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Dear [Redacted],
As you have likely heard by now, last night the motion to override Governor Rauner’s veto of SB 1229 failed in the House of Representatives by a slim margin of three votes. Click here to see how your legislator voted. The override motion had already passed in the Senate.
Thousands of state employees—as well as friends, families and neighbors—rang legislators’ phones off the hook to express support for this common sense legislation that would have provided for binding arbitration as an alternative to a lockout or strike if state contract negotiations break down.
We backed this bill to counter Rauner’s threats to shut down state government—whether by locking out employees or trying to provoke a strike. And we can all be very proud of how far we came in advancing it (virtually right up to the goal line) and in shining a bright spotlight on the disruption and hardship that Rauner’s confrontational tactics would cause.
The governor waged a ferocious campaign of deception and intimidation to defeat SB 1229, trotting out discredited “data” on state employees as “overpaid” with “excessively generous” pensions and health care benefits. He and his allies poured massive amounts of money into paid phone call programs, full-page newspaper ads, and legislators’ campaign coffers.
As a result, not a single Republican state representative voted for the override motion—despite the deluge of calls, emails and letters they received from their constituents in support of the bill. By failing to support SB 1229 they have essentially acted to aid and abet Governor Rauner’s efforts to strip you of your rights on the job and drive down your standard of living.
Just about every Democratic House member voted YES on the motion to override—with one representative checking herself out of the hospital in Chicago and making the difficult trip to Springfield so she could be there to help reach the 71 votes needed. But Rep. Ken Dunkin, another Chicago Democrat, didn’t even bother to show up, opening the door for two suburban Democrats to withhold their support.
Some of the Republican legislators claim that the governor promised them he would not try to impose his harsh demands on employees, but instead negotiate in good faith to reach a settlement at the bargaining table. The question must be asked of these legislators: Given the mountain of lies the governor told throughout the battle over SB 1229, why would anyone believe his promises now?
The Rauner Administration has been holding fast for months to its extreme demands, which include: taking away layoff rights; wiping out limits on mandatory overtime; eliminating all funding for the Upward Mobility Program and other forms of tuition reimbursement; barring negotiations over facility closures; allowing the governor to suspend the union contract whenever he declares an “emergency”; refusing to deduct union dues from paychecks; removing all restrictions on subcontracting; reducing holiday pay; allowing the employer to decrease employee benefits during the term of the contract; and drastically increasing employee health care costs while freezing wages and steps for four years!
Your AFSCME Bargaining Committee will be back at the negotiating table next week—undeterred in our determination to resist the Administration’s unfair and irresponsible demands. We’ll see soon enough whether there’s any indication that the governor will live up to his promise to make a sincere effort to reach a settlement.
Unfortunately, the odds are high that he will not, but instead continue down the path of conflict and confrontation that he’s pursued since Day One of these negotiations.
If that happens, then we will have to begin now to prepare for the strike he is all too likely to seek to provoke.
Our fight has certainly gotten tougher with the defeat of SB 1229. But there’s no doubt that it is a fight we can win. Nearly every union representing state workers—SEIU, IFT, FOP, PBPA, INA, LIUNA, and the Trades Coalition—stood together with AFSCME in support of the veto override and will continue to stand united against Rauner’s efforts to wipe out workplace rights, drive down workers’ wages, and weaken unions.
As more legislators have learned about Rauner’s extreme demands, a growing number have pledged to help in our fight in any way they can. It’s important to remember that despite Rauner spending massive amounts of money and leveraging every last ounce of his political capital, a strong majority of legislators still stood up for state employees and voted IN FAVOR of SB 1229.
And if you travel across this state from one end to the other, our vibrant ‘we support state workers’ signs are a clear indication that the public values the work we do and backs our stand against Governor Rauner’s crusade against working people in our state.
So ignore the governor’s claims of victory today. What counts is what happens in the days to come. If we continue to show the kind of unity and determination that were on full display in the steeply uphill fight that we came so close to winning on SB 1229—then we can without a doubt gain the fair contract that we deserve.
In Unity,
Roberta Lynch
Executive Director
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 4:32 pm
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This mirrors her bombastic style in negotiations (which isn’t helpful by the way). Everyone would be better off if this sort of stuff stopped now and they got on with negotiating. We’ll see soon enough how serious the Governor is about negotiating.
Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 4:36 pm
we’ve already seen Brucie’s negotiating style…it’s the same vulture take over style that made him a 1%er oligarch. start the strike fund and start training the national guard to be stat workers
Comment by DPGumby Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 4:39 pm
Way too late for a strike fund. We’re in the gravy now.
Comment by Honeybear Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 4:42 pm
– Everyone would be better off if this sort of stuff stopped now and they got on with negotiating. –
We’ve been negotiating for months. It’s ridiculous what the Governor is proposing at the table. He began with demanding unions to sign away their rights to represent their own members. I’m pretty sure any reasonable person would characterize that as not bargaining in good faith. Although he has since dropped some anti-union language from his proposals, he’s still clearly going after the well-being of workers who keep this state running. The moment AFSCME strikes… Well, there’s a saying: you don’t know what you got till it’s gone.
Comment by Sick & Tired Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 4:43 pm
Don’t you just love it when someone with 9 homes tells us all that we have it way too good? We are just too, too rich.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 4:43 pm
@Demoralized -
Clearly AFSCME is gonna push back hard on efforts to divert attention from the House Republican caucus, as well they should.
Holding GOP reps accountable and hoping that either they can convince Rauner to negotiate in good faith or will be willing to support a recall of the bill is AFSCME’s best hope.
