Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

OK, let’s see it in writing

Posted in:

Illinois

* Gov. Rauner said today that he thought AFSCME’s no strike/binding arbitration legislation was the worst bill in state history. He also said he would not ever lock out unionized employees, even offering to put his promise in writing. Rauner said AFSCME wants the bill now because he’s the first governor who didn’t take any campaign contributions from the union.

There’s no doubt that the bill would infringe upon the governor’s traditional right to negotiate a labor contract.

But there’s also no doubt that the threat of a veto override has prodded the governor to move away from some of his more egregious demands, like tying a “Yes” vote on the contract to automatically moving the worker to the Tier 2 pension plan.

As far as I know, though, he’s still demanding that AFSCME hand-collect its dues, which is a ridiculous idea.

* And despite today’s statement, he is on record in the past saying he’d be perfectly willing to shut down the government to get what he wants from the union.

So, I guess this boils down to whether you trust him or not. If the governor’s veto is not overridden, will he revert back to previous form?

I’m kinda leaning in that direction.

Maybe he should put his “no lockout” pledge in writing.

* Lots of editorial boards are firmly on the governor’s side, however, and some do make some valid points…

* Tribune: The Illinois pick-your-pocket bill: Rauner is the elected governor. Stripping him of bargaining powers and handing them over to unelected arbitrators would be a recipe for disaster in a state that can’t pay its bills on time. Rauner needs to negotiate a contract that is less expensive, not more expensive, than the one that recently expired.

* Daily Herald: Governor’s veto of unsettling arbitration law should stand: If arbitration truly has to become a feature of state government negotiations, this is not the bill to make it so. And, in any case, it is far preferable for both sides to cool the rhetoric and approach the negotiations with the kind of realistic expectations and mutual respect that will make any talk of arbitration unnecessary.

* Dispatch and Argus: Tell Illinois lawmakers to uphold this wise veto: We urge our readers who oppose a bill that could put one-fifth of a state budget that already will require a significant tax hike in the hands of unelected, unaccountable arbitrators, to join them in having your voice heard. Please contact the following lawmakers and tell them to uphold the governor’s veto.

* Rockford Register Star: Lawmakers shouldn’t override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of anti-collective bargaining bill: As Rockford has found out over years of negotiating police and fire contracts, binding arbitration offers the unions an easy escape hatch, allowing them to take their final offer to an arbitrator instead of negotiating seriously with the mayor and his negotiators.

* Daily Chronicle: Change the broken system: But why would we want to take the power to negotiate out of the hands of our elected chief executive and turn it over to an arbitrator who is accountable to no one? That’s the kind of backroom dealing that got Illinois where it is in the first place.

* Journal Courier: Don’t override veto of clearly poor legislation: Don’t confuse the role of an arbitrator with the King Solomon-like wisdom of compromise. There is nothing that would require an arbitrator find something balanced. Rather, a decision could be made that benefits just the governor’s side or just the union’s side. That decision would be binding. Not to mention highly threatening to the role of powers and balances in Illinois.

* Pantagraph: Veto of arbitration bill should stand: The arbitration process is stacked in favor of the union. The state and the union both pick an arbitrator, which would cancel each other. So, the decision would be made primarily by the third arbitrator, which the law says must be selected from the “Public Employees Labor Mediation and Arbitration Roster.’’ The Rauner administration general counsel, Jason Barclay, says the names on the list are well known as arbitrators that favor labor unions.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 11:13 am

Comments

Given his actions versus statements to date, I would trust Rauner only as far as I could throw a GOP elephant.

Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 11:15 am
I don’t think Rauner would force a lockout. He would not be be able to avoid taking responsibility for that.

He has yet to show he can take much heat for long.

Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 11:19 am
AFSCME can’t have it both ways and neither can Rauner. Simple as that.

Comment by Almost the Weekend Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 11:20 am
I think yesterday’s events show strong evidence that he will lay-off state employees versus locking them out. This bill is merely a distraction to the people that support it.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 11:23 am
We may be soon be seeing more MOUs than the Rod Days.

