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New union agreement means almost 2,000 state workers under vax mandate

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Illinois

* Progress, but a drop in the bucket until AFSCME comes around…

After recently reaching three union agreements requiring vaccines for certain state workers, Governor JB Pritzker announced the fourth such agreement has been reached with multiple Illinois trade unions working in congregate settings. This progress has been reached as negotiations are ongoing with AFSCME representatives.

This agreement will ensure employees at facilities such as the Shapiro Developmental Center, Menard Correctional Center and Quincy Veteran’s Home are protected with the COVID-19 vaccines. Given the provisions in the previous agreements the state made with VR-704, the Illinois Nurses Association and Illinois Federation of Public Employees, the deadline for all employees covered by vaccine agreements to get their first shot has been extended to October 26.

State employees who remain unvaccinated pose a significant risk to individuals in Illinois’ congregate facilities. Therefore, if employees do not receive the vaccine or an exemption by the dates identified, progressive disciplinary measures will be implemented, which may ultimately lead to discharge. The agreement includes a process whereby employees can seek an exemption based on medical contraindications or sincerely-held religious beliefs.

“Leadership by President Biden and businesses across the country show that vaccine requirements work,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I’m proud to announce that Illinois has reached our fourth union agreement to ensure those we serve are protected. Vaccination remains our strongest tool to stay safe from COVID-19 and protect our children.”

Following Gov. Pritzker’s announcement that all state workers who work in state-run congregate facilities would be required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, the agreements covering 1,990 workers have been made:

• VR-704: 260 supervisory employees at the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) and the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). Agreement reached on September 20, 2021.

• Illinois Nurses Association: approximately 1,100 nurses working in 24/7 facilities like McFarland Mental Health Facility, Quincy Veterans’ Home and Jacksonville Correctional Center. Agreement reached on October 7, 2021.

• Illinois Federation of Public Employees: approximately 160 employees working in Human Services and Veterans’ Affairs. Agreement reached on October 7, 2021.

• Illinois Trade Unions: approximately 470 employees working in 24/7 facilities such as Menard Corrections Center, Shapiro Developmental Center and Quincy Veteran’s Home.

To further encourage vaccinations under the agreements with the unions, employees will receive an additional personal day. If the vaccine administration is not available during an employee’s regularly scheduled shift, the employee may be compensated at their regular pay for the time taken to receive the vaccine. In addition, vaccinated employees will receive paid “COVID time,” so that if a vaccinated employee gets COVID-19 they will receive a period of paid time off without using their benefit time.

The administration has taken extensive measures to make the COVID-19 vaccine equitable and accessible. The Pritzker administration established 25 mass vaccination sites. The Illinois National Guard supported more than 800 mobile vaccination clinics on top of an additional 1,705 state-supported mobile sites that focused on communities hardest hit by the pandemic, young residents, and rural communities. The COVID-19 vaccine has been available for healthcare and nursing home workers since December 15, 2020, and open to teachers since January 25, 2021.

Vaccination is the key to ending the COVID-19 pandemic and returning to normal life. All Illinois residents over the age of 12 are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost and proof of immigration status is not required to receive the vaccine. To find a vaccination center near you, visit vaccines.gov.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Oct 18, 21 @ 2:29 pm

Comments

I understand the political issue for you, but you want people to believe your COVID response efforts have been by the science/experts. This belies that effort. Enough, give AFSCME a deadline and pull the trigger. You leadership claim is becoming horribly tattered.

Comment by Norseman Monday, Oct 18, 21 @ 2:42 pm
Predictable that the union squeezed another personal day out of this. For a vaccination that’s now available at pharmacies, Walmarts and just about all hours drive-thru’s. I guess that removes 1 of their arguments against. But if it gets them vaccinated, it’s worth it.

Comment by Sir Reel Monday, Oct 18, 21 @ 3:11 pm
Norseman, Roberta and the board totally sailed through the reelection process. I know they are negotiating a deal on it but I am not privy to where they are on it.
I personally don’t see why they can’t endorse a vaccine mandate now.
But there again I’m no longer in the loop.
But now that there is no longer a threat of succession from IDOC and facility locals the longer it goes the more I view it as pandering to a loud but ultimately powerless minority within the union.
Now that Roberta has retained power, I see no valid reason why a vaccine mandate can’t be embraced.

