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Rauner to AFSCME: “If you do choose to strike, we’ll stand up to you and we’ll win”

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* From the Illinois Policy Institute’s news service…

Governor Bruce Rauner said Tuesday he does not control whether AFSCME strikes. But, Rauner said, he will be the first governor to stand up to the union.

“That makes them a little cranky and it’s one of the reasons they wanted me out of the negotiations. That’s my duty, representing the taxpayers. If every elected official said to them ‘if you’re going to say you’re going to strike and I can’t stand that so I’m going to give you whatever you ask for,’ then there is no balance of power. That’s what is going on in Illinois and the city of Chicago for decades.”

Rauner also says he has no intention to shut down government or to lock workers out.

The union has said the governor is trying to force a strike, something Rauner says is nonsense.

“I don’t control whether AFSCME strikes or not. I don’t control that. They decide. That’s their right. I hope they don’t. I have asked them not to strike. I said it would be terrible for the people of Illinois. What I have said is…if you do choose to strike, we’ll stand up to you and we’ll win”.

The governor says that somebody has to stand up to the union or else there will be continued economic decline. Rauner’s administration announced they asked for the Illinois Labor Relations Board to review negotiations to declare if there’s an impasse. AFSCME says they’re still willing to negotiate but the governor has said they don’t think continuing negotiations would be worthwhile.

* The governor also said yesterday he was “misquoted” about being willing to shut down the government.

Ummm…

“I may have to take a strike and shut down the government for a few weeks,” he said, with Dan Proft looking on. Rauner said he might not be happy about it, but “I will do it probably proudly because it’s the right thing to do.”

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 9:24 am

Comments

1. I’m very concerned about this “last and best offer” that Rauner is currently attempting to shove down our throats. To my fellow bargaining-unit members (both full-pay AFSCME Council 31 members and fair-share “fee payers”), please keep the following in mind as you consider this “deal”:

   1) The main issue here should be JOB SECURITY. Accepting the current “deal” means that the Governor will have the ability to fire you with impunity. That means no “bumping rights” that could allow you to transfer to another position that you might be qualified for and no right to be called back for any other opening in the future. Instead, you’ll have to go back to “square one” to apply for a state job, and we all know how hard that can be. Also, if you are lucky enough to get a job, you’ll have to start at the lowest end of the pay scale, with no further step-raises to look forward to and you can still be fired at any time for any reason. Remember - IF YOU DON’T HAVE JOB SECURITY, NONE OF THESE OTHER ISSUES MATTER.

   2) Accepting the current “deal” will mean that YOU HAVE GIVEN UP THE RIGHT TO BARGAIN FOR ANY FURTHER WAGE INCREASES, so YOU MAY NEVER GET ANOTHER RAISE. Ask any long-time Merit Comp employee about how many raises they have received over the last ten years.

   3) Accepting the current “deal” could mean that YOUR COST FOR DECENT HEALTH CARE COVERAGE WOULD GO UP EVERY YEAR. The only bottom to this would be when you hit the Obamacare minimum “Bronze Level” of coverage (60% State / 40% Employee). Imagine being responsible for the first $40,000 due on a $100,000 medical bill! Retirees need to realize that they are linked to this also because the retiree guarantee of “free health insurance” (or the pro-rated percentage if you retired with less than 20 years of service) only obligates the state to pay the (now-lower) premium, not the (now-higher) deductibles and copays. Ask any retiree about what’s been happening to these costs over the last decade.

   Even so, it looks like Rauner is serious about forcing this terrible “deal” on us. Once rank-and-file get a chance to read it and vote on it (and remember, only full-pay union members get to vote), I believe that it will be overwhelmingly rejected, giving our leaders the ability to call a strike at any time. For fair-share “fee payers”, this is your last change to become a full-pay union member and be part of the decision-making process!

   If a strike is called, remember that Illinois’ labor laws make it illegal for Rauner to fire anyone who is on the picket line or is honoring the picket line. This includes both full-pay AFSCME members and fair-share “fee payers”. I’m sure that retirees will also be welcome to join us on the picket line. Remember, SUPPORTING THE UNION MEANS NOT CROSSING THE PICKET LINE!

   Also remember that persons represented by the union that do cross the picket line will be considered “at will” employees by the state. This means that the Governor can do whatever he wants with them and they will have no protections whatsoever. He might just send them far across the state to do something else that he thinks needs to be done. Forget about having time to learn the new job, as there will be little or no training. If they fail to come up to his high expectations of them as newly-minted “Raunerbots”, they’re fired!

   Now would be an excellent time for everyone to let their State Senators and Representatives know just how they feel about this!

   Comment by Omega Man Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 9:27 am

2. –The governor also said yesterday he was “misquoted” about being willing to shut down the government.–

   It comes really easy to him, doesn’t it? Just rolls of the tongue, no problemo.

   Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 9:28 am

3. “Rauner also says he has no intention to shut down government or to lock workers out.”

   Just like he had no intention of ever declaring an impasse. Just like he had no idea, for a whole week, why AFSCME was saying that the governor’s bargaining team had declared an impasse, before he went ahead and said, oh yeah, there’s an impasse.

   Unbelievable.

   Comment by Nick Name Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 9:30 am

4. Changing such a Faustian, corrupt bargain was never going to be easy. Some deeply entrenched interests have a desire to see the existing system of co-dependence continue unabated.

   Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 9:33 am

5. No one wins in a strike, but despite his blustering, the Governor will be the biggest loser if there is a strike.

   Comment by A Jack Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 9:34 am

6. Simply pathological! His desire to hurt the union trumps everything else. The budget, to him, is secondary (if even that high).

   Comment by ash Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 9:37 am

7. ***The governor says that somebody has to stand up to the union or else there will be continued economic decline.***

   Anyone know what percentage of the state’s budget is allocated to its employees’ wages, benefits, etc?

   Comment by Slick Willy Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 9:41 am

8. Governor Rauner address to the State should be very interesting. What are the Administration’s accomplishments the first year.
   1. No budget.
   2. No contract with AFSCME.
   3. Advanced political agenda with IL GOP tea party.
   4. Established 20 million campaign fund to elect my candidates to GA.
   5. Got attention of IL State Teachers Union.
   All in all a great first year.

   Comment by JLR Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 9:41 am

9. Having been through a strike, albeit from the management perspective, I concur that no one wins in that scenario. Union workers won’t receive compensation other than the AFSCME strike fund, basic public services will be cut to bare bones, co-workers (both union and non-union) will be pitted against each other causing hard feelings and animosity. The public will lose trust in their government. Sometimes a strike is necessary just to hit the reset button but I promise you if either the Governor or AFSCME think they will “win” they are only kidding themselves.

   Comment by Stones Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 9:42 am

10. @A Jack

    I completely disagree. Rauner wins if there is a strike. AFSCME should suck it up and live to fight another day.

    Comment by Chicagonk Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 9:42 am

11. Some deeply entrenched interests have a desire to see the existing system of co-dependence continue unabated.

    Only someone hiding behind an “anonymous” mask could write something so amazingly daft, ignorant and foolish.

    Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 9:43 am

12. All expected. AFSCME has a lot of work to do. Their members better be prepared to actually strike. This is gut check time.

    As for the misquote comment - that too is expected from a guy who has made falsehoods his standard operating procedure.

    Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 9:43 am

13. The governor’s main goal is to completely break the union and then outsource as much of state operations as possible so he and his billionaire pals can carve Illinois up like a turkey.

    Comment by Omega Man Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 9:45 am

14. There is only one person prepared to go without a paycheck, and he is the one doing all he can to keep civil servants from receiving a paycheck.

    Rauner is pathologically unable to focus on anything else. That is one of many reasons he has turned out to be a flaming failure of a governor.

    Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 9:46 am

15. AFSCME Rank and File: “Leadership, how much do we have in our strike fund”

    AFSCME Leadership: “What’s a strike fund”

    AFSCME Rank and File: (Silence)

    Telling your employees to save a certain percentage of their paycheck does not work when planning for a strike. Look at UAW, UFCW strike funds. They are private sector unions who have to fight tooth and nail to protect their job and everything they earn. AFSCME is finally coming to this realization. After years of complacency and no leadership this is what happens. Might be too late.

    Comment by Almost the Weekend Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 9:46 am

16. I would think there are alternatives to a full out strike that could be very effective. For instance working to rules, where you follow the union contract to the letter. Or a “blue flu” situation where employees call in sick.

    Comment by Objective Dem Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 9:47 am

17. ===* The governor also said yesterday he was “misquoted” about being willing to shut down the government.===

    If you trust a man that will lie to you with video that proves otherwise, you deserve whatever happens to you.

