castle has deepened the moat and declared war on the peasants.
I really think this is going to go very, very badly this summer.
Comment by DuPage Dave Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 6:01 pm
Rich, is the update the “You forgot Poland!” moment?
Comment by Juice Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 6:02 pm
The state does NOT pay the 200 union workers that are in contract talks. The Local unions pay for travel ect. That’s what union dues are for. And as far as our vote for union director our members vote for a local union president and part of our duty is to vote for our director. Kinda too Democratic for some of you?
Comment by state worker Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 6:59 pm
playing Star Wars theme music for Gov staff and union members when they enter the room for contract negotiations would be pretty amazing though
Comment by PoolGuy Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 7:40 pm
Two questions:Where are thesetowns? Never heard of them.
Do any of them have a union workplace?
Comment by truthteller Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 7:49 pm
Goggle maps will show you where they are. As to being union towns, Clinton and Heyworth are not major manufacturing towns. Clinton is classified as a city and us the DeWitt County seat. Heyworth is a village and mainly a bedroom community to Bloomington-Normal. Not exactly whistle-stop communities for Rauner. I doubt they are even on his radar. I think their leaders are just clutching at the hope that if they support the “turn-around” they will get a ride on the Gov’s magical merry-go-round.
Comment by Anon221 Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 8:14 pm
Brucy Bruce certainly hates us State Workers. It might be time to leave.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 8:33 pm
The small towns care because with their small tax bases, repairs to utility or street infrastructure cost an extra 25% to do under prevailing wage. Adds up fast.
Comment by Shemp Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 8:34 pm
That is no reason to attack State Workers
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 8:44 pm
AFSCME had $100,000 to blow at City Winery last year for their convention. Apparently Rauner and Rahm aren’t the only ones with a taste for fine wine. Maybe Quinn was invited to the local-only $225,000 convention in Springfield in 2013. Rauner’s loss, I guess.
Perhaps offering Rauner some cool convention swag would be a good start. How about one of those “1200 CONVENTION BAGS” the local spent $29K on? Or perhaps one of $11K worth of polo shirts?
AFSCME Council 31 has 2 Executive Directors making a total of $356,000 per year. How many executive directors does it take to run a union affiliate? Two. One to make tired movie correlations. And one to distract its members from the mismanagement of funds.
Comment by nixit71 Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 8:54 pm
With the Governor and AFSCME I see more of the Rebel Without Cause movie scene, who is willing to go closest to the edge. BVR and crew have been playing the we are willing to go all the way game hard. The old corporate give us concessions or we will take the whole thing down.
OW is on top of it at 4:09. In talks with folks I know in the organization I was with some months back I was hearing the same things. They do not want a repeat of Wisconsin. Big demonstrations with national coverage are to be limited. No need to help the Gov get more press.
Reaching out to all union members and their family and friends is good thinking, but perhaps a bit late. Many of the State Workers natural allies have been pretty beat up. The next time they see those allies standing along the road trying to protect their wages and working conditions they may want to stand with them for a day or two. If not that at least maybe a honk and a thumbs up.
Comment by Bemused Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 8:56 pm
Who wants to take a stab at Rauner/Trover’s response? My guess is it will include a mixture of the following phrases: corrupt bargain, status quo, shake up, empowerment.
Comment by Which side are you on? Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 9:21 pm
@ state worker
It’s amazing how much misinformation is out there regarding the negotiations currently underway. Individual union presidents are state employees elected by the majority membership. Lockouts or strikes are of last resort, and even then there are many hoops to go through to even be able to strike or lockout employees underneath state law. You lockout employees, they are automatically eligible for unemployment benefits. And, why would anyone in their right mind lockout employees when a budget and contract expires at the same time? You preach shared sacrifice, but you want to add to the unemployment rolls, that’s really a smart move. The truth of the matter is, both sides are going to have to negotiate or it’s going to end up in binding arbitration. Go ahead and change the locks, beat your chest, and cause more anxiety for everyone– there is more to life than just worrying about just this.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 9:45 pm
@ state worker
The post was not directed towards you, just towards some individuals in this thread who enjoy trolling. Obviously they watch too much Fox News. I am still waiting for Rauner to come to the bargaining table already like he said he would.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 9:49 pm
===ockouts or strikes are of last resort, and even then there are many hoops to go through to even be able to strike or lockout employees underneath state law. You lockout employees, they are automatically eligible for unemployment benefits. And, why would anyone in their right mind lockout employees when a budget and contract expires at the same time? ===
Welp, here’s the rub, please catch up;
You have a governor thinking Fair Share should be stopped, then not stopped, and threatening to break Unions…
…and you want us all to think all of this is being done in soneone’s “right mind”?
