Latest Post | Last 10 Posts | Archives
Previous Post: Cannabis roundup
Next Post: *** UPDATED x5 - Vertical capital, horizontal capital, gaming bill, budget surface *** Gaming, capital and the budget all await action
Posted in:
* Several sources confirmed this morning that AFSCME and state negotiators reached an agreement in the wee hours of the night. I’ll update this post with press releases, etc. in a bit. Until then, here’s Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch shaking hands with CMS chief negotiator Robb Craddock…
*** UPDATE *** Press release…
Early this morning, Governor JB Pritzker’s administration and AFSCME Council 31—the largest union of Illinois state employees—reached a tentative agreement on a new contract.
As always, terms will be released after union members have the opportunity to review and vote on the tentative agreement at worksite ratification meetings to be scheduled in the coming days.
“With this tentative agreement, Illinois has turned another important page from years of brutal ideological warfare,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Instead, this agreement respects the valuable contributions our workers make to the state and treats all our taxpayers fairly, thanks to months of negotiations that were constructive and frank. This agreement will be accommodated in the budget that the General Assembly will vote on today, and even more importantly, it is consistent with my long-term plans to stabilize Illinois’ finances.”
“This agreement reflects a fresh start for public service workers in state government,” AFSCME Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch said. “For four years, union members did their jobs and served their communities despite Bruce Rauner’s chaos, hostility and constant attacks. In the Pritzker administration, AFSCME members have an employer who understands the importance of their work, respects their rights and is a constructive partner in the collective bargaining process.”
AFSCME represents nearly 40,000 state employees who protect kids from abuse and neglect, care for veterans and people with disabilities, keep prisons safe, maintain state parks, help struggling families and provide countless other vital public services in communities across the state.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, May 31, 19 @ 9:36 am
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
Previous Post: Cannabis roundup
Next Post: *** UPDATED x5 - Vertical capital, horizontal capital, gaming bill, budget surface *** Gaming, capital and the budget all await action
WordPress Mobile Edition available at alexking.org.
powered by WordPress.
Times they are a changing.
Comment by NIU Grad Friday, May 31, 19 @ 9:38 am
Wonder how much the taxpayers will be saddled with this time?
Comment by Dave W Friday, May 31, 19 @ 9:40 am
This, along with what will transpire today at the capitol, is what governing looks like.
Is is something everyone agrees on? Of course not.
But at the end of the day, things get done.
Comment by efudd Friday, May 31, 19 @ 9:41 am
Negotiations have only been going on for five years? Congrats to AFSCME 31 on finally getting this done.
Comment by Former State Worker Friday, May 31, 19 @ 9:41 am
And to think, all we had to do was go on strike in September 2015 like JT said we would…
Comment by Skeptic Friday, May 31, 19 @ 9:41 am
BPIA putting pelts on the barn wall.
Comment by wordslinger Friday, May 31, 19 @ 9:42 am
Dave W-
how little should first responders, correctional employees, and those that care for those who cannot care for themselves be paid?
Please be specific.
Comment by efudd Friday, May 31, 19 @ 9:43 am
== Wonder how much the taxpayers will be saddled with this time? ==
AFSCME members are taxpayers too, actually.
Comment by thunderspirit Friday, May 31, 19 @ 9:47 am
Congratulations to all who withstood Rauner’s fecal onslaught of horrible contract terms and prevailed. He caused so much needless damage over his hatred of AFSCME and union rights. It was a long, brutal slog, but things look so much brighter now.
Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, May 31, 19 @ 9:48 am
Dave W - so I haven’t had a raise in five years, my Agency is down 50% in staffing, and we have antiquated equipment, but that’s not enough for ya? Do you like safe food and clean water?
Comment by Truth Friday, May 31, 19 @ 9:52 am
Great news. Any guesses on whether the backpay money will be included in the budget today?
Comment by Colin Robinson Friday, May 31, 19 @ 9:52 am
Wow. If this were a movie, all this would be intercut with JB baptizing his kid in a church..
Comment by Shark Sandwich Friday, May 31, 19 @ 9:53 am
Sure Grandson, because you are a beneficiary of all these things. Most taxpayers are not.
Comment by Pick a Name Friday, May 31, 19 @ 9:54 am
Um, I don’t think it is real news the the labor friendly Governor struck a deal with the state’s labor union. What new benefits is AFSCME going to enjoy now that the people in the private sector could only dream about?
