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ILRB impasse ruling could happen today

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Illinois

A nearly two-years-in-the-making labor dispute between Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner’s administration and the largest state worker union is set to come to a head Tuesday when the Illinois Labor Relations Board meets to weigh in on the issue. […]

For months, an administrative law judge at the labor board took testimony and collected paperwork on the case, ultimately producing a 400-page decision that left the situation even murkier. The judge found that the parties were at impasse on some issues, but not on others. She recommended that the administration be allowed to impose its final offer on the impasse issues and return to the negotiating table on the others.

Both sides objected to the decision.

Now it’s up to the labor board, whose members are appointed by the governor, to deliver the final word. Tuesday’s hearing in Chicago will feature a presentation from the labor board’s executive director followed by an expected oral ruling from the panel of appointees. The board can decide to uphold the administrative law judge’s recommendations, or it can issue a different decision.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 10:34 am

Comments

And the ruling of the kangaroo court is 1.4% shall impose his last and final offer.

Comment by Huh? Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 10:37 am
“labor board, whose members are appointed by the governor” I think that tells us the outcome. My hope is that the union will push all in and walk out when the day comes.

Comment by golfman-r Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 10:44 am
Appointments aren’t a given…
It will be very hard for the Board to override the judges’ findings, unless of course they show their work. Regardless, the two main issues of pay and healthcare were deemed not at an impasse by the judge. If the Board agrees with the judge, then Rauner gets some wins in sub-contracting and the union gets some wins in - not at impasse. Me thinks that’s what they’ll do.

Comment by Captain Illini Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 10:50 am
Before we get all doom and gloom the ILRB ruled against Rauner rushing this through and to hear the admin law judges recommendation. Additionally there is still an appeal process.

Comment by Rogue Roni Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 10:50 am
How would a contract where some elements are last/best and others would need continued negotiations even work? Would the last/best elements be implemented immediately? How can parts of a contract be implemented while other elements have yet to be decided? Strange days indeed…

Comment by Cubs in '16 Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 10:52 am
Dies Irae. Day of Judgement. We are ready for a “total impasse” verdict. Forcing a strike at holiday time has been his plan for a while now. Rauners cruelty knows no shame. It’s too bad that people losing foodstamps and medical will be part of the suffering. I had hoped that the new IES system could be used to temporarily automate benefit renewal so that thousands of poor disabled and elderly wouldn’t be effected. But IES blew up on the launch pad and thousands will lose benefits during the holidays while we are out on strike.

We don’t want to strike

Rauners cruelty put us here.

Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 10:54 am
Pray for us

Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 10:57 am
Captain Illini, the MAIN issue is privatization! I think most of us, yes I am a state worker, don’t care about the pay issue because two years of that is already gone. What is another two years. Healthcare is a big deal as well. I would be happy to accept this crappy deal the governor is “imposing” if they get rid of the sub-contracting part.

Comment by None Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 11:00 am
=ILRB ruled against Rauner rushing this through=

Maybe the sole reason Rauner requested that unprecedented move was to allow the ILRB to point to that when they side with Rauner here. A political smoke screen.

“We’re not owned by Rauner, we told him no to that ridiculous request!”

Comment by Robert the 1st Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 11:02 am
Here’s what I think the play could be: The board accepts the recommendation of the ALJ. AFSCME employees looks really petty if they strike over subcontracting while Rauner is sitting at the table negotiating over wages and benefits, so they don’t. Rauner then tells AFSCME if they don’t voluntarily accept his terms on wages and benefits, he will subcontract every function of state government currently being performed by AFSCME employees. Leverage.

Comment by dunno Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 11:03 am
I do not understand the logic of the Administrative Law Judge. In negotiations what appears to be an impasse in one area can often be broken by agreement in another area. The idea of impasse in particular sections makes no sense.

Either both parties bargained in good faith and are at an impasse, or there was not bargaining in good faith. Pick one.

Comment by Last Bull Moose Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 11:06 am
I think the hammer is about to fall, finally, on AFSCME.

Comment by Deft Wing Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 11:09 am
If Rauner wins the changes to the sub-contracting section, THAT is the ball game. The rest won’t matter. He can swallow everything else for a year or two while he outsources all the jobs.