Comment by Give Me A Break Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 11:25 am
The key to coming up with a contract, is both sides bargaining in good faith. I am not sure that either side is in the best objective position to determine if they are bargaining in good faith. That is why mediation and even arbitration my be necessary.

Comment by Joe M Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 11:25 am
They view arbitration in Illinois as a pro-labor set up. Hard to get past that.

Comment by walker Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 11:28 am
===They view arbitration in Illinois as a pro-labor set up.===

Truth has a well-known liberal bias. It’s hard for some to get past that.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 11:30 am
The governor has provided little in writing so far to support his side of this fight. AFSCME has years of contracts in writing that prove they are willing to find agreement. The longer this war goes on the more damage it will do Illinois. Arbitration provides a way to end this fight especially if the Governor doesn’t want it to end.

Comment by Makandadawg Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 11:30 am
All of the editorials are correct. An override would accelerate the already miserable situation we’re in. With any luck, the mere threat of it will cause a bit more progress to be made on the bargaining and negotiation front. The interests here are so entrenched, so as to defy any logic for the average Illinoisan. It really is as if everyone can see this catastrophe but them. Not good.

Comment by A guy Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 11:33 am
I would say if the Governor hadn’t been openly hostile to unions, arbitration would not be necessary.

However his open hostility compromises the perception that he is bargaining in good faith. Since this bill has a sunset clause, it only affects this contract. That is something the editorial boards seem to be overlooking.

Comment by A Jack Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 11:33 am
An arbiter would put the threat of a reasonable 3rd party evaluation into the mix. It would force both sides to be more reasonable. Something this state could use a little bit more of right now.

Comment by Reasonable? Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 11:34 am
The DH is dreaming. You can’t have “mutual respect” when one party–the governor–believes the people on the other side of negotiations are fundamentally unworthy as human beings.

Comment by Precinct Captain Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 11:37 am
Gov. Rauner’s word is as good as until it’s easily refuted… over and over and over again.

The only truth?

I think, for me, now, especially after that presser, and saying “owns” so directky at Madigan… I’ve come to a conclusion on the governor.

Rauner honestly and personally can not take the heat for anything. It’s not about deflecting to Madigan, it’s about deflecting away from Bruce Rauner, the man, not the governor.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 11:38 am
Rauner’s actions betray his message, he may lock out employees but will make sure his best and final offer is entirely unacceptable. This bill would prevent him from emulating Ronald Reagan and the Air Traffic Controllers. It’s funny to see the conservative editorial boards support the right of public employees to strike.

Comment by AC Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 11:44 am
No-win situation for Governor:

Legislature overrides the veto, offer to work with governor to pass trailer bill to amend arbitration provision.

Legislature fails to override veto, but not before forcing every single downstate Republican to take a bad vote, and governor gets to own strike/lock-out.

Comment by Juvenal Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 11:45 am
You can’t trust Rauner on anything. His increasing paranoia concerning responsibility for his actions will affect any agreement. He can’t weasel out on this one, so I believe he secretly wants the GA to override his veto, taking responsibility away from himself, while continuing to blame Madigan and his union controlled Democrats. It fits with his current campaign.

Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 11:47 am
If an arbitrator gets to decide, in effect, how much I pay in taxes, that’s a huge win for the GA, on its march to avoid taking responsibility for absolutely anything remotely controversial. These folks want a lifetime job–that’s all. And that’s what this session is about-who gets blamed.

Comment by Cassandra Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 11:47 am
as public servants don’t we have a duty to think of the public we serve before ourselves… The state could benefit as well as the people with a little giving by the union and the GA after years of taking more please, no more please…

Comment by Allen D Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 11:49 am
RR Star nails it. Arbitration doesn’t force anyone to be more reasonable during negotiations. Arbitrators get selected by both sides striking from a list. If you aren’t giving away something (to both sides) you are not going to get selected next time around, so you can be kinda outrageous and hope the arbitrator gives you a little more than you could have reasonably hoped in negotiating. Even when there is nothing or little to give, arbitrators still hand out perks to keep themselves employable for the next arbitration. Arbitrators can award costly decisions because they don’t have to come up with the funding.