Comment by Just Me Friday, May 31, 19 @ 9:57 am
That is one heck of a picture. Good going, everybody.
Comment by Nick Name Friday, May 31, 19 @ 9:59 am
“What new benefits is AFSCME going to enjoy” You immediately assume there are some. That’s very telling in itself.
Comment by Skeptic Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:00 am
== What new benefits is AFSCME going to enjoy now that the people in the private sector could only dream about? ==
At one time, a large number of the private sector had the same benefits as government workers. As private sector union membership has declined, so has private sector pay and benefits.
Comment by RNUG Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:00 am
I worked with Rob Craddock for several years, he was always fair and reasonable. I’m looking forward to seeing the details of this deal.
Comment by Gruntled University Employee Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:01 am
That is amazing. Yet another thing Rauner refused to work at so that he could punish the poor and the state workers.
BTW, Dave W do you get a raise at work?
Comment by Flynn's Mom Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:01 am
Haters gonna hate.
Comment by Iron Lady Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:02 am
Congratulations to AFSCME and to the Pritzker administration for getting this done. When you take hatred out of the equation and have an administration that is capable of negotiating in good faith you can actually get things done.
Rauner thrown out of office in disgrace and Union membership is now higher than it was before Rauner became Governor.
Comment by The Dude Abides Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:02 am
The weird right-wing notion that working for state government is some sort of socialist utopia is hilarious. I encourage all of you whining about this to apply for some state jobs. Plenty of spots open at the department of human services. If you really are so jealous of their glamorous lives, here’s your chance.
Comment by PJ Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:02 am
Those smiles are way too big. Wait a minute, my wallet is missing again…… And for those of you that are state workers, if your demands were reasonable and the state had not wasted so much money in the past this could have gotten done already. It’s easy to sign agreements and spend money that you don’t have.
Comment by Tim Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:03 am
Thank a Loving God, a new contract.
I so appreciate all the hard work and hours our bargaining team put into this.
I also appreciate management working hard to make the agreement.
It shows that we were very close to an agreement before. We went back to the bargaining table in Feb(?) 2019 after Rauner walked away and unilaterally declared impasse in Jan 2015(?). Jeez it’s been so long I can’t remember the dates.
Again, thank a loving God
Comment by Honeybear Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:04 am
RNUG x 1000
I don’t have it, why should others?
Keep buying into the claptrap that right to work benefits everyone. It’s brought to you by those who wouldn’t spit on you if you were on fire.
Comment by efudd Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:05 am
Boy, the anti-AFSCME raunerites are in full throat today.
Elections have consequences. 1.4% lost. Pritzker had to deal with AFSCME in some fashion. It appears that Pritzker chose for labor peace rather then continued confrontation.
Comment by Huh? Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:06 am
RNUG said it for me but I will add this, if you’re not satisfied with the compensation at your job then organize and bargain collectively. It works a whole lot better than whining about something somebody else has.
Comment by Gruntled University Employee Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:06 am
thunderspirit - I totally reject the argument that “government employees” are taxpayers too and somehow help fund the overly generous benefits that government employees receive. Your argument is ridiculous. The taxes they pay are a fraction of the benefits they get.
Comment by Just Me Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:06 am
Long overdue and well deserved.
Comment by Fixer Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:08 am
Can’t wait for the deets. I hope there was real compromise on issues, instead of just capitulation. Lord knows there was room for it on both sides of the table.
Comment by Perrid Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:09 am
===you are a beneficiary of all these things. Most taxpayers are not.===
So taxpayers do not benefit from:
- timely renewal of doctor and nurse licenses
- timely processing of tax refunds
- gas pump inspections that guarantee that you get the gas you pay for
- timely, accurate processing of Medicaid coverage
- regularly inspected nursing homes, hospitals, and other health care facilities
- prisons staffed by trained professionals
- a clean environment
- well maintained public parks
- a professionally maintained IT network that keeps all of state government connected, including multiple databases containing utterly crucial information
- and so on, and so on, and so on.
Sheesh
Comment by Nick Name Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:09 am
I don’t know why some of you guys are complaining, the IPI will get enough donations today from the monied class to keep reinforcing your gilded-age opinions for years. Every cloud has a platinum lining for Tillman and Co.
Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:10 am
=I totally reject the argument that “government employees” are taxpayers too=
As a government employee, I can assure you I am a taxpayer. In addition, the taxes you pay are also a fraction of those benefits, just as the price I pay for the goods and services produced by your industry are a fraction of your benefits. Here’s an idea, fight for your benefits rather than fighting to take away ours.
Comment by Harvest76 Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:10 am
If the 2018 election is an indicator, most taxpayers don’t cry the phony tears and spout the tired propaganda of rich right wingers (taxpayers vs. government workers). This failed badly with voters and state workers. Someone has to be privileged and out of touch if s/he thinks state workers will agree to drastic cuts forced on them by the likes of Rauner, who made $333 million in 2015-2017.
Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:12 am
===What new benefits is AFSCME going to enjoy now that the people in the private sector could only dream about?===
Instead of grousing, “They should be as miserable as me,” you could be saying, “I am going to organize so that I can enjoy the same benefits as those guys.”
Sad.
Comment by Nick Name Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:17 am
“And for those of you that are state workers, if Rauner’s demands were reasonable and the state had not wasted so much money in the past this could have gotten done already.” There fixed it for you.
Comment by Skeptic Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:18 am
== thunderspirit - I totally reject the argument that “government employees” are taxpayers too and somehow help fund the overly generous benefits that government employees receive. ==
Government employees are, in fact, taxpayers too. If they weren’t, your argument might have merit.
== Your argument is ridiculous. The taxes they pay are a fraction of the benefits they get. ==
Yes. That’s how taxes work.
Comment by thunderspirit Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:20 am
==Sure Grandson, because you are a beneficiary of all these things. Most taxpayers are not.==
Tip O’Neill had a story,
https://www.afscme.org/now/archive/blog/in-praise-of-public-service
Comment by Bigtwich Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:22 am
Details
Comment by Anonymous Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:23 am
Did it ever occur to you folks that maybe union workers aren’t overpaid, but you’re underpaid?
Comment by SweetLou86 Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:24 am
Just an observation but State Employees sold their time & talents to the State just as Private Sectors sell theirs to their employer. The taxes they pay are no different then the ones the private sector guy gets. Once it hits their account it’s no longer the States money but theirs.
So ya they’re taxpayers with every right to gripe as the rest of us.
Of course you could propose that they become exempt from State Taxes in the next contract if you really don’t want them to be taxpayers.
Comment by Mason born Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:25 am
–Here’s an idea, fight for your benefits rather than fighting to take away ours.–
That would require actual long-term effort to make progress, and would not provide the instant self-satisfaction of stroking grievances.
Comment by wordslinger Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:27 am
Flynn’s Mom - in the private sector, your comp and benefits depend on lots of things. Performance for one. Not just longevity. Depends on the profitability of your group/business unit, division, company etc. At a government level it should depend on the financial condition of whatever unit of the government has to pay for its working staff. It should be comparable to the private sector, particularly with the benefits. No reason why government employees should retire 5-15 years earlier than people in the private sector. In this case we will just have to wait and see what was agreed upon before we can determine whether or not it was affordable or if the new folks running the show just bought more votes.
Comment by Tim Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:27 am
Taking benefits away from others, does not give them to you. This is not a zero sum game for private and public sector employees. Jealous of AFSCME benefits? Apply for AFSCME positions or demand those same benefits from your employer.
Comment by Mr.Black Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:28 am
=I totally reject the argument that “government employees” are taxpayers too=
I reject the idea that state of Illinois employees enjoy great benefits. Have you even compared the benefit package to what google, apple, NVidia, or other tech companies in silicon valley receive? In fact I am sure those people are also compensated through shares in stock.
Now I don’t know about you, but I am required to have a masters degree for my state job, yet as a state employee I am not receiving any stocks or competitive benefits that silicon valley companies receive.
Also there hasn’t been a pay raise In over 4 years. The state of Illinois is not a competitive employer , that’s why you are seeing all college graduates leave Illinois and find jobs elsewhere. That’s why the age of state employees are around 55 years old.
There needs to be a pay raise for state employees in order to attract the talent and bring back college talent.
To your argument, if you think tax payers shouldn’t pay, I agree with you. I think my employer should exempt me from all state taxes as a benefit so you have the right to that opinion. If not, then you have no right to determine my pay.
Comment by wow Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:28 am
Just me (and Dave W) - Do you reject the idea that you only get what you pay for? If state workers are so overpaid, why don’t you work for the state?
