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* Press release…
The largest union representing public service workers in Illinois state government, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31, will hold a news conference tomorrow (Thursday) morning in Springfield to announce the results of voting by state workers on whether to authorize their union bargaining committee to call a strike if necessary.
Governor Bruce Rauner broke off negotiations with the union more than a year ago, walking away and refusing to even meet with the AFSCME bargaining committee ever since. Instead of working toward compromise, Governor Rauner has been seeking the power to unilaterally impose his own harsh demands, including a 100% hike in employee costs for health care that would take $10,000 out of the pocket of the average state worker, a four-year wage freeze and an end to safeguards against irresponsible privatization.
WHAT: News conference to announce result of state worker strike authorization vote
WHO: AFSCME Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch and rank-and-file state employees
WHEN: Tomorrow (Thursday, Feb. 23) at 10:30 a.m.AFSCME Council 31 represents some 38,000 Illinois state employees who protect kids, care for veterans and the disabled, respond to emergencies, help struggling families and much more.
Over and under on the strike vote percentage?
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 4:21 pm
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Over 75.
Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 4:25 pm
I’ll go 80. They wouldn’t be holding a big press event for a weak number or a no vote, unless they are clueless.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 4:27 pm
85
Comment by PublicServant Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 4:27 pm
If I’m Pat Quinn…
I show up tomorrow. Just to show AFSCME… who learned what.
The “number”? Yikes. I have to think with an “announcement” and such… 83.5… Over/Under.
That’s an “Opening Line”, moving as bettors… lay markers.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 4:27 pm
77% with 85 % participation.
Comment by WhoKnew Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 4:28 pm
Oh the suspense!
90% in favor of striking. Rauner would just love AFSCME to go on strike.
Comment by Deft Wing Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 4:28 pm
I am guessing somewhere in the neighborhood of 85% approval with 85% participation
Comment by SoIll Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 4:35 pm
Well it’s been a long time coming. Rauner’s finally about to get the circus he’s been hoping for since before 2014.
Comment by Robert the 1st Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 4:37 pm
I’ll be Rauner is so excited that he doesn’t get much sleep tonight. He’s finally gonna show that Scott Walker what REAL union-bustin’ is like!
Comment by tobias846 Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 4:39 pm
+85% approval, +90% participation.
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 4:40 pm
90% yes vote with 90% participation. Plenty high enough to authorize a strike!
Comment by Union Strong Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 4:41 pm
80% pro strike, because, well, it’s AFSCME. It will be a test as to exactly how many people are needed to carry out the applications of the statutes. Every law carries the implication that someone will be needed to apply that law.
Comment by My New Handle Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 4:41 pm
As low as 75% for strike authorization, only because of Rauner’s Reaganeque threats and membership fearing that Rauner’s money/lawyers can actually make a strike “illegal”. Tough propaganda to face with a mortgage & kids.
80% participation.
Comment by Stumpy's bunker Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 4:46 pm
Of those that voted: it will be around 93-95%. Everyone I know that isn’t striking…just didn’t vote.
If counting those who didn’t vote as NO votes….probably closer to 75-80%.
Comment by Consideration Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 4:52 pm
“Reaganesque”
Comment by Stumpy's bunker Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 4:53 pm
AFSCME will be signing their death warrant regardless of whether or not a strike takes place.
Comment by Miss Blago Yet? Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 4:56 pm
They will get the number that they want.
Comment by Thunder Fred Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 4:57 pm
Who published the press release?
Comment by Curious Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 4:59 pm
State workers: expect a friendly JT update in your inboxes in the morning.
Comment by Nick Name Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 4:59 pm
85% yes, 85% participation
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 5:05 pm
68%
Comment by Annonin' Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 5:25 pm
90% yes with maybe 45% willing to follow through
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 5:28 pm
65
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 5:30 pm
85% because they downplayed the difficulty of a strike. Voting participation at about 75%.