The initial response from the Rauner administration made it clear that they view yesterday’s victory as only a first step in a long battle against organized labor, and so Lynch has every reason to be preparing for all-out war.
Comment by Juvenal Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 4:43 pm
Elections have consequences.
So do votes in the General Assembly.
Ms. Lynch, the governor doesn’t fear you guys, so don’t expect much back.
How about you do something that might help; don’t strike.
The political acumen that AFSCME has shown in the last 18 months? Not really… good.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 4:45 pm
Rich I don’t understand this reduced standard of living stuff….is Rauner asking for reduced wages for current employees???? and while you are at it what are the major sticking points between the union and mgmt?? Thanks
Comment by scott aster Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 4:48 pm
Well said Demoralized. Roberta, you’re not helping.
This is one of those products that you write to get your anger out of your system and then put it in the circular file. Your focus now is to:
- convene your leadership to discuss your options;
- focus on ultimate goals - maintaining insurance, fair share … You need to consider pay freeze. MC pay has been frozen for 9 years.
- plan public PR campaign to inform folks of Rauner’s unreasonable demands;
- talk to fellow unions about unity against Rauner;
- keep in close contact with Dem leadership;
- plan for a strike only as a last result; and
- carefully adopt a political plan, i.e. protect your friends first and intervene in races where you have a good chance of making a difference.
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 4:49 pm
There are some downstate Republican legislators that didn’t exactly vote their district yesterday. Interesting to see how they fare in ‘16.
Comment by Roamin' Numeral Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 4:50 pm
- Norseman -,
You have an excellent action plan.
It’s so good, AFSCME will wait until it’s too late to implement it then put their allies in such a bind, when it all falls apart, Rauner will finish AFSCME off with the help of their own members.
===- talk to fellow unions about unity against Rauner;===
This.
This would be my #1 thing right now. Organize, consolidate, and rally around one… ONE… thing, collective bargainging.
This would be a fun challenge.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 4:54 pm
Wow, Roberta isn’t the brightest. The public employee unions are becoming more despised by the day and she puts this out there?
Comment by Tone Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 4:54 pm
With respect Willy I’m tired of your no-strike talk. How would you react if your wages and benefits were to be cut to the levels that are being touted? I believe you would look for a new job. Or since you were going to quit anyway you might try a strike first if you had that option.
Comment by See Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 4:55 pm
===Interesting to see how they fare in ‘16.===
Honestly?
They will be just fine. The Labor Movement isn’t organized in any way possible to be effective. Rauner doesn’t fear them, the GOP members shouldn’t fear Labor either.
Sad, but true.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 4:56 pm
Cry me a river. Why didn’t the union press for this during previous administrations? Because previous Govs were in their pocket.
Comment by Hickory Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 4:56 pm
Comeuppance, AFSCME this is what you are getting.
Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 4:58 pm
I really would’ve preferred this kind of tough talk in the months leading up to the vote. The union has been under attack for months and where were you, Roberta? And where the heck has Anders been? We haven’t heard from him in weeks. Where were OUR editorials, press conferences, press releases? Take a page from the CTU. You said you didn’t want to negotiate in the media. Well, that same respect and professional courtesy was never offered by this administration. He set the rules and and you stayed quiet. There was no fight. And then he rode us like rented mules right up to the House Floor yesterday. It’s incompetence. New leadership is needed, was needed months ago when you decided you weren’t going to go to bat for us. Resign.
Comment by Politix Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 4:59 pm
Rauner’s staff was on the floor last night when the vote took place. Spoke to several Dem legislators about it. I am surprised they don’t start robocalling the Gov office to let him know he works for everyone, not just a select few. Reminds you of the movie “High Anxiety” by Mel Brooks.
Comment by Mango47 Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 4:59 pm
- See -,
You strike, you lose.
Rauner has the newspapers, the money, the “message” (greedy overpaid state workers) and if you picket, rally, scream, chant, it will only strengthen Rauner. Sad… but true.
This was the bargain that union workers chose when Rauner got 40% of voters from Union households.
The only way… Only way… a strike helps is if Rauner brings in the National Guard. That’s it.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 4:59 pm
AFSCME just spent the last 3-4 months trying to go behind the Governors back to strip his power for their gain. They’re like a little kid on the playground trying to change the rules of tag in the middle of the game, then when they don’t get their way start crying that nobody else is playing fair.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:00 pm
Rauner is not a wimp, plain and simple. Madigan has enjoyed years of weak of GOP leaders. They are over now.
Comment by Ronnie M Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:00 pm
===I really would’ve preferred this kind of tough talk in the months leading up to the vote===
Have you been living under a rock?
I think I’ve posted all of 31’s releases, and they’ve all been like this one.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:00 pm
With respect, See: I don’t think Oswego Willy is unsympathetic — he’s merely stating the reality of the situation.
Governor Rauner would absolutely love AFSCME to strike. That’s gifting him with the result he’s after without him having to do much of anything.
Comment by thunderspirit Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:01 pm
=== There are some downstate Republican legislators that didn’t exactly vote their district yesterday. Interesting to see how they fare in ‘16. ===
Does it feel good to thump your chest and yell for vengeance? I understand and probably have engaged in such behavior in anger. However, you need to understand that the governor can promise jobs if a legislator gets defeated. He can also promise projects and services to bolster the Solon’s credentials. Finally, Rauner can also put big money on the table to help their campaigns.
Now don’t get silly with your anger. Play smart. Consider 2016 to be a year to prevent significant Rauner Corp legislative pickups.