Comment by Whatever Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:33 am
===Performance for one.===
Basically in every company I have worked for, you are judged by your boss and not actual metrics of performance. So I kind of discount that argument unless you are talking about true performance metrics and not just human relationships.
=== No reason why government employees should retire 5-15 years earlier than people in the private sector.===
Look up tier 2 benefits vs tier 1. Illinois addressed its issues as much as it could eight years ago.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:36 am
=== No reason why government employees should retire 5-15 years earlier than people in the private sector.===
Oh yeah? Go work in a prison for 25 years, and then tell me again about your problems.
Comment by Harvest76 Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:38 am
If we had a National Healthcare System we could cut our nation’s medical bills in half, greatly reducing the cost of labor.
Medical Fraud is wide spread. It is a greater proportion than the average citizen realizes. The administrative dance of who is covered for what is a disgusting and unnecessary game of gotcha where the sick and poor are taken advantage.
Comment by Al Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:39 am
=== No reason why government employees should retire 5-15 years earlier than people in the private sector.===
Also private sector employees can make up to 200k plus bonuses a year. If you are rolling that kind of money you also should be able to retire in 5 to 15 years. We can play this autistic game all day long
Comment by wow Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:41 am
Bruce, are you listening? See how easy that was!
Comment by Finally Out Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:41 am
I’m glad to see that it is tentatively settled.
Once again people are confusing the terms employee and taxpayer. An employee is a person who earns a paycheck for the service they provide their employer. So services earned. A taxpayer is a person who pays taxes so that services can be provided to them or others. So services provided. Those are entirely different things. Quit assuming that state employees deserve their paychecks and employee benefits less than you. Quit assuming that they get more services as taxpayers than you. Quit assuming that that they should earn less money get less employee benefits and pay more in taxes - which is what you really want. You being the people that say hateful tmi ha about state employees for no reason other than they are state employees.
Comment by thoughts matter Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:42 am
The campaign donations will now commence
Comment by Donnie Elgin Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:43 am
Bruce, are you listening? See how easy that was.
Comment by Finally Out Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:43 am
Donnie, the governor is a self-funding billionaire.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:44 am
==I totally reject the argument that “government employees” are taxpayers too==
I’m tired of both sides of this argument. Govt employees are taxpayers that also happen to derive a direct financial benefit from taxes just like any special interest with the govt would. A construction worker pays gas taxes, but he/she also benefits from more gas taxes being collected in more (or any) work or increased pay. Such is life.
Acknowledge both sides and let’s get back to more important things, like the Marriage Penalty.
Comment by City Zen Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:51 am
Donnie-
Pritzker needed AFSCME’s money like this state needs more rain.
Comment by efudd Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:56 am
*ahem* - backpay?
Comment by Colin Robinson Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:56 am
“Not just longevity.” So a line worker at GM doesn’t get any benefits for having been there the longest?
Comment by Skeptic Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:56 am
@ Tim. So you’re saying you want 67 year old cops patrolling your street?
Comment by Generic Drone Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:56 am
- Whatever - Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:33 am:
Just me (and Dave W) - Do you reject the idea that you only get what you pay for? If state workers are so overpaid, why don’t you work for the state? -
I do just fine for myself in the private sector. As a taxpayer, I have every right to criticize state spending and bloated union contracts that we can’t afford. Our state government refuses to live in actuarial reality.
Comment by Dave W Friday, May 31, 19 @ 10:59 am
“I’m tired of both sides of this argument. Govt employees are taxpayers that also happen to derive a direct financial benefit from taxes just like any special interest with the govt would. A construction worker pays gas taxes, but he/she also benefits from more gas taxes being collected in more (or any) work or increased pay. Such is life.”
Really? Since when has the 4.95% flat tax benefited state employees for the last 4/5 years.
In fact it seems that the paychecks have been going down, especially when they raised the state income tax 2 years ago.
Your point is pretty dumb.
“derive a direct financial benefit”
You mean like a paycheck? lol The same paychecks that have been going down. We got a high iq commenter over here!
Comment by wow Friday, May 31, 19 @ 11:01 am
==Here’s an idea, fight for your benefits rather than fighting to take away ours.==
A liberal thinks “I don’t get this benefit, everyone else should get it too”; conservatives think “I don’t get this benefit, so no one else should either”.
Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Friday, May 31, 19 @ 11:04 am
Just wanted to wish everyone a happy Friday and remind you that the State’s spending and revenue curves continue to bend away from each other with each passing day.
