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* Statement from Roberta Lynch, Executive Director of AFSCME Council 31…
Our fundamental goal as a union is to protect the lives and health of every union member and the people they serve. That’s why, since the first availability of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, AFSCME has worked to educate and encourage union members to be vaccinated in order to protect themselves, their families, co-workers and communities.
We have been working collaboratively with state agencies over the past months to increase vaccination rates and reduce the incidence of COVID in veterans’ homes, correctional facilities and care centers. And those efforts have been making steady progress.
In many of these state facilities vaccination rates now exceed those in the surrounding communities. More importantly, the numbers of COVID cases have declined dramatically in every one of these settings. In fact, some facilities have had no new cases at all—even with the arrival of the highly contagious Delta variant.
In other words, the combination of education about vaccine efficacy, ongoing testing, and appropriate protective measures, such as masking, has in fact been highly effective in reducing the spread of the virus in these facilities. Certainly more can be done, and our union is prepared to continue to work to further strengthen COVID prevention measures. We believe such efforts represent a better path forward than rigid mandates.
The employees in these congregate facilities have been on the job every day since the onset of this pandemic, putting their own health and safety at risk to assure public safety and provide essential care. We strongly oppose any effort to define them as part of the problem rather than recognizing their dedication and the vitally important contributions they have made to protecting health and saving lives.
The Pritzker Administration has already notified AFSCME that they stand ready to bargain over the implementation of the Governor’s plan for a vaccination mandate in these congregate facilities. Our union is fully prepared to engage in those discussions in order to ensure fairness for employees, while safeguarding the health of staff and all those who reside in these facilities.
Just get the shots.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 4:42 pm
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
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In other words, what’s in it for us?
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 4:45 pm
As an AFSCME member, that disappoints me. Just say “Let’s do it, we’ll lead the way.”
Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 4:48 pm
=== The employees in these congregate facilities have been on the job every day since the onset of this pandemic, putting their own health and safety at risk to assure public safety and provide essential care. We strongly oppose any effort to define them as part of the problem rather than recognizing their dedication and the vitally important contributions they have made to protecting health and saving lives.===
This is gibberish unless labor agrees to mandating shots too.
Why you ask? Well…
===Our fundamental goal as a union is to protect the lives and health of every union member and the people they serve. That’s why, since the first availability of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, AFSCME has worked to educate and encourage union members to be vaccinated in order to protect themselves, their families, co-workers and communities.==
Like I said. Gibberish.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 4:52 pm
Counterpoint: if eligible employees have not gotten vaccinated, they absolutely are not only part of the problem, they’re most of the problem.
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 4:56 pm
Adding…I’m all in on unions and will vote with them all day every day…but if they can’t get on board, they’re gonna lose me and fast
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 4:57 pm
California mandated it for all state workers “in a workplace.” The union objected but California pushed forward.
https://fox40.com/news/california-connection/vaccine-mandate-for-state-workers-now-in-effect-union-attorneys-claim-it-violates-contract/
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 4:57 pm
They stopped paying 12% of covid pay a year ago. They won’t make incarcerated to get the vaccine (don’t tell me it is their fault they are incarcerated, it is)
Comment by …. Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 4:58 pm
Errrg. Just say “we support the mandate.” If you have to, say “we will protect members who have a legitimate medical excuse to refuse the vaccination from any retaliation….” Or something.
Comment by bkhartbnjo Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 4:58 pm
Let me be even more pointed and clear.
*Any* organized labor group opposed to vaccination mandates is in actuality going against what being organized is all about.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 5:00 pm
What’s to discuss?
Comment by JoanP Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 5:01 pm
This is a defining moment for leaders. Pritzker, Lynch, CEOs. Decisions have to be made and some will not be popular. But a leader should be more concerned about doing what’s right and not popularity. Getting on-board with a vaccine requirement is in the best long term interest of AFSCME and Roberta Lynch and they should be clear eyed in that regard. And to paraphrase if you aren’t part of the solution you are the problem.
Comment by Pundent Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 5:01 pm
The 13% covid supplemental pay they took away a year ago.
Comment by What’s to discuss Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 5:05 pm
How would AFSCME like it if the State decided that 1) if you get COVID and are unvaccinated it’s no longer considered applicable for workers comp;
2) COVID for unvaccinated police, firefighters, etc. is no longer considered a line of duty death; and
3) insurance companies do not have to pay out life insurance claims for unvaccinated people who die from COVID?
Honestly a vaccine mandate is the least the State could be doing and it’s long past time. The unions need to get on board quick.
