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New AFSCME TV ad: “Rauner is so far disconnected from how real people live”

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* Press release…

Public service workers in Illinois state government are featured in a new statewide TV and digital spot that calls out Governor Bruce Rauner for refusing to negotiate with the largest union of state employees, AFSCME Council 31.

The Rauner administration broke off negotiations in January and has refused to meet with the union ever since. Recently a hearing officer of the Illinois Labor Relations Board rejected Rauner’s contention that the parties are at impasse on wages, health care and other key issues, and said the administration should be required to resume negotiations with AFSCME.

Called “Negotiate”, the spot features three Illinois public service workers describing in their own words their important work, how Rauner walked away, and their determination not to let the governor take away their voice on the job.

“Public service workers in state government protect kids, care for veterans, keep us safe and more,” AFSCME Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch said. “State workers have always been willing to do their part. We’re prepared to compromise. But we can only do that if Governor Rauner puts the public good ahead of his personal demands and returns to bargaining ready to negotiate.”

In a recent statewide poll that showed strong public approval for Illinois state employees and their union coupled with a sharp decline in Bruce Rauner’s public support, likely voters sided with public service workers in their dispute with Rauner by a margin of nearly 2 to 1.

* The ad…

* Script…

Thoughts?

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 9:08 am

Comments

The Governor is ruthless and will not care what the public thinks about the public employees. They are less sympathetic than teachers and much of the public is jealous of the benefits provided to state employees.

Comment by Stating the obvious Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 9:13 am
Yawn.

Comment by Chairman McBroom Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 9:17 am
Absolute very first thought…

“Rauner is winning. Things like this help Rauner bankrupt unions.”

Why?

The long game. That’s why.

Rauner snaps his fingers (thus is almost as literal as its typed) and Rauner can summon $1 million dollars in stacks.

It’s about waiting out and forcing labor, individual and the collective, and having labor chase. Like $500K chasing. It’s about come September 2017, petition time, seeing labor, all labor struggling and starving for cash.

If I’m Rauner, warpedly, I love this. “This”… this is what I need. Draining assets, draining money. If AFSCME can just angrily strike too, Rauner would have a draining and an angry labor to take on, and push that Turnaround Agenda.

Very first thought? Rauner is grinnin’ his grin, in costume somewhere, waiting to see how low the funds can go, and how far he can ride, on his union-made Harley, to get the waiting to pay off.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 9:21 am
It’s a great ad, concise and to the point.

Comment by AC Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 9:21 am
We elected an autocrat

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 9:23 am
The ad is awkward and seems choppy. AFSCME could’ve done better.

Comment by Mr.Black Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 9:25 am
Well AFSCME, how did that Gov’s Day rally work out for you a couple of years ago? Karma just keeps getting all up in your business.

Comment by Give Me A Break Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 9:27 am
What is a viewer supposed to do after watching that ad?

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 9:29 am
very, very lame. i’m sure mjm appreciates $500k being spent in this manner.

Comment by madison Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 9:30 am
OW - I agree in the macro aspects of Rauner’s millions, but to win the war, you have to survive the immediate battle. Sometimes that means diverting resources needed in the long term. There’s another aspect to this, it helps remind union households that Rauner is not on their side. Combined with parallel efforts to show that Wojcicki-Jimenez, Bourne and others are Rauner proxies, I think, sends a powerful message.

Comment by AC Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 9:30 am
Truth!!

Comment by Flynn's mom Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 9:31 am
Agree that it’s a bit choppy, and I’m not sure what this does for anyone 6 weeks out from an election. If it tied GA Repubs to Rauner… maybe?

Comment by Centennial Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 9:33 am
Ask Glenn Poshard if it’s successful to wait til the end to do your messaging for fear of draining resources.

Comment by Michelle Flaherty Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 9:33 am
It’s a good ad and even subtly implies Rauner is being a baby when he doesn’t get his way. Makes its’ point very well without being strident or over the top.

However, -OW- nails it about the long game and draining the union(s) cash. National forces / money is playing out on the local stage. Hopefully, the union’s national organizations understand this and will dedicate the necessary resources to the state and local organizations.

Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 9:34 am
===In a recent statewide poll that showed strong public approval for Illinois state employees and their union coupled with a sharp decline in Bruce Rauner’s public support, likely voters sided with public service workers in their dispute with Rauner by a margin of nearly 2 to 1.===

Great Ad! It’s not a monolithic union machine that Rauner is trying to destroy, it’s real people just like you and me, who happen to have a chance at obtaining fair compensation and benefits because of their banding together into a union to even the playing field and speak with a unified voice to the single voice of their employer.

Comment by PublicServant Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 9:36 am
The public good is only a wedge, a tool, that Rauner considers to be his and his alone to use as he pleases. He bought it and he has no intention of “selling” it any time soon. It is heartening that the public, according to the poll, supports public service workers. The jobs you do are vital, but you are replaceable in Rauner World. Strengthen your importance of service and your public support by putting the People’s faces first. Join with the social service providers who are being “wedged”, too. If you are going to spend money on ad campaigns like this, show that you are united on many fronts.

Comment by Anon221 Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 9:36 am
===…you have to survive the immediate battle. Sometimes that means diverting resources needed in the long term.===

Then Proft, when he signaled “we may lose, but in the long game we win”, AFSCME is playing into Rauner’s game, for a short-term “feel good”? Proft has said, loses now don’t bother them. The long game defeat is at play.