Comment by A State Employee Guy Friday, May 31, 19 @ 11:05 am
“I do just fine for myself in the private sector. As a taxpayer, I have every right to criticize state spending and bloated union contracts that we can’t afford. Our state government refuses to live in actuarial reality.”
You are funny. I will support any measure that will require your private sector business to pay more in state taxes, In order to fund my paycheck. You probably don’t pay enough in taxes yourself. Solution raise your corporate/business taxes = funds state employees
Comment by wow Friday, May 31, 19 @ 11:06 am
–Our state government refuses to live in actuarial reality.–
You might think that makes sense, but it does not.
Comment by wordslinger Friday, May 31, 19 @ 11:06 am
“I have every right to criticize state spending” Translation: “If we could only get rid of waste, fraud and abuse, we’d have plenty of money.” Ok then, show us how it’s done. When you come up with a real solution, run for Governor. You’d be a shoo-in.
Comment by Skeptic Friday, May 31, 19 @ 11:12 am
Huh. So that’s what happens when you come to the negotiating table in good faith rather than with a megalomaniacal intent to destroy your negotiating partner.
Comment by LakeCo Friday, May 31, 19 @ 11:15 am
Dave W-
Again, for the cheap seats.
How little should first responders, prison guards, and those caring for the old and abused be paid.
Enough with your envy. Give specifics.
Comment by efudd Friday, May 31, 19 @ 11:15 am
Dave W-
Bishop just hollered down the hall.
Breaks over.
Comment by efudd Friday, May 31, 19 @ 11:17 am
==I do just fine for myself in the private sector. As a taxpayer, I have every right to criticize state spending and bloated union contracts that we can’t afford.==
As consumers of private sector goods and services, we have a right to say quit wasting your owners money and get back to work. You’re making capitalism cry
Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Friday, May 31, 19 @ 11:29 am
==bloated union contracts==
A) You have no idea what’s even in the contract yet
B) You’re just another “it’s not fair” voice in the crowd. Complaining about what someone else gets. It’s pathetic.
Comment by Demoralized Friday, May 31, 19 @ 11:32 am
Not a fan of AFSCME or how these negotiations work (or don’t work), but I’m happy if this brings some peace of mind and additional financial stability to state workers. I will say that it would be nice if AFSCME developed a good relationship with the Pritzker administration based on achieving good outcomes for residents rather than solely increased pay and benefits.
Comment by Chicagonk Friday, May 31, 19 @ 11:32 am
“Wonder how much the taxpayers will be saddled with this time?”
You sound jealous.
Comment by Politix Friday, May 31, 19 @ 11:33 am
People, stop feeding the trolls.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, May 31, 19 @ 11:33 am
===you are a beneficiary of all these things. Most taxpayers are not.===
So taxpayers do not benefit from:
- timely renewal of doctor and nurse licenses
- timely processing of tax refunds
- gas pump inspections that guarantee that you get the gas you pay for
- timely, accurate processing of Medicaid coverage
- regularly inspected nursing homes, hospitals, and other health care facilities
- prisons staffed by trained professionals
- a clean environment
- well maintained public parks
- a professionally maintained IT network that keeps all of state government connected, including multiple databases containing utterly crucial information
- and so on, and so on, and so on.
Sheesh
Nick Name +1! You beat me to it!
Comment by B-non Friday, May 31, 19 @ 11:37 am
*ahem* - backpay?
I know right?
Huge things are afoot brother.
I think we’re gonna just have to wait
till the elephants stop fighting.
I really doubt our legally obligated contractually owed backpay is in the budget to be approved today.
A whole lot of deals have been made to get us to this point.
You and I won’t probably ever know the calculus.
But I’m guessing that our backpay wasn’t in the equation.
I just hope and am trying to have faith that it was for a good reason.
But who knows what’s going to happen.
Just know
I remember
I’m not going to drop it or wait 6 years.
Comment by Honeybear Friday, May 31, 19 @ 11:37 am
@Tim-I do work in the private sector. However, I understand that there are many critical state jobs that need competent employees who earn a decent wage. Don’t tell me that the State Police officers who have been killed in the line of duty or the DCFS case worker who was assaulted and died while working are not worth a few of my tax dollars. BTW, most of my friends in the private sector make a fortune in bonuses and stock options. I’m not one of those, I work in the private social service sector.
