Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

AFSCME’s Lynch: AG Madigan action “harmful and irresponsible,” Rauner caring about workers is a “bunch of baloney”

Posted in:

Illinois
Updated Posts

* Council 31 executive director Roberta Lynch e-mailed her members today. The e-mail’s subject headline was: “Attorney General Is Wrong”…

Dear [redacted],

Last night AFSCME’s attorney received official notification that Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan filed a motion yesterday in St. Clair County Circuit Court to dissolve the preliminary injunction that AFSCME secured nearly two years ago to ensure that state employees would continue to be paid despite the state’s budget standoff.

I want you to know that AFSCME is prepared to return to court in opposition to the Attorney General’s motion and to pursue every available legal means to halt her action. Other unions representing state employees were our partners in securing the original injunction and I’m confident they will stand with us now.

The Attorney General is justifying her action by citing the urgent need for a resolution of the state budget stalemate.

Of course, we all agree that such a resolution is long overdue. That’s why AFSCME has repeatedly called on Governor Rauner to end his insistence that enactment of a state budget must be tied to his personal political agenda which is aimed at weakening workers’ rights.

However, the need for a budget resolution can in no way justify the Attorney General’s harmful and irresponsible legal maneuver.

AG Madigan’s action is particularly objectionable coming as it does at a time when Governor Rauner has already been waging a relentless assault on state employees—seeking to impose his own contract terms that would drastically drive down employees’ incomes and weaken rights on the job.

Our union has said repeatedly that we do not want to see a shutdown of state government. We have done everything possible to avert a strike. But we are determined to resist the governor’s efforts to impose his terms—which would set us back for many years to come.

That’s why it is more critical than ever that union members vote “YES” to give your Bargaining Committee the authorization to call a strike if that becomes the only recourse to gain fair treatment and respect.

Today Governor Rauner will be claiming that he is a friend of state employees and wants to make sure you get paid. We know well what a bunch of baloney that is. After nearly two years of unremitting hostility toward state employees—doing everything possible to inflict damage to our working conditions and our economic security, there’s no way Bruce Rauner has decided to be our buddy now. Rather, his phony sympathy is nothing but an effort to protect his own position in the state budget battle.

You and your fellow state employees are on the job every day providing vital services that Illinois citizens depend on—often under difficult, even dangerous, conditions. It is deeply disturbing when it appears that our state’s political leaders see you as no more than pawns in their games—failing to respect or value the vital work that you do.

But we won’t be discouraged or beaten down. We have won so many battles standing together and fighting back—and we can win this one too!

In Unity,

Roberta Lynch
Executive Director

…Adding… From SEIU President Keith Kelleher…

“On behalf of our home healthcare and child care workers who have collective bargaining agreements with the State of Illinois and provide vital care for 30,000 people with disabilities and 61,000 children, we obviously oppose any efforts to stop payments or efforts that delay payments to our workforce, who struggle to get by as it is. But we all know how we got here–because of a governor who ran on shutting down government.

“Bruce Rauner NEVER will know the real pain that is endured by those he causes to suffer. But he has welcomed it in a shameful fashion by abandoning his constitutional duty to present a balanced budget to the General Assembly. Instead he has held Illinois hostage to his political wish list. The Attorney General’s action is a symptom. This governor is its cause.

“We call on Rauner to present a budget that funds vital services for the most vulnerable in our state.”

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:01 pm

Comments

Not saying anything about the merits of her letter, but it’s awful long, like virtually all correspondence from AFSCME.

She must be paid by the word.

Comment by Sir Reel Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:06 pm
I don’t get it… the AG’s action, IMO, places the emphasis for action where it belongs. Is AFSCME shooting itself in the foot with protesting language, or are these just crocodile tears?

Comment by morningstar Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:06 pm
(Scratches head)

So, take on the AG who is pushing to get a budget by removing the phoniness that is the security of paying state employees…

… take on the governor, call him full of baloney, all the while still trying to get a contract, and avoid a strike, if possible.

These are telling.

Telling me why AFSCME finds itself exactly where they are.