===There’s another aspect to this, it helps remind union households that Rauner is not on their side. Combined with parallel efforts to show that Wojcicki-Jimenez, Bourne and others are Rauner proxies, I think, sends a powerful message.===

I agree. My first blush thought didn’t “go there”, but here’s the rub…

Labor doesn’t have to beat Borne and Sara and Hammond, and..

Labor… Labor needs to win with Mendoza, and Labor needs to say, “we picked 2 (no more than 4), and we won them all.”

It’s strategic wins that show strength; Statewide, then I’m targeted, specific instances. Not buckshot whims, then claim success.

The ad serves an important, almost critical psy-ops way. I understand. I encourage Labor.

Just remember, the short-sided teaching of Quinn… That lesson… in the end, who got sent to school?

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 9:38 am
Meh…

Should an investigator be showing their face in a TV ad?

Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 9:39 am
Wouldn’t this money be better off for house and senate dems candidates to help message in each district and find pluses so Madigan and Cullerton can increase their majorities? AFSCME is at a financial disadvantage in this war and they’re wasting it on this.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 9:42 am
Despite his millions, Rauner is still an albatross around the necks of downstate Republicans. The ad serves as a reminder to them that their support of the Governor comes with a heavy price. The workers in these ads look and talk much more like their constituents than does the billionaire governor with whom they march in lockstep.
Look at the ads and look at the polling data. If I were a downstate Republican candidate, I’d not be happy to see these ads. Being a Republican downstate might be okay. Being a Raunerite not so good

Comment by Truthteller Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 9:42 am
- Michelle Flaherty -

Point taken. If ask Jack O’Malley too if I’m going to poll those sitting on their hands and timing things poorly.

I guess I’m trying to look at the checker board as where Rauner has his kings, and how those kings can move when the pawns are dismissed and used.

Internally, Labor needs Labor. Labor needs those like the people in the ads describe that rely on Labor, every day.

If McCann taught me anything, it’s mobilization of forces, not the call to arms.

There’s a difference.

Much respect to. - AC -, and to you - Michelle Flaherty -, as always.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 9:43 am
But how much money are those likely voters willing to put behind their support for public employees. The important question.

Yes, Rauner should keep negotiating. Everybody should keep negotiating. It’s the only way to proceed because, much as our political masters might hope otherwise, no Superman is coming in to make them do it so they can say, inn effect, “they” made me do it, it wasn’t me. Evasion of responsibility seems to be the one of the predominant traits of our current politicians.

As to Rauner’s wealth, so what. There are many wealthy people in the US, and their numbers, like those of the poor, are increasing. This doesn’t make them more or less evil than anybody else. It’s what it is. What’s needed is practical, reasonably fair solutions, not endless rhetoric about the evil mogul.

Comment by Cassandra Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 9:45 am
Ad is fine, though like others above I question the timing, the expenditure, whether it will get lost in all the campaign ads, and the fact that it doesn’t tell the viewer what to do to support them.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 9:46 am
It’s generally a good ad, but I agree with other commenters: it needs a connection point to this election. What are people supposed to do? A single vote can outweigh Rauner’s money, his power. On election day, we are all, individually AND collectively, just as powerful as Rauner. Add the connection to this election day to this ad. If all that is offered is food for thought, people starve and movements fail.

Comment by Springfieldish Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 9:50 am
This is what we all need to be reminded of - state employees are our friends and neighbors who choose to serve the public every day and throughout their careers. I’m proud of our public service workers and glad to see them standing up and fighting back against the disrespectful attacks from Bruce Rauner, his rich buddies, and his servants at the IPI.

Comment by Wallace Kramer Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 9:52 am
“I help the disabled…to me, it’s not just a job, it’s a calling”

I don’t know what the testing data says about these kinds of pitches, but it comes off as “my work is more noble than yours” and risks a negative reaction. Or alternatively, it implies you’re happy to martyr your paycheck for the “calling” (that word makes me think of priests and nuns). I’d have toned that down.

Comment by lake county democrat Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 9:52 am
Thanks OW, I always appreciate your perspective, and, like you, I hope labor is playing to win. After all, fighting the good fight isn’t at all useful, unless you’re successful.

Comment by AC Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 9:53 am
Love it! As some have said–it puts an important human face on the state public service workers Rauner is attacking! I’m glad to see this ad while Rauner is hiding out and pretending to play nice. i think it will only help to amplify the critical labor issues in the important targeted legislative races.

Comment by on the frontline Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 9:53 am
–What is a viewer supposed to do after watching that ad?–

Exactly. Where’s the call to action?

The AIDA principle in advertising:

Attention: Something to make you stop and watch.

Incentive/Information that keeps you watching.

Details that sell the proposition.

Action that the viewer should take.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 9:53 am
Is this ad targeting the elections or building support for the expected strike? I think Rauner will be able to impose his final offer on the Union before the new legislators are seated. The timing is uncertain but impasse could be officially declared before the new year.

Comment by Last Bull Moose Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 9:54 am
Repectfully disagreeing on the quality of the ad.

It’s not a good ad. The young lady making most of the commentary sounds like a Valley Girl you’d run into at a coffee shop. It’s irritating. Because of that, an important message comes across as “whiny”. It’s really poor casting.

Also, using the term “State Workers” is a mistake. It takes away from the real, more impactful, roles these particular people fill. The choppiness of the edit is irritating too.