Comment by Honeybear Monday, Oct 18, 21 @ 3:30 pm
=== I personally don’t see why they can’t endorse a vaccine mandate now.
But there again I’m no longer in the loop.===

You are a member of an organized labor group where it’s leaderships’ only want was to retain power first, then worry about the health, safety, and welfare of membership… and you’re confused as to why you can’t see a reason why they are not committed yet?

Theirs not committed yet, after keeping their own power is because they are not leading a serious labor organization, but a fraternal group led by minority think.

You’d think after keeping their own power they’d be concerned about membership’s health and covid.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 18, 21 @ 4:07 pm
I’m super glad Covid Time is back in the deal. This is a big deal for me because I got the vaccine as soon as I could. But they took away Covid time. So if I got it I would have to draw from my own benefit time, which for private reasons has been pretty depleted. So really I have a day that I could use but then I’d have to go to using vacation time and possibly use up my time saved for the holidays.
I know it’s a first world problem, but Covid Time means a lot when I’ve done the right thing and followed all Covid protocols all along. When I did my 2 week stint in the office on the “triage crew” I was super worried about getting it. It’s a high risk area that I work in.
So I’m thankful that Covid time is back in.
I felt punished for doing the right thing.

Comment by Honeybear Monday, Oct 18, 21 @ 4:14 pm
OW you’re not wrong. I think I was probably wrong in my understanding of my union. I had hoped for better. I probably rationalized based on what I had heard from a union brother what was I thought a credible threat. But when I heard from another union friend that there had been no threat or contention at convention I felt duped. Maybe they tamped it down. But I think more likely it was hyped and I fell for it.
I’m admitting I was wrong and I feel disappointed.

Comment by Honeybear Monday, Oct 18, 21 @ 4:18 pm
===I’m admitting I was wrong and I feel disappointed.===

Bud, it’s all good. Sincerely.

My concern is first to the health and next to the charge that AFSCME should try to strive to be.

That’s not on you. I’m as disappointed that the mission is an afterthought as you seem to be saying for you.

Stay safe, be well

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 18, 21 @ 4:32 pm
=Now that Roberta has retained power, I see no valid reason why a vaccine mandate can’t be embraced.=

Why would it even matter? Covid doesn’t carry about anyone’s politics. And there’s nothing more important than getting to the other side of the pandemic. I’ve been a big supporter of AFSCME over the years and in particular during those times where we had governors doing everything in their power to undermine the union. But they lost me on this.

Comment by Pundent Monday, Oct 18, 21 @ 4:51 pm
Pundent you’re not wrong.
But I feel strongly that the solution to this is not in withdrawal but it’s opposite…more involvement.
I believe my union is wrong
So I feel I need to have the courage and conviction to do my part to change it.
I hope others will do the same.

Comment by Honeybear Monday, Oct 18, 21 @ 11:33 pm
Honeybear

I wish you luck but I fear you are tilting at windmills. As long as your on the rolls and paying dues there really isn’t an incentive to listen to you. Those opposed are more likely to pursue the arduous task of leaving while you’ll keep paying and “falling in line” that gives them more leverage.

Again I wish you luck.

Comment by Mason born Tuesday, Oct 19, 21 @ 6:35 am
Mason born, oh they listen to me alright. My message actually got right through to them. I had several people contact me last night.
No, when I got to go to Labor Leadership training at U of I during the summer a few years ago, they taught me the 4 criteria of a successful direct action. W.I.L.T.
Winnable
Impactful
Limited
Targeted

I know I can’t change the pandering behavior of current leadership. But I can get across the point to leadership that it’s morally reprehensible and endangers the lives of our members and those we serve as state employees.

It’s pandering to cowards afraid of a life saving vaccine.

I can see no other explanation for their behavior.
If I’m wrong I always publically admit it.
But from the response I got last night.
The charge of pandering stings

So guess what. I pounded home the charge of perfidy against the Rauner administration.
I think I was impactful.

It doesn’t matter to me that others may think I’m tilting at windmills.
I know by the reactions my limited and targeted charge of pandering hurts.
It’s as impactful as I can be
And getting through and agitating is the little win I can score with my single voice.

Pandering to cowards is far more destructive to solidarity than letting go of those who don’t want to stand in solidarity with us in the first place.

Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Oct 19, 21 @ 9:06 am