Yikes.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:06 pm
-ow
Looks like AFSCME is thinking the same thing I suggested.
=That’s why it is more critical than ever that union members vote “YES” to give your Bargaining Committee the authorization to call a strike=

Comment by m Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:07 pm
And now you know exactly why AFSCME and Roberta are winning!

Comment by Deft Wing Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:08 pm
I am sure AFSCME believes it’s better for its members to get paid, than not paid. Their purpose is for the protection of the employee and they give resources to whomever agrees with them. They are neither Dem or GOP; it’s just that DEMs support workers more often than GOP’ers, just like GOP’ers support the NRA more than DEMs and GOP candidates get most of the NRA money.
Only This and Nothing More

Comment by Union Man Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:11 pm
Roberta, you’re not helping. Please stop.

Comment by Ihatepolitics Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:11 pm
Oswego willy? she calls him full of baloney because she and the rest of us, besides you it seems, knows he will have to be forced to a contract and that sweet-talking him was never an option. my best advice to you is don’t comment on things you don’t really understand.

Comment by not buying today Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:12 pm
Translating AFSCME:

“We don’t care if social services agencies and low income college kids are getting screwed. Just pay us.”

Comment by Anon224 Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:13 pm
- not buying today -

Yeah, you make some valid point… yep.

And yet, this is the same “group” that decided to demonstrate against Pat Quinn, and leadership that, in the end, couldn’t make a push to save themselves from Bruce Rauner when it mattered.

Twice.

I get it. AFSCME is learning elections have consequences.

Now on two fronts. Again, a head scratcher.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:16 pm
I know of 5 people that have went fair share in the last few days because they are tired of AFSCME lies.

Comment by Nora Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:17 pm
What else are they going to say?

The legal standing of making payroll without a budget is what is going to be decided.

AFSCME can’t embrace Rauner, and then decide to take on the AG too.

It says more about AFSCME and not about the “pivot”.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:21 pm
I understand Lynch’s position is to lobby that employees must be paid for their work. That IS the job of the union representative.

But if she was being truthful, AFSCME should be breathing a sigh of relief at the moment. The onus of shutting down the State just moved from striking state workers to AG Madigan and the courts. If successful, it takes away Rauner’s “it’s the unions fault” PR line and places the blame squarely on both the GA and the Governor.

Comment by RNUG Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:21 pm
An interesting example of how thoroughly politics are balkanized, even tribal, in Illinois. I’m union (not AFSCME), but I like what the AG is doing because it may contribute to a broadly encompassing solution rather than dealing fiefdom by fiefdom.

Comment by Flapdoodle Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:22 pm
Typical bafflingly wrong-headed messaging from AFSCME; they desperately need leaders who can think strategically rather than reactively, and who have a clue about who their real allies are. Sigh. SEIU did a better job: “The attorney general’s action is a symptom. This governor is its cause.”

Comment by Crispy Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:22 pm
Roberta finds the Illinois Constitution to be an inconvenience that can be overlooked if it affects her members.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:26 pm
This is pure member management. When the headline is “AG moves to block state workers’ pay” anyone representing state workers has to protest.

Comment by Arsenal Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:26 pm
“The attorney general’s action is a symptom. This governor is its cause.” This!

Comment by don the legend Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:26 pm
AFSCME, please don’t waste my dues fighting the Illinois Constitution. You want us to vote to strike and not get paid, yet want to fight the AG on this. What you should be doing is reaching out to the Governor to restart negotiations so he can prove he is on the employee’s side.

Comment by A Jack Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:26 pm
- Nora - Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:17 pm:

“I know of 5 people that have went fair share in the last few days because they are tired of AFSCME lies.”

Nora, What lies are those? Please inform. Thanks!

Comment by Consideration Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:27 pm
AFSCME is on the other side of the lawsuit, she has to start from there. Rauner will not negotiate, so bashing him has no cost.

This move is a blessing for AFSCME. State shutdown without a strike.

Comment by Last Bull Moose Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:29 pm
I’m beginning to think that, instead of spending February trying to get a budget passed, the major players in Springfield will spend the month finger-pointing and assigning blame for the inevitable shutdown.