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:01 pm
Dems realize, that they are really paper tigers in IL, due to a gerrymandered map. Drury and Franks know that.
Comment by Ronnie M Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:01 pm
@Hickory
Rauner has a majority of legislators in his pocket. How is it any different?
Comment by Mango47 Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:01 pm
===Rauner’s staff was on the floor last night when the vote took place===
And this is significant… why?
His staffers are almost always on the floor. Same with his predecessors.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:02 pm
You could be right, OW. And I get what you’re saying on all fronts. So, going forward, here is the question…
Is the combination of this governor and this legislation the thing that forces labor to get its act together (perhaps taking some advice from Norseman @4:49)? Or, do they continue down their current path?
Comment by Roamin' Numeral Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:02 pm
Great press release AFSCME! This what we call a game changer. Keep spewing out DC talking points and talking about waging a war on Rauner.
And last time I checked yard signs don’t vote. If that is your outreach plan then have fun to next two election cycles.
Is there any possibility AFSCME rank and file rebel and vote in new leadership? The status quo the past five years has accomplished nothing. In 2015 they have failed contract negotiations and a failed arbitration bill you have to think leadership is down to their last strike.
Comment by Almost the Weekend Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:03 pm
==Does it feel good to thump your chest and yell for vengeance?==
LOL. Um, wasn’t really doing that.
Comment by Roamin' Numeral Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:04 pm
==Dems realize, that they are really paper tigers in IL, due to a gerrymandered map==
Man I wish I could use the word that begins with mo and ends with ron.
And just as an FYI, I’m pretty sure that most political maps are gerrymandered. Whining about it and pretending that those people are somehow “less” elected is absurd. Grow up.
Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:05 pm
- Roamin’ Numeral -,
If it were me?
I’d get a Crew together, implement - Norseman -’s Action Plan, try like the dickens to get a marginalized smack down contract from the Governor, and with the Labor Movement having months to organize, prepare to actively be engaged in districts.
If it were me…
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:07 pm
Makes sense to me, OW.
Comment by Roamin' Numeral Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:09 pm
Roamin’ Numeral, I never overreact, but sometimes misread things.
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:09 pm
We’ll see if Roberta’s rhetoric is over the top in the next several months. I hope it is but with this governor I think ahe hits it right on the head.
Comment by DHSJim Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:09 pm
@Ronnie M
Certain Repubs are Rauner’s lapdogs. Everyone knows that. Durkin made that loud and clear that it will be handled “internally” by Durkin if you don’t vote Rauner’s way. Next we will be hearing about weekly messages from “God” while he forgets you can’t serve two masters….
Comment by Mango47 Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:12 pm
She’s speaking for and to her membership. This is not unusual language for a union leader.
Comment by Wensicia Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:13 pm
For many years AFSCME was a semi-republican union. Very self-centered on their issues, and very difficult to deal with when managing state government. Ironic that not a single house republican voted to save their butts.
Comment by Louis Howe Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:14 pm
Oh boy. Just the afterglow we all needed. Yikes.
Comment by A guy Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:15 pm
I think Roberta is being pretty honest but the strike tone needs to come down a bit. Wait until the court battles start. Injunctions serve a purpose.
Comment by Mango47 Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:15 pm
No I haven’t been living under a rock. I’m a well-read Union member who works in PR. My opinion stands. It’s started with the fact that the bill was filed a whole two days before the end of session. It’s poor leadership, Rich. Reaction versus proaction, always. I’ve watched it for years.
Comment by Politix Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:20 pm
AFSCME is use to negotiating only with those that they bought and paid for. They have no real negotiators. I doubt they’ll strike - their leadership wants their inflated salaries - no dues no pay. There is no strike fund. AFSCME In IL shroudly sent loads of IL workers dues money to WI to oppose Gov. Walker in three elections - how’d that work out? Mark my words the AFSCME strategy will be to wear more green.
P.S.: Please send your hated 1%’s down to my place in Florida. Weed love their money and the jobs they create.
Comment by DonaldTrump Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:23 pm
- DonaldTrump -
===.S.: Please send your hated 1%’s down to my place in Florida. Weed love their money and the jobs they create.===
Are you a caricature or do I take anything at face value?
If it’s just snark, that would help to know.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:28 pm
– You strike, you lose. –
The game is already over, strike or no strike. It now is just a matter of time.
Do you think the Teamsters are going to have a solidarity strike. Ha!
Divide and conquer.
Comment by Green Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:28 pm
Utterly classless. How’s this going to help negotiations? Well, it won’t, of course.
Lynch lost big and is doubling down. #NotSmart
Comment by Georg Sande Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:29 pm
Roberta besides Norseman’s excellent advice please look at that list and find what it is your rank and file value most. You will lose some of those the well being of your members has to trump ideology.
Comment by Mason born Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:30 pm
==AFSCME is use to negotiating only with those that they bought and paid for.==
Do you recall the angry protests directed at the Democrats at the state fair a couple years ago? Madigan led pension reform? Squeezy the pension python? In fact, some might say part of the problem includes the degree to which AFSCME members went after Democrats that attempted to cut employee pensions.
Comment by AC Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:33 pm
@DonaldTrump
take my Rauner, please!
Comment by morty Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:33 pm
- Green -
All Teamsters? All the locals?