Comment by MyTwoCents Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 5:19 pm
Not in AFSCME, but another state union: At a meeting a couple months ago, one of our leadership gave us a politely stern lecture on the benefits of being vaccinated, based on the experience of a fellow member who’d lost family members to the virus. Seems like the higher-ups know what they SHOULD do/say but are worried about losing dues-paying members in the post-Janus environment. There are still a not-insignificant number of state employees out there who heartily subscribe to GQP talking points, except they’re still all-in when it comes to their union.
Comment by Scooter Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 5:20 pm
=We strongly oppose any effort to define them as part of the problem=
Nobody said that, but it is true for anyone that can get vaccinated but did not do so.
Have thicker skin and smarten up AFSCME leadership. As other have said, the message should have been we support the vaccine mandate and we will do our part.
Self inflicted wound by AFSCME
Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 5:23 pm
===Self inflicted wound by AFSCME===
Remember when the statewide smoking ban went into effect, AFSCME members / stewards insisted, with a straight face, that since their Collective Bargaining Agreement provided for smoking rooms, state law couldn’t abolish them. Seems that mindset still pervades Council 31.
Comment by Anyone Remember Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 5:30 pm
Having higher vaccination rates than some of thee surrounding communities is not the ceiling it’s the floor. All facilities should have higher rates than surrounding communities. You are taking care of the sick, vulnerable, elderly, disabled and incarcerated folks, they can’t run from you. You are obviously bringing it to them if they get sick. Get the shot.
Comment by Frank talks Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 5:33 pm
==We strongly oppose any effort to define them as part of the problem==
The reality is that anyone who is not vaccinated is part of the problem. ANYONE. It has nothing to do with your position or whether your situation is governed by a contract.
Comment by Out Here In The Middle Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 5:35 pm
-rigid mandates -
There’s not much more to say. That’s how they feel.Don’t bet against the mighty , mighty union here in Illinois.
Comment by Town Caller Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 5:36 pm
===We strongly oppose any effort to define them as part of the problem===
Agreed on all counts to this;
Anyone not vaccinated is part of the problem, any group not supporting mandatory vaccinations is part of the problem too.
Got it? Good.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 5:47 pm
I thought the MAGA types were the only anti-vaxers around. How wrong I am.
Comment by Central State Voter Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 5:51 pm
This is a mobile society.
No matter where you are others from elsewhere or others physically near you go elsewhere,
and then, return.
The policies need to be the same.
Everywhere. Not just your church, your school, your employer, your union.
We is now me,expect we all are mobile. This is the problem the USA has yet to figure out.
Comment by sharkette Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 5:54 pm
===I thought the MAGA types were the only anti-vaxers around.===
There are many, many Republicans and Trump supporters in AFSCME and a lot of other unions.
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 5:55 pm
= I thought the MAGA types were the only anti-vaxers around.=
You can be a MAGA type and still belong to a union, even a public one. That’s the way the world works. People don’t have to conform to stereotypes.
Comment by Pundent Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 5:56 pm
The town in Main, we do not need to vaccinate WE are all fine. And no one there leaves that town, ever. We are in our school, and our school is safe, except jimmy or susie went on vacation somewhere. We work for MS and our card does not allow access to our old office we crave.. if we are not vacxed. Yet we work for weed and feed in AR and we have a different policy as we are anti vax, and our feed supply rep now went to OH and they get sick from Mr ME owner of weed and feed in AR. And Jimmy just got back from Orlando and his church people are all sick ow too
WE all need to get on the program. The SAME program.
This is ME, it is not we. WE is upside down. Them -them a& they are. No names, just thems and theys our new found most popular words
Comment by Sharkette Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 6:03 pm
=== There are many, many Republicans and Trump supporters in AFSCME and a lot of other unions.===
Leading a big union is like hearing cats. In Lynch’s statement, I see a nod to all the anti-vaxxers she knows she represents. Also, the union has the right and responsibility to bargain any change in working conditions. That said, I expect the end result to be “we did our best, now go get vaccinated”
Comment by Pot calling kettle Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 6:04 pm
*herding cats*
Comment by Pot calling kettle Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 6:13 pm
No one should assume what the unions will settle for. Many unions might settle for regular COVID testing for the unvaccinated members. People, you must remember we have members who have been traumatized by the memory of the Tuskegee Institute “experiment”. It might not mean something to the majority white community but we will not forget.
Comment by Union Proud Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 6:16 pm
=== No one should assume what the unions will settle for===
Gonna go on strike because the membership won’t take a lifesaving vaccine to help eradicate a virus?
That’ll go over well.