Comment by tobias846 Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:29 pm
I think Lisa Madigan is spot-on. Should have been done July 1, 2016. Wasn’t that when the court order was supposed to expire?

Comment by Thoughts Matter Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:32 pm
willy,

not sure I understand your coded language but
the union can’t do anything to save itself when a large number of members are out there voting for the very people that have it out for them. This in spite of the union making it very clear who is on their side and who isn’t. lots of people can’t see the forest for the trees. Pat Quinn was demonstrated against because he tried the same hardline stuff that rauner is pushing but at least he had sense enough to back down once the union made it clear that they were going to strike. how do I know this? I worked closely with AFSCME before retiring some months ago. the average state worker is highly conflicted between their conservatism and the very organization that keeps their candidates from putting them in the breadline by protecting their standard of living. to many state workers want their cake and to eat it too. they say I want to be in the union for the perks but don’t ask me to do a darn thing beyond paying my dues. unions are only as strong as the people who are in them. thank God the people that really stand with the union and work to make it great do the work of five people with the other four sitting at home bad mouthing union and listening to fox news and rush Limbaugh.

Comment by not buying today Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:32 pm
Nora
What does going fair share get for you

Comment by JW Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:38 pm
think Lisa is right. but this is politically interesting. she is angering the AFSCME leadership. is it a signal that she realizes that with her father in office, AG is where she stays so she may as well do the right thing?

Comment by Amalia Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:44 pm
Dear people of the past,

As I write this, the date is February 28, 2117. Today is the day we commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the dissolution of the State of Illinois. Of course, no one can say exactly when Illinois ceased to exist, so we use the last day Illinois actually issued pay checks. I guess the hope was that stopping State employees from getting paid would pressure people to cut a deal to keep the State operating. What no one knew was that the hole was already too big. Democrats would never agree to big enough spending cuts. Republicans would never agree to big enough tax increases. The Governor would never agree to withdraw his rather odd set of demands. So nothing ever got done. Some employees kept going to work for awhile, in the hope they would eventually get paid. But one by one they all quit. After the State stopped operating, local governments began to collapse. Anyone who could afford to leave Illinois did. The rest were stuck in a State of anarchy for a time.

But I write to let you know it eventually worked out okay. The Federal Government stepped in once Trump finally left office. I won’t spoil how that one ends, but it’s pretty good. Well, it’s good reading about it after the fact. It’s probably not so great to live through, but good luck!

I’m here in Bad Springfield, MO. You would know it as Springfield, IL, but Missouri already had a Springfield when it agreed to absorb this part of the State and, well, I guess they wanted to stick it to us. Bad Springfield is a pretty good place to live again. We get a lot of Lincoln tourists. The Old State Capitol is still a popular tourist spot, and the New Old State Capitol is a beautiful casino now. The Cubs are still the dominate team in baseball. Oh, and I guess it would interest you to know the Las Vegas White Sox only finished a few games below .500 last season. Maybe they can finally overcome the Curse of Chris Sale.

P.S. If you’re wondering how I posted this and other science facts, just repeat to yourself “it’s just a blog, I should really just relax.”

Comment by One Possible Future Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:45 pm
AFSCME, AFSCME, I know you have to make some noise, yes. But please, tone it down. This really is a blessing in disguise.

Comment by Nick Name Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:45 pm
= = AFSCME, AFSCME, I know you have to make some noise, yes. But please, tone it down. This really is a blessing in disguise. = =

Call me cynical, but I think AFSCME needs to criticize the legal move in public precisely because it’s a blessing in disguise for them.

Calling the AG’s actions irresponsible helps keep the disguise in place.

Comment by Hamlet's Ghost Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:53 pm
The SEIU homecare workers are being paid under the Medicaid court order, they will likely be OK in the event of a shutdown.