Comment by Shemp Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 11:52 am
I don’t know about you @Allen but my duty is to my family above all else. Everything else is secondary.

Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 11:52 am
===Legislature fails to override veto, but not before forcing every single downstate Republican to take a bad vote,===

Maybe a tough vote, but not a “bad” vote.

Comment by A guy Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 11:53 am
No lockout sounds good. But if he keeps demanding items like dropping current health care coverage to 60/40 coverage - and/or increasing out of pocket medical expenditures for state and state university employees by 500% - then his promise of no lockout doesn’t really mean much. No lockout only has meaning if he bargains in good faith - and AFSCME also bargains in good faith.

Comment by Joe M Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 11:58 am
I am not going to lock anybody out. I am going to force such a horrible offer down their throats that it will force a strike. Nobody wants 40/60 health insurance at a price tag that equates to $1000 a month cut to their take home pay. when they walk out, I will replace them with private contractors.

Comment by Bruce R. Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 11:58 am
Trust Rauner and his spin machine. Ok.

Comment by Austin Blvd Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 11:59 am
Rich, you have directly misquoted the Governor. He did not say that AFSCME only wanted the bill now because he is the only governor to not take campaign contributions from them. He said that he hopes that is not the reason why. For the sake of decent journalism, please edit your post.

Comment by Downstate GOP Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 12:02 pm
@ Demoralized

Maybe it is you who shouldn’t be in Public Service.

Comment by Allen D Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 12:02 pm
The Governor is demanding stuff that the union cannot give up. That’s what the problem is. The papers know the Governor isn’t being fair or negotiating and they don’t want to upset that formula.
The Pantagraph’s assertion that the arbitration process is stacked in favor of the union is factually dishonest.

Comment by Mouthy Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 12:05 pm
@Allen:

Forgive me for valuing family above everything else. That’s the gist of the comment I made and you chose to personally attack me. Real classy. Jerk.

Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 12:06 pm
==- Allen D - Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 11:49 am:

as public servants don’t we have a duty to think of the public we serve before ourselves… The state could benefit as well as the people with a little giving by the union and the GA after years of taking more please, no more please…==

And you’re the guy yesterday that was complaining that the stewards didn’t want to listen to you. Could be maybe they think you’re a quisling..

Comment by Mouthy Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 12:11 pm
Your forgot this http://thesouthern.com/news/opinion/voice-of-the-southern/voice-of-the-southern-afscme-looks-to-flout-taxpayers-accountability/article_930d04c8-bb11-5729-957b-553b92741244.html

Comment by Reina Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 12:13 pm
Allen
I didn’t take a vow of poverty to work for the state. I accepted a job offer. I do my job to the best of my ability in return for compensation. I could do this same job in the private sector and get paid more. Beyond that, I pay the same taxes as everyone else. Quit thinking of yourself as less than the next citizen of Il based upon where you work.

Comment by Thoughts Matter Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 12:16 pm
You can’t trust Rauner, but this is all a moot point as it relates to the bill. It’s not going to get overridden in the House.

We will just have to wait and see how his union-busting efforts pan out.

Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 12:21 pm
“I guess this boils down to whether you trust him or not.”

And if you do still trust Bruce Rauner, let me be the first to welcome you to Illinois! Have you enjoyed your first week in our fair state?

– MrJM

Comment by MrJM Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 12:23 pm
@ Mouthy

If you mean am I for Rauner and his Policies, then yes many I am for, both for the Union and the State Budget. I am not alone in this either albeit a very small minority in the union here that are true fiscal conservatives. Yes stewards pass my concerns off as many of the people on here do as they do not have merrit. I refuse to be quiet, I have been told to shutup with how I talk, I have been threatened, I have been leered at, I know how I envision things should be, how things could be better, personally I don’t care if I got another raise for the next 10 years if it helped the state or helped my neighbor… I guess that is where we differ… I feel I have enough, I don’t constantly need more. I am in Public service to help people, not rob them to do it.