Comment by Flynn's Mom Friday, May 31, 19 @ 11:37 am
==I really doubt our legally obligated contractually owed backpay is in the budget to be approved today.==
I think you may be surprised.
Comment by Demoralized Friday, May 31, 19 @ 11:40 am
-achieving good outcomes for residents rather than solely increased pay and benefits.-
God knows working for the state is NOT about the money or benefits,
It’s about a calling
I will remind you that my current customer to caseworker ratio is 812 to 1.
It’s getting so much worse out there
and we have to do
more with less people
and less resources.
Pritzker is
just starting to refill the ranks
just starting
We have years to go before we reach
skeleton crew.
And don’t scream about State workers getting a sweetheart deal
When nobody has seen the deal yet.
Yes, I’m glad we got a tentative contract
Again, thank a Loving God.
Comment by Honeybear Friday, May 31, 19 @ 11:45 am
If public employees are overpaid & if the gender wage gap is primarily about career choices, wouldn’t public employees be male in higher percentage than the private sector? Most of the workforce overall is male, but https://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/statistics/employment/jobpat-eeo4/2015/table3/table3_1_state_.html makes it look like most public sector employees are female.
Not saying both claims are incorrect, but I’ve never seen anyone talk about how the two claims contradict each other.
Comment by Blake Friday, May 31, 19 @ 11:48 am
Regardless of the details, congratulations to the parties to this collective bargaining process, well done. Re-building a management-worker relationship will hopefully benefit our State.
Comment by nadia Friday, May 31, 19 @ 11:53 am
Honeybear:
The back pay is in the budget bill that was just posted this morning.
Comment by Demoralized Friday, May 31, 19 @ 11:55 am
Thunderspirit - “overly generous benefits that government employees receive.” My “overly generous benefits” include vacation time, sick time, and health insurance (that I pay a chunk of). My state pay is appallingly low, and we’ve endured decades of cuts/layoffs/furloughs. Please stop fantasizing about union thugs lighting cigars with $20 bills. This is political porn for the ignorant force fed to you by the Kochs and their brethren.
Comment by Ed Higher Friday, May 31, 19 @ 11:58 am
Demoralized,
Can you help a simpleton out and tell me where (page #’s) that language involving back pay can be found in the bill?
Thanks
Comment by numberz Friday, May 31, 19 @ 12:06 pm
Back pay is on pages 51-68
Comment by Anon Friday, May 31, 19 @ 12:18 pm
==A liberal thinks “I don’t get this benefit, everyone else should get it too”…==
…as he haggles the Nissan salesman on a Tennessee-built Rogue.
Comment by City Zen Friday, May 31, 19 @ 12:20 pm
As others have already said, back pay, listed per agency, starts on page 51 of SB 0262.
https://tinyurl.com/y69w8muu
Comment by Nick Name Friday, May 31, 19 @ 12:22 pm
numberz, just scanning it but page 51 has this:
“Section 1. Appropriations contained in Article of this Act are intended for previously unpaid wage increases to collective bargaining unit employees, including prior years’
costs.
Comment by Perrid Friday, May 31, 19 @ 12:24 pm
apologies, I should have refreshed before posting to make sure no one had beaten me to it.
Comment by Perrid Friday, May 31, 19 @ 12:25 pm
It’s good to see an agreement has been reached. I hope all the people of Illinois will be able to see the details of this agreement prior to its implementation. With all the new taxes that are coming down the pike, full transparency on this contract is good government.
Comment by NotAnonymous Friday, May 31, 19 @ 12:29 pm
Im still waiting on my longevity. Some of us are still frozen.
Comment by Generic Drone Friday, May 31, 19 @ 12:33 pm
I am assuming the union membership will ratify. I understand the back pay will be part of the pending budget.
Going forward? Pay increases? Benefit increases?
What is the ultimate price tag? I’m sure the negotiators know this figure.
Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Friday, May 31, 19 @ 12:35 pm
Notanonymous- I agree with transparency as well. But not so that folks can try and renegotiate the agreement. The public doesn’t get a say. It’s an agreement between labor and management.
We’ll probably know more in a bit.
You’ll know before I do or we’ll learn at the same time.
I can be intemperate and say stuff when I get worked up so although I know my sisters and brothers love me.
They talk amongst themselves 100 yards away from Honeybear.
That’s cool though
I prefer the company of my paranoid theories anyway.