Comment by LTSW Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:59 pm
John T’s response — just moments ago:

—

Dear Colleagues,

I wanted to follow up on the Governor’s message below and assure all employees that, in addition to other resources, they can reach out to our labor relations team for updates on the employee pay lawsuit. The Attorney General’s move to halt employee pay is truly unfortunate. The least my office can do in response is to keep everyone informed.
Staying informed is especially critical for those of you who are about to decide whether to authorize AFSCME to call for a strike. The decision belongs to each employee and we trust that everyone is going to seek out accurate information to make an informed choice. With the Attorney General’s move to cut off employee pay, AFSCME members should consult with their union representatives and ask whether a strike for higher wages would be lawful if the Attorney General succeeds in her quest. In addition, because the Attorney General’s argument implicates the provision of health insurance to state employees-a benefit for which the General Assembly also has not appropriated sufficient resources-AFSCME members should consult with their union representatives on whether a strike over health insurance would likewise be lawful. We know that the decision to strike is yours and yours alone, and we continue to encourage all employees to get accurate information as they decide whether to strike. Please continue to visit the FAQ website and submit your questions for our team.
Yours,
JT
John Terranova
Deputy Director
CMS Office of Labor Relations

Comment by Bobby Catalpa Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 12:59 pm
===…the union can’t do anything to save itself when a large number of members are out there voting for the very people that have it out for them===

The union is a victim to its membership?

Maybe you shouldn’t comment on how unions are functionally properly, lol

While your anger towards your fellow union members is noted, and the fact that the AG is trying to help the state too… and the Union seems to find more people to be against now then look to find where they can find allies, elections have consequences, and while you chastise me, you find yourself scratching your head at the membership, as see now blame on the leadership…

… and the response is the responses.

I stand by my original comment, especially if your retort is “because… membership”

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 1:00 pm
John Terranova once again trying to scare union members in saying it’s illegal to strike.

Comment by John Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 1:02 pm
As Willy and RNUG mentioned, Roberta is not helping her cause. Really, you’ve been losing battles left and right, and now you want to rag on an old ally. C’mon Roberta.

Comment by Norseman Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 1:03 pm
This is the best thing for AFSCME given the current situation. We get the benefits from striking without striking! Now all state workers including non AFSCME workers at SOS which people of Illinois regularly utilize for driver related services will be shut down. This only strengthens AFSCME’s bargaining position.

Comment by Rauner is cornered! Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 1:04 pm
norseman? old ally? who would that be? the AG? lol Roberta is doing just fine and don’t worry about her hurts her and the union’s cause. just stick to topics you can understand!

Comment by not buying today Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 1:06 pm
Dios Mio… The new email from JT is beyond absurd. Mr. Miller I hope you get a copy and post it to the site. I still don’t understand how the administration gets away with some of these emails.

Comment by ANONANON Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 1:08 pm
Union supporter. Back the AG. Laughing at govs croc tears.

Comment by 61571 Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 1:09 pm
I wish I was still a Teamster…

Comment by OldTimer Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 1:19 pm
The fact that Rauner and John Terranova sent emails today tells me they are scrambling.

This essentially is a check against them in a game of chess. Check mate is coming and they know it….Hence the Friday email scramble.

Comment by John Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 1:19 pm
- Norseman -

And “they” wonder how they got this far, LOL!

Thanks. OW

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 1:19 pm
I agree with RNUG. Lynch has to say what she said, while privately thanking Lisa for doing what she did. The certainty of a government shutdown is why the National Republicans haven’t been successful with their blackmail at the federal level.

Comment by PublicServant Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 1:24 pm
I’m with the union on this. A government shutdown only helps if it deters Rauner from forcing a strike. It was said earlier that Cullerton and Madigan were trying to get him to settle the budget with a labor contract but theres no guarantee of that right now. A government shutdown followed by a strike would be hard to.take.

Comment by Jeep Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 1:30 pm
I still say the AG’s decision is not going to bring AFSCME a fair contract. it will probably pressure the gov and legislature to come to a budget agreement but outside of a connecting agreement where AFSCME gets a fair contract as a condition of a new budget does this help the union.

Comment by not buying today Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 1:33 pm
OldTime @1:19
Teamster’s won’t be getting paid under the AG’s move either, FYI.

Comment by Union Man Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 1:35 pm
“What does going fair share get for you?”

Enough extra in the paycheck to buy a cup of coffee twice a month. That about it.