Comment by Allen D Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 12:26 pm
I believe most reasonable people think that a neutral third party is a acceptable way to settle a dispute. Most times when it comes to that neither party comes away totally satisfied. It is a crap shoot but the best solution in this case because of how are far apart on the issues they are and the stakes are high for both sides. Rauner does have the most to lose because of his past retoric though. Tough to walk back the vitriol he has spewed and save face.

Comment by Turnaroundthis Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 12:26 pm
Kind of pointless to wonder what will happen with SB1229 it’s like watching a spaghetti western you know how it ends the question is how many bodies drop in the middle. The Democratic budget calls for the same .6 billion cuts to GIRF. The dems need AFSCME to fold as much as Rauner does. Why would they override against their own interests?

This ends with 70 votes in the house so MJM can send mailers out to state employees that you wouldn’t be on strike/lockout if Republican X had just voted with us.

You’ve got till October 1st then the Impasse and away we go. At least you have 60 days to get ready.

Comment by Mason born Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 12:33 pm
@ Allen D

I don’t believe you have any idea what a union is for and if you were in my local and were actively trying to thwarts efforts for a fair contract, I’k throw you out in a heartbeat. Now get back to work, I’m paying for your posts..

Comment by Mouthy Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 12:35 pm
@Allen D. If you are an elected public servant, then yes you should put the people who elected you above yourself and any agenda which you might have.

However, union employees were hired by the state to do a particular job and only have a duty to their supervisors to do the job they were hired to do. This is no different than someone who was hired for any private industry job. And state union employees have as much right to ask to be paid for their work as any private employee.

Comment by A Jack Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 12:36 pm
I definitely do not trust Rauner. He ran in the Primary on union-stripping but in the General he said it was not a priority. Attacking unions has been his top priority or among his top priorities as governor.

Rauner said he successfully managed public worker pensions to the benefit of taxpayers and workers, but he said pensions are like financial tumors, among other negative actions and words.

Rauner calls unions and politicians corrupt for so-called insider deals, but he shamelessly and openly tries to buy politicians. He ran on change and shakin’ things up, but he’s a politician on steroids, talking out of both sides of his mouth as it benefits him.

I think it’s very important that legislative Republicans show some independence from Rauner and hope some vote to override Rauner’s veto of SB1229. It would show some democratic health and not that a handful of multimillionaires and billionaires own a political party. We’ll soon see.

Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 12:37 pm
@ Thoughts Matter
The poverty level is $24,250.00 for 2015, I think it is safe to say we are all above this figure, I for one am not near double but 3/4 above the poverty level and still comfortable. everyone I work with is up to 2.5 times the poverty level… more than comfortable, in my opinion.

Comment by Allen D Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 12:37 pm
@Mouthy &@A Jack You have been trolled. @Allen D is a plant and not a very convincing one. @Allen D please try to exist in reality next time you go trolling.

Comment by Tired of the mess Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 12:41 pm
Rich, requiring unions to collect their own dues is becoming standard operating procedure in the private sector. Just ask Caterpillar.

It forces the union to become loyal to its membership instead of to its leadership, far too often the union’s leadership has a different agenda than its membership.

Comment by Just Me Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 12:45 pm
If the Governor won’t negotiate in good faith on a state budget with the constitutionally elected GA, how can anyone expect he will negotiate in good faith with state unions?

Comment by Jeff Park Mom Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 12:52 pm
You can’t trust Rauner. He has more flip flops than Zappos.com

Comment by Jorge Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 1:04 pm
Requiring unions to collect their own dues is a game anti union organizations play in order to make it less convenient and reduce revenue going to unions. Deductions for parking, child care, medical savings and deferred compensation are all handled with very little cost to the employer. But that’s right, it’s about employee freedom, I must’ve forgot. It’s also the reason Rauner is championing the removal of non compete clauses as well, because he cares about employee freedom.