===I am still waiting for Rauner to come to the bargaining table already like he said he would.===
So…when you decide to get a name, you also tell us all when to take Rauner at his word. Which word? Yeah, that IS the rub.
Understand?
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 10:09 pm
Shemp @ 8:34
You are part of the short term thinking that is going to cost the country big time down the road.
You have a study that says low wages cost the taxpayers 158 billion. The concept for prevailing wage is to keep workers from needing taxpayer assistance. Of course I guess you could cut out all assistance.
Spending taxpayer money should not help in the decline of living standards.
Comment by Bemused Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 10:34 pm
“AFSCME had $100,000 to blow at City Winery last year for their convention. Apparently Rauner and Rahm aren’t the only ones with a taste for fine wine. Maybe Quinn was invited to the local-only $225,000 convention in Springfield in 2013. Rauner’s loss, I guess.
Perhaps offering Rauner some cool convention swag would be a good start. How about one of those “1200 CONVENTION BAGS” the local spent $29K on? Or perhaps one of $11K worth of polo shirts?
AFSCME Council 31 has 2 Executive Directors making a total of $356,000 per year. How many executive directors does it take to run a union affiliate? Two. One to make tired movie correlations. And one to distract its members from the mismanagement of funds.”
I want to know the source of all these claims.
Comment by justthefacts Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 11:46 pm
Here is the rub Willy. You have no clue what Rauner and his “crew” are up to. AFSCME is a wacked out union that has been unwilling to read the handwriting on the wall that the state is BK. They won’t compromise, but they are the good guys? Yet you seem to think that these left wing nuts are what is left of “my party”. HaHa, Godfather analogies are really funny, but you really have no clue what’s up. Rauner thought this stuff out over a year ago while you were worried about how the crew was going to bake a cake.
The cake is baked Willy, how does it taste? Perhaps you are too blinded with your juvenile hatred of Rauner and turning the GOP into a real political party in Illinois to realize that something more is afoot here in Illinois.
When you think Madigan and AFSCME are the good guys in your drama, then you have ceased being a member of “your party”, and have become a relic of the good ole days of back slapping get along go along Republicans. That is what put Illinois in the mess it is in now.
Comment by ABC Lawyer Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 11:49 pm
The state is bankrupt ABC? Huh, what bankruptcy court did they file in? Where are the junk status bonds? Are we in good fiscal straits? No, but we are far from any concept of bankrupt, unless we are talking about your bankrupt rhetoric.
Comment by Precinct Captain Tuesday, Apr 14, 15 @ 12:51 am
Gee, thanks “Bemused.” People wonder why these small towns care, I offer the reason and I am the one representing the short term thinking of the world. Nice. If you got out to these small towns and heard the stories, you’d understand better. There is no shortage of small town contractors on these small councils that are trying to navigate the system. How about the electrician that is not allowed to donate his time to work on the small town scoreboard because it is in violation of prevailing wage rules if he does the work at a cut rate for his old alma mater? Small town contractors aren’t as well-equipped to play the games or have the back office for filing the paperwork. One size doesn’t fit all across the state.
Comment by Shemp Tuesday, Apr 14, 15 @ 1:59 am
Shemp, any town that tells an electrician they can’t do work for free is just wrong, donating work is not a violation of prevailing wage. A cut rate could be, but that’s more of a procurement rule.
Dealing with the red tape of procurement can be a challenge for small businesses, but that’s not due to prevailing wage, it’s due to procurement rules to prevent fraud.
Your assertion that prevailing wage adds 25% to cost is also unfounded. Prevailing wage helps ensure that qualified workers do the job right the first time. In my experience with construction if one contractor can vastly underbid all others, it’s because they’re going to do shoddy work.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Apr 14, 15 @ 4:57 am
Oh, - ABC Lawyer -, feel better? lol
You mustn’t Nd a very good lawyer, states can’t go bankrupt. Pathetic.
If Rauner thought all this out over a year ago, then that’s more ignorant than making it up as he goes along…
No one is on your lawn, states can’t go bankrupt, your word means something in politics, and going back on it with MJM isn’t good for Rauner.