You sure? lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:37 pm
Let’s return to this post after the strike…
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:37 pm:
Comment by Green Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:38 pm
AFSCME always threatens to strike but never follows through on their threats. When they struck Cook County during the (older) Stroger administration, they went back to work in about a day and their members asked for vacation days to cover the lost time. Their time would be better spent at the bargaining table rather than waiving the red shirt.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:39 pm
Rich, take a look back. Most releases, if not all in past months have been a RESPONSE to the developments. And they were too far between. I understood why in the beginning but when Rauner started playing dirty, you need to change your tack, start anticipating, and plan the push back. They never got in front. They got complacent under Quinn and then never regained their footing as they became confronted.
Comment by Politix Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:42 pm
- Green -,
If AFSCME strikes their demise will be escalated.
The Teamsters with or not with them there won’t make much of a difference.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:43 pm
OW: a little of both!
Comment by DonaldTrump Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:48 pm
It’s all good, Norseman!
Comment by Roamin' Numeral Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:49 pm
i am not sure where people get their information from on state workers and big pensions but let me tell you the truth. My husband worked 35 years for a state agency before retirement and his pension was $3300.a month before taxes. So stop the mind set that all state workers make 70,000 a year nod their pension is that also.
Comment by Truthful Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:53 pm
I think an interesting discussion would be the possible disconnect between the AFL historic labor folks and the CIO labor folks ? Membership is down “raiding’ jurisdiction is an assumed issue maybe the “union tradesmen and women not o concerned with SEIU and AFSCME they are private sector labor folks with maybe a different desire for their lives? I see some here referring to the 40% or estimated that voted Rauner you think those were not the trades ??? I really think labor nationally is at a point they need to release themselves of the self serving “leaders” and redefine their true identity, are you a teacher, OK are you a plumber OK what are the core charters each labor organization has by definition ?? of course not going o happen because labor leaders are as greedy as big business and they won’t give up vote and forced dues…..so the wheels spin
Comment by railrat Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 6:06 pm
Ken Dubkin is someone to keep an eye on. I’m very suspicious as to why he did not show up. Follow the money.
Comment by Carl LaFong Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 6:16 pm
- railrat -,
With respect,
The unifying Labor ideal with Rauner is quite simple;
Rauner waves to end collective bargaining.
Teachers, plumbers, carpenters, laborers, all of Labor can rally around that one, single idea.
Will they? Rauner bets no, I have to concur, today.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 6:16 pm
Someone should just tell Roberta Lynch that Scott Drury “came to the conclusion that this bill was bad policy for labor.”
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 6:17 pm
Mr Willy I’ll bet with you today and in the foreseen future !! I’m concerned labor leaders have a disconnect with the rank and file as much as I hate to infer they seem as much concerned to get re-elected as legislators at the memberships cost….I think if we could “field dress’ labor we’d find attorneys have way to much influence on labors core issues … what we think of the law community is subjective an argument for another day….
Comment by railrat Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 6:30 pm
- railrat -
… Law-yers … hmm.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 6:36 pm
Labor is locked and loaded.
Thanks
C.K.
Sorta snark
Comment by Outside the Bubble Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 6:52 pm
I think this is being a little too harshly criticized. As someone above said, it appears to have been an internal memo, not a press release.
That said, I also feel AFSCME needs to get some new PR going. Even when they put something out, it’s just the same old formula regurgitated over and over. They need to step up their game.
Comment by anon Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 6:53 pm
OW does anybody really think Richard Trumpka head of AFL_CIO worked an underground coal mine? how about we cross section the larger locals in Ill. and really ask the tough question” do you as a labor leader make ant decisions without council”? I’ve heard some have in house “law firms ” it’s a whole different era from even 10 years ago…but I still maintain labor leaders are more intent on keeping their jobs than making tough decisions ….why else would the pension mess be ongoing they knew years past they where being swept and oky’d it to keep “peace” with certain legislative leaders …you fill in the blanks ….signing off thanks for the format
Comment by railrat Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 7:04 pm
Norse @ 4:49 Excellent.
OW @ 5:53, for the last couple days, your posts infer AFSCME is doomed == If AFSCME strikes their demise will be escalated.== Just don’t know how to take that. Die a slow death but don’t die fighting?
Comment by anonlurker Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 7:06 pm
- anonlurker -,
Here is exactly how to read it;
AFSCME continues this same path, no strike, Rauner will wait them out and crush them in the end with legislation and work rules.
AFSCME strikes in addition?
It will speed up the current path to their demise.
- Norseman - has a pretty solid template. Will they listen abd follow it and change their course? This internal memo answers it better than me…
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 7:10 pm
OW rauner could have got 10% of union households and still won with his margin of victory
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 7:23 pm
OW thx much for the clarification.
Comment by anonlurker Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 7:25 pm
” - Anonymous - ”
Show your work. Please.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 7:26 pm
Does anyone else think this is like the speakers South Korea put up on the DMZ against North Korea?
It’s turning into psychological warfare, without the use of force or injuries…
Comment by Mango64 Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 7:42 pm
AFSCME press has been weak all around. And it hurts all unions. Did you hear Rauner vs Anders on WBEZ? It was embarrassing. AFSCME is losing it.
Comment by State worker Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 7:54 pm
Dear afscme,
Find your own 30k a month superstar. Try to make yours a little more effective. And don’t be in Cali with negotiations going on. Because you stink. Your number of victories rival the libertarians.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 7:57 pm
===OW rauner could have got 10% of union households and still won===
Over 30 percent of all voters were from union households. Do the math.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 8:18 pm
In Poland, Solidarity helped defeat communism, compared to the challenges those folks faced, winning against Rauner is easy. If you think AFSCME has no resources compared to their adversary, historically many unions would wish they had this challenge instead. It’s a matter of sticking together, I do agree Norseman has the right idea overall. Let’s not be too hard on Roberta, this memo was intended for disheartened activists who spent the past weeks calling, visiting and emailing their legislators. They just got a lot of fight kicked out them, and need a little firey rhetoric to keep them going. That doesn’t mean AFSCME, their membership, and folks in other unions can keep up with business as usual. The game changed with the death of independent Republicans yesterday. The question isn’t if the battle is winnable, the question is when people impacted by class warfare on the middle class have realized that the war even began.