===might settle for===
Houston Baptist Hospital’s win on mandatory vaccination might put a crimp on “settling”
Its confusing that some think they have leverage.
Ask those not working at Houston Baptist what it means to “settle”
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 6:24 pm
I’m a strong union supporter but AFSCME needs to get on board and agree to mandatory vaccinations for ALL state employess.
As many others have stated, if you are not vaccinated you are the problem.
Comment by John Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 7:11 pm
As an AFSCME 31 member. I got vaccinated months ago. Do the right thing people and get vaccinated. It’s just a couple of shots.
Comment by Glengarry Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 8:06 pm
The membership is made up of all types, there are many that are far right and followers of the anti vaccination non sense. Just like kids shouldn’t have to wear masks stuff. I don’t understand them but makes all AFSCME look bad.
Comment by BTO2 Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 8:22 pm
“I thought the MAGA types were the only anti-vaxers around.”
I work in IDOC and the vast majority, especially in the southern
part of the state, are 100% MAGA.
Comment by MrX Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 9:11 pm
The virus itself is rigid and inflexible, by its very nature it takes away a lot of choices that might otherwise be available. My earlier comment never made it, for some reason, but I stand by what I said. The virus is the triangle shirtwaist fire burning though workplaces across the country right now. Which side are you on?
Comment by AC Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 9:25 pm
Unions are fundamentally democratic organizations. 24/7 facilities have been the down state jobs program/patronage program in this state for decades. AFSCME has to represent it’s members.
We should expect it to.
Comment by Candy Dogood Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 9:41 pm
===AFSCME has to represent it’s members.===
Organized labor was created to advocate for the well-being of members, be it wages, work conditions, and health and safety.
*Any* organized labor group opposed to vaccination mandates is in actuality going against what being organized is all about.
If AFSCME … represents its Covidiot members and not the truth to its charge to be advocates for the greater good of all members… they are 100% doing it wrong.
How can any organized labor be against vaccines?
Being against vaccines is like organized labor being against any other work safety measure… times 10
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 9:49 pm
“Just get the shots”
Sounds like someone who’s job allowed them to stay inside while the rest of us jeopardize our health and safety and our families before the vaccine’s.
Comment by Clueless In Illinois Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 9:50 pm
===…before the vaccine===
Are you vaccinated now?
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 9:54 pm
I think Pot calling kettle at 6:04 is on the right track. A change of working conditions is a mandatory bargaining condition. A union should not simply give up that right. Hopefully, there will be only one bargaining session and AFSCME will come out and say we agree with State that vax should be mandatory.
Comment by G'Kar Wednesday, Aug 4, 21 @ 10:37 pm
Oswego…
“The reality is that anyone who is not vaccinated is part of the problem. ANYONE. It has nothing to do with your position or whether your situation is governed by a contract.”
Imagine being unable to get vaxxed because of medical condition and reading what you wrote. The greater good has got you thinking like a authoritarian about to take away people’s freedom
Comment by The Dude Thursday, Aug 5, 21 @ 5:04 am
=== Imagine being unable to get vaxxed because of medical condition and reading what you wrote. The greater good has got you thinking like a authoritarian about to take away people’s freedom ===
LOL
First is they “can’t”… then you close with “freedom”?
C’mon, this can’t be an honest take, this is a phony worry so one can say “for ‘Merica”
It’s not authoritarian, jobs are choices, they have the freedom to find another one
“The greater good has got you thinking like a authoritarian about to take away people’s freedom”
This is *exactly* the problem. Like “on the button” the problem.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 5, 21 @ 6:21 am
===The greater good has got you thinking like a authoritarian about to take away people’s freedom===
The courts disagree with you.
It’s not me.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 5, 21 @ 6:38 am
- Imagine being unable to get vaxxed because of medical condition -
I imagine if that were the case I’d want my coworkers who are healthy enough to be vaccinated. You’re pretty dumb, huh?
Comment by Excitable Boy Thursday, Aug 5, 21 @ 7:52 am
“Unions are fundamentally democratic organizations. ” So…majority rules?
Comment by Skeptic Thursday, Aug 5, 21 @ 8:00 am
“Pritzker administration stands ready to negotiate” ?
Wonder if they stand ready to negotiate with all the parents on the mask mandate?
Comment by Your Mom Thursday, Aug 5, 21 @ 8:01 am
- ready to negotiate with all the parents on the mask mandate? -
The majority of parents want masks so I’d say yeah, he probably is.