Being debunked all the time is irksome. s/
Comment by Honeybear Friday, May 31, 19 @ 12:49 pm
===If public employees are overpaid===
Blake, you’re onto something there. As studies have shown, state employees occupying higher pay grades or in jobs requiring degrees are underpaid, not overpaid, often seriously underpaid.
Comment by JIbba Friday, May 31, 19 @ 12:50 pm
When you look at that budget number for back pay all that interest makes for an expensive loan.
Comment by Mason born Friday, May 31, 19 @ 12:52 pm
Mason
Yes it does
But that what illinois got by electing rauner
Comment by Tiny Friday, May 31, 19 @ 1:06 pm
==…as he haggles the Nissan salesman on a Tennessee-built Rogue==
No god-fearing American would ever buy a Nissan Rogue. We drive pick-up trucks in this part of the world, son
Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Friday, May 31, 19 @ 1:07 pm
Going forward? Pay increases? Benefit increases?
What is the ultimate price tag? I’m sure the negotiators know this figure.
Easy there tiger. You’re more antsy than I am and you’re not even involved in this. It’s not yours to have a say in. Do I have a say in your compensation package. No I don’t
because
Once you remit your taxes
That money is the Representatives of Illinois concern to appropriate and distribute
Not yours
You get to vote and elect those GA members
That’s your concern
It’s my pay
It’s my benefits
It’s my concern
It’s my contract
That I
Not you
get to vote to ratify
or send the team back to the table.
You don’t get a say in what any private company does because you buy their product or use their service.
In the public sector your say is your vote and being able to redress your representatives and senators for grievances.
You don’t get to negotiate contracts or appropriate money
Comment by Honeybear Friday, May 31, 19 @ 1:16 pm
I get under 100k as an attorney for the state. The person I replaced in this job moved to the private sector and roughly doubled their pay in the process. I’m lucky in that I get paid far more than many social workers and prison guards to do a desk job, but I’m still taking a 50% hit on my pay because I like what I do and I believe in the value of public service.
Comment by Lawyer man Friday, May 31, 19 @ 1:17 pm
Tiny
Yup. It was about as predictable as a sun rise.
Comment by Mason born Friday, May 31, 19 @ 1:17 pm
I’m hearing a lot of “if I don’t have good benefits, then nobody should” That kind of thinking puts us all on a race to the bottom.
Comment by Joe M Friday, May 31, 19 @ 1:23 pm
Well done to both sides. It was a long, bloody battle. I applaud the return to civility and hope for respectful communications in the future.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, May 31, 19 @ 1:46 pm
Spoke with co-worker who is our rep in Springfield for negotiations. They said full back pay should be paid by October of this year. I forgot to ask about the interest. I think I’ll hold off on spending it until I see it in my account.
Comment by ChemicalRiverside Friday, May 31, 19 @ 2:10 pm
==I forgot to ask about the interest. ==
It’s in the budget bill.
Comment by Demoralized Friday, May 31, 19 @ 2:12 pm
Demoralized, et al - are you able to tell from the bill, or guess, when the backpay will be paid?
Comment by Colin Robinson Friday, May 31, 19 @ 2:13 pm
Can’t tell because it’s just an appropriation in the FY20 budget so theoretically it could be a year from now. It won’t be though. The fact that they put it in the budget means they are probably going to pay it as soon as possible.
Comment by Demoralized Friday, May 31, 19 @ 2:22 pm
FWIW, Ed Higher: that’s a quote from Just Me, not my words.
Comment by thunderspirit Friday, May 31, 19 @ 2:23 pm
Chemical, any chance you heard any financial details of the contract?
Comment by Add it up Friday, May 31, 19 @ 2:33 pm
“It’s not yours to have a say in.”
Oh? You are automatically assuming I am blindly anti-union? You don’t know my history then. I’m not asking for a say-so, I’m asking about the price tag.
It’s not a tough question. Nor is it forbidden.
Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Friday, May 31, 19 @ 3:01 pm
I’m not assuming that you’re anti-union
I have experienced you
over and over
as anti union.
as to the question
It will come out when they put it out.
Comment by Honeybear Friday, May 31, 19 @ 3:05 pm
“I’m hearing a lot of “if I don’t have good benefits, then nobody should” That kind of thinking puts us all on a race to the bottom.”