Comment by AC Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 8:20 pm
==despite the deluge of calls, emails and letters they received from their constituents in support of the bill.==
Deluge total = “A”
A - duplicates = actual # of constituents in favor of SB 1229 or “B”
Y / 25% = actual # of constituents against SB 1229 or non-union citizens or “C”
If C > B , and State Rep donation from AFSCME > 0 AND
State Rep vote = “Y” , then State Rep DOES NOT represent constituents
END
Comment by nixit71 Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 8:27 pm
” - Anonymous - ”
Since Rich helped, here’s your formula, plug in the numbers…
From;
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/nov/7/rauner-appealed-to-independents-some-democrats/?page=all
===UNION VOTE
Thirty-two percent of voters were from union households. Quinn got 58 percent of their votes, compared with 41 percent for Rauner.===
You can find the vote totals, and please show your work.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 8:28 pm
Hate to have schadenfreude on this pending Labor Day holiday (which I’ll be enjoying off too), but a twinge of it is there. The days of unabashed organized labor dominance in taxpayer-funded state jobs is, albeit slowly, coming to a day of reckoning. Rauner didn’t win the election to not be tough. The unions are going to end up giving some concessions and it is time. Looking at you AFSCME Council 31, IFT, FOP and our purple friends at SEIU.
Comment by Gabby Johnson Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 8:31 pm
AFSCME was thisclose to victory. They only needed to put in 2.5 hours more of effort this week to get over the top. Unfortunately, they had already reached their 37.5 hour work week limit. What might have been…
Comment by nixit71 Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 8:37 pm
Here is a suggestion- every public sector union president should enroll in a public finance course. Maybe then they will be able to read the rating agencies’ reports and come to recognize they have already bled the State dry and it is time to compromise. The State cannot and should not continue business as the unions have been accustomed to.
Comment by Sue Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 8:49 pm
- Sue -
What is the percentage of current Union state employees to the state budget?
Where does Illinois rank in state worker head count and population?
Use the Google.
Thanks.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 8:52 pm
Hate to tell you but there are MANY voters down south who think the union needs to be reigned in. Agree we need a union but there demands have gotten way out of line with the real world.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 8:57 pm
Good post, OW!
Comment by PENSIONS ARE OFF LIMITS Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 8:58 pm
@OW - Where does Illinois rank in overall tax burden? Because at the end of the tax day, that’s all that matters.
Comment by nixit71 Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:06 pm
“The unions are going to end up giving some concessions and it is time. Looking at you AFSCME Council 31, IFT, FOP and our purple friends at SEIU.”
Don’t think Rauner will pick on all unions equally. The public doesn’t like to hear about Governors going after cops. Even Scott Walker knew that.
Comment by Practikal Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:10 pm
Anonymous wrote:
OW rauner could have got 10% of union households and still won with his margin of victory ”
- Anonymous - ”
Show your work. Please.
Oh, let me try! 2014 BLS data says there are about 831,000 full dues paying union members in Illinois. Rauner beat Quinn by 142,284 votes.
http://www.bls.gov/news.release/union2.t05.htm
Politicifact: “McCain won 46 percent of the vote nationally, so his union backing was only 7 points behind his overall support….
… the gap bouncing between 11 and 13 points from 1984 to 2004.”
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2011/jul/07/bill-kristol/bill-kristol-says-40-percent-republicans-voted-joh/
So let’s say Rauner’s union backing was 10% points behind his overall support. He got 52.3% of the vote which is 3,627,690 * 52.3% is 1,897,282. So 42.3% of the total vote of 3,627,690 is 1,534,513. So 1,897,282 - 1,534,513 = 362,689 union members may have voted for Rauner.
But if Rauner only got 10% of the union active union members that’s 83,100.
So let’s back out the 362,689 from Rauner’s total of 1,897,282 - 362,689 = 1,534,593 and add in the 10%; 1,534,593 + 83,100 = 1,617,693. Pat Quinn got 1,681,343.
Anonymous is wrong. Pat Quinn wins by 63,650. Quinn beat Brady by about 32,000 votes.
Estimate makes tons of assumptions. Probably the biggest is that every union member is registered to vote and does so. We know this is far from the case with Americans, union members or not. But this favors Anonymous’ numbers.
Comment by jknell Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:10 pm
- nixit71 -,
Search it. Also, make sure it includes the following;
Sales tax
Property tax
Retirement income tax
Income tax
Don’t forget all the tax “burdens”
Heck, I bet, maybe once, it was discussed here.
So, to be clear;
It’s about what’s spent, but it’s not, but it’s about the tax burdens, but under measuring those burdens, how?
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:11 pm
Charlie Brown’s teacher phonating unintelligibly in the background.
Rauner is impervious to traditional political tactics. Fixing to get real interesting.
Comment by Salvador Dali Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:11 pm
Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.
Though the outcome of recent events will lead to hardship for many people, the end result will likely lead to benefit others.
I have read all the posts of those fearing losing what they have and in many cases the pride and arrogance of their self proclaimed intelligence.