Comment by Excitable Boy Thursday, Aug 5, 21 @ 8:07 am
As someone already vaccinated since early spring (and might have slightly “cut in line” a few weeks early), I have been calling for mandatory vaccinations eventually for all fellow state employees for some time. Should be no different than taking the state Ethics test annually. If you don’t do the ethics test, you get discharged. Time to do the same on the COVID vaccine.
I would also like to see this mandatory vaccination requirement tied into a “return to office in person” plan for those agencies still having staff working at home after nearly 17 months. (I’ve been back in the office since immediately after the stay-at-home orders ended).
Comment by EssentialStateEmployeeFromChatham Thursday, Aug 5, 21 @ 8:45 am
Ok, so can vaxxed people transmit the virus or not. The reasoning behind masks points to yes, and medical professionals are saying the same, delta can be spread by vaxxed people. So, why are you all throwing temper tantrums about those who are unvaccinated when ANYONE can spread the virus. The vax protects you and no one else, so mind your business.
Comment by Vaxidasical Thursday, Aug 5, 21 @ 8:47 am
Or maybe they’re being defined as part of the solution
Comment by In 630 Thursday, Aug 5, 21 @ 8:51 am
===So, why are you all throwing temper tantrums about those who are unvaccinated===
Please don’t project your silliness as you apparently are not vaccinated and are willing to spread the virus without any protection.
===mind your business===
Yeah, to that, go ask those at Houston Baptist how that worked out for them.
They have the freedom to get another job, they should excise that, or get vaccinated.
Anything less, they are part of the problem… “any” organized labor group opposed to vaccination mandates is in actuality going against what being organized is all about.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 5, 21 @ 8:52 am
Mandate is a nonstarter in DOC unless the offenders are forced to get the vaccine as well. The offenders made choices too
Comment by Southern Guy Thursday, Aug 5, 21 @ 8:56 am
=== Mandate is a nonstarter in DOC===
I’m sure, when looking for new jobs, “that’ll show DOC”
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 5, 21 @ 8:58 am
=== The offenders made choices too===
The offended can’t leave.
Tell ya what… all the unvaccinated DOC workers should live there in the prisons until they get vaccinated, just like the incarcerated.
Yep, that’s how ridiculous you sound
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 5, 21 @ 9:01 am
=== when looking for new jobs===
Those employees aren’t going anywhere unless the Union agrees to the mandate. If the gov wants that agreement, the offenders will be required to be vaccinated as well.
Comment by Southern Guy Thursday, Aug 5, 21 @ 9:02 am
OW - the offenders aren’t victims.
Comment by Southern Guy Thursday, Aug 5, 21 @ 9:04 am
- Southern Guy -
You’re a victim?
“Ok”, go with that too
=== If the gov wants that agreement, the offenders will be required to be vaccinated as well.===
Good luck with that. If you strike, that’ll be far worse publicly for y’all than what you think.
If you want the job, get the vax. “Simple”
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 5, 21 @ 9:08 am
===can vaxxed people transmit the virus or not===
The CDC makes it pretty clear that if they become positive for Covid then they can spread it seemingly just as easy. What you are missing is the obvious fact that you are much much much less likely to test positive for covid with the vaccine. If you’re not positive with the virus than you won’t be spreading it. Seems pretty straightforward.
Comment by Seats Thursday, Aug 5, 21 @ 9:10 am
Got the vax already, because I chose to get it.
Never claimed to be a victim of anything, and not interested in the job.
If the Gov can’t mandate the vax for the offenders, not going to happen for employees - it is that simple.
Comment by Southern Guy Thursday, Aug 5, 21 @ 9:16 am
=== If the Gov can’t mandate the vax for the offenders, not going to happen for employees===
Never heard of “terms of employment”?
Guess not.
Want the job, here are the terms. Your job is not guaranteed merely because of a want or choice. Otherwise, there’d be no such thing as “terms of employment” and Houston Baptist wouldn’t have felt the need to dismiss some workers too.
I *am* glad you are vaccinated
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 5, 21 @ 9:19 am
“Ok, so can vaxxed people transmit the virus or not. The reasoning behind masks points to yes, and medical professionals are saying the same, delta can be spread by vaxxed people. So, why are you all throwing temper tantrums about those who are unvaccinated when ANYONE can spread the virus. The vax protects you and no one else, so mind your business.”
Can a vaccinated person catch and spread COVID? Yes.
Are they as likely to catch and spread it as a NON-vaccinated person? No.
Having more vaccinated people in the population makes it harder for COVID to spread.
Lower transmission rates equals less COVID for everyone, and we can return to some level of normalcy again.
This isn’t hard. Just get the shot.
Comment by Stig Thursday, Aug 5, 21 @ 9:20 am