    To the Post,

    AFSCME, you taught Pat Quinn a lesson, now you are being taught a lesson;

    Elections. Have. Consequences.

    I’m sorry for - Hobeybear - and all the hard working Myers you have that understood that, but as a group, as an organization, as leadership when it mattered most… TWICE… Zero sympathy. None.

    Rauner is right. You “strike”, you will lose. Big time lose.

    I’m tellin’ ya, here is the ONLY way a strike could work, and even this is iffy at best.

    * No rallies. None. No pickets, no chanting, no walking. The second thise images hit TV, you list.

    * “Podium Speak” - 10:30 am, to make Noon news, and 4ish pm to make local 5 pm newscasts.

    * Simple message - “we want to work, we live our jobs, we want to work. That’s. It. “No, we won’t negotiate at a podium”.

    * Illinois National Gurad - Rauner will call them up, that’s your optics “Gov. Rauner favors the military taking over agebcues then paying state workers.” That’s whatvyih want seen.

    * Agency flounders - let that speak for you, instead of chanting, rallies, anger, and signs. People lose services, they blame Governors, not workers, in these instances. Don’t paint yourselves as villains

    * Finally, Silence. Rauner is right, you “Strike” you lose. No joke, you WILL lose. Rauner will use your anger and noise against you. Rauner needs your rallies, your anger, your posters. Don’t give them. Silence will just eat Rauber up. What can he say? What can he point to? Silence? Let the 2 briefings a day say your piece.

    That’s it. If you ignore this too, like defeating Rauner, twice, I dunno what will ever help, so keep all this in mind.

    OW

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 9:48 am

18. This is sad and pathetic. I’d like to know if, as an Illinois citizen, I have a governor working (or should I say working governor) for me. He is obsessed with his hatred of unions as entities and blinded to anything else going on in reality. Something is very very wrong with this approach that is serving no one. Eliminating unionization in this state will not magically free billions of dollars and get us on the fast track to glowing prosperity. Not unless you force anyone who works for a union to take no salary/benefits, as indentured servants. Such extremism on his part forces extreme thoughts on others.

    Comment by AnonymousOne Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 9:48 am

19. Stones, AFSCME 31 has NO money in their strike fund. If employees strike, they won’t get any money from the union unless they get some from a national council or some such. Unless Rauner is telling the truth (he’s not) about state workers all being wealthy, most won’t be able to afford to strike.

    Comment by Lester Holt's Mustache Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 9:48 am

20. Regarding “I completely disagree. Rauner wins if there is a strike. AFSCME should suck it up and live to fight another day.”

    If Rainer succeeds in ramming this deal down our throats , there will be no “live to fight another day” because he will have taken all the tools we use to defend ourselves away.

    Comment by Omega Man Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 9:54 am

21. The Governor’s proposal for dramatically raising health insurance premiums and/or reducing health benefits seems to be one of the major obstacles. I don’t think it has sunk in yet to many state university employees that whatever health ins plans end up in the AFSCME contract - those are the same benefits that state university employees will receive.

    The upcoming (usually April or May) benefits choice sign up period for state and state university employees’ health insurance and other benefits should be interesting, and possibly a pressure point also.

    Comment by Joe M Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 9:55 am

22. The obvious question here — and I’m surprised no one in the media has apparently asked it as a follow-up — is what does “winning” mean in the context of an AFSCME strike?

    That you refuse to sit down and negotiate during the strike?

    That you hold out as long as possible with scabs — and, essentially, never end the strike?

    Given the budget situation, my guess is that Rauner would never end the strike. The workers wouldn’t be fired, but they would never return to their jobs. Outsourced labor would fill all employee slots forever — essentially.

    Would this not be Rauner’s reasonable goal?

    Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 9:57 am

23. Doesn’t Rauner realize we are in the video age and everything he says is taped???

    Comment by Kathryn Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:00 am

24. The Governor’s justification for not passing SB1229 was that it took away his power to negotiate. Given is inability to reach agreement with the GA on the budget and his declaration of an impasse with AFSCME, it is clear that negotiation is something this Governor is incapable of performing regardless of his granted powers.

    Comment by A Jack Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:03 am

25. AFSCME won’t strike; they won’t even hold a “practice” strike vote a-la CTU. Most employees will not strike, many (prisons) will be stopped by the courts. For AFSCME an ineffective strike will be worse than having no contract.

    Comment by anon. Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:07 am

26. === Anyone know what percentage of the state’s budget is allocated to its employees’ wages, benefits, etc?=

    I know that Illiinois consistently ranks as either 49th or 50th among the states in number of state employees per capita. So relatively speaking, state workers are a smaller part of the budget than in other states, yet those states have balanced budgets. Rauner just wants a scapegoat for the IL financial crisis.

    Comment by anon Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:08 am

27. Why do I get the idea that everything Rauner has said will be used in a lawsuit against the state?

    Comment by Ducky LaMoore Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:08 am

28. “Imagine being responsible for the first $40,000 due on a $100,000 medical bill!”

    - are there no out of pocket annual limits in the proposed plan?

    “Illinois’ labor laws make it illegal for Rauner to fire anyone who is on the picket line or is honoring the picket line”

    - but in an economic strike, workers can be replaced, correct? and if the strike ends, only hired back if there is an opening. the replacement workers would be able in the job as long as they want to. is that correct?

    Comment by thinkinoutloud Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:11 am

29. The Gov is playing hardball. AFSCME needs to concede some contract language before an impasse is granted and keep negotiating. As OW said, a strike will hurt the union more than the Gov.

    Comment by pool boy Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:16 am

30. -only hired back if there is an opening. the replacement workers would be able in the job as long as they want to. is that correct?-

    No that is incorrect.

    Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:18 am

31. To be clear. Rauner is not asking AFSCME to strike, he’s daring them to. Big difference.

    Comment by pundent Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:18 am

32. I imagine some members who were on the fence about a strike vote will see Rauner’s quote and decide to vote for the strike.

    Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:19 am

33. Oswego Willy @ 9:48 is offering some sound advise. If there is a strike it will be all about the PR battle. The picketing and signs will play right into Rauners hand. Stick to daily press briefings and every day bring up an AFSME Member with and emotional story to share. Show how Rauner’s refusal to negotiate is affecting Illinoisans and their families. Spread the stories on Social media. Rauner is doing a good job of painting himself as a villain, you just have to nudge that story along.

    Comment by State House Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:26 am

34. “AFSCME needs to concede some contract language before an impasse is granted and keep negotiating.”

    Rauner’s negotiating team has refused to schedule any further sessions. AFSCME can’t negotiate with themselves.

    Comment by Cubs in '16 Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:29 am

35. An overwhelming vote to reject Rauner’s offer (and authorize Union leadership to call a strike at any time) would be a powerful incentive to those supporting the Governor to urge him to go back to the negotiating table. He will find that the union is ready to bargain in good faith.

    Comment by Omega Man Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:30 am

36. I am in teachers union but I begged and begged my many friends that are AFSME members that they better vote for quinn even with everything that happened. Many didn’t. I said Rauner was dangerous. Many laughed. I think Rauner is going to have last laugh. Then he is on to next union.

    Comment by sparky791 Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:30 am

37. Thinkinoutloud, with many positions in government, like mine, HSC, you can’t just replace them. They tried doing that with Medicaid redeterminations and it was a disaster. The union sued and won because an HSC is certified and accountable for maintaining FEDERAL food stamp, ACA, etc policy. Honestly it took me a year to even get close to learning this job. It’s super complex. One of the moves I think Rauner is going to do is to appeal to the ILRB to classify certain jobs as “essential”. It’s totally my bet that that along with other questionable moves is why Hoffman was moved over to CMS. I think HSC’s will be classified as essential along with other social service folks. This would minimize civil unrest because food stamps, dcfs etc would not be disrupted. That might cause rioting. Something tells me that Rauner might like that though so the jury is still out.
    All this goes along with my theory that the Rauner folks believe they can have a “controlled” dam break. But really I think their hubris has clouded their judgement. I think it will turn into the worst financial disaster in the history of Illinois. I think it might already be in that territory. Evidence? I’m not a financial person so I don’t know. But look at how the Rauner controlled media is mum about the effects of no budget. Thanks Rich for staying strong.

    Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:30 am

38. The Governor has left us no choice but to strike. Also, by him declaring AFSCME will lose assures me that he is bluffing. We need to call this rascal’s bluff.

    Comment by Triple fat Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:34 am

39. “AFSCME can’t negotiate with themselves.”

    They can do it through the press. That’s what Rauners been doing.