Comment by RNUG Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 11:11 am
I don’t mean to sound like the tinfoil hat brigade, but the ILRB’s decision to deny the governor’s request for an expeditious decision allowed the Board to conveniently push off the decision until exactly one week after the election. I would sustain that this decision helped the governor by pushing the decision back after the election, with the added bonus of making the board look independent.

Your mileage may vary.

Comment by The Equalizer Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 11:15 am
I suspect dunno has the correct answer. With Rauner it’s always about leverage and creating wedges.

Comment by AC Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 11:22 am
AC you don’t need leverage against something you’ve neutered. Nope. I think today is the day of judgement.

Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 11:34 am
Rauner can try subcontracting state functions but it’s not that easy. As many commenters have previously pointed out; some jobs take years to learn. Still others have very specific qualifications tied to federal funding. To think that Rauner can hire private firms to perform ALL state jobs is completely unrealistic. Maybe if he took the time to familiarize himself with what we do he’d realize this.

Comment by Cubs in '16 Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 11:35 am
I don’t think Rauner can use privatization as leverage because he’s going to privatize everything he possibly can. Nothing to trade there.

Comment by Robert the 1st Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 11:36 am
Robert the 1st @ 11:02 and The Equalizer @ 11:15 stated what I suspect about prior ILRB motives. Rauner should be required to demonstrate cost savings before any outsourcing is permitted. The smallest per capita State workforce in the US is already providing “more with less” as it is.

Comment by kitty Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 11:38 am
Kitty. The cost savings language is exactly what Rauners last best final offer removes.

Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 11:42 am
It sure will be swell when everything is outsourced and no one is paying into the pension fund. That will be almost as brilliant as not having a budget.

Comment by Trolling Troll Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 11:44 am
Many have already pointed out the fallacy of sub-contracting, since in reality you still have to pay for services - which requires a budget. In many cases, sub-contracting is more expensive up front but may make sense in the long run due to not having to pay for pension, health care, etc. of an employee, but make no mistake, the collective costs will be expensive. CMS is a ripe target to dismantle and go with more market based procurement, but that would take legislative action gutting Senate Bill 51. My point is that the action of the Board does not mean the end of the world…let’s keep perspective here.

Comment by Captain Illini Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 11:54 am
Ironically, when Tier 2 pensions were put into place it became much harder to justify privatization of functions. We had some outsourced positions that we had to bring back into the State.

In or case the State would have been better to continue to outsource the work. When the positions became State positions the unit lost operational stability and became a gateway into the State. Better for the workers but worse for State productivity.

Comment by Last Bull Moose Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 12:17 pm
RNUG and Honeybear have it right. Subcontract language currently stipulates it must save money. Language from Rauner’s proposal removes this. There is no appeal process; it is completely at the Governor’s discretion.

Comment by Fixer Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 12:20 pm
=Rauner can try subcontracting state functions but it’s not that easy. As many commenters have previously pointed out; some jobs take years to learn. Still others have very specific qualifications tied to federal funding. To think that Rauner can hire private firms to perform ALL state jobs is completely unrealistic. Maybe if he took the time to familiarize himself with what we do he’d realize this.=
Or employees bid on their current job. They get to keep the job for less pay and minimal benefits. They would probably prefer that over a new inexperienced staff. Who knows with this guy.

Comment by CF reader Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 12:31 pm
If the Board hands BVR the win, the union can appeal. I’m trying to figure out if a strike vote would come right away or only if the union loses the appeal later?

Comment by Anon Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 12:37 pm
We have sub contracting in our agreement with rauner , haven’t seen a hint of it and some jobs would be real easy to do.

Comment by Foster brooks Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 12:37 pm
it all comes down to not being able to keep the pace that has raped ILLINOIS for so long… state workers (not all) have grown up with a feeling of entitlement… This just can’t be sustained in today’s society… People have had enough… my vote is to cut everyone’s pay by 25% across the board… that would be a good start and everyone would keep their job.

Comment by Allen D Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 12:55 pm
Foster: How confident are you that the lack of subcontracting will continue?

Comment by anon Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 12:58 pm
Foster, currently subcontracting has to be shown to save the state, I believe, 10% over what it would cost state employees to do the same job. That’s why you haven’t seen much of it.