I don’t give out many fails. But this one is a fail.

Don’t mean to offend. This could’ve been done a lot better.

Comment by A guy Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 9:55 am
AFSCME may want to check the connection on their end as well. It seems to be connected to a 56k modem.

Comment by City Zen Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 9:57 am
==AFSCME may want to check the connection on their end as well. It seems to be connected to a 56k modem.==

The embedded video above is on YouTube.

Comment by AC Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:00 am
Here’s what I think this add does.
1) Show that AFSCME’s are regular people who “just want to do their jobs”. vs. the greedy people that Rauner portrays.
2) Emphatically state that Rauner walked away from the table like a toddler who didn’t get his way.
3) That AFSCME wants to go back to the table.

500K on those three messages. That’s not short sighted micro in my opinion. That is long term narrative high ground that AFSCME has seized for the Great Labor war to come.

Rauner walked away from regular folks who want a fair deal.

It totally destroys the IPI claims in letters sent out to IPI supporters that AFSCME’s are greedy elitists.

Finally, don’t assume that AFSCME just shot it’s wad on a 500k ad buy. AFSMCE International is all in and stated so publically at the recent convention and in every outlet they have. AFSCME International has one heck of a big war chest for this.

AFSCME just seized the weathergage in my humble opinion.

One of the biggest clubs that Rauner has been beating us with is that we are unreasonable.

This is the response

Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:01 am
Good point Last Bull. This might be to build support for the strike. That answers the “what are the viewers suppose to do?” many are asking. They’re suppose to be sympathetic to striking state employees.

Comment by Robert the 1st Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:02 am
I think it’s great…real people talking about their jobs in a way that the public can relate to. Will definitely help counter Rauner’s efforts to disparage public employees and his fanatical attacks on public employee unions. Should also move voters to support candidates opposed to his radical agenda so he won’t be around to play a “long game.” Well done.

Comment by proudworker Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:02 am
At some point it’s going to become an issue that the Governor is failing to follow state law when it comes to the step increases for labor. Title 80 very specifically states that in absence of a contract that step increases will occur.

So, whenever this gets settled, or if it never gets settled by this administration, I hope that taxpayers are prepared to owe a big check to each state employee for each step raise plus interest.

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:03 am
I think this ad would be a bit more in context if it were played during a gubernatorial year. Rauner is not on the ballot. It mentions nothing about candidates who support or oppose AFSCME’s agenda. If they released targeted ads in the 94th, 95th and 99th (for examples) then it would make more sense. Otherwise it reminds me more of Frank Costanza’s “airing of grievances”.

Comment by Team Sleep Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:03 am
information but not inspiring. ineffective use of dollars.

Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:03 am
10:03 - no offense but the back pay from 2011 still has yet to be paid. It was not paid under Quinn and has yet to be paid under Rauner.

Comment by Team Sleep Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:04 am
I should have noted that I fully realize that AFSCME may eventually release targeted ads in those aforementioned districts. But a half mil dump without targeting seems strange.

Comment by Team Sleep Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:05 am
@Oswego Willy

Rauner winning?

I doubt it! When Rauner ally Iliinois Policy Institute sent mailers out to State employees urging them to leave the Union means he is desperate and losing.

Comment by Mal Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:06 am
Reminds us this is a fight by real people who deliver important services. Rauner wants to pretend it’s about him and a handful of union bosses.

Comment by Jeff Park Mom Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:07 am
===The embedded video above is on YouTube.===

Internet slow? Blame a state employee! Because Madigan!

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:07 am
It’s a good ad, does need the “action” as already noted.

This focuses on the social service side of state activities. I would like to see the public educated on the technical/scientific jobs that state employees do. There are a lot of afscme engineers that do some pretty heady stuff.

There are folks out there making sure the gas pumps are accurate, roads are level and pitched properly, the nuke plants aren’t belching radiation, etc.

It would really be another disservice of Rauner’s making for those technical jobs to grind to a halt, or be eliminated, or be not fillable due to lack of respect of the compensation needed for the pre-requisite engineering backgrounds.

Comment by cdog Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:09 am
===means he is desperate and losing.===

1.) They had some impact. There are fewer members because of that.

2.) When involved in a fist fight, drawing a knife might mean your desperate but it certainly doesn’t mean you’re going to lose the over all altercation.

Try not to read into a good, deliberate, and successfully employed strategy as being a sign of weakness.

We are talking about folks that spent years tearing into Quinn to then be surprised by their members’ failing to support him.

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:10 am
- Mal -

With respect…

That’s $500K gone. No call to action, no feel, except to have others feel good about AFSCME…

Where’s the $500K to replace THAT $500K?

See? Rauner has to feel this is great, even if it’s warped.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:12 am
Personally, I think AFSCME is in a lose-lose situation here.

They need to maintain that 2-1 support from the get-go. However, this ad is going to drown in all the general election mud–not to mention drain the coffers.

Yet the longer they wait to solidify that 2-1 support, the harder it will be to command those kind of numbers when it counts (i.e. the potential strike and 2018 governors race). At that point it won’t matter how much money they have in reserve, because Rauner and friends will always have more.

Lose-lose.

Comment by Chicago_Downstater Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:18 am
OW AFSCME International has plenty more cash where this came from.

Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:18 am
OW- this ad captures the narrative high ground for the coming Great Labor War.

Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:19 am
I don’t see this as a November election ad- it is outreach to put a public face on state employees and build public support for a long battle against Rauner. The union is getting its message out ahead of the Labor Board ruling in mid-November and I see that as a smart, forward thinking move. Great ad!

Comment by Northstar Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:20 am
“Rauner is so far disconnected from how real people live”

That is a feature of being a member of the uber wealthy. You don’t have to care how “real people live”.

Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:22 am
@Oswego Willy

Still the fact that Rauner is sending emails and IPI letters out to state employees shows that he is losing. We also seen that he is losing in the primary despite the millions he spent.

Comment by Mal Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:22 am
- Honeybear -

With respect, I hope for your (collective) sake, that’s true.

Personally, I’d never bet on someone having my back in the money aspects of campaigns until I see the money transfers.

An aside… Sorry I gave you shivers yesterday. Vertical Integration. Scary.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:22 am
I think it makes AFSME and some of their members feel better.

Comment by Ahoy! Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:24 am
OW

Also a coalition of labor Unions have put money together for a strike fund for Illinois state employees. There is plenty more money.

Comment by Mal Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:24 am
AFSCME is getting out ahead of the labor board ruling with messaging to put a public face on state employees and build public support for a long battle with Rauner- smart! Great ad.

Comment by Northstar Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:30 am
- Mal -

The first measure will BE on November 8th.

The next measure will be how deep the monies will be in September 2017, April 2018, and from Sepember 2018 through November 2018.

Today? I can’t see AFSCME looking at dropping $500K as Monopoly money.

With respect.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:30 am
How many Illinoisans do you think would strongly agree with the statement that the government unions have “always been willing to do their part?” If you’re instinct in answering this question is pile on with a defense of the underpaid, underappreciated, martyred state workers, and telling us how they don’t pay into Social Security, I would submit you’ve already answered the question.

Comment by JB13 Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:30 am
It’s a fine ad but Anonymous 9:29 is right about what are we to do with the info.

One of the issues for me is that Rauner doesn’t understand us but I doubt that the Unions understand the non-Union workers. Many of us are annoyed by the Union benefits like: not losing their jobs, Governments don’t usually close like companies, Union salaries go up while corporate salaries stay stagnant, and having great vacation and medical benefits.
There is a good possibility that the ad could annoy plenty of people since we pay for all of those benefits.
I’m not saying this to be negative on Unions; I was a member of one for a time, just stating what might be in voter’s heads.

Comment by Belle Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:31 am
@JB13 you don’t have to guess. Polls exist, including one linked above. Illinois voters like and support public workers.

Comment by Reality Check Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:33 am
==telling us how they don’t pay into Social Security==

Your strawman is confused about the difference between state, university and local government employees.

Comment by AC Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:34 am
I think it’s great…real people talking about their jobs in a way that the public can relate to. Will definitely help counter Rauner’s efforts to disparage public employees and his fanatical attacks on public employee unions. Should also move voters to support candidates opposed to his radical agenda so he won’t be around long enough to play a “long game.” Well done.

Comment by anon Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:36 am
-Honeybear-
Get ready!
November’s coming.
Elections on the 8th.
Review board ruling on the 15th.
AFSCME’s 5 day notice to follow. (Hopefully on the 23rd so member can still work the 28th for the Holiday Pay.)

Comment by WhoKnew Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:39 am
OW- you know as well as I that big money is not where AFSCME can or has ever tried to compete.

It’s people power that we have.

In just the few hours this ad has been up it’s had my social media feeds blowing up.

It is so resonating with AFSCME’s which actually is not what I expected when I first saw it.

An added benefit may be not what it’s doing to Rauner or the public but what it’s doing for AFSCME.

Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:40 am
Use Rauner’s own words against him. Take key clips from his pre-candidacy 2012 talk at the Bush institute where he spells out his “drive a wedge” strategy between public unions and social services and refers to AFSCME as AF-scamee. Then cut in clips of him telling state employees that he wants them all to have “great retirements”.

Document the perfidy. Then close with something to the effect of, “Which Rauner was telling the truth? Which one is using the disabled, the elderly, and students as pawns to impose his self-serving political vision on Illinois? Etc.”

Comment by X-prof Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:40 am
OW

If Rauner was winning there would be no need to have IPI send letters to state employees urging them to drop union membership.

There would be no need to claim AFSCME will fine employees who cross a picket line.

Comment by Mal Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:40 am
- Mal -

Rauner got AFSCME to do a $500K about image.

There isn’t even a close to do “something”

Rauner is getting AFSCME to play the money drain game. Ignoring that is ignoring what really is at play.

You think Rauner spent $500K on letters he knew weren’t going to be all that effective?

Big picture.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:44 am
Mal - your concerns are duly noted, but so much of that is insider baseball.

Comment by Team Sleep Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:47 am
OW

AFSCME isnt doing anything different from the primaries where Rauner and big money lost big.

Comment by Mal Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:49 am
Honeybear, did you get the sense the AFSCME members were generally wavering on their position with the Governor? And, with respect, doesn’t the union have more effective means of communicating to its members than through television ads?

To me, this feels like there was pressure from the rank and file to get on the air to deliver a negative message about the Governor and take the fight to the public, so leadership agreed to throw something together and put a couple hundred points behind it.

I think the message is generally ok, and I do think the “he walks away when he doesn’t get his way” can be particularly strong if done properly. But the execution isn’t great (why have every day people standing in front of a blank white screen?). And this seems too soon given that until the LRB process moves forward, the fight is currently at the ballot box.