    Comment by Person 8 Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:35 am

40. ===Stick to daily press briefings and every day bring up an AFSME Member with and emotional story to share. Show how Rauner’s refusal to negotiate is affecting Illinoisans and their families. Spread the stories on Social media. Rauner is doing a good job of painting himself as a villain, you just have to nudge that story along.===

    Thanks for the kind words, - State House -

    To your comment I grabbed, you get it, great idea and glad you grasp the end game of Rauner as a “villain”

    Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:36 am

41. - Honeybear - Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:30 am:

    I disagree with you and others. This is the prize:

    “On August 4, 1981, President Ronald Reagan reads a statement to the press on his decision to fire any air traffic controllers who do not show up to work within 48 hours. After negotiations with the federal government to raise their pay failed, 13,000 air traffic controllers went on strike.”

    Comment by Mouthy Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:39 am

42. There is zero sympathy in the public’s eyes for state government workers. Public support will grow for Rauner through the strike, and his power at the ballot box will grow. Right or wrong, that is how it is. Failing to recognize that, will be a tragic mistake by AFSCME.

    Comment by Lincoln Lad Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:40 am

43. Okay. Here’s a somewhat objective look from someone who comes from both a (non-government) union worker family and a small business owner family. Some of it may not apply today but I think it still does.

    1) Current union workers are ALWAYS economic losers when it comes to an extended strike. Even if you win the wage increases you asked for, you never really make up what you lost. Increased wages primarily benefit the new members just coming into the union. So, generally speaking, it doesn’t pay to strike over just wages.

    2) Work rules (except those allowing for outsourcing) are generally there for the protection of all workers but get abused by a few. Instead of fighting to retain all the rules, it would make more sense to find a compromise that curbs the abuse without giving up too much protection. Generally not worth striking over.

    3) However, when the work rule changes affect job security (like outsourcing), you have no choice to consider a strike. From where I’m sitting, this looks like a fight to the death for the union. They can’t ignore it and they can’t very effectively counter it even by striking.

    The union is in a lose / probably lose situation. They need to decide exactly what is most important to them (hint, it’s their survival) and get the best deal they can, even though management doesn’t want a deal at all. They need to be seen as the voice of reasonableness if they are to have ANY hope of winning the PR battle that HAS to be won for the union to survive.

    Just surviving will be the win.

    Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:40 am

44. Who was it again who vetoed the anti-strike bill, SB 1229? Which party didn’t help override it?

    Just the other day Rauner said he didn’t declare impasse and wants to keep negotiating. Who believes this guy?

    For those saying AFSCME shouldn’t strike, they’re saying state workers should accept a really bad deal. This is a deal made to give hardship and job insecurity to thousands of workers, while Rauner and his super-rich supporters get by unscathed.

    Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:40 am

45. Listen to Honeybear. There are hundreds of state jobs that take years to learn to do effectively (and that is with experienced staff around to help teach you).

    Rauner’s earlier inquiries with the retirees and National Guard should have taught him that hiring strikebreakers was a plan that would never work.

    Comment by Omega Man Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:41 am

46. Person 8 nailed it, and that is exactly what I said two weeks ago and last week. AFSCME has a press shop, and yet they are always playing from behind. Why?! If they want to win the PR war, they have to get out in front. And for those who act as though the press is in the tank for Rauner, read up on a lot of the actual articles in newspapers. Editorial Boards may be backing Rauner and some/most of the “Turnaround Agenda”, but a lot of reporters and columnists in said papers are not and report as such. Read pretty much anything in the Shaw Newspapers - or even the Champaign News-Gazette - and you will find that a lot of the reporters and columnists (not Scott Reeder) are highlighting the budget problems as well as union concerns, school funding and MAP grants.

    Comment by Team Sleep Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:42 am

47. Work slow downs were effective out on the west coast for the dock workers, it would be reasonable to try that first in this situation.

    I also agree that the picket lines are probably a bad idea. I wasn’t planning on walking one anyway since I live out of town and don’t want to drive to Springfield if I don’t have any income. A strike fund to cover such expenses would have been nice.

    Insurance is the other big thing. Perhaps the GA should pass a bill to cover all state employee health insurance in the event of a strike. That would really get the Governor’s goat.

    Comment by A Jack Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:45 am

48. Regarding comment by “Mouthy”, the Air Traffic Controllers were barred by Federal Law from striking. Illinois state law allows union workers to strike and protects them from being fired if they do strike.

    Comment by Omega Man Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:47 am

49. If there is going to be a strike or lockout, how much warning will we get? I need to give daycare 2 weeks notice or I have to pay full price (which on zero income is impossible) and my monthly Metra pass is ordered several weeks in advance…. My family (which is on one income because my husband is a student) could easily be out $600 between daycare and transit if we don’t have adequate warning.

    Comment by WorkingParent Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:48 am

50. Not an expert on labor law, but if you are deemed an essential employee, I think your contract dispute gets resolved by binding arbitration? If many employees are made to be essential then what would be the difference between that and what was in SB1229?

    Comment by Johnnie F. Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:50 am

51. Maybe he’ll say he was misquoted about saying he was misquoted.

    He reminds me of the old Red Skelton character “San Fernando Red.”

    Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:50 am

52. A strike is not the answer.

    If DCFS employees worked their scheduled hours, applied all consent decrees, and made contact with the consent decree monitors with regard to violations, Brucie Boy would have a real problem on his hands.

    Comment by Tick Tock Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:52 am

53. Mouthy, the PATCO “legend” is one of the most abused stories, from all points of the political spectrum, in recent history.

    Not to go into too much detail, but:

    – Reagan sought and received PATCOs endorsement in the 1980 election. He did not go into office with a union-busting plan or strategy.

    –PATCO members were federal employees who were barred by law from striking.

    –PATCO leadership were a bunch of goofs who didn’t even try to line up the private sector unions — pilots, flight attendants, ground crews, etc., — to keep planes from flying. They all crossed the PATCO “picked line.”

    – Although PATCO dissolved, there are two unions representing air traffic controllers today and engaging in collective bargaining.

    Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:53 am

54. Omega, Willy and Honeybear have the experience and expertise, unlike someone like me who has always supported both the private and public sector workers but has never belonged. Their comments need to be taken seriously.

    And VanillaMan also has it correct - “Rauner is pathologically unable to focus on anything else. That is one of many reasons he has turned out to be a flaming failure of a governor.”

    We are being reminded once again - ELECTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES and HE DOES NOT CARE.

    Guess we will see how soon the trolls start commenting in droves!

    Comment by illini Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:53 am

55. -WorkingParent-

    You won’t get a lot of warning but there are one or two things that have to happen first. The labor board will have to decide there is an impasse. Rauner will have to impose the new rules. The union will have to take a strike vote. All of this except the last item could happen quickly.

    Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:54 am

56. Mouthy. You got it right. The RAUN Man is looking for his legacy. People are probably going to laugh at this, but if he pulls this thing off, he brings Illinois into play nationally.

    Comment by Blue dog dem Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:58 am

57. -Working Parent-
    Good question.Not sure how much warning before a strike. I do believe we’ve had 14 months advance warning though. Hearing Rauner speak at a RESA meeting, and then his election in Nov 2014 alerted me to danger. Its a little late for employees to save for a strike now.

    Comment by Anotherretiree Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:59 am

58. –but if he pulls this thing off, he brings Illinois into play nationally.–

    “in play” for what?

    Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 11:01 am

59. Another way to loom at this, if AFSCME goes on strike how will the small business community fare? It will more than just state workers who suffer. Like it or not, many more families than those who work for the star are reliant on that income. How would sending 40k workers out o. Strike ever be good for the economy?
    Personally, I think if they strike, we all lose.

    Comment by Trolling Troll Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 11:01 am

60. Union Employee - wont strike - don’t care what anyone says. Union needs to realize some things and start asking their members for their opinions more. Most members would rather give up all raises than strike, get hit too hard on Health care or possibly lose their job.

    Comment by TiredOfIt Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 11:03 am

61. If AFSCME strikes you loose health care. You would need a COBRA which is expensive. Also, I do not see all members striking which will cause problems. In addition, will the other unions that have contracts honor the picket line. Make a list of pros and cons before you vote for a strike.

    Comment by pool boy Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 11:04 am

62. No one wants a strike (except Rauner). My feeling is, the closer we get to an actual strike by 36,000 state employees, the more incentives we will have to get back to the bargaining table.

    Comment by Omega Man Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 11:04 am

63. This is what Rauner wanted. He’s out to decimate every union supported public worker in this state. He doesn’t care if it cripples the state beyond repair in the process. His pathological vision of eliminating all unions is the only goal he has moving forward.

    Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 11:05 am

64. -word-

    My guess is an eventual national play to get the Feds to allow state bankruptcy.

    Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 11:10 am

65. ==“’Imagine being responsible for the first $40,000 due on a $100,000 medical bill!’ - are there no out of pocket annual limits in the proposed plan?” ==
    No, certainly not, in the plan offered for contract negotiation. Effectively, all the co-pays and deductible limits in plans up to present would be gone, gone, gone.
    However, in mid-December Central Management Services sent State employees a letter which more or less stated — after cutting out the weasel words — that current insurance plans would continue to be available next fiscal year, but at probably twice the premium charge (which would bring it nearly to the Obamacare 40% maximum premium). Employee premiums would be further increased by up to 10 percent more in the following State fiscal year and up to 10 percent additional in the following year. So by State Fiscal Year 2018, or 2019 at the latest, employees will pay 40% premiums. (And if the insurers raise premiums in mid-year, employees premium charges would immediately increase proportionately.)

    Comment by Curmudgeon Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 11:11 am

66. Give in and slow down.

    Comment by Liberty Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 11:14 am

67. RNUG - you nailed it. Mark Kirk has supported the concept of allowing Illinois to declare bankruptcy. He pushed it when he was first elected as U.S. Senator, and given his ties to Rauner then I would guess that if he is reelected and if there is a GOP President that perhaps he would push for it once again. It fell on deaf ears in 2011, but that was under a different Senate leadership. Here was the article from five years ago this week: http://chicagoist.com/2011/01/22/kirk_let_illinois_go_bankrupt.php.

    Comment by Team Sleep Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 11:14 am

68. AFSCME needs to get in front of this. The MSM coverage is basically nonexistent. Was talking to a sheet metal worker yesterday and he had no idea what happened this past friday. All Unions need to be aware and take notice. All Unions need to put the media’s feet to the fire and demand unbiased coverage of this mess. The media is so far from impartial here it is crazy. I will not cross a picket line but I may cross the state line and keep going if things don’t change soon. Rather than focus on the real savings of consolidating units of government and eliminating waste, they focus on hurting the middle class. Just as employees may never recoup the income they lose under a strike, reality check folks, we will never recover the money lost as a result of the 2016 nonbudget.

    Comment by burbanite Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 11:19 am

69. TiredOfIt: YOU need to realize some things. first among them, that rauner never had any intention of coming to an agreement with the union. his plan all along has been to force a strike, and use that strike to break the union. think you’ll get a better deal if you roll over and show your belly? you don’t realize what kind of person rauner is.

    Comment by Homer J. Quinn Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 11:20 am

70. The union has no strike fund. State workers are notorious for not saving money. It’s against the law for cops or prison guards to strike. And the governor doesn’t care, or has everyone convinced that he doesn’t care, about education, human services or most anything else that the state does.

    AFSCME is going to have to suck it up, take the last offer on the table and work to get a different elected next time around. They’ve lost this strike before they’ve even gone on strike, so they ain’t gonna strike. When unwinnable strikes are undertaken, the union leadership that called for a strike goes down the drain, and union leadership surely knows this. The state can get by for a month or two or even three without AFSCME members on the job. Won’t be easy, but it can be done, and Rauner doesn’t care about how hard it will be because he doesn’t have to care. AFSCME members with mortgages to pay and families to feed and car payments to make can’t go that long. The strike will be almost three years distant before Rauner is up for reelection, an eternity in politics. And if the state doesn’t have to make payroll for a month or so, that could ease the current fiscal pinch.

    Love him or hate him, you have to hand it to Rauner. He’s timed this one beautifully.

    Comment by It Will Never Happen Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 11:21 am

71. The one thing that confuses me about the RAUN Man strategy, and trust me, there is one, is I thought he would drag this on till the friedrich vs California decision. Somebody out there help me on this. There’s gotta be something I am missing.

    Comment by Blue dog dem Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 11:25 am

72. Great bit of balanced reporting there.

    Comment by Hyperbolic Chamber Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 11:26 am

73. Having done nothing in office except spend more than revenue allows, more than any governor, Rauner is out for a win against his favorite enemy.

    Comment by Ret Prof Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 11:26 am

74. Se are about to find out if one “bordering on nuts” governor (with a few rich friends) can confuse a lot of people and take an entire state hostage for his own personal benefit.

    Comment by Omega Man Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 11:27 am

75. Working Parent, talk to the daycare people today to tell them that you need a exception from their policy. You cannot know what the timing of a strike authorization vote will be. Nobody knows how this will play out. I’m hoping that they will be understanding. Actually I’ll do one better, I’ll pray right now on it. If for some reason that doesn’t work, let your steward know and maybe they can send a letter. Or have your steward get in touch with the local and have an executive board member write a letter to your daycare provider. I think they’ll work with you. Solidarity sister. We have only each other and faith in God to help us from here on out. Remember things always look bigger than they are when you are down on your knees. Join me sister and stand on your feet to face them.
    James 5:4
    Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.

    Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 11:31 am

76. All this talk about strike strategy seems a little bizarre given what is going on outside of Illinois.

    Comment by CapnCrunch Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 11:32 am

77. “We”, not “Se” in my prior post.

    Comment by Omega Man Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 11:32 am

78. It’s pretty clear that AFSCME hasn’t been trying to reach a contract with Rauner, as other unions have. That sets up a strike possibility no one wants.
    Why is that?
    My bet is the union leadership doesn’t want to take the blame for accepting a bad deal, even though it’s unavoidable because of the state’s poor financial condition. So they dragged things out, set up the impasse question. If they lose on that, Rauner will implement contract and union can pursue a strike that no one wants. no matter what happens, Lynch and Co. put all the blame on Rauner and claim they never gave an inch. Cynical, perhaps. But that approach might be effective in terms of preserving their own popularity.

    Comment by jim Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 11:33 am

79. If an impasse is declared, we will have to see the last best offer.

    There is no strike fund.

    Sometimes a contract can be sooo bad that even though everyone looses (so to speak) in a strike, AFSCME may have no choice. Don’t underestimate AFSCME…..they have been at this for a long time.

    Comment by Facts are Stubborn Things Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 11:37 am

80. If a large cut in health care benefits are imposed, retirees will take legal action. Could the last best offer make a distinction between health care for retirees and current workers? If not, this could be the beginning of the end for retirees receiving the same health care as the current workers?

    We will know all in the fullness of time.

    Comment by Facts are Stubborn Things Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 11:53 am

81. If you are going to strike, gotta go all in.

    Unions need solidarity.

    Teachers, Universities, state employees, all need to join.

    All stand together or all fall alone.

    Comment by Stipp Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 12:01 pm

82. Rauner has made ridiculous proposals, particularly in the health insurance area and he is doing this to force a strike. Pretty obvious.

    I believe, that eventually there will be a strike unless he backs down on some of his proposals- and I don’t see him doing that.

    Will AFSCME back down? ! doubt it. Rauner is so ridiculous that if they do back down then they are toast in the future.

    Comment by Federalist Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 12:03 pm

83. @WorkingParent - Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:48 am:

    Set down with provider now and have an honest conversation about your situation. Express your deep desire to continue to use the day care service, and ask if this worse case presents itself could they make an exception because it is not like you are deciding to make other arrangements because you mother can now start watching the kids. Perhaps you could start paying a little extra now and have that held in escrow to show your good faith etc. etc. Also, let them know that once a strike is settled you would be coming back to their services. I imagine you would not be their only customer in this situation. I also realize they normally need two weeks notice so they can have time to fill your slot with someone else, but all policy’s are written for general situations and exceptions can usually be reasonably made. I am sorry for your situation, it would be a big worry to anyone and I wish you nothing but the best.

    Comment by Facts are Stubborn Things Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 12:10 pm

84. Rauner won’t B give afscme another option than to strike. He will force his ridiculous terms on its members and there will be no other choice. Take it or leave. That’s Rauners M O W everything.

    Comment by Anon Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 12:13 pm

85. AFSCME Sisters and Brothers,
    Council 31 members are in an historic struggle regarding bargaining rights in the public sector. We have been drawn into the fight by an adversary bent on the destruction of all Unions. The Governor and the oligarchs he controls, MUST NOT WIN! Accepting the Governor’s terms is something that we will never recover from. We cannot be complacent. Too many times I have heard people say, “Well at least I have a job.” That is exactly how the oligarchs want you to think. It has worked wonderfully in keeping wages low while production is up. It has worked at removing free expression of ideas in the workplace. Employees have no say on working conditions or management expectations. If we stand together I am certain that the Governor will blink. The day Council 31 members are forced into a strike will be known as the day Labor, in America, finally stood up to the moneyed elites and declared enough! It won’t be easy. Sacrifices must be made but it will be worth it.
    In the meantime, we need to be lobbying our State Representatives and Senators asking them to withhold funding of any scheme involving replacement workers during a work stoppage. They need to think about taking away the Governor’s control state agencies.
    Today the Governor jumped the shark if he thinks we’ll shrink away from the struggle.