Used to be fair share until blago came around. Went full dues and never regretted it.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 1:39 pm
If both Rauner and AFSCME are against something, it’s got to be a good idea.

Comment by Tmark Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 1:44 pm
While I prefer more “firm but professional” communications from AFSCME, I don’t think there was any option but to be critical about harm coming to the membership. If AFSCME wasn’t critical of the AG what would the upcoming IPI editorials say about the relationship between the Dems and organized labor? AFSCME has known this could be an option. They are not taken by surprise, except maybe the timing.

Comment by Johnnie F. Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 1:54 pm
“That’s why it is more critical than ever that union members vote “YES” to give your Bargaining Committee the authorization to call a strike if that becomes the only recourse to gain fair treatment and respect.”

Roberta is supposed to represent my views as a member, not tell me what to think. She’s never once presented the situation in a fair, impartial manner which gives members the facts and lets them know what they are in for if they strike.

I’m moving to fair share next week after I vote “no” on the strike authorization. What does that get me? The ability to say that Roberta and her like don’t speak for me.

Comment by Pelonski Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 2:24 pm
For all of you that are leaving the protection of the union and moving over to fair share you are doing precisely what the governor wants you to do.

Comment by Ready or Not Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 2:39 pm
What is the point of bargaining in good faith. Agreeing to a contract and then the state have the ability to later come back and say oh well we didn’t appropriate for those raises. Doesn’t it kinda defeat the purpose of having a contract in the first place

Comment by Just wondering Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 2:48 pm
That will show em pelonski

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 2:56 pm
I apologize for my earlier display of despair. I’m very frightened. I didn’t sleep well last night. I selfishly made the events about me and blamed leadership petulantly. Well my local leadership just reached out to me not to grump at me but to check in. I’m going to pay that forward and say “steady on”. Pelonski I’m reaching out to you here. To all my fellow state workers to steady each other. We are the union. It’s not Roberta or leadership. We are the union and we’ve got to hold on together. Don’t let anyone go overboard.

Rich I hope you’ll let this post.

Comment by Honeybear Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 3:14 pm
= Pelonski - Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 2:24 pm =

Fair share is not what you think it is. It is by far worse than what you currently have with the union.

Comment by Mama Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 3:28 pm
Honeybear,

You have your principles and I have mine. You feel you must support a strike because you don’t believe the contract is fair. I don’t support a strike because I think the State is in a terrible financial position and union employees need to be part of the solution. AFSCME represents your position so you should stay. They don’t represent mine, so it’s right for me to leave.

Comment by Pelonski Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 3:42 pm
Nora, Are you going to provide us with a list of those lies?

Comment by tired of politics Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 3:45 pm
Mama,

Actually, there is very little difference between fair share and union membership. I’ll lose my ability to vote in AFSCME elections and pay a little less each month. I’ll have all the other rights of a union member. Since I have to pay fair share fees to AFSCME, AFSCME has to defend my rights like they would if I was a union member.

Comment by Pelonski Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 3:46 pm
Pelonski i hope you’ve applied to Maximus and the other contractors so you don’t have to deal with the tyranny of union membership. I feel for you. It’s horrible getting paid more than if you were in a non-union shop. I want to make sure you’re spared that. /S

Comment by Union proud Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 3:49 pm
Well, she did get the “bunch of baloney” part right…

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 4:00 pm
“AFSCME has to defend my rights like they would if I was a union member.”

Pelonski, good luck with that one.

Comment by mama Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 4:18 pm
Pelonski you are incorrect. I don’t support a contract that would double my families healthcare costs, outsource any of our jobs without respect to cost and basically take away all our rights except for water cooler placement. Pelonski the thing I hate the most is is that it wasn’t bargained. Rauner walked away. He wants to destroy us. You’ve felt it all along. Without the union we will have no protections no say. I’m not giving that up. if you want to go then fine. I think that’s sad but if you feel you can do better on your own good luck with that. I am going to pick myself up and go back at it.

Comment by Honeybear Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 4:25 pm
When you belong to a union, your vote/voice counts the same as everyone else’s vote/voice.
Fair share has no vote and no voice.

Comment by Mama Friday, Jan 27, 17 @ 4:32 pm