Please learn, Rauner is a Raunerite, not a Republican. You’re welcome.
Any lawyer that thinks this is good pllitics for Rauner, thinks this is how Republicans win overall in Illinois, and doesn’t see this end game looking…well, not too good, probably was confused when Sonny died at the toll both.
You’re a Dope, - ABC Lawyer -, but when the state goes “BK” you’ll show us all, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Apr 14, 15 @ 5:50 am
- ABC Lawyer -,
Also…the campaign is over. Your guy won. You need to really move on to the governing phase, and your rhetoric about bankruptcy really shows how little you know - ABC Lawyer - about what it means to be a governor.
Rauner can start governing at any time. No one is stopping him.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Apr 14, 15 @ 6:39 am
Please Willy. BK as in no money, not the formal chapter filing at Dirksen. Get over yourself. Your guy lost, get over it.
Comment by ABC Lawyer Tuesday, Apr 14, 15 @ 7:27 am
- ABC Lawyer -,
LOL. I didn’t vite for anyone for governor, please keep up.
BTW, using “BK” then sayibg something so ignorant as;
===BK as in no money, not the formal chapter filing at Dirksen.===
Um, you can’t file a state bankruptcy…anywhere.
Maybe you need to sit out a few plays.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Apr 14, 15 @ 7:31 am
ABC, are you sure the state is broke?
Just last week, Rauner signed off on $100 million in taxpayer handouts to the likes of Capitol One, EBay and CDW.
In 2014, those poor huddled masses had net income of $4.3B, $3.5B and $133M, respectively.
It certainly was compassionate to do so (I take it no one on their boards is on respirators), but at this time of shared sacrifice, can the state afford to do so if it’s broke?
Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Apr 14, 15 @ 7:58 am
My numbers come from reports filed withe U.S. Dept of Labor, Which also tells me they spent $11K on t-shirts for “Lobby Week”. The AFSCME folks sure like to advertise their paid-for influence down in Capitol City.
Comment by nixit71 Tuesday, Apr 14, 15 @ 7:59 am
- nixit71 -,
You should offer $10.5K, I mean, free enterprise and all, since you think $11K is too much.
Think of the money you could clear…
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Apr 14, 15 @ 8:00 am
Shemp
Actually it used to be part of my job to investigate the use of public money by small units of government. Here is a more likely scenario often found after the fact.
Somebody on the board has local Joe redo their kitchen and liked his work. No need to bid that new project out as local Joe can do it. Big problem is local Joe hires his people as subcontractors to keep from having to deal with all that pesky paperwork and tax stuff. When the Dept of Labor comes in and asks for certified payroll things get ugly. Of course it is all the States Fault.
Nobody worries about later when those workers are held accountable for their own taxes. Which they often do not pay. Not to mention no unemployment benes or SS paid.
But hey those folks should be able to do as they please.
Comment by Bemused Tuesday, Apr 14, 15 @ 8:13 am
I always have high hopes when new administrations begin. Yet after Blagojevich and Quinn, I was not prepared for how fast the current governor has displayed a complete lack of understanding for the job he spent millions getting elected to. What had appeared as a differing approach to the job has been exposed as an indifference to governing.
The current governor does not seem to even try to do his job. Instead of finding and building consensus as the minority party within the current political climate, he is behaving as an extremist partisan. While there are places for this approach in our state, we cannot afford to have a governor do this.
To those who defend the current governor with statements that he had not caused the problems we are facing today, I can only suggest that those defenders ask themselves at which point does a governor begin adding to the problems he finds in Office. Serious governing moments have arrived for Governor Rauner and he has added to our state’s burdens by failing to do his best.
Illinois does not need a Drama Queen playing for a national political audience in a farce costing us billions. But that is what we seem to have with Bruce Rauner. As of this date, Governor Rauner has not helped Illinois. He has not helped us financially. Bruce Rauner has not united us. Bruce Rauner has not lead us to solutions which will make Illinois a more attractive state in which to do business.
The past six months since his election has been a setback for our state. The damage he has wrought within our embattled communities was unwanted and unnecessary. Every new administration creates unintended negative consequences as it learns how to govern. As of today, not only has the Rauner administration failed to learn how to govern, it has instead taken actions which have harmed Illinois. It will take years to come together as a state after the past six months of guerilla partisan attacks.