Comment by Pelonski Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 5:33 pm
I think turn out will be very high (90-95%) of those who can actually vote. Less than 8% will vote ‘no’.
Comment by Cindy Lou Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 5:35 pm
I believe it will pass by a large number. Not interested in guessing. What Council 31 needs to do is be smart on their next move.
Wait to see what the appellate court rules on the dispute. If it goes against the union I would check with the councils lawyers if they work under the guvs “last and best offer” for a period of time do they still have the right to strike. Or if just showing up to work eliminates that scenario.
I believe it’s imperative that rank and file feel the pain for awhile when they see less take home pay on their checks. This in my opinion will decrease the number of my fellow brothers and sisters from crossing the picket line. Just a thought….
Comment by Steward As Well.... Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 5:35 pm
If we weren’t praying before, now is the time to start.
Comment by CCP Hostage Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 5:37 pm
82% yes
85% participated.
Comment by Seats Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 5:38 pm
I wonder if this will prompt a decision from the appellate court on the motion to stay Rauner from imposing his terms while the litigation is pending. If Rauner wins that I’d expect him to act quickly which would seem to force a strike.
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 5:42 pm
85% authorize, 85% participate
25% will strike for more than a week
Afscme will actually strike 0%
Comment by Bert Martucci Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 5:51 pm
90% participation with 80% for a strike.
Comment by Mama Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 6:08 pm
“- Bert Martucci - Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 5:51 pm:”
Rauner, you are on vacation again. What are you doing posting to Capital Fax?
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 6:10 pm
If there are 10 people in an office and 3 of them are fair share but all 7 people vote.
Is that 100% participation or 70% participation?
Comment by Seats Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 6:13 pm
Seats, I think it would be the 70%. It’s based upon bargaining units that can vote (excluding those who have interest arbitration). That’s how I understand it.
Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 6:18 pm
Seats, that’s be considered 100%. Fair share do not factor into number of eligible voters.
To the post: 82% yes, 89% turnout.
Comment by August Spies Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 6:22 pm
85% yes but when it comes down to it probably about 30% will actually walk out!
Comment by OldTimer Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 6:26 pm
“- OldTimer - Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 6:26 pm:”
Rauner. You don’t fool me.
90 to 94 percent who voted yes will Strike
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 6:40 pm
The people predicting no strike are not sock puppets for Rauner. He WANTS a strike.
Comment by Whatever Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 6:48 pm
Anon-I’m 30 years with the State. I’m paycheck to paycheck like so many others.There won’t/can’t be a strike. Just beat him in 2018. Come back to fight another day.
Comment by Bert Martucci Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 6:56 pm
If you strike then you are dumb. You will end up losing pay for however long you strike AND pay more for your insurance. Rauner will NOT surrender to a strike. Have you been paying attention at all?
Comment by Ihatepolitics Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 7:00 pm
To Whatever-
Rauner doesn’t want a strike. Rauner wants a weak strike. If he WANTED employees to strike he wouldn’t have JT sending out those ridiculous emails full of 90% lies.
Now does Rauner want a strike where 50% of the people will cross the picket line? I could agree with that. Does he want a strike with over 80% of employees not crossing? No chance imo.
Comment by Seats Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 7:20 pm
That sounds good, but what if he imposes his terms and outsources all our jobs before the election?
- Bert Martucci - Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 6:56 pm:
Anon-I’m 30 years with the State. I’m paycheck to paycheck like so many others.There won’t/can’t be a strike. Just beat him in 2018. Come back to fight another day.
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 7:24 pm
Percentage the strikers will be replaced if they are dumb enough to strike
Comment by Dr X Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 7:28 pm
After folks count their blessings, I think the percentage choosing to strike will be below 50%
Comment by cdog Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 7:28 pm
over 80% and under 90%. The courts may decide that there is no impasse.
Comment by facts are stubborn things Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 7:31 pm
75% plus in favor of a strike authorization - which spells PATCO
Comment by Texas Red Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 7:53 pm
Specifically what unions under the afcsme guise are not allowed by law to strike and therefore do not get to vote?