    Comment by Triple fat Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 12:14 pm

86. Does AFSCME use a secret ballot for its strike vote?

    Comment by Blue dog dem Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 12:14 pm

87. “If AFSCME strikes you loose health care. You would need a COBRA which is expensive.”

    AFSCME would have continued coverage for the end of the month in which the strike was called. Therefore, a strike would most likely begin at the beginning of a month so members have a full month of continued coverage. After that, we’re on our own.

    Comment by Cubs in '16 Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 12:15 pm

88. Oswego Willy has outlined a health insurance plan that seems to be almost non-existent. This may be a far bigger stumbling block than even wages (which I still say the union ought to propose an increase based on the SS COLA).

    Furthermore, it seems that AFSCME bargains for retirees. The plan described is far worse than before and certainly would be a major ‘diminishment’

    The ISC was a little vague on this issue and primarily stuck with the premiums issue. But even the premiums matter was brought to court on the diminishment issue. It really is impossible to separate the two issues although the ISC did its best in trying not to get into the details of what exactly would constitute diminsiment.

    So, if Rauner gets his way, or anything that would diminish health insurance for retirees, does this mean that retirees would have to be separated out.

    Or if is everyone lumped together and retirees lose on this , will we have another long involved court case?

    I do not see how it could be avoided as I do not believe retirees will accept it.

    Thoughts?

    Comment by Federalist Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 12:19 pm

89. TiredOfIt…..curious that u are gonna accept the $500 per dependent increase per month on you health insurance

    Comment by Anon Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 12:19 pm

90. Who was it again who vetoed the anti-strike bill, SB 1229? Which party didn’t help override it?
    Should another try at passing SB 1229, in its present or modified form, not be the General Assembly’s first order of business next week?

    Comment by Independent retired lawyer, journalist Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 12:23 pm

91. As usual RNUG nailed it.

    For those who say that it would be hard to replace state workers as they are skilled jobs…that won’t wash with the general public who often sees us a unskilled workers who only got our jobs through political connections. We lost that PR battle a long time ago.

    Remember PATCO were highly skilled workers and they were replaced.

    Bottom line this is lose/lose for the union and state workers. It is just deciding where the loss is going to be less.

    Comment by illinifan Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 12:25 pm

92. PATCO SCMATCO - Highly skilled workers with equally qualified skilled workers in the military and reserves.

    Comment by Triple fat Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 12:29 pm

93. RNUG @ 10:40 is spot on. It is just hard for much of the public to be sympathetic for AFSME: 37.5 hour work week (refuse to budge); 13 holidays (still get Election day off for God’s sake); gladly took raises during the great recession and still want raises today, not offering much in the way of contributions to health care where costs have sky-rocketed. Plenty of vacation, personal days, sick days. Give on some of these items and you have a chance, otherwise no respect for your plight. Your offer needs to be a net of zero.

    Comment by SixByEight Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 12:31 pm

94. Triple fat is right. None of us want a Strike and each member has the right to vote however he/she wants, but look at all the facts before you vote.

    If you agree to this contract, do you have a back up plan in case there are mass layoffs? The latest offer does not protect against Rauner from doing this. There will also be no bumping rights, so your seniority does not matter. If you live in Springfield, are you prepared to move, because there are very few jobs available outside of healthcare and state employment. You will also be competing against a lot of laid off people for these jobs, if any are available.

    The press releases issued by the Governor focus on monetary issues. The issues related to job security are intentionally omitted in order to mislead the public and Union members.

    I’m single and don’t have any kids, so I can take a hit in my take home pay and easily survive. I have also saved up enough money to go without working for 6 years. I can also move and find another job. With all that in mind, I will not vote yes on this contract unless there is language for layoff protection and bumping rights. Given the Governor you’re dealing with, I would not agree to a contract unless there is some protection, regardless of what the wages and health care benefits are.

    The public will never support us as this is not their problem. However, you must consider how this contract will impact your future when you vote.

    Comment by deadguy Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 12:36 pm

95. Independent, a bill similar to SB 1229 will be introduced. The problem is that the veto proof majority has failed to override countless vetoes, so its fate will be similar to that of SB 1229’s.

    Comment by deadguy Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 12:44 pm

96. Workingparent-maybe your hubby should get a job, not everything in life is convenient. Many people, including me, have to work while attending classes.

    Comment by No one cares Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 12:51 pm

97. ==”It is just hard for much of the public to be sympathetic for AFSME: 37.5 hour work week (refuse to budge); 13 holidays (still get Election day off for God’s sake)”

    I gotta agree with your conclusion about lack of sympathy, but I think I should point out that the 37½ hours and the number of holidays were all put in place by the State Legislature before there AFSCME became the bargaining agent. I remember Gov. Edgar proposed ending the Election Day holiday and legislators made it clear they wouldn’t allow it.

    Comment by Curmudgeon Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 12:54 pm

98. @No one cares
    Quit trolling already

    Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 12:55 pm

99. Sixbyeight- as to the 37.5 hr workweek. Now maybe one of my union sisters and brothers can help me out, (because I always get this mixed up.) but it’s either 37.5 because of the 30 minute lunch we get each day or 2 15 minute breaks each day. Either way if you subtract 30 minutes a day from the 40 hour workweek you get 37.5. So really the administration bringing this up is simply a way to get their poorly self-differentiated base jacked up because they think we’re not working a 40 hour workweek. It’s a technical gimmick that makes us look bad. Please try to be more self differentiated. Instead of being upset about others deserved salaries fight for your own increase. Or if you really have to be upset about salaries be upset about CEO pay. Here, just cause I like you here’s a fun little trick. Go get a tape measure. Now that you have it, you are the first 8th of an inch. Got it? Now walk the tape measure out 27 feet. That’s where AVERAGE CEO pay is. You are an eighth of an inch and the average CEO is 27 feet away. How about you be angry at that my friend. To quote my current favorite movie “Be a shoe! Know your place! So it is!

    Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 1:04 pm

100. No One Cares= “malignant callousness”

     Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 1:06 pm

101. Anon
     No, i don’t want a massive increase in Health Care costs but a silver health care plan would be better than no plan. The deal the Teamsters got is very good - the insurance is just about as good as what they had. If something can be brokered to offer the same or similar to AFSCME members then I would be perfectly fine with it, just as I would be perfectly fine with no raises or step increases for the next three years or so. Went through having no raise for almost six years during Blago days as a non-union employee. I like having a job to go to, the thought of striking when there is no strike fund is ludicrous. We will have more people going broke and it will hurt the overall economy. It’s about give and take and no one wants to give. Do I agree with bruce - no way, but I am willing to sacrifice a bit for the betterment of our state.

     Comment by TiredOfIt Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 1:07 pm

102. Illinois had 831,000 union members in 2014. I believe that number has grown as Rauner has driven fair share employees into full membership. Less than 3.5 million people voted in the last election. Of the 831,000 people, one can presume a significant amount have spouses and voting age children. Union members tend to vote in a larger percentage than non Union members. I think you underestimate the number of Illinoisans who will support the Union even if it is AFSCME. The Unions see the writing on the wall now. Even if they are late in the game.

     Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 1:09 pm

103. 1:09 is me, not sure why my computer keeps doing that.

     Comment by burbanite Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 1:09 pm

104. So let Afscme strike. Let CTU strike. 90% of the people of Illinois will not be affected at all.
     The images of yelling, marching public employee strikers demanding more benefits while the state/city are broke will re-elect Rauner in a landslide.

     Comment by Formerpol Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 1:10 pm

105. ===90% of the people of Illinois will not be affected at all.===

     lol

     You truly are something.

     Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 1:10 pm

106. choose? he’s been pushing for it since day 1. this will be a definite read after work this evening to see the post entirely.

     Comment by working stiff Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 1:11 pm

107. I don’t mind a reasonable increase in healthcare, I wouldn’t whine if raises were every two years like the military, but poke me in the eyes and kick me in the shins, we’re going to fight!
     State enployment is a complete institution where one’s politics determine your merit. I’ve seen MeritComp I wouldn’t ever hire myself get the biggest raises and bonuses because they seek favor instead of doing the right thing.
     i can only imagine the fear of the over age 50 employees. This governor is irresponsible.

     Comment by Union Man Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 1:11 pm

108. “curious that u are gonna accept the $500 per dependent increase per month on you health insurance?”

     A $500 a month increase would raise over $1.029 trillion. I think they need to find about $730 million.

     Comment by CapnCrunch Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 1:13 pm

109. ===A $500 a month increase would raise over $1.029 trillion===

     Problem solved!!!