If state employees (including the legislature) truly understood math and better so actuarial science the writing was/is on the wall that this could not last forever.
I joined the State Government 3 years ago and have witnessed much atrocities, but I worked very hard everyday and have literally gone from a Clerk to a PSA within that time frame with no favors or strings being pulled.
Please, those who are eligible for retirement take it. It most definitely would be in your best interest at this point, clear the path for the next generation.
Comment by New Guy Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:11 pm
Apologies, Rauner’s “Campaign of deception” is indeed a distraction from his endgame: Muni bankruptcy. Everybody loses except the bondholders if Rauner gets his way. AFSCME needs to recognize this or it will be done for good. I am considering yanking my own card after yesterday.
Comment by PENSIONS ARE OFF LIMITS Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:12 pm
- jknell -
Did ya give Quinn 90% of the 33%?
Asking for a friend…
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:13 pm
Did you count democrats that registered as republicans to vot against Rauner?
Comment by PENSIONS ARE OFF LIMITS Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:19 pm
When the supremes explained in the pension ruling that there is to be no diminishment of the pension, under the rules of the contract of which you were hired. Would it somehow translate to a diminishment, if I am currently at step 8, and soon will have no contract, then Rauner decides to cut our pay in half? Wouldn’t that then diminish my pension?
Comment by Property of IDOC Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:26 pm
It only wouldn’t if you retired right now. That’s what he wants.
Comment by PENSIONS ARE OFF LIMITS Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:30 pm
I regress, he wants you to move into the Tier II pension and then retire.
Comment by PENSIONS ARE OFF LIMITS Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:36 pm
IMHO for those eligible to retire the next 27 days are in your best interest. For those that are on the cusp of their 20 years it is a coin toss. Regardless, of what the Courts ruled if you are laid-off or a strike occurs and you are not brought back the hand was forced anyways.
Comment by New Guy Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:50 pm
@PENSIONS ARE OFF LIMITS
And please, yank your union card already. If you don’t want to help find a solution, why complain? Laws exist for a reason. Things are going to end up in court. This happens every four years… Efficiency has to be implemented in certain areas, doesn’t mean people are going to lose their job.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvN8e5qjxds
Comment by Mango64 Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 10:08 pm
Not my words, I was asking if there was truth to that.
Comment by Willi P Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 10:21 pm
Nice reference to the ‘Twilight Zone’ Mango64, though time travel still does not exist I get the point. I disagree with you this time around I think things are going to change going forward. Maybe a bad comparison but look at what happened to Hostess, yes Twinkies went off the market for a short time, but they are back now. Maybe a little different, but to be sure produced at a lower cost.
Comment by New Guy Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 10:27 pm
Even as a union member, I agree, the 37.5 hour work week should go. It’s just bad PR that you really can’t defend. In fact, I don’t like any of the “trades”, like instead of a raise, we’ll let you have 37.5 hour work week (paid breaks), or instead of a raise, we’ll pick up your pension contribution. Those types of things may work in the short term, but, they always come back to bite you in the end.
Comment by anon Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 10:32 pm
A good place to start comparing tax burdens and expenditures is here:
http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/index.xhtml
Click on the “Advanced Search” and look for either table LGF001 or SLF001. The data is 2012, but gives a good trend comparison among the states if you do the math and calculate on a per capita basis.
A couple of noteworthy points of interest: Per capita cost of
state paid Governmental Administration was $87 in Indiana and $104 in Illinois. If we were to match Indiana, we’d have saved $219M. On the local side, Illinois was $265 per capita, vs Indiana at $200. Matching Indiana there would have saved another $839M.
Decreasing Illinois State per capita salary expenditures to Indiana’s rate would have saved us $1.2B.
Overall, the 2012 data indicates Illinois per capita state expenditures exceeded state per capita revenue by $289, or $3.7B.
For a true, accurate picture, one has to consider both the state and local revenue/expenditure data, but no matter how you look at it, Indiana and Iowa both are doing a much better job than Illinois in keeping their financial houses in order. Maybe we can learn something.
Comment by The Whole Truth Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 10:32 pm
You got me there OW, lol… I knew I’d leave something out, but I guess I made my point.
Comment by jknell Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 10:34 pm
New Guy — “IMHO for those eligible to retire the next 27 days are in your best interest. ”
Why retire? “The old to make way for the new” … The old, have the highest 48 month salaries out of 120 months to calculate pension — they can afford to wait.
Why do they continue to work? Perhaps they love their work and are dedicated to do their best while they can.
Why would such an enterprising person such as yourself wish to continue working at a diminished salary and pension benefit?
Comment by illinoisan Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 10:40 pm
New Guy –
Another reason “the old” won’t make for “the new”. Do you really think that the Gov won’t continue his attack and attempt to take money off the table from those who are currently retired?
It’s all about trust. Frankly, I trust this governor as far as I can throw a car.
Comment by illinoisan Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 10:48 pm
Any of us that came in after 2011 knew what we are coming into as Tier II and those of us that came in after June 30th of 2013 accepted the salaries of 1C on the step ladder. The fact is that Higher Education is pumping out more people than there are jobs for and society will accept pay for less than what was previously offered. I have friends with Bachelors’ and Masters’ Degrees that are waiting tables due to the Private Sector market.
Comment by New Guy Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 10:48 pm
Rauner lives another day.
Big woo.
Anyone thinking this is a win for him is as delusional as Bruce Rauner.
Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 11:03 pm
===UNION VOTE
Thirty-two percent of voters were from union households. Quinn got 58 percent of their votes, compared with 41 percent for Rauner.===
No denying the facts, that being said, for all we know 90% of AFSCME households could have supported Quinn, so can we please stop pretending like AFSCME elected Rauner.
There is no denying that labor is disjointed and unorganized compared to the 1950’s & 1960’s, but it’s disingenuous to blame AFSCME for that.
Government unions are the last opposition to complete corporate & Wall Street dominance of our political system. Those of you who think this is good thing should pay a visit to developing country, like Mexico, where a wealthy elite control everything,and report back about the health of those societies. You may have more money in your pocket, but you will also live behind walls with private security living in fear of kidnappings & ransoms because organized crime runs rampant and has bought/intimidated the police. Desperate people will do desperate things. The end game is the “legitimate” government is controlled by the wealthy elite, but the US equivalent of ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán will have immense power or a demagogic dictator like Hugo Chavez will take over.
Comment by anon Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 11:04 pm
VanillaMan, you are correct. Rauner can’t help himself. More campaigning, no governing. The crises continues.
Comment by jls Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 11:11 pm
Reflecting on the past elections will not change the future see MANGO64’s link at 10:08 for clarity. Going forward things are going to change, as much as it will be resisted it will be for the greater good.
For those in Public Service that claim they do it for the greater good of society then the money saved in payroll and pensions will go to the programs and solvency of the debt already incurred for past programs that were funded without the necessary revenue. In reality Illinois should tax retirement income to make up for the past mistakes, but I doubt that will ever happen.
Comment by New Guy Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 11:17 pm
Mark my words…. if AFSCME should strike, after 5 days 50% of the members will have returned to work. Including stewards.
Comment by DonaldTrump Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 11:18 pm
words marked
Comment by jls Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 11:20 pm
Indiana be damned. The economic powerhouse of the entire midwest does not lie within the boundaries of Indiana.
Comment by PENSIONS ARE OFF LIMITS Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 11:21 pm
Also, Donald, you can afford a better hair cut/ hair piece. Whatever.
Comment by jls Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 11:23 pm
Indiana wants you but you can’t go back there.
Comment by jls Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 11:24 pm
Night
Comment by jls Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 11:25 pm
Hey Whole Truth why can’t I find the line Governmental Administration for $104?
The Pew Center for the States did a report indicating Illinois needs better performance information which is particularly vital in a state where long-term financial prospects are a bit frightening. Illinois get’s a “C” while Indiana get’s a “B”. It also notes that, “Clearing the poisoned political atmosphere so that productive work can take place may not be impossible.” This report was written in 2008. Would anyone say that today? Thanks Bruce Rauner. He seems more like a blustering plutocrat than a skilled manager.
Comment by jknell Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 11:33 pm
@anon
Just like the time travel comment. Looks like Rauner caught this also. I should post it by my work station. Also, it kind of reminds me of how the budget process and contract negotiations are going.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chupacabra
Comment by Mango64 Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 11:45 pm
Mango64.With wants going on in Illinois the Chupacabra is hunting for a scagegoat for raising the state income tax.
Comment by jls Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 11:56 pm
Sorry, scapegoate. too much wine.
Comment by jls Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 11:58 pm
@jls
It’s actually kind of reminds me of Goldberg, his lapdog actually. I’ll give him credit, he can write good letters. @ 1:33-1:45 is the best part below. Rauner’s “Working Groups” You have to work in “secret” to somehow get things done.
I need to get some sleep. I think there will be a budget by I’d say October or November.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCJp7JOP79s
Comment by Mango64 Friday, Sep 4, 15 @ 12:29 am
It’s real and it’s spectacular.
Comment by DonaldTrump Friday, Sep 4, 15 @ 12:30 am
From what I read, Rauner compared AFSCME’s salary & benefit package to that of surrounding states, Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana & Missouri…..
None of those states have the same level of cost as living in Illinois.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Sep 4, 15 @ 12:37 am
Don’t you love how Rauner says, my staff has had to take a pay-cut to come work for the state. Well duh, you think? No one is forcing you to come work for the state. People leave all the time for the private sector. You know, “superstars”
Comment by Al Gore Friday, Sep 4, 15 @ 12:46 am
@nixit71 - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 8:37 pm:
Probably working more than what Rauner is. I guess that is if your not a wholly owned subsidiary of him. Kind of funny the same judge that swore him in was the same one who heard the Medicaid cases for the DD folks. Anyone notice a connection there?
Comment by Al Gore Friday, Sep 4, 15 @ 1:09 am
So anti-union. So nobody on here takes the paid state holidays? Not one used tuition reimbursement or Upward Mobility to move up? You think you get such a generous pension? Health care too good? You want to pay higher premiums and higher deductibles? I see snarky references to 37.5 hours. Most AFSCME members are 8 hour staff and the only difference, 8 hour employees have an 8.5 shift with 8 paid, 7.5 employees have an 8,5 shift with 7,5 paid. It looks like you will all get your dream of seeing the union go away and then you can laugh and point at the people who take care of the developmentally disabled or those who keep the prisoners in prison or those who issue your license or those who plow snow when they have their pay reduced and pay higher premiums and higher deductibles and work to age 67 before they can think about retiring. You will be so happy when the governor can lay off whoever he wants and seniority does not count for anything. I hope some of you are the immediate beneficiaries of that particular policy. And whatever happens to health insurance for AFSCME members applies to all state employees.
Then you will be living in your version of utopia.
Comment by gruntled employee Friday, Sep 4, 15 @ 6:49 am
Lots of dramaqueenery here
Comment by Peoria Guy Friday, Sep 4, 15 @ 7:52 am
If there is truth to the demands that AFSCME is making, it appears both sides have a long way to go before they are making realistic demands.