Bruce Rauner isn’t shaking Springfield. He is burning Illinois to the ground in the hopes that he can direct its rebuilding.
That isn’t governing.
That is harming.
Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Apr 14, 15 @ 8:52 am
- Wordslinger - Monday, Apr 13, 15 @ 4:46 pm:
===
– This isn’t winning people over to your side in any corner of any state anywhere–
If I read that correctly, Guy’s voices are now telling him he speaks for everyone in the country.====
What are your voices telling you Yoda? Whether it’s good for Illinois or not (a different debate altogether) people are lining up on sides of this issue. Do you think that AFSCME has the kind of support that makes a comment like Ms. Lynch’s one to be embraced by the masses outside of the organization? She sounds nuts to me. They need people to sympathize with their point of view, their perspective and philosophy. If you see that happening somewhere, by all means share.
Day after day you whack the Governor for his regular barbs toward unions (I wish they’d slow down a little) But, Ms. Lynch goes way over the top with a goofy statement like this and you pull your pennant out to root for her? This is nutty talk. Ain’t winning over the people that need to be won over. But you keep your AA batting average going. It suits you.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Apr 14, 15 @ 8:55 am
===She sounds nuts to me.===
lol.
“The Illinois Supreme Court is corrupt”
What does that sound, sane?
Being a shill is hard.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Apr 14, 15 @ 9:49 am
Gee, Guy, it’s been reported more than 1,,000 fair share workers joined the union since Rauner came to town. Seems people are being converted.
As far as batting averages go, I can recall in recent weeks you thought the Downton Abbey story was a positive for Schock, because it made his office a “must-see” on Capitol Hill. “Mission accomplished,” you wrote. You really did.
And you assured us all that the “hoopla” regarding the Indiana anti-gay law would die down once people realized what was in it. Might have wanted to take a few pitches on that one, slugger.
Dude, as far as batting averages go, the Mendoza Line for you is Mt. Everest.
Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Apr 14, 15 @ 10:09 am
===”Big problem is local Joe hires his people as subcontractors to keep from having to deal with all that pesky paperwork and tax stuff. When the Dept of Labor comes in and asks for certified payroll things get ugly. Of course it is all the States Fault.”===
That’s just it, you make my point. The rules for a small shop make it more difficult than it need be and thus some contractors do these end-arounds. Unintended consequences.
===”Your assertion that prevailing wage adds 25% to cost is also unfounded. Prevailing wage helps ensure that qualified workers do the job right the first time. In my experience with construction if one contractor can vastly underbid all others, it’s because they’re going to do shoddy work.”===
That’s just your word vs mine and I have quotes from contractors that tell me otherwise, be it landscape jobs or downtown facade work. I have been in workshops with these rural towns that have tried to get better explanations from IDOL. I know in big cities, these issues may exist, but paying Rockford wages in Milledgeville or Shannon. And I am guessing a flag man on a job site making a base wage of $29.55 in Martinsville, IL or landscaping at $27.99 an hour base wage is slightly ahead of the actual “prevailing” wage of the area. Just a hunch.
Comment by Shemp Tuesday, Apr 14, 15 @ 12:01 pm
“My numbers come from reports filed withe U.S. Dept of Labor,”
Please share which reports you are talking about.
“Which also tells me they spent $11K on t-shirts for “Lobby Week”.
What makes more impact, having members show up in a “t-shirt uniform” or a hodge podge of street clothes? Returning a free t-shirt to dues paying members is a bad thing? How so?
“The AFSCME folks sure like to advertise their paid-for influence down in Capitol City.”
Yes only AFSCME spreads money around in Springfield, individuals and corporations are above such behavior. /snark
Every seen an IGOLD rally at the Capitol?
Comment by justthefacts Tuesday, Apr 14, 15 @ 2:01 pm
== Please share which reports you are talking about. ==
Form LM-2 Labor Organization Annual Report. (no direct URL)
The t-shirts and various swag, along w/ 6-figure galas, are merely examples to point out that Roberta Lynch’s and others of her ilk have one primary concern - self preservation. She has to show her members that she’s actually doing something productive. Throwing insults at the standing governor seems to play well in her circle.
Go check out the LM-2 reports and see how much bloat is keeping Council 31 afloat. Council 31 is literally an administrative layer over another administrative layer (the locals) beneath the national administrative layer. It is middle management nirvana within public sectorland. Lots of overhead for an organization that produces nothing. Does any level in this union offer certifications, continuing education, workplace efficiency? Anything constructive to a better service offered by their members? Doesn’t look like it.