     /snark

     Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 1:16 pm

110. “The deal the Teamsters got is very good - the insurance is just about as good as what they had.”

     Wait a minute… I thought that whatever AFSCME agrees to is THE State plan for ALL union and non-union State workers, and the “deal” the Teamsters got on health insurance refers to the health plan provided BY THE UNION, which Teamster-represented State employees are free to choose INSTEAD of the State plan. Did I miss something there?

     Comment by Secret Square Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 1:17 pm

111. OW
     True wisdom! It speaks of the Tao, Zen, Gandhi, MLK and Jesus.
     If we just stay silently home they can’t hate us. Anger is such a turnoff to people.

     Comment by Union Man Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 1:18 pm

112. Union Man - but then again we have The Donald.
     Just sayin. I hear what you’re saying but…

     Comment by Triple fat Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 1:23 pm

113. What prevents Rauner from declaring an emergency for life, health safety reasons if a strike is called. He can call in national guard, move people around and use vendors and can pay without an appropniation. We all think we are indispensable but remember, someone did your job before you had it.

     Comment by pool boy Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 1:24 pm

114. -The images of yelling, marching public employee strikers demanding more benefits while the state/city are broke will re-elect Rauner in a landslide.-

     Ah but what of images union shirts in prayer groups in churches? What of images of union shirts collecting canned goods and distributing in East St. Louis? What about a video of a Gospel choir of union shirts singing of wicked Pharaoh? What of these images? Hmmmmm?

     Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 1:29 pm

115. Pool Boy,
     If you think I’m going to give into the Governor when he is acting like a petulant child… you are sorely mistaken!

     Comment by Triple fat Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 1:30 pm

116. ===He can call in national guard===

     I’d like to see them go out and check on DCFS wards.

     Sheesh.

     Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 1:32 pm

117. ===…union shirts singing of wicked Pharaoh?===

     Be very, very careful with that very specific one…

     That image could backfire; Pharoah in public consumption.

     Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 1:33 pm

118. == Secret Square: “Wait a minute… I thought that whatever AFSCME agrees to is THE State plan for ALL union and non-union State workers, and the “deal” the Teamsters got on health insurance refers to the health plan provided BY THE UNION, which Teamster-represented State employees are free to choose INSTEAD of the State plan. Did I miss something there?”

     What’s being referred to is a separate agreement with — I think — one Teamsters’ local. The Teamsters Union has its own insurance plan, so that group of employees are not under the CMS-administered plans.

     The Rauner administration has signed a number of agreements with some trade unions like Teamsters and IBEW which represent small numbers of workers. The terms & conditions, payscales, etc. of those agreements are quite unlike, and without the anti-union “gotchas” of the Rauner proposal to AFSCME.

     Comment by Curmudgeon Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 1:36 pm

119. I voted for Kirk Dillard in the primary. In the general election I voted for Quinn. For those that did not follow this line of thinking….how is it working out for you so far.

     Comment by Facts are Stubborn Things Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 1:37 pm

120. If you make Rauner sympathetic (Pharoah) with the wrong image, it could turn on you.

     Just be careful - Honeybear -, less is always more here.

     Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 1:37 pm

121. Could you explain OW?

     Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 1:38 pm

122. Don’t make Rauner a caricature, a facsimile, a representation.

     Rauner is the Governor, there’s an “impasse”. If making Rauner a representation of something, people will roll their eyes, talk of whining, talk of spoiled name-callers states creeping and seeping into, against your narrative.

     People know y’all are upset, no need to go next level. No need to give people reason to question your methods either.

     Less is more;

     Food bank, donating time, no rallies, no anger, podium-speak… can’t get whacked for that.

     Deciding to go “Pharoah” in the public, very visible aspects, that’s treading close to losing the audience.

     Be very cautious.

     Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 1:46 pm

123. Managent people do not believe State employees will strike for more a week, except on their lunch hour. A fair number of Afscme managers feel the same.
     No, I have no empirical data to support this. And no, no idea if what they believe is true. But I believe they (both groups) believe it. Probably way to much “believing ” going on here, whew! If management wanted a deal, they could get one and a really good one. As wiser and more articulate people have said here ” Rauner doesn’t want a really good deal. He want to end Afscme as it exists today.

     Comment by Ill_will Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 1:46 pm

124. HoneyBear - I just believe you are in an unprecedented battle and your current world is not reality (just your reality). As RNUG states, I think you need to minimize and manage the losses. If you give back some of these items - perceived or not, your public perception will improve and you can come back in four years with probably a new administration – you can save the base and live for another fight. Otherwise, just not sure. Its about risk management and a strike or Labor Board is very risky.

     Comment by SixByEight Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 1:48 pm

125. Wise wise counsel OW. I will follow. Although I have to admit I was so wanting to put out that meme. I was looking for my copy of photoshop the other night. But you’re right. No caricatures. Hopefully counsel will see this. They can be kind of old school about picketing although this Summer the quiet tactic was discussed extensively. So hopefully that will be the game. Regardless I think haters are gonna hate. I really don’t like the political divide in this state. We can’t we settle things like you and I do. As always I so appreciate your counsel.

     Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 2:00 pm

126. I don’t see why anyone here would believe that Rauner could be seated regardless of how much negative press he gets. This is a man that will life regardless of video evidence. He lives in RaunerLand where, as long as he’s still rich, everything is just fine. He’ll do whatever he decides he wants to do and what he wants to do is destroy unions and drive down the middle class.

     He. Doesn’t. Care.

     Strike or don’t strike. It makes no difference. He still wins.

     Comment by CharlieKratos Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 2:00 pm

127. SixByEight: it should be very clear to all of us by now that rauner DOES NOT WANT peace with the union. “you don’t get it. this is not about negotiating with them. they just have to go away” pretty much lays it all on the table, doesn’t it?

     Comment by Homer J. Quinn Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 2:01 pm

128. In my former agency, union contract employees worked 37.5 hours/week; a 7.5-hour work day. The standard work day was 8:30-5:00, with a 1-hour unpaid lunch. 2 (paid) 15-minute breaks were included in the 7.5-hour work day so, technically, employees worked 7 hours a day.

     Some contract employees came in early and left late and didn’t request OT. Some came late and left early and always requested OT when they worked more than 7.5 hours. That’s life.

     IMO, 37.5 hours/week just plain looks bad to many people outside government. I believe AFSCME should give on this issue for PR sake. It’s something everyone understands and relates to and doesn’t help the cause.

     Comment by Sir Reel Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 2:05 pm

129. Lie, not life. I have no idea what word “seated” was supposed to be.

     Comment by CharlieKratos Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 2:07 pm

130. @ TiredOfIt

     I hope you get a chance to sit down with your union rep or make it to a meeting. You seem very confused about what is at stake, what is on the table and what it means for your family. Good luck!

     Comment by Bibe Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 2:07 pm

131. - Honeybear -,

     You’re very welcome. Thank you for your kind words, I really appreciate them.

     You (collectively) do what y’all feel needs to be done. Haters will always hate, that’s for sure, but remember, you don’t need 100% to side with you, just enough to put enough heat on your opponent to make a difference. Sometimes that’s lost on others.

     I guess the blanket thing is “don’t help frame you in a light”

     If that’s the touchstone, then decisions might seem different.

     Best of luck. Your Local is lucky to have you, and you add a great deal here, so thanks for that too.

     OW

     Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 2:08 pm

132. “What prevents Rauner from declaring an emergency for life, health safety reasons if a strike is called. He can call in national guard, move people around and use vendors and can pay without an appropniation. We all think we are indispensable but remember, someone did your job before you had it.”

     pool boy,

     Take a gander at the qualifications/requirements for some CMS titles sometime. Honeybear speaks the truth. VERY specific qualifications that have become more stringent over time. My title requires a very specific Master’s degree by federal law. There just aren’t a pool of qualified individuals waiting to be called in to replace striking AFSCME workers. They don’t exist.

     Comment by Cubs in '16 Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 2:13 pm

133. Regarding the earlier PATCO comment by “illinifan”,

     The PATCO (Federal Air Traffic Controller) strike issue (where President Reagan ended the strike with a mass firing) does not apply to public workers in Illinois. PATCO workers knew that they were barred from striking by Federal Law and they struck anyway. Reagan was acting within his authority when he fired them because they had been deemed “essential” prior to that strike.

     Public union workers in Illinois are allowed to strike -and- employers are barred by law from firing them for striking.

     This brings up an important question for public workers in Illinois - just who is “essential” and who is “nonessential”? That’s a good question:

     1) Public Union Workers that everyone agrees are “essential” include those who work for Police/Fire Departments or the Prisons - anyone who directly protects the rest of us from death. This might also include persons directly overseeing patients in Illinois Mental Health centers, since those patients require drugs and incarceration as well.