Comment by Willi P Friday, Sep 4, 15 @ 8:02 am
Bottom line for me is simple. The vote has been taken, the status quo remains and a contract needs to be negotiated. Let’s move on.
Comment by Commonsense in Illinois Friday, Sep 4, 15 @ 8:03 am
Bombastic letters like this don’t help their cause. As a private sector guy I read this letter and all I can think is ” geez, stop with all the hate.”
I understand you don’t like the governor, and now any republican but the bitterness is just oozing out of this letter.
Not helping your cause.
Comment by Anon2U Friday, Sep 4, 15 @ 8:38 am
Gruntled got it right. And those who blame the all-powerful union boss Roberta Lynch for the legislature’s failure to override a veto (and calling for her resignation! Really??) are living in a bizarro alternative universe. Apparently, the corrupt union does not have complete control over the legislative process. Just guessing.
Comment by MasterPiece Friday, Sep 4, 15 @ 8:44 am
==geez, stop with all the hate==
That goes both ways. There’s been far too much of that from both sides. It’s not helpful.
Comment by Demoralized Friday, Sep 4, 15 @ 8:50 am
Having dealt extensively with AFSMCE during my years in Illinois Government I can say from first hand experience that the leadership of this Union are nothing more than thugs. Their tactics are unscrupulous and they are not held accountable by anyone for their actions. They have however been very successful, with the complicity of the General assembly and previous Administrations in negotiating very generous benefits for their members with minimal amount of accountability. If the average citizen really knew the how the terms of the master contract adversely affect the operations of most state agencies they would be outraged. Rauner’s approach to dealing with this beast that needs to be tamed is spot on.
Comment by to the point Friday, Sep 4, 15 @ 8:59 am
===If the average citizen really knew the how the terms of the master contract adversely affect the operations of most state agencies they would be outraged.===
Example?
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Sep 4, 15 @ 9:04 am
===AFSCME was thisclose to victory. They only needed to put in 2.5 hours more of effort this week to get over the top. Unfortunately, they had already reached their 37.5 hour work week limit. What might have been…===
===Even as a union member, I agree, the 37.5 hour work week should go. It’s just bad PR that you really can’t defend. In fact, I don’t like any of the “trades”, like instead of a raise, we’ll let you have 37.5 hour work week (paid breaks), or instead of a raise, we’ll pick up your pension contribution. Those types of things may work in the short term, but, they always come back to bite you in the end. ===
A 40 hour work week is identical to a 37.5 hour work week, except if you call it a 37.5 hour work week, then you can reduce overtime expenses for employees who are working time and a half. Calling the work week 37.5 hours doesn’t benefit the employees, it benefits the state.
Comment by Nickname#2 Friday, Sep 4, 15 @ 9:08 am
I have no sympathy. AFSCME has been coasting with much better pay and less work than those in the private sector for years. The real measure of the unfairness of any deal is when people start to leave AFSCME for better paying jobs elsewhere.
Comment by taxpayer Friday, Sep 4, 15 @ 9:08 am
“The real measure of the unfairness of any deal is when people start to leave AFSCME for better paying jobs elsewhere.”
Bingo. No matter what Rauner imposes, I doubt we’ll see much turnover.
Comment by Robert the 1st Friday, Sep 4, 15 @ 9:21 am
virtually every aspect of Agency operations are subject to negotiation with the Union per the master agreement which dramatically reduces the ability of agency management to effectively manage agency operations. The fact is the master agreement increases the cost of running state agencies because it creates so many inneficiencies to the benefit of its members. Want to hold a employee accountable for not showing up on time, it was 17 tardies before formal discipline could even be initiated last I recall. Want to impose professional dress standards, good luck in negotiating that.Need a smoke detector battery changed, don’t dare try that yourself, need an electrician to do that.
Comment by to the point Friday, Sep 4, 15 @ 9:38 am
There have always been a significant percentage of union families voting Republican. This is nothing new. AFSCME, in particular, has a great number of lifetime Republican members. Republican Governors in Illinois (Thompson, Edgar, Ryan) historically have been just about as pro-union as Democrats, and Republican legislators with big union member populations have historically voted their constituencies. Governor Rauner has a more adversarial relationship to organized labor than previous Republican governors. Most voters don’t follow politics like the political junkies on this website. Many union voters doubtless did not understand fully Rauner’s positions on labor-management issues, which he soft pedaled in the general election campaign anyway.
Comment by Quiet Sage Friday, Sep 4, 15 @ 10:01 am
jknell 11:33PM
About the 38th line up from the bottom on chart LGF001. Add the 4 governmental sub items under “Governmental Administration” and divide by 12.9 million. You’ll get $104 per capita.
Comment by The Whole Truth Friday, Sep 4, 15 @ 10:24 am
taxpayer - Friday, Sep 4, 15 @ 9:08 am:
I have no sympathy. AFSCME has been coasting with much better pay and less work than those in the private sector for years. The real measure of the unfairness of any deal is when people start to leave AFSCME for better paying jobs elsewhere.
Come down off the mountain and give examples to what you are stating already.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Sep 4, 15 @ 2:11 pm
Anonymous, Illinois public employee voluntary turnover was 4% compared to 19% for a US private average according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
It doesn’t seem like public employees are leaving the state payroll for better paying jobs elsewhere.
Comment by Will P Friday, Sep 4, 15 @ 2:30 pm