If its about member management, I get it. If the goal is anything beyond that, I would hope to be seeing better.

Comment by Juice Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 10:57 am
- Mal -

The proof will come in November.

Plus, the short-sidedness with Quinn… there seems to be a great deal of short-sided thinking in AFSCME.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 11:01 am
==AFSMCE International is all in and stated so publically at the recent convention and in every outlet they have. AFSCME International has one heck of a big war chest for this.==

Agreed. AFSCME national funneled $2M to Local 31 last year alone. Hard to see how they couldn’t reallocate the millions they use to underwrite other initiatives and PACs across the country if necessary.

Comment by City Zen Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 11:03 am
-Honeybear-
Get ready!
November’s coming.
Elections on the 8th.
Review board ruling on the 15th.
AFSCME’s 5 day notice to follow. (Hopefully on the 23rd so member can still work the 28th for the Holiday Pay.)

Working every day to make sure Rauner doesn’t pull the trigger on the Great Labor War.

The chance I’m shooting for is Rauner deciding NOT to pull the trigger and instruct the board to declare impasse but to follow the ALJ’s recommendations. Rauner owns that board. Trying to persuade him to not initiate the war is what I’m all about.
1) Taking out the nearest Raunerite. Doing well with that.
2) Shaping public perception of AFSCME’s. Opening salvo just fired.
3) Fighting the spin, perfidy of the Raunerite. Every day on capfax.

I am honestly working as hard as I can.

Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 11:09 am
Great ad. Concise, builds empathy for an often invisible and lately, much vilified workforce.

Those saying it may do something for AFSCME members are on to something, I think. $500k in that context, mobilizing and motivating your own base to do the grunt work necessary between now and November 8, seems like money well spent.

The high ground and framing the discussion are both positives, too, but icing on a very important mobilizing cake.

Comment by Motherjones Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 11:09 am
One distinction between public sector workers and private sector workers is that private sector workers know the difference. So, AFSCME is a big deal in Springfield. Outside the Capitol city, not so much. Sympathy for government employees seems pretty tepid among outsiders, many of whom haven’t had a pay raise in years, if they even have a job.

Comment by Keyser Soze Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 11:11 am
–It’s not a good ad. The young lady making most of the commentary sounds like a Valley Girl you’d run into at a coffee shop.–

“Valley Girl?” “Coffee shop?”

The cutting-edge view from 1982 has weighed in.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 11:16 am
OW sending letters to state emplyees urging them to drop union membership might not cost much, but by doing so it shows that not only is Rauner desperate.. It also shows that he is losing and his only hope is to use millions to buy his way.

Comment by Mal Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 11:17 am
Pro-Rauner people think civil servants should be paid servant wages, especially when servants serve people who need to be served.

There is an astonishing arrogance from Pro-Rauner voters that surpasses the arrogance they condemn they feel from Chicagoans and Democrats. They believe that their victimization martyrs them and their unchristian political beliefs,

They don’t believe in serving. They believe in self reliance. Their faith sugar coats their arrogance in order to make it more palatable.

They are jealous. They want others to suffer along with them.

Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 11:22 am
Risky move by AFSCME using state employees because Rauner and his allies can just release disciplinary documents regarding state employees that AFSCME represented. The OEIG website just listed 4 disciplinary decisions regarding state employees running SSNs for a private investigator, public aide fraud to the tune of 100k, and use of state equipment to view “inappropriate” material by and employee paid 80k+. AFSCME should know the negative news is going to get more attention then this feel good piece.

Comment by Jon Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 11:24 am
- Mal -

Rauner got AFSCME to drop $500K on a feel good Ad with no call to arms, nothing but AFSCME feeling good about AFSCME, hoping others feel good about AFSCME too.

Couldn’t do something … “cheaper”… to feel “swell”?

The more you say, the more I’m questioning…

“What is this trying to do again?”

Rauner isn’t desperate, Rauner is just peeling off, like 2 in 5 in Labor two years ago.

I’d be far more concerned to repeating a McCann result versus ads with no real call to do… anything.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 11:28 am
Rauner didnt get AFSCME to anything. Its a no brainer that if a potential strike is near you want to send a message to the public and show them who State employees are.

The Chicago Teachers Union wins a lot of the battles against the city.. I never heard someone say the city of Chicago is winning because the CTU dropped a 6 figure tv ad.

Comment by Mal Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 11:41 am
Juice,

So, to bring back to ancient Greece. (come on you knew I would) this is a Skiritae, or ranger, action. Skiritae were a unit that would go ahead of the main body to clear the field of obstacles.
Believe you me, the main body is about to become visible coming over the hill.

I can understand given AFSCME’s actions in the past that people would think “Is this it?”. Sure I get it. But these are three Skiritae clearing the field.
If I thought that Council 31 just spent their ammo I’d be worried too. I can tell you that you haven’t even seen the first helmet of the main body coming over the ridge.

You can brush me off as bravado if you want. But I think 500K on a skiritae action speaks for itself.

Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 11:42 am
Adjusting for the cost of living Illinois State Workers are the highest paid in America followed by Californai, New Jersey and Alaska

At an annual wage adjusted average pay $59,088 they are $10,000 higher than the national average of $49,224.

Hardly slave wages.

Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 11:44 am
OW if you are a state employee who receives mass emails from Rauner uriging you to leave the Union and then letters at home urging the same it pretty much shows that Rauner is very very desperate.