Comment by Fixer Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 1:02 pm
== We have sub contracting in our agreement with rauner , haven’t seen a hint of it and some jobs would be real easy to do. ==

The previpus contract allowed subcontracting IF you could prove cost savings. That language is removed in the proposed contract. It opens the door to awarding the work to the politically connected firm of the month.

You didn’t say, but if you have one of the labor contracts Rauner did agree to, understand those were public relations “loss leaders” intended to make it appear he could be reasonable and to make ASCFME appear unreasonable. He won’t do anything to upset those contracts until he has what he wants from AFSCME. From his perspective, you are just a deferred / non-strategic target at the moment.

Comment by RNUG Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 1:04 pm
Allen D - you are free to donate 25% of your salary toward the state debt whenever you want. Me, personally, I get paid less than I would in the private sector. I know this for a fact, because I used to be in the private sector. I just don’t want to drive an hour plus each way to get that pay. I’m not going to hang around for a 25% pay cut though.

Comment by Thoughts Matter Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 1:11 pm
As a small business owner in central illinois, a 25% pay cut or any pay cut for state employees is a pay cut for me.

Comment by PND Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 1:19 pm
===it all comes down to not being able to keep the pace that has raped ILLINOIS for so long… state workers (not all) have grown up with a feeling of entitlement… This just can’t be sustained in today’s society… People have had enough… my vote is to cut everyone’s pay by 25% across the board… that would be a good start and everyone would keep their job.===

Your self-loathing has become tiresome.

Comment by Cubs in '16 Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 1:20 pm
But, but, but… this isn’t true? /s

https://will.illinois.edu/news/story/rauner-video-appeals-to-state-employees

Comment by State Worker THX 1138 Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 1:25 pm
Does anyone know how much, if any money this recent State of Illinois outsourcing saves?

“State employees will be seeing a new name on information they’re being mailed about their new online benefits website.

Morneau Shepell, a Canadian outsourcing and consulting company, is the vendor helping the state establish the new benefits website, according to Illinois Department of Central Management Services spokeswoman Meredith Krantz.”

http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2016-09-29/state-employees-will-see-new-name-new-benefits-website.html

Comment by Joe M Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 1:34 pm
Hugh Hefner’s most famous publication was far more about the articles than outsourcing is about saving the state money.

Comment by AC Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 1:42 pm
PND-
A 25% paycut to state employees would be devestating to a lot of Springfield businesses.

Comment by Trolling Troll Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 1:43 pm
PND wins the Internet today. PND is nervous, as well as a lot of central IL realtors and car dealerships. A local car salesman told me one time that 75 percent of his every 3-5 year customers were state employees.

Comment by Moby Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 2:05 pm
==As a small business owner in central illinois, a 25% pay cut or any pay cut for state employees is a pay cut for me.==

Similarly, state employees paying double what they were for their health insurance (for less coverage to boot) will also be a pay cut for them - and a cut for you.

Comment by Joe M Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 2:26 pm
Is there noone live tweeting from inside the ILRB meeting? It’s been like 90 minutes…..

Comment by bob's your uncle Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 2:29 pm
Wages and COLA are frozen until further notice. An increase in healthcare premiums would amount to a paycut.

Comment by Leave it to BVR Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 2:31 pm
Bob’s your Uncle-
I have been wondering the same thing. Why wouldn’t AFSCME or the Capital Fax have someone inside on this issue. The meeting is public.

Comment by DHSBob Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 2:36 pm
I try not to be part of the Tinfoil Hat Brigade, and I should wait for the results before posting. But, the Board was appointed by Rauner. The Board voted to refuse Rauner’s request for an expedited hearing. All good and well. However, they then move the decision back to one week after the election. Terribly convenient, much like releasing his taxes after the election. And the Board looks independent this way. Anyway…got my tinfoil somewhere around here…

Comment by The_Equalizer Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 2:40 pm
Search Results
PND - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PND
PND may refer to: P n D Pickups and deliveries; Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea, a breathing disorder; PartyNextDoor, a Canadian singer who is signed to …

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 2:43 pm
Moby - What is PND?

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 2:44 pm
A poster above claiming to own a business around Springfield.