Comment by my six Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 8:13 pm
===…which spells PATCO===
Clueless. You have no idea what you’re talking about here.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 8:15 pm
Let’s get ready to rumble
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 8:32 pm
Our workplace had only one fair share employee who signed up for full membership in order to vote yes. I’m going to say 90% participation…88% voting yes.
Comment by Johnnie F. Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 8:51 pm
Ever the skeptic, i doubt we will get legit percentages.
Comment by Blue dog dem Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 9:05 pm
80% approval of a strike.
20% actually strike.
5% of other unions strike.
AFSCME goes down in flames.
Comment by Cadillac Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 9:12 pm
No matter what the numbers are AFSCME will have to say they have the votes to strike. They will not release the numbers. They will try to get Rauner back to the bargaining table but Rauner calls their bluff and AFSCME comes out and says they don’t want to cause hardship for their members.
Cadillac, The other Unions have a no strike clause.
The credibility and the security of the ballots were a joke in this election. There was electioneering right up to you putting your ballot in the CARDBOARD box. There is nothing to keep someone from going through and taking out the no votes and replacing them with ballots marked yes.
Comment by He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 9:59 pm
It’s a small sample… but for whatever reason nearly every AFSCME member I know lives paycheck-to-paycheck regardless of how much he or she makes. I like many, believe Rauner wants nothing more than a strike. I believe it will fail by the 2nd missed paycheck.
Comment by Robert the 1st Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 10:08 pm
What do people think about the outsourcing threat? Will he be able to outsource everyone, or almost everyone, before the election? I know I’m easily replaced.
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 10:24 pm
75% vote for strike.
20% AFSCME follows through on the vote.
50/50 the Governor wants a strike. He said he’d shut it down but I’m betting he’s weighing that option really hard now. A bad decision by him coupled with issues already present means reelection is tougher than ever.
Comment by DuPage Bard Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 10:49 pm
Robert the 1st -
If he wanted a strike why would he have JT send those ridiculous scare tactic emails? He wants a weekly participated in strike, but not a strong strike.
If he wanted a strike he (jt) wouldnt be sending the emails he has.
Comment by Seats Wednesday, Feb 22, 17 @ 10:56 pm
==What do people think about the outsourcing threat? Will he be able to outsource everyone, or almost everyone, before the election? I know I’m easily replaced. ==
news letter sent out sometime ago already stated how the rauner administration has already signed an mou in India. people calling the state could be talking to someone in india instead.
Comment by working stiff Thursday, Feb 23, 17 @ 6:38 am
The press conference was scheduled before vote counting began. 90+% Yes vote, 80+% participation.
Comment by Perp Motion Thursday, Feb 23, 17 @ 6:57 am
considering how the voting took place, I’m sure it passed but with what percentage I’m not sure. the voting process was ridiculous from what someone told me and considering they also said the ballots were put in a cardboard box what difference does it make anyway. the union will get what they want regardless of what the actual vote was. the person also said they were handing out stickers that said ‘I voted yes” before the people actually voted- seriously? I support the union but this is not going to turn out well for anyone.
Comment by Interesting Thursday, Feb 23, 17 @ 8:33 am
Does anyone know where/how this will be announced? Televised, twitter, email??
Comment by IllinoisBelows Thursday, Feb 23, 17 @ 9:11 am
There are from several hundred to. For technical positions at least ten people on each eligible list for each bargaining unit position. In the event of a strike, the state need only put large ads in the help wanted aparts of the large papers i. The state inviting people to apply for state positions wiht possibility. Of immediate employment available.
At the bottom in a black box warning say being AWOL from a postion contitutes job abandonment and is grounds for suspension pending discharge. the let word of mouth do the rest.
Strike broken and impement immediate termination of agency fee payments to unions.
Comment by WE THE PEOPLE Thursday, Feb 23, 17 @ 11:05 am