Comment by Mal Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 11:45 am
Afscme does just 1 tv ad and you already claim they are losing…. Lol

Comment by Mal Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 11:47 am
===Rauner didnt get AFSCME to anything.===

Really? So AFSCME always drops $500K during contract stalemates to feel good about themselves and with no call to action?

=== Its a no brainer that if a potential strike is near you want to send a message to the public and show them who State employees are===

I guess. Probably no different than the $2 million Rauner dropped during session that also was a head scratcher(?)

===Chicago Teachers Union wins a lot of the battles against the city.. I never heard someone say the city of Chicago is winning because the CTU dropped a 6 figure tv ad===

They may be polling better than AFSCME, and building upon their already good numbers they have… That could be why.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 11:57 am
===OW if you are a state employee who receives mass emails from Rauner uriging you to leave the Union and then letters at home urging the same it pretty much shows that Rauner is very very desperate.===

No it shows Rauner thinks that some AFSCME members may be weak.

- Mal -,

You do realize I’m on your side, Labor’s side, with Rauner… right?

lol

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 12:00 pm
–Honeybear, did you get the sense the AFSCME members were generally wavering on their position with the Governor?–

No not at all. This is just a ranger action before the main body comes over the ridge.

Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 12:04 pm
This ad is clearly targeted toward the emotions and self esteem of AFSCME members themselves and is not really targeted toward the general public. That’s why there is no call to action as several others have properly noted is absent in the piece. It’s the members’ dues being spent here, and I wonder if most feel this is the best way to use their monthly contribution to the union coffers.

Comment by Responsa Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 12:12 pm
–average pay–

Come on pal, we’ve been over this ground a million times.

You tell me what the difference is between average, median, or even mean? Especially when you factor in Rauners high paid “superstars”.

As OW and Rich say, “What else ya got”

Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 12:13 pm
Honeybear, If the Review Board rules in Rauner’s favor on the 15th, there will be no holiday pay on the 28th via no contract.

Comment by Mama Retired Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 12:14 pm
Ow

Really? So AFSCME always drops $500K during contract stalemates to feel good about themselves and with no call to action?

The call to action has already begun my friend. Union members and volunteers are going door to door and making thousands of calls informing the public of whats going on. The same call to action done in the primary.

I guess. Probably no different than the $2 million Rauner dropped during session that also was a head scratcher(?)

Big money doesnt mean win. In fact it meant a big loss for Rauner in the primary. Afscme wins by mobilizing people not by out spending.

Comment by Mal Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 12:16 pm
–It’s the members’ dues being spent here, and I wonder if most feel this is the best way to use their monthly contribution to the union coffers.–

Nope, I’m pretty sure this is coming from AFSCME’s political organization PEOPLE which is totally separate and must be contributed too separately.

Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 12:17 pm
- Mal -

You don’t think I’ve been on the side if Labor…

Hmm. Interesting.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 12:20 pm
You do realize I’m on your side, Labor’s side, with Rauner… right?

lol

Maybe, but friends dont claim that the enemy is winning.. Lol

Comment by Mal Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 12:22 pm
Mama Retired

Okay, what did I miss. Am I miscommunicating already or missing something? Why did you post that about the 15th?

Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 12:22 pm
The Court would throw this out…they neglected to request any specific remedy.

Whining won’t do the job…Rauner doesn’t care for Union Workers or bloggers.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 12:23 pm
- Mal -

Good luck.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 12:23 pm
Mal

-Maybe, but friends dont claim that the enemy is winning.. Lol-

A friend who won’t tell you the hard uncomfortable truth isn’t much of a friend. OW is trying to tell you what he sees doesn’t mean he’s happy about it.

Comment by Mason born Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 12:37 pm
===…trying to tell you what he sees doesn’t mean he’s happy about it.===

(Tips cap to - Mason born -)

I’m more of a Vote Accordingly person, if the thought that this ad is perfect or the strategy is down-cold solid, I can’t help you.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 12:41 pm
@mason born

I would agree if only it was the truth. There is no reason to believe Rauner is winning. There is much more evidence that he is not winning and is very desperate.

Comment by Mal Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 12:47 pm
=== There is no reason to believe Rauner is winning===

How’d that “bill” go to take Rauner out of negotiations… that failed to be overridden?

That was Rauner… losing?

Are you willfully ignorant or blissfully unaware?

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 12:50 pm
1 tv ad from AFSCME is not a sign that Rauner is winning. Not at all

Comment by Mal Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 12:52 pm
How did it go for Rauner to reelect Dunkin? Not too good.

How about ousting Mccann? Not too good.

How about ousting Madigan? Not too good.

It seems as if Rauner only can win by buying incumbent candidates, but he always loses when voters are involved. We shall see in November.

Can you show me a sign of Rauner winning when voters are involved?

Comment by Mal Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 12:59 pm
–Risky move by AFSCME using state employees because Rauner and his allies can just release disciplinary documents regarding state employees that AFSCME represented.–

That’s hilarious! Let’s talk about DCEO and Intersect Illinois and EDGE tax incentives shall we?

Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 12:59 pm
- Mal -

AFSCME is winning so well, they dunped Quinn to GET Rauner, lol

AFSCME ain’t CTU.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 1:02 pm
Mal

If i may play the game like it’s the fourth quarter & your down 3 touchdowns. Believing your enemy is vamquished has lost more football games than the Bears & Rams combined.