I’d be curious to see if the AFSCME’s staff pensions are as generous as what the taxpayer provides to their members. You know, when it’s THEIR money.
Comment by nixit71 Tuesday, Apr 14, 15 @ 2:33 pm
“Form LM-2 Labor Organization Annual Report. (no direct URL)”
So you allegedly ordered this form from the BLS, and since I doubt you read those reports for fun, you are obviously doing it to serve some agenda, most likely someone’s paid anti-union agenda. That obviously make you and your commentary here biased.
T-shirts given to members are “swag”? Someone call the police!
6-figures, much better than the 7 figures plus paid to their business counterparts. I suppose they should work for free. BTW I liked how you combined two salaries for two people to inflate the figure in your first post.
Yes, Roberta Lynch is trying to keep Council 31 afloat, isn’t that her job? “The bloat” at Council 31 is far less than what goes on in the business world and frankly irrelevant. AFSCME members get far more back in pay and benefits then then they pay in dues to Council 31. If not they could always drop membership and de-certify.
“Produces nothing” Your right, better pay, working conditions and benefits for the plebs certainly is nothing, they should be working for free, chained to their desks.
The staff at Council 31 is unionized and I have been told their pensions are good.
Comment by justthefacts Tuesday, Apr 14, 15 @ 3:34 pm
== So you allegedly ordered this form from the BLS ==
Anyone can access any LM-2 report filed with the US Dept of Labor, from the year 2000 and after, online for free. All the LM-2 reports share the same query-based URL, so I can’t send you the direct link to Council 31. But it’s there, as well as other local favorites like SEIU and IEA.
== you are obviously doing it to serve some agenda, most likely someone’s paid anti-union agenda. That obviously make you and your commentary here biased. ==
No pay, just morbid curiosity as to where the money goes and the underbelly of the insatiable union beast I am forced to pay tribute to. If the search for truth equals an agenda, then agenda it is.
== I liked how you combined two salaries ==
Bayer, Henry = $222,621
Lynch, Roberta = $136,545
You’re right, Roberta is a bargain…relatively speaking, of course.
== staff at Council 31 is unionized and I have been told their pensions are good. ==
I hope so. Their benefits should meet or exceed what we taxpayers provide to their members. Otherwise, it would seem a bit hypocritical.
Comment by nixit71 Tuesday, Apr 14, 15 @ 4:59 pm
“online for free”
Post the link to the report then. “That which can be asserted without evidence and be dismissed without evidence.”
” just morbid curiosity as to where the money goes and the underbelly of the insatiable union beast I am forced to pay tribute to”
Please explain “forced to pay tribute to”?
“Bayer, Henry = $222,621″
Again you have yet to establish that figure as Bayer’s pay as a fact. Bayer retired in June 2014 too:
http://www.afscme31.org/news/afscme-council-31-director-bayer-to-retire
So even if that number were true, he could have gotten severance pay that year (which pales to you typical CEO “golden parachute”) and we would need to know his annual salary for at several years prior to 2014. Again post some evidence.
Comment by justthefacts Tuesday, Apr 14, 15 @ 5:55 pm
== Post the link to the report then. ==
EACH REPORT HAS THE SAME LINK! Here is the exact link…it will come back error 500: http://kcerds.dol-esa.gov/query/orgReport.do
Go to http://www.dol.gov/olms/ and dig or just google it. I have nothing to gain by making any of this up. The fact that I am so quick to respond with actual numbers will tell you how easy it is.
== “Bayer, Henry = $222,621″ ==
You are correct as his 2013 base salary was $145K (see? quick!). It appears as though he did received some golden parachute most working folks are not entitled to. Kudos to Henry. Well deserved, no doubt.
Comment by nixit71 Tuesday, Apr 14, 15 @ 6:50 pm
“he did received some golden parachute most working folks are not entitled to. ”
Or he just cashed in all his unused accrued benefit time.
So Henry Bayer successfully managed a organization with 75,000 members and his members paid him $145,000 Or $1.93 per year, per member.
Dianna Rauner’s personal assistant is getting paid $100,000 a year by taxpayers. You are obviously a hack with no perspective.
Comment by justthefacts Wednesday, Apr 15, 15 @ 6:53 am