     2) All other Public Union Workers are currently “nonessential”. This includes anyone without who (if they do not do their work in a timely fashion) all types of state services will grind to a halt. Many of these tasks need to be done on time every month or the work will not processed until the next month.

     Most of us fall into that second group. My guess is that it will take a few lawsuits (weeks or months) before a final determination can be made. If Rauner tries to force us all into a strike before that determination is made it will be at his peril.

     Perhaps a lawsuit filed by the Union will allow the courts time to order a “stay” before Rauner’s tries to impose this “last and best” travesty.

     Comment by Omega Man Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 2:27 pm

134. “Teamster-represented State employees are free to choose INSTEAD of the State plan. ”

     Yes, and most to f them chose it, BUT… the STATE is still paying their share for it - the employees out of pocket diminished.

     Comment by TiredOfIt Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 2:41 pm

135. ==I voted for Kirk Dillard in the primary. In the general election I voted for Quinn. For those that did not follow this line of thinking….how is it working out for you so far.==

     Me too. I begged. I pleaded. I insisted that voting for this guy is a HUGE mistake. While iterating the point I said I would rather vote for the leader of ISIS than Rauner. I was only half kidding. Everybody laughed. They wanted change they said. Well, unfortunately, they got it.

     Comment by CrazyHorse Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 2:52 pm

136. For those saying that AFSCME needs to give up a little more, how can they do that if there are no negotiations going on?

     Just from talking to someone involved with the negotiations, AFSCME moved, but moved slowly because they wanted to delay the inevitable declaration of an impasse. If they gave up everything in one session, management still wouldn’t have agreed to terms because that was NEVER part of the plan. The negotiations just delayed the inevitable. What we’re seeing being played out now was the plan all along.

     Can the courts prevent a strike? The Executive branch wants a strike, the GA can’t force arbitration so is there any other alternative?

     It’s also not an issue of taking your lumps now and waiting for the next contract. Once concessions are made, thode lost benefits will not be restored. This contract gives up what was built over 40 years. Once you take a step back, the fall to the bottom begins. Be careful if you plan to vote to enforce any contract. There also may never be another set of negotiations since it could also mean the end of AFSCME.

     I’m thankful this happened while I am in my early 30s and not when I was in my 50s. I can at least find a job somewhere else. Those over 50 are going to be plagied by age discrimination.

     Comment by deadguy Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:03 pm

137. If AFSCME goes out on strike, it will be very difficult decision for the other State employee union members to honor the picket line.

     I have thought of a solution to the strike. There isn’t any reason why AFSCME can’t have an informational picket. Members can turn in leave requests, walk the line, and not lose time or pay. This could be a rolling picket line, where other unions can be allowed to cross.

     Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:04 pm

138. We all know 1) most people think state employees have the best gig in town and have no sympathy for them, 2) the last several AFSCME contracts were huge winners, and 3) now is the time for AFSCME to be part of the solution.

     Everyone who doesn’t work for the state has had increased health care costs over the past decade. What percentage increase has hit state workers? Take a freeze. Accept some increases in premiums and co-pays. Put forth the most reasonable offer. Get out if the governor’s way so he can destroy himself. Don’t let him take you with him.

     Comment by Sense of a Goose Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:11 pm

139. ==Take a gander at the qualifications/requirements for some CMS titles sometime. Honeybear speaks the truth. VERY specific qualifications that have become more stringent over time. My title requires a very specific Master’s degree by federal law. There just aren’t a pool of qualified individuals waiting to be called in to replace striking AFSCME workers. They don’t exist.==

     Exactly. Many short-sighted individual thinks of the state worker and thinks about someone behind the counter at the Secretary of State or a guy filling potholes for IDOT. They surely think: “Anybody can do that.” What about dealing with the mentally ill, inspecting plants, bridges, etc. Those jobs not only require you to possess a specific set of qualifications to even apply, they usually require years of training and/or experience to be done well.

     I’m so tired of hearing about the lazy and overpaid state worker but I know it just falls on deaf ears. The majority of the people I know stayed with the state when many of their coworkers left for greener pastures in the private sector. The tradeoff was better benefits and a defined pension. I’ve said numerous times that I can’t count how many times those guys told me how I was dumb and to look at their 6 figure 401K. 2008 came and now they’re singing a vastly different tune.

     It’s just a big misconception about people getting rich off these pensions. I’m not going to be rich. Heck, I doubt I’ll really be comfortable. I’ll have to work until I’m 70 to even get a pension of 75%. If I retire at 55 I’d only get 50%. Some smart money guys can make that work. I’m not one of them. The media shows some story about guys double dipping etc. and we’re all getting rich.

     It’s a controlled message and I think we can see who controls it.

     Comment by CrazyHorse Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:14 pm

140. I truly believe the vast majority of AFSCME members would be willing to take a moderate increase in insurance premiums and a wage freeze. It is the “poison pills” regarding seniority etc that is the real problem. These provisions are in there and Rauner intends to use them if they remain in the agreement. He isnt just asking for them for the heck of it.

     Comment by Small Town Girl Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:24 pm

141. If I recall correctly, Wisconsin unions–I think Afscme–made huge concessions to the point of capitulation. It still was not not enough for Walker. He gutted the State Law. I’m aware that he had Republican majorities in their legislature. If implements a last best final offer, perhaps it will be for one year. Then for the next set of negotiations, he comes back and guts even more job security, Union security such as payroll deduction of union membership dues,lay off rights, and subcontracting hoops. Whatever he doesn’t get this time. Oh, and another one year contract. Rinse and repeat.

     Comment by Ill_will Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:30 pm

142. –The governor says that somebody has to stand up to the union or else there will be continued economic decline.–

     About 6.2 million Illinoisans in the workforce, with an annual GDP of about $746 billion.

     Yet the fate of the whole shooting match rests on marginal contract changes effecting 40,000 state workers?

     Is that the economics they teach at Dartmouth and Harvard?

     The hyperbole is ludicrous. It reveals his true, base political motives.

     And despite what Gov. Death Spiral says, since the Great Recession, the Illinois economy has continued to grow as it did before.

     https://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/series/ILNGSP

     Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:39 pm

143. If you all believe the state is broke you are out of your mind, our pension system which is the so called blame has been robbed by our own Govt, i pay nearly $600 a month into it, but its the Unions fault? Where does all the tax money go, lottery money, license fees, etc. I am sure that there is a lot of thieving going on, oh! And i forgot to mention pork projects and state and federal grants, hmmm!

     Comment by Griffin Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 3:43 pm

144. Rauner wants to see all workers pushed down. Unions would gladly see all workers organize to be lifted up. Which side are you on? Truly. Which side?

     Comment by Anon Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 4:03 pm

145. The state isn’t broke but the State has mortgaged it’s future several times over though multiple financial tricks: not properly paying into the pension funds (effectively “borrowing” from them), under budgeting for annual expenses and deferring payments to the following FY (health insurance, operating expenses), and bonding out short term coss over longer periods. They’ve been robbing Peter to pay Paul for many, many years. Since the income tax was allowed to down to 3.75%, the State does have a revenue / case flow problem.

     And the real insult to state employees is continually shorting the state health insurance funding and state pension funding, then turning around and blaming the State employees / retirees for the shortage.

     Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 4:09 pm

146. Ill Will- the term that can best be applied to Walker et al is perfidy. Walker says one thing but does another. It’s part of the shift away from morality and ethics to the realpolitik “Machiavellian” way of behavior. It’s why the changes in Wisconsin happened so quickly and left unions standing there blinking. Exposing perfidy is now a full time gig these days.

     Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 4:42 pm

147. i’m hearing that with the pretense of public safety, the state can get a court order and force people to come back to work if on strike

     Comment by again Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 4:47 pm

148. The main point is removing all restrictions to privatization. If that is still in the LBO, then AFSCME has no choice but to strike. Or tie things up in court. Hopefully the latter. Agree with OW on atrategy. We’ll need to find other ways to get our message out other than protests. Rauner is already seen as the bad guy.

     Comment by DHSJim Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 5:13 pm

149. There will be picket lines in the event of a strike. That’s the best way to make people think twice about crossing.

     Comment by Omega Man Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 5:38 pm

150. ===There will be picket lines in the event of a strike. That’s the best way to make people think twice about crossing.===

     That’s a losing image.

     Rauner wants that to point to, to show his strength.

     I’m tellin’ ya, visibility will be the losing tact.

     Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 5:40 pm

151. OW - Do you have any examples of a massive “fight to the death strike” where not picketing was tried (or worked)?

     Comment by Omega Man Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 5:44 pm

152. - Omega Man -,

     Not off the “top of my head”…

     But I know the images of a packed routunda, chanting, signs, picket lines, stories exaggerated to intimidation will be a loser here. Now. Today. With Rauner.