Comment by Mason born Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 1:06 pm
*vanquished*

Comment by Mason born Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 1:07 pm
How’d that “bill” go to take Rauner out of negotiations… that failed to be overridden?
That was Rauner… losing?

No that was Rauner buying several candidates to vote along with him. Those several candidates also wrote letters urging him to go back to the table but since they dont have backbones they didnt vote against Rauner…

But whenever voters are involved Rauner always loses.

When Rauner backed Dunkin he loss.

When Rauner tried to oust McCann he loss.

When Rauner tried to oust Madigan he loss.

As you see Rauner only wins when voters are not involved…

In November voters will be involved

Comment by Mal Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 1:08 pm
HB - I wish I could agree that AFSCME had the weathergage. I get the impression that the unions (yours and mine) are more likely in irons, while the crew is trying to back the sails and fall off the wind.

FYI- for the non sailors, when a sailboat is said to be “in irons”, it is head into the wind with no forward movement for steerage.

Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 1:10 pm
===There is no reason to believe Rauner is winning.===

I point out the failed override on Rauner’s involvement in contract negotiations…

===Can you show me a sign of Rauner winning when voters are involved?===

Do you have a fork lift to move the goal posts… or can you just pick them up and move them in your own?

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 1:11 pm
OW

In the past election AFSCME supported Quinn over Rauner. What dump?

Comment by Mal Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 1:12 pm
OW

Still waiting for you to show me any evidence of Rauner winning when voters are involved.

Comment by Mal Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 1:13 pm
== In the past election AFSCME supported Quinn over Rauner. ==

More accurately, it has been reported about 3/5’s supported Quinn.

Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 1:17 pm
- Mal -

Ya must’ve missed all the “I’m with AFSCME and I’m voting against Quinn!”

It was kinda a big deal. Use the Google, it’s your friend.

Heck, 2 in 5 union households voted for Rauner.

Elections have consequences.

Running ads to say “like us”, like Rauner running $2 million in ads during session… those aren’t call to arms, those are staving off something or building from a place needing propping up?

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 1:18 pm
Huh, shipmate, I got a chance to go topside recently. I might just be a foremast jack, but from what I got to see, we’ve got the weathergage. “So it’s every hand to his rope or gun, quick’s the word and sharp’s the action.”

Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 1:19 pm
- Mal -

I’m waiting to hear how the failure to override the veto keeping Rauner engaged in contract negotiations is a “Win”

lol

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 1:20 pm
This ad has been re-portrayed as an Anthem for AFSCME, a call to arms, as it were.

Have no idea if it’s effective for that purpose. If it’s for “internal” purposes, spending a cool Half Mil sounds like an overshoot. But, as we see here, they’ve got lots of good money to send after this…
Oy.

Comment by A guy Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 1:29 pm
OW

AFSCME the organization supported Quin over Rauner. What certain individuals do does not reflect the ideals of the entire organization..

When can you show me Rauner winning when voters are involved?

Comment by Mal Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 1:30 pm
- Mal -

Your goal post moving is compelling, lol.

===What certain individuals do does not reflect the ideals of the entire organization..===

An organization that has 40% of its households ignoring the leadership… that’s says quite a bit about the leadership.

Where are you going to put the goal posts as o wait for the “win” on the override that was a loss… “Wins on a Tuesday, when it rains, during daylight savings time”?

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 1:36 pm
Mal

I believe Rauner won with voters 11/4/14 hence why he’s Governor.

Comment by Mason born Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 1:38 pm
“–What is a viewer supposed to do after watching that ad?–” My take is that if they had a call to action (”Call your legislator! Call Governor Rauner!”) people would have said, “See? I told you they were political! That’s why I hate unions!” playing into Rauner’s hand times 2.

Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 1:41 pm
OW

Ill answer your question as soon as you show me Rauner winning when voters are involved.

I mean this should be easy seeing that 60 million barely bought him the gov seat lol

Comment by Mal Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 1:48 pm
Mal, Labor sibling. Please stop antagonizing OW. He’s pulling his punches a bit but he’s going to deck you if you keep it up. OW’s opinion is invaluable to Labor. Let’s learn the lessons that he has to teach which are totally valid.

Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 1:53 pm
- Honeybear -

My respect for you, as IN you personally, has indeed compelled me to pull my punches. I have, because you know.

OW

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 1:56 pm
OW, I have a coworker here who is a truthteller to me. (I’m not the best processor on these legacy systems and she let’s me feel that frequently). I nicknamed her “Scotch” because she’s good stuff but burns going down.

You’re like Scotch as well.

Thanks for pulling your punches with my sibling. We’re in the battle for our lives and passions are high.
Good news is that in my area we’re making some big gains. I’m hopeful. I really really am. I know its not meta, but I can’t control that so much even though recently I’ve gotten to punch above my weight.

Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 2:15 pm
Honeybear

Its just a civil discussion.

Comment by Mal Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 2:16 pm
- Honeybear -

You’re far to generous in your praise.

To your points,

The politics at play, you’ve seen firsthand where the mixing and the intertwining of the important Labor and AFSCME issues are also in the races and politics here. My “issue”, which really wasn’t an issue, I felt, with the Ad

… and bringing it back to the Post…

… is although the internal and external rationales for running a $500K ad in a vacuum exist and can be argued to the good this is, blindly ignoring the “pleasure” Rauner may feel and playing into the Proft Roadmap for the long game still is at play too.