Comment by AC Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 1:07 pm
No lockout is not much of a promise. At some point, Rauner will stick to his extreme contract provisions and declare and impasse. At that point, the last offer on the table is it unless AFSCME strikes. I believe Rauner is set on forcing a strike.

Comment by Facts are Stubborn Things Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 1:07 pm
Jorge, Quinn was the king of flip flops.

Comment by Not it Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 1:11 pm
@ Tired of the mess

Who is trolling… it is just me being honest but many people do not like honesty anymore… I think I was born about 30 years to late… give me front porch neighborhoods where everybody knows everybody and helps everyone because they truly care, not based on what they might get later. I really feel bad for our society today.

Comment by Allen D Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 1:11 pm
Allen D. Feel free to take out your checkbook and donate back some of your salary.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 1:19 pm
@Allen D

You sound like almost every baby boomer I know… you got yours, but oh things are sooooo bad out there that nobody else is entitled to what you got. So the promises that you took advantage of are too good for your children and grand children. I hear it on the news (especially from Jeb Bush) about how we need to phase out programs that served our fathers and grandfathers very well. No sir. You needn’t feel bad for society. We are just fine, thank you.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 1:24 pm
In my limited dealings with arbitration the decisions were pro union, though not everything the union requested.

Part of the problem was that CMS was inept. I think the old crew is gone, which is a plus.

I don’t like the format of the arbitration as described in the discussion here. Is there a format where the parties can be forced to the middle?

Comment by Last Bull Moose Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 1:27 pm
There are valid points for this veto, as many editorials point out.

Nullifying the right to strike in this regard would be ==historic==, and potentially hazardous long after Rauner and Madigan are gone.

This is also an answer in search of a problem, as they have already been able to negotiate an extension of current terms until Sept 30 on their own.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 1:33 pm
@ Ducky LaMoore
No I havn’t got mine, I have been with the state for 8 years, it is what I have seen in those 8 years, I love my job helping people and make more than enough that I am comfortable, not rich by any stretch of the word. I already said above what I made so no need to repeat… I just believe we should not be taking repeatedly, status quo is fine when the State is Bleeding.

Comment by Allen D Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 1:34 pm
NI, if he was the king, why isn’t he still wearing the crown? Oh that’s right he lost the title to governor about face.

Comment by Jorge Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 1:35 pm
Rauner has the receipts for those editorial boards. The debate is hilarious, with this logic I guess Cops, firefighters and other public safety personnel should have the right to strike. Gee I wonder how the Trib will slober all over itself when Rauner wants to outlaw teacher strikes.

Comment by Obamas Puppy Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 1:38 pm
FKA, the bill has a sunset.

Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 1:42 pm
Allen D

You do realize the status quo train has left the station right? I suspect that if the gov offered a 4yr extension if the existing contract negotiations would be over and the extension ratified.

Comment by Mason born Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 1:43 pm
TIL that editorial boards think that residents of the state deserve services without paying for them and want the state to basically be relegated to the bottom of the totem pole for competition in the labor market.

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 1:45 pm
The question is how does Rauner handle the stress of a strike. Seems most of us think he wants one but I wonder what happens if he starts to lose the blame war. He is pretty quick to yield before bad press.

Comment by Mason born Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 1:46 pm
These are the same people that want to put the so called fair map in the hands of unelected, unaccountable arbitrators.
It is funny that sometimes they hate the unelected, unaccountable arbitrators and sometimes they love them.

It just depends who is selecting the unelected, unaccountable arbitrators.

Comment by BettyFord Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 1:47 pm
SB 1229 shouldn’t exist. It shouldn’t be necessary… but it is.

Comment by CharlieKratos Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 1:48 pm
“editorial boards think that residents of the state deserve services without paying for them”

Other states with services include those that require 40 hours for overtime, offer 401ks and SS instead of pension, and don’t have janitors making over $30/hour. But I suppose they’re all operating in the “extreme” like Rauner.

Comment by Robert the 1st Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 1:48 pm
==AFSCME wants the bill now because he’s the first governor who didn’t take any campaign contributions from the union.==

But Dillard got $250,000 from AFSCME last year. Oh, wait…

Comment by nixit71 Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 1:53 pm
“It just depends who is selecting the unelected, unaccountable arbitrators” And our system of selecting unelected, unaccountable arbitrators 12 at a time seems to work quite well too.

Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 2:02 pm
@ Robert the 1at
I agree with the 40 before overtime rule, everywhere I have worked prior to here for the last 8 years that has been the case. and I am sorry I can’t see a janitor that just cleans offices, floors and bathrooms. a couple here make over $75k a year it is unreal even what they start at.

Comment by Allen D Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 2:06 pm
==Requiring unions to collect their own dues…Deductions for parking, child care, medical savings and deferred compensation are all handled with very little cost to the employer.==

But aren’t those benefits offered by the employer? When I pull up a job opening with the state, union membership does not appear under “BENEFITS FOR STATE EMPLOYEES”. If there is value to auto dues from paychecks for the unions, why doesn’t the state charge for such a service? It’s not like we couldn’t use the money.

Comment by nixit71 Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 2:09 pm
– I think I was maybe born 30 years to late…. give me front-porch neighborhoods…–

Dude, what exactly do you think was going on in the 1980s? I don’t quite remember it as so carefree and idyllic.

SPOILER ALERT!

No time ever was.

Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 2:10 pm
@ wordslinger

not 30 years back from now, I was referring to more like the late 40’s early 50’s, and yes it was…

Comment by Allen D Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 2:14 pm
“…the bill would infringe upon the governor’s traditional right to negotiate a labor contract. .” Rauner does not know the meaning of negotiate. He only dictates, and this is why this bill needs to become law.

Comment by Mama Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 2:20 pm
Illinois is corrupt and Bruce Rauner believes that the government unions are part of that corruption. I don’t remember Bruce Rauner criticizing union members but rather their union bosses.

Comment by Muscular Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 2:29 pm
Allen D: Janitors are in the Teamsters. Perhaps you should take it up with them and leave AFSCME out of it.

Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 2:29 pm
== not 30 years back from now, I was referring to more like the late 40’s early 50’s, and yes it was… ==

Late 40’s was a time of major disruption / social upheaval as the country switched from a war footing back to a peacetime economy. Major problems of consumer goods shortages and a real shortage of housing. The government was doing all it could to spur the economy using the centralized control model that won the war.

The 50’s were better but there was still occasional strikes, the Korean War, and the start of the Cold War. But during that period the factories hummed to make up for the shortages of the previous decade at home and to supply the rest of the world since their factories were in shambles (early 50’s). That period was also a time for huge union labor advances, because the factories needed the labor.

Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 2:38 pm
== Illinois is corrupt and Bruce Rauner believes that the government unions are part of that corruption. ==

And who has done the most buying of politicians this year, the unions or Rauner?

Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 2:41 pm
If membership in one union or another is by law a condition of employment in Illinois government, then by all means the State is within its rights to collect union dues by payroll deduction. If it is not a condition of employment, then an employee is within his right to refuse such a deduction, and Management (The State) has every right to decline acting as a collections agent for an organization with which it is by definition at odds.

Comment by Skirmisher Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 2:48 pm
==I am in Public service to help people, not rob them to do it.==

@Allen

From your rhetoric it seems that you are deeply troubled by the entire environment as an employee of the state of Illinois. My suggestion would be to find another job where you will feel more appreciated. Feel free to offer your time as a volunteer in the community if you want to help the taxpayers more than you currently feel you are.

As far as I am concerned I go to work and try and put in an honest days work for an honest days pay. I work 40 Hrs already. I know that my work has value to the taxpayer as I have seen what private firms charge for doing the same job and it is ridiculously higher.

Personally, I could accept a pay freeze for the next contract as long as benefits stay relatively in place. Give the raises to people on step system or those behind on midpoints to keep a level playing field.

My 2 cents.

Comment by CrazyHorse Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 3:01 pm
==And who has done the most buying of politicians this year, the unions or Rauner? ==

Rauner of course, but in fairness, the unions already own a bunch of them; so Rauner is playing catch-up.