     Like I told - Honeybear - do as you see fit.

     Good luck with picket line imagery.

     Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 5:52 pm

153. ” Union workers won’t receive compensation other than the AFSCME strike fund,”

     Stone, there is no “AFSCME strike fund’!

     Comment by Mama Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 5:56 pm

154. OW - I’m not talking about massive protest rallys (designed to influence legislators), I’m talking about small picket lines at every (100 or more) job site to discourage “crossers”.

     Rauner is playing for keeps. We must not use half measures (like “calling in sick” or “rolling strikes”). 36,000 state employees staying home, with a constant, rotating picket line at every job site will make this a short strike (a week or two).

     Comment by Omega Man Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 6:06 pm

155. Honeybear I wish the best for you and your colleagues. I agree with the sentiment you expressed. I only wish Rauner was practicing Realpolitik. His is more along the lines of annihilation/ total neutering of AFSCME. And the others.

     Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 6:09 pm

156. Rauner never wanted a contract with AFSCME. Obviously he was not bargaining in good faith, regardless of his many claims to do so. Is there a penalty for his bad faith bargaining?

     Comment by cailleach Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 6:18 pm

157. - Omega Man -,

     When Rauner uses $4 million in Ads of and B-Roll of picketers and the Ads call the Union “greedy” abd quote the Tribune… you will lose public support…

     ===…will make this a short strike (a week or two).===

     The ill-equipped Confederates said the Union Army, better supplied and equipped, would be defeated in weekes too. AFSCME can’t compete in this forum, under the usual rules of a strike. Not now. Today. No way.

     Rauner spent $2 million to run Ads so people would like him when polls numbers slipped.

     You don’t think a full scale multi-million dollar Ad campaign to take the union out isn’t on the agenda?

     Again, do as you see fit. I see the train, why help it by providing coal to make it go!

     Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 6:18 pm

158. A final note to Governor Rauner:

     Apparently the only tool you have in your toolkit is a hammer and that makes you think that every problem is a nail.

     You’re going to find that some of these nails are very tough and some of them bite!

     Comment by Omega Man Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 6:24 pm

159. - sparky791 - Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:30 am:

     I am in teachers union but I begged and begged my many friends that are AFSME members that they better vote for quinn even with everything that happened. Many didn’t. I said Rauner was dangerous. Many laughed. I think Rauner is going to have last laugh. Then he is on to next union.
     ===============================================

     sparky971:
     I ask this in all seriousness.
     What are your friends and family in AFSCME that voted for Rauner saying about how they voted now?
     And do they have anything to say about Rauner?

     Comment by btowntruth Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 6:28 pm

160. Anonymous at 6:09 was me.
     Stay strong honeybear and start/continue saving.

     Comment by Ill_will Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 6:29 pm

161. Oops….I mean sparky791.

     Comment by btowntruth Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 6:38 pm

162. Public employee unions don’t care about anything but taxpayer funded wahes and benefits. The vast majority of the public will not look kindly at a strike.

     Comment by Tone Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 7:07 pm

163. Omega Man: I’m afraid Oswego Willy is right. In the age of Rauner, discouraging crossers may be the least of AFSCME’s issues. This is existential. Being smart may be the most important part of being strong.

     Comment by Independent retired lawyer, journalist Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 9:08 pm

164. “That’s my duty, representing the taxpayers”
     Union members ARE taxpayers too!

     Comment by Mama Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 9:08 pm

165. “- Tone - Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 7:07 pm:

     Public employee unions don’t care about anything but taxpayer funded wahes and benefits. The vast majority of the public will not look kindly at a strike.”

     Ck give it a break.

     Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 9:09 pm

166. “- Tone - Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 7:07 pm:

     Public employee unions don’t care about anything but taxpayer funded wahes and benefits. The vast majority of the public will not look kindly at a strike.”

     Time for you to get a 99% pay cut 790% increase in health care cost and 270,000 increase in working hours and No credit on you annual evaluation.

     Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 9:11 pm

167. “Governor Bruce Rauner said Tuesday he does not control whether AFSCME strikes. But, Rauner said, he will be the first governor to stand up to the union.”
     Rauner most certainly does control whether AFSCME strikes or not, and he knows it.

     Comment by Mama Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 9:11 pm

168. Unfortunately, as an AFSCME member, I will be afraid to strike as I am not a certified State employee yet. I believe they can get rid of me quite easily in that case. I am one of those employees in the 50+ range that would have trouble finding another job and could be discriminated against because of my age. It is not an easy decision to make. I really hope that cooler heads prevail in this situation. I am a registered Republican and can honestly say I did not vote for Rauner because I did not trust him and knew he wanted to emulate what happened in Wisconsin…this was Rauner’s “plan” all along!!

     Comment by Pass_The_Buck Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 9:15 pm

169. Pass the Buck- do what you’ve got to do. I get it as an uncertified employee you’ve got to cover your butt. I hope your steward and coworkers understand as well. Let’s hope we don’t get to that point. Of course we’d love to have you stand with us.

     Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 10:07 pm

170. Omega; lynch already has allowed a negative story line, concerning AFSCME, due to the cursing at the negotiating table.
     Willy is correct, rauner can continue to poison the well, and we can let the public watch him do it.

     Comment by Property of IDOC Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 11:07 pm

171. Why in the world would you people strike and risk your jobs over paying more for health insurance (or paying the same for lower/average coverage)? You’re the highest paid state workers in the Midwest with the best benefits. Rauner is likely gone in 3 years and then your status quo can continue. What is it I’m missing?

     Comment by Robert the 1st Wednesday, Jan 20, 16 @ 11:57 pm

172. In other words… you’re playing into his hand. RAMMING SPEED!

     Comment by Robert the 1st Thursday, Jan 21, 16 @ 12:00 am

173. What Rauner has said publicly will be used as evidence by AFSCME. ILRB decisions are subject to litigation. Though, I don’t think it will go that far. ILRB will deny Rauner.

     Comment by Jimmy H Thursday, Jan 21, 16 @ 12:10 am

174. Robert the 1st… You know that we are not the highest paid State workers in the Midwest. We went over this before. Now you’re acting like a troll.

     Comment by Triple fat Thursday, Jan 21, 16 @ 1:20 am

175. Rainer proposed a terrible last deal before he took the impasse scinareo to his app. Irb. He pushed afsme to this point. Solidarity with other unions and public support is what it will take to win. Unfair labor relations pointed at Rainer with all that he has said with his big mouth about unions should go away quote from Rick Durbin etc is the key

     Comment by thomas stell Thursday, Jan 21, 16 @ 6:26 am

176. Don’t all abusers say “why do you make me do this to you”?

     Comment by Rabid Thursday, Jan 21, 16 @ 7:15 am

177. Robert the 1st, it’s not just about healthcare. It’s all about unlimited privatization of our jobs. I can’t repeat that enough because if we agree to that it will be the end of AFSCME and organized labor in general. This is what Rauner, Ken Griffin and Zell want. This is an existential crisis.

     Comment by DHSJim Thursday, Jan 21, 16 @ 8:11 am

178. To any AFCME Council31 bargaining unit member who is thinking of accepting Rauner’s terrible “last and best” final offer to avoid a strike, please be aware that this will be an end of the union’s ability to bargain on your behalf and will basically mean the end of the union.

     For the details, please go back up to the top of this thread and read hat I have written.

     Comment by Omega Man Thursday, Jan 21, 16 @ 8:39 am

179. I meant to say “what”, not “hat”

     Comment by Omega Man Thursday, Jan 21, 16 @ 8:43 am

180. It will not be the end of Organized labor. It will be the end of being a State working and organizing against the very people you work for. AFSCME is a different animal than say a Bricklayers union.

     Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jan 21, 16 @ 8:46 am

181. So says “Anonymous the Troll” !

     Comment by Omega Man Thursday, Jan 21, 16 @ 8:58 am

182. Hmmm. An anonymous troll at that.

     Comment by DHSJim Thursday, Jan 21, 16 @ 10:36 am

183. I would like to see the exact offer made by the Governor and exactly what AFSCME asked for. Then let all AFSCME members put it to a vote. It is all employees lively hood at risk.

     Comment by Fritz Thursday, Jan 21, 16 @ 3:54 pm

184. The union will present Rauner’s terrible “deal” to the membership and we will discuss it. Fair share “fee payers” will not be invited. The eventual strike authorization vote will then either reject Rainer’s terrible “deal” (and vote to authorize a strike) or fail in that effort. Not a difficult decision.

     Comment by Omega Man Thursday, Jan 21, 16 @ 6:49 pm

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