Ads, like this and Rauner’s during session are propping up a needed position, a buttress, and Rauner, and in Proft’s rationale, I see this as I said, first blush…

“Rauner is winning”

We’re in the middle of the last 40 some odd days and $500K is put out there in an ad with no “ask”, no mobilization call.

The money isn’t infinite, and this move allows it to be called “frivilous” by some, and be seen by Rauner as “… all part of the plan.”.

I know you’re working real hard at some many things, at work, in the precincts, everywhere, even at home I’m guessing too… but not seeing how Rauner sees this and how it plays in that plan, that’s a mistake too.

Keep plugging. Thank YOU as always.

OW

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 2:27 pm
Mal, I know. I get it. I really do. Having been a learner here on capfax for almost two years I’ve learned that OW is an extremely valuable resource. I’ve also learned, the hard way, several times….okay many times… that the way to utilize that resource is to dialogue in a specific way. It doesn’t matter if I agree with him or not. His opinion is really really useful. I could tell the way he was responding that he was going to start to hit hard. I’ve got an AFSMCE brother who had to change his handle and actually stayed off capfax for a bit after he tangled to hard with OW. After that I pledged to fire a warning flare. Solidarity sibling.

Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 2:51 pm
Honeybear…question

The scribble feed to the right of the posts has a Twitter from Greg Hinz about AFSCME making a move in contract talks. And then he teases strike coming. Can you find out what he means?

Comment by Thoughts Matter Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 2:59 pm
This ad is step one in what all surely be a nasty ad campaign between now and November of 2018. This ad does nothing but open up yet another front for Rauner to bombard all 13.1 million Illinois residents with whatever he wants to say about and against unions.
AFSCME, you shot before you could see the white in his eyes… the return volley will be accurate and will not cease until November of 2018 I fear. Just when I was hoping I could watch college football and the NHL free from political ads after Nov 8. Ugh.

Comment by Big Muddy Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 3:07 pm
Thoughts Matter- unfortunately I couldn’t tell you. I’m just a front ranker and not leadership. I’m afraid that we’ll be forced to a strike. Rauner seems hell bent on bringing about Ragnarok. I don’t think he gets that the state workforce will collapse immediately. My strong suspicion is that his superstars are obfuscating how bad things are and how much the state could take in a labor dispute. Thus I am so afraid that he will initiate the “solution” to the union problem and bring about Ragnarok and truly destroy the state. People don’t realize what a collapse in the workforce would bring. Dude, we’re a symbiotic system. Everyone will feel this.
As to contract moves I can only speculate that it’s actually the shifty moves that Rauner is making trying to delink healthcare from collective bargaining. But that’s a guess.

Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 3:27 pm
Honey Bear,

I am aware of the difference between median - midpoint of the AFSCME salaries and mean which is the “average” that is most commonly used. Rauner’s superstars are not AFSCME members and even if they were included in the numbers they would not tilt the average because they are just a handful of the 38,000 state workers.

FYI most people really aren’t following the AFSCME strike situation. They wish no ill will toward state workers but think the state cannot afford a raise for the highest paid state workers in America.

It is also reasonable to conclude that arguing over a contract for a year with no progress or concessions is the definition of an impasse.

Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 3:30 pm
Big Muddy, we have to ask ourselves is Labor War worth it? What happens if he does collapse the workforce? What happens if no one will want to work for the state for a decade? What will happen to all the functions of government if we can’t restart the engine and the walkers catch up to us? Why can’t we go back to the negotiating table and craft labor peace? Haven’t we had enough pain and suffering? You guys don’t even know the full extent of it. Private sector folks have no idea how bad things really are. Even then its enough to ask why should we engage in more for a projected 1.4 percent? Let’s choose labor peace and work to put the state back together again, labor and management working together. I’d love that more than just about anything. I don’t like wondering if I need to go on Prozac.

Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 3:33 pm
Mal, I know. I get it. I really do. Having been a learner here on capfax for almost two years I’ve learned that OW is an extremely valuable resource. I’ve also learned, the hard way, several times….okay many times… that the way to utilize that resource is to dialogue in a specific way. It doesn’t matter if I agree with him or not. His opinion is really really useful. I could tell the way he was responding that he was going to start to hit hard. I’ve got an AFSMCE brother who had to change his handle and actually stayed off capfax for a bit after he tangled to hard with OW. After that I pledged to fire a warning flare. Solidarity sibling.
————-

I dont back down too easy.. Also we are too different people. Respectfully

Comment by Mal Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 4:16 pm
Lucky Pierre, With respect, the State of IL has outsourced a very high percentage of services normally performed by other states, many of which involve jobs with lower levels of compensation. Accounting for required education and experience, State workers in IL earn average compensation compared to similar states. The high level of outsourcing of jobs involving low pay statistically skews median, mean or mode comparisons to other states. Taxpayers in IL are receiving a bargain as IL has very few state workers per capita, doing “more with less” has been SOP for years under administrations from both political parties.

Comment by kitty Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 4:43 pm
HB - You have been before the mast. No foremast jack are you. Chaplains may not be quarterdeck. But certainly not below deck.

AFSCME may have the weathergage, but the ship is in irons. Need to rally other ships of the line to the colors.

Captain Perfidy has the magazine and is willing to heat the shot. He is beating to the wind, maneuvering for position.

The wind may be light and variable. Just remember the inland seas are a match and then some to the blue waters.

Scotch? Jack tars drink grog!

Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 8:39 pm