Comment by Jaded Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 3:21 pm
Why do a lock out when Rauner has the power to fire people at will & replace them with pro-Rauner people?

Comment by Mama Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 3:25 pm
Because he can’t fire union workers at will. No, this isn’t anything like PATCO.

Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 3:40 pm
=not 30 years back from now, I was referring to more like the late 40’s early 50’s, and yes it was… =

Only in movies and TV shows. Oh, and political adds that appeal to the meatball crowd who rewrite history to suit their own purposes-

The 40’s and 50’s were a time of great oppression for many of our African American citizens. Jim Crow laws were still in effect and in Alabama the governor was turning the fire hoses and dogs on the nascent civil rights movement. I assume you have a computer with internet access in your Disney Home of the 1950’s, you may want to read up on the civil unrest during that nostalgic era.

Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 3:41 pm
Mama @ 3:21 Plus Rauner firing people because they don’t agree with him would be as blatant of a violation of Rutan as there ever has been.

Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 3:49 pm
The Tribune has editorialized in the past in favor of binding arbitration for teacher contract negotiations. It’s nice to see they can flip flop for whatever position they think harms employees the most.

Comment by birds Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 3:50 pm
=== Amanda Vinicky
@AmandaVinicky
Speaker Madigan, w/ negative mailers sent to his neighbors, says House has votes to override Gov union/strike veto ===

This will be fun to watch.

Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 4:01 pm
- Norseman -,

If Madigan gets that override, given the numeric calisthenics needed to count the right number of noses, do you think thus would also be a signal to all watching, and if so, what is really being said?

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 4:05 pm
Bull Moose:perhaps Illinois should look next door to Iowa. Binding arbitration requires the arbitrator to choose either management’s or the union’s final offer. He/she is also to take into account the CPI. Under those conditions, both sides usually get close enough in negotiations/mediation to be able to accept either final proposal before moving to binding arbitration. The key factor moving the parties closer together is that the arbitrator cannot craft a solution, he /she can only pick one proposal or the other. Seems to work for most.

Comment by Retired Local Government Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 4:07 pm
This legislation is written to only be in place for the current negotiation. Not for the next contract in 2018 or 2022.I have a funny feeling AFSCME wouldn’t have supported this bill if Dillard was governor. Not to mention who AFSCME failed to rally around in a last ditch effort to beat Rauner in the primary.

Elections have consequences deal with it. Keep complaining about Rauner instead of your leadership; the past five years who have drove you off the road into a ditch. He’s governor until 2018 count your losses and rebuild. Complaining about him isn’t gonna do anything. Informing neighbors and business will.

Comment by Almost the Weekend Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 4:07 pm
==I have a funny feeling AFSCME wouldn’t have supported this bill if Dillard was governor.==

They wouldn’t have needed this bill if Dillard was governor.

Madigan just stated in his press conference that he has the votes for the override but we shall say.

Comment by CrazyHorse Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 4:15 pm
I have no confidence in the newspaper editorials, because Rauner could spend a lot of money on political ads if they play along with him. If any dare go against Rauner, he could buy them and fire any or all of them.

Comment by DuPage Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 4:43 pm
@Wordslinger - @Mason born said it well last week imho re sunset

https://capitolfax.com/2015/07/29/rauner-vetoes-no-strike-bill/#comment-12219321

Comment by Formerly Known As... Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 5:03 pm
I am surpris d that Rauner has not yet announced that the Bill runs afoul of the Illinois prohibition against ” single purpose” legislation. How could a law applicable to one union contract and runs solely for this Governors term not be a single purpose law? Assuming the legislature overrides the veto, the Governor needs to refuse to abide by this obvious union favored nonsense and let the courts determine its validity

Comment by Sue Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 5:30 pm
skeptic, not nearly as clear as you see it. If they disagree with him on policy and act that way, it’s a stretch to make that a political firing. might have to look to the Civil Service protections

Comment by steve schnorf Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 5:39 pm
Willy, was at the store when I first responded to you. Madigan is saying that the Rauner continuing negative campaigning is backfiring. A story yesterday indicated that Mautino is planning to be back, “next week.” That and the ire of other “no” Dems may seal the override.

Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 6:03 pm
== If Madigan gets that override, given the numeric calisthenics needed to count the right number of noses, do you think thus would also be a signal to all watching, and if so, what is really being said? ==

=OW-, If Madigan pulls that off, it will be one of “those” salutes!

Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 6:29 pm
- Norseman - no worries, I’m traveling into the City, so apologies.

I think you are pretty spot on, I’d also say the Speaker usually isn’t the type to go “Vote Countula”, so if he says he has the votes, odds are, he has, or can get them, or… “Try me”.

I do think the public education the Speaker is doing, the misinterpreted “we’re making Madigan talk” is very telling. The presser today with the Mail pieces, that’s a message to the Rauner Crew, not as much as a PR messaging tool for a narrative.

Today.

Funny, all I asked was Rauner to get a budget, get an AFSCME contract, and work to get agenda items by seeming to be a co-equal partner.

It’s August, Rauner has none of that, services are coming to a halt, layoffs, a bill to conclude Union bargaining without him through his first term… and no Turnaround Agenda items signed into law.

“How did we get here?”

… and the Velvet Hammer bouncing back from an unforced error.

It’s just so disappointing and heartbreaking for Illinois.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 6:34 pm
===If Madigan pulls that off, it will be one of “those” salutes!===

… And it’s not the “#1″ salute? lol.

Well played - RNUG -

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 6:37 pm
- Norseman -, thanks for your feedback, as always.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 6:47 pm
Willy, enjoy the City!

Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 7:14 pm
- Norseman -, thanks, Bud.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 7:24 pm
“If membership in one union … is … a condition of employment in Illinois government, then by all means the State is within its rights to collect union dues by payroll deduction.”

At IDOT it is clearly marked on the job description whether or not a position is covered by the union. Therefore, it can be construed that it is a condition of employment that the job is covered by the union. Therefore, the State should deduct dues from the pay checks.

Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 8:01 pm
@– Robert the 1st - Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 1:48 pm:

“editorial boards think that residents of the state deserve services without paying for them”

Other states with services include those that require 40 hours for overtime, offer 401ks and SS instead of pension, and don’t have janitors making over $30/hour. But I suppose they’re all operating in the “extreme” like Rauner.=========

Would you kindly name at least one of these states, Robert? I’d like to know which state(s) do not have state pensions for their employees, and which state(s) do not have public employee unions.

@- nixit71 - Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 1:53 pm:

==AFSCME wants the bill now because he’s the first governor who didn’t take any campaign contributions from the union.==

When our local station played BVR’s quote, he said he was the first governor in the history of the state to not take a contribution from the unions. I’m watching it, thinking, “Dude, learn Illinois history. The unions didn’t exist for the first several decades of the state’s history.”

Comment by Lynn S, Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:13 am
– he said he was the first governor in the history of the state not to take a contribution from a union.–

Lynn, that’s pretty funny.

Buggy Whip Makers Local 150 were into Shadrach Bond in a big way, I heard.

Geez, the state’s almost 200 years old. When does he think unions started making campaign contributions?

Dartmouth and Harvard man.

Comment by Wordslinger Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 12:47 am
Lynn S- how about OK for one not offering defined pension? I didn’t list “no union” as a qualifier.

Comment by Robert the 1st Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 9:46 am
Robert, I asked two questions.

One asks if you can name any states that do not have public sector employee unions. The second question asks if you can name any states that do not offer their employees pensions.

It is very possible that any states in the first group may not be members of the second group.

But I want to know if any states lack public sector unions, and if any states do not pay their employees pensions (defined benefit or otherwise).

You seem very confident that these exist, so I’m hoping you will share your knowledge with me and the other folks here.

(And I am talking about defined benefit pensions. 403(b) didn’t come into existence until the late 1970’s-early 1980’s.)

Comment by Lynn S, Thursday, Aug 6, 15 @ 6:03 pm