Comment by Robert the 1st Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 2:46 pm
OK I get it. PND was a poster.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 2:46 pm
And an increase in healthcare premiums would also amount to a pay cut to all the state university employees - and a cut to the businesses in those communities.

Comment by Joe M Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 2:53 pm
So, is there any concrete news?

Comment by Nana Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:02 pm
@Joe M 1:34pm

Not only Illinois jobs and taxpayer dollars being sent out of the community and Illinois, but entirely out of country! I wonder what Trump would say to that? Good job, govna!

Comment by Hieronymus Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:10 pm
@kimgeiger reports the Illinois Labor Board unanimously votes to declare Rauner and AFSCME are at impasse over contract.

Comment by justme62 Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:13 pm
Last time I looked it was not allowed to subcontract with firms who would do the work outside of the U.S.

Comment by Last Bull Moose Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:13 pm
OMG. All of the job are gone. He is going to fire everyone.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:21 pm
Justme62 source?

Comment by Fixer Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:27 pm
monique garcia (trib reporter) on twitter.

Comment by justme62 Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:29 pm
Justme62 appears to be a troll.

Comment by Hambone Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:29 pm
Never had much hope for a fair, unbiased ruling anyway. Here’s where things get ugly, Illinois. From a proud AFSCME member, know this- my number one job in life is to take care of my immediate family. However, the ppl of Illinois are my extended family and Ive chosen a career in serving them, the public. I will do my best to weigh the the needs of mine with the needs of everyone else and pray that God sees it fit that I I find a balance that allows me to continue the work I love so much.

Comment by UnionStrong Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:30 pm
https://twitter.com/moniquegarcia/status/798632885703954433

Comment by justme62 Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:30 pm
Troll. That post isn’t on her twitter site.

Comment by Nick Name Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:30 pm
No troll, justme62 is correct in his sharing of Monique’s tweet.

Comment by Unicorn Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:32 pm
hopefully Rich will review the post and ban @3:29 if he’s wrong.

Comment by Union Man Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:32 pm
sorry. wasn’t sure if it was allowed to include the link. https://twitter.com/moniquegarcia/status/798632885703954433

Comment by justme62 Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:32 pm
Garcia posted on her Twitter that Geiger reported it.

Comment by btowntruth from forgotonnia Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:33 pm
The State Panel didn’t convene until 1:00, the link takes us to a tweet at 1:04…

Comment by Union Man Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:34 pm
thanks justme62. couldn’t fi d anything on kim geiger’s page

Comment by Fixer Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:34 pm
it shows on @moniquegarcia’s retweet/replies page. but I couldn’t find it on @kimgeiger’s page anywhere. I agree- probably troll.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:34 pm
It’s real, Union Man.
Rauner got what he wanted.

Comment by btowntruth from forgotonnia Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:35 pm
Also, can’t find it reported anywhere else…..

Comment by WorriedStateWorker Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:35 pm
there is article on afscme31 website now as well

Comment by justme62 Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:37 pm
Rich, any word to support justme62 claim?

Comment by Gracchus Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:40 pm
Also IPI article

Comment by Unicorn Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:41 pm
Sad for those employees trying to raise a family & actually care about their job. Why should we have to suffer because of those in the past who have set this horrible ground work….just pray it doesn’t get that bad…..

Comment by WorriedStateWorker Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:41 pm
there is a news release on the afscme31 website.
http://www.afscme31.org/news/rauner-appointed-board-rules-impasse-in-state-employee-contract-dispute

Comment by justme62 Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:41 pm
http://afscme31.org/news/rauner-appointed-board-rules-impasse-in-state-employee-contract-dispute

Comment by AC Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:41 pm
http://www.afscme31.org/news/rauner-appointed-board-rules-impasse-in-state-employee-contract-dispute

Comment by Anon Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:42 pm
http://www.afscme31.org/news/rauner-appointed-board-rules-impasse-in-state-employee-contract-dispute

Comment by Nick Name Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:44 pm
It will be interesting to see the actual decision. Is this a wholesale impasse or is it the “split decision” recommended by the ALJ?

Comment by Kevin Highland Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 3:47 pm
Why don’t you pepeople use your real names when commenting? Are you all chickens or can’t defend your own arguments?

Comment by BeAMan Tuesday, Nov 15, 16 @ 8:20 pm