That’s a talking point and said on purpose by those who wish to pit state workers against taxpayers. It’s meant to stir resentment, jealousy and hatred. But the people who say this professionally are either well-off themselves or represent anti-union millionaires and billionaires.
Rauner and his LR chief thought state workers were dumb, when they tried to fool them into accepting terrible contract terms. There was great outreach and education by union leaders, who were workers looking out for their colleagues.
Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, May 31, 19 @ 3:08 pm
“Oh? You are automatically assuming I am blindly anti-union? You don’t know my history then. I’m not asking for a say-so, I’m asking about the price tag.”
ummmm nah, state employee salaries need no longer be open to the public.
Until private sector employees allow their paycheck to be made public, why should state employees have their paycheck be public?
Until I am able to see your paycheck and criticize your pay, you shouldn’t be able to do the same to me.
Comment by wow Friday, May 31, 19 @ 3:10 pm
“Until I am able to see your paycheck and criticize your pay, you shouldn’t be able to do the same to me.”
Your hostility is noted. All I asked for was the total price tag for this deal with the union, and not several thousand individual paychecks. Pay attention please.
Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Friday, May 31, 19 @ 3:28 pm
“Your hostility is noted. All I asked for was the total price tag for this deal with the union, and not several thousand individual paychecks. Pay attention please”
the deal is the paychecks. When you ask what its going to cost. you are asking what each state worker pay increase will cost, which is there paychecks.
good job at a strawman. I am not hostile. All I asked was what total cost you incur on your company? Send me that paycheck, I can see what employee benefits your company pays, what your total package is? How much do you pay for your health insurance? Throw all of that online, its for transparency sake
Comment by wow Friday, May 31, 19 @ 4:06 pm
== Demoralized, et al - are you able to tell from the bill, or guess, when the backpay will be paid? ==
I’ve been guessing by October for quite some time. It might be earlier, but the whole process takes a bit of time to move all the pieces, including recalculating employee pension contributions.
Comment by RNUG Friday, May 31, 19 @ 4:10 pm
===I’ve been guessing by October for quite some time. It might be earlier, but the whole process takes a bit of time to move all the pieces===
The back pay is Article 2. The effective date section of SB 262 (all the way at the end)says, “Articles 1 through Article 33 and Article 182 take effect immediately.”
Agency HR offices have been working hard the past few months to have all the pieces in place for when this was ready.
Comment by Nick Name Friday, May 31, 19 @ 4:40 pm
Hopefully they want to get the backpay paid ASAP as the interest meter is still running.
Comment by Colin Robinson Friday, May 31, 19 @ 5:22 pm
Once we get the contract ratified, AFSCME can start Fair Tax precinct operations with a motivated army.
Comment by Bruce Friday, May 31, 19 @ 5:49 pm
Before anyone gets excited about JB deal with the AFSCME we should wait until we get the details. We need to first see what this is going to cost the taxpayers. You have to remember what the Democrats are passing this session will not solve the State of Illinois fiscal problems nor will it put us on the path to solving them.
Comment by DandyDon Friday, May 31, 19 @ 6:54 pm
I can’t believe some of the comments from the private sector. Do you know that you can’t even get a cup of coffee in a stet office?? And that’s if you’re a guest. There’s bad workers on both sides. Do not begrudge a decent salary to someone because you pay taxes. They do too. Imagine your taxes if state workers weren’t doing their jobs.
Comment by Flynn’s Mom Friday, May 31, 19 @ 7:36 pm
0, 1.25%, 2% and 2.5% over 4 years
Comment by Anonymous Friday, May 31, 19 @ 8:25 pm
Anonymous What are you talking about and where did you get those
Comment by Clark Street Friday, May 31, 19 @ 8:33 pm
===0, 1.25%, 2% and 2.5% over 4 years===
Is this the COLAs, and where did you get them?
Comment by Nick Name Friday, May 31, 19 @ 9:25 pm
Sounds like a troll.
Comment by Colin Robinson Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 1:36 am
Retroactive? If not, I am better off retiring as I am stepped out.
Can’t ratify this.
Comment by Bruce Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 6:21 am
I think there will be a lot of traffic at SERS website. 4 years without COLA and effective 2% pay reduction with income tax rate increase. GDP increases should equate to tax revenue bump. That billion dollars BVR wasted adds insult to injury.
Comment by Bruce Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 6:46 am
What have some very wise people here said about listening to people who can’t even pick a nick name?
Comment by union proud Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 9:24 am