1 ON T H E #169 • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016

Illinois Council 31—American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees—AFL-CIO

Standing Postage PAID AFSCME U.S. Org Non-Profit together for a fair contract

31 Ave. STATE EMPLOYEES RISE TO MEET THE CHALLENGE 60601 IL Council Michigan Floor 21st N. Chicago, AFSCME 205 2 On the Move January-February 2016 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

On the Move AFSCME Illinois On the Move is published six times annually by Illinois Public Employees Council AFSCME never quits 31 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO. Send correspondence to: [email protected] or: AFSCME, On the Move, 205 N. Michigan Ave., 21st Floor, Chicago, IL 60601

Roberta Lynch, Executive Director Mike Newman, Deputy Director Unions faced with unprecedented assault in high court Nell McNamara, Editor Dolores Wilber, Designer Council 31 Executive Board Officers STATE EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT Ralph Portwood, Stateville CC, Local 1866 CITY/COUNTY EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT Carmin Willis-Goodloe, Cook County Hospital, Local 1111 that same kind of warm, fuzzy PRIVATE SECTOR EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT encouragement to quit from Yolanda Woods, Hope Institute oes Bruce Rauner go out for late- Local 2481 another faux friend, Gover- UNIVERSITY EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT night cocktails with Charles and nor Bruce Rauner—the same Dorinda Miller, U of I Clericals, Local 3700 governor who is leading the David Koch, the infamous uber-rich SECRETARY D charge to drive down the Pat Ousley, Department of brothers who are seeking to remake the take-home pay of state work- Employment Security, Local 1006 TREASURER American political landscape with their vast ers, abolish the collective bar- Rob Fanti, Sheridan CC, Local 472

fortune? gaining rights of local govern- Board Members ment employees, and S TATE CONFERENCE BOARD CO-CHAIRS w Gloria Arseneau, (RC-14), DOES THIS TRIO RENDEZVOUS echoing the Center’s argu- privatize whatever and wher- Northeastern Illinois State Employees, EVERY YEAR AT SOME EXCLUSIVE ments. ever he chooses. Local 2794 Many in the media will Gary Ciaccio, Shapiro, DC RESORT OR JET OFF TOGETHER While purporting to be Local 29 to some tropical island? Do about freedom of speech for echo their calls. When orga- Kathy Lane, (RC-63), they brainstorm together public employees, this case nized labor backed legislation Northwestern Illinois State Employees, Local 448 about what company to take (Friedrichs v. California that sought to prevent a strike over next or where to invest Teachers Association) is at its in state government by pro- REGION I VICE-PRESIDENTS (COOK AND LAKE COUNTIES) their mega millions? These root an attempt to bankrupt viding for the intervention of Safiya Felters, Department of Health- are things we regular folks labor unions—requiring an independent arbitrator, care and Family Services, Local 2854 BY will likely never know. them to provide all aspects of just about every newspaper in Ellen Larrimore, Northeastern Illinois ROBERTA LYNC H But whether or not union representation (con- the state parroted Rauner’s University, Local 1989 Stephen Mittons, Department of Chil- they’re drinking buddies or tract negotiations, grievance talking points, which argued dren and Family Services, Local 2081 traveling companions, procedure, legal advocacy, it would be better to let him John Rayburn, Chicago Public Library, Rauner and the Kochs are etc.) to all employees in a force a strike. As if that Local 1215 Kobie Robinson, Cook County Asses- most definitely political soul- union workplace, while allow- weren’t enough of media sub- sor’s Office, Local 3835 mates, joined at the hip by a ing any employee who so servience to the powers-that- REGION II VICE-PRESIDENTS fierce desire to silence the chooses to refrain from pay- be, the Illinois Policy Institute (NOTHERN ILLINOIS) WE HAVE TO voices of average working ing even a penny toward the just bought up the Illinois Garry Cacciapaglia, city of Rockford, Radio Network, one of the Local 1058 families in the political arena cost of that representation. Dave Delrose, Will County, Local 1028 HOLD FAST TO and the workplace. Their Fair Share fees were ruled primary sources of news for Carlene Erno, Illinois State Employees, strategy for achieving that aim constitutional by a 9-0 vote of local radio stations all across Local 2615 THE POWERFUL the state of Illinois. Ruby Robinson, Illinois State Employ- is straightforward: eradicate the US Supreme Court in ees, Local 2833 FORCE WE’VE unions, especially public 1977. But with a majority on So we have to begin now Yurvette Simmons, United Cerebral employee unions. the current Supreme Court to prepare for the massive Palsy of Will County, Local 3237 BUILT UP OVER onslaught of misinformation Without the organized now firmly allied with the cor- REGION III VICE- PRESIDENTS strength of the millions of porate elite, it is all too possi- that’s about to descend on all (CENTRAL ILLINOIS) DECADES: of us. Mark Kerr, McFarland Zone Center, working people who belong ble that decades-old decision Local 2767 OUR UNION. to unions today, the super- will be overturned—and the We have to be prepared Gary Kroeschel, Sangamon County rich would effectively control collection of fair share fees to hold fast to the powerful State Employees, Local 2224 force we’ve built up over Matt Lukow, Springfield Area State the entire political process. will become unconstitutional. Employees, Local 1964 Theirs would make up the If that happens, you can decades that has significantly David Morris, Illinois State Employees, overwhelming bulk of cam- be certain that the Illinois improved wage levels, Local 805 ensured access to affordable Steve Nordyke, Department of Health- paign contributions, theirs Policy Institute (IPI), a water- care and Family Services, Local 2600 would be the only viewpoints carrier for the Rauner/Koch health care for us and our Trudy Williams, Fulton County Sheriffs offered up in a conglomerat- crowd, will go into high gear. families, successfully defend- Dept. & Courthouse, Local 3433 ed against all attempts to ed media world in which they IPI gets funding from both REGION IV VICE-PRESIDENTS hold the controlling financial Rauner and Koch-backed slash pension benefits, tack- (S OUTHERN ILLINOIS) led countless managerial Chris Milton, Madison County, interest, and theirs would be organizations. It’s been lead- Local 799 the loudest voices in the poli- ing the fight to abolish pub- abuses at worksites all across Duane Montgomery, Metro-East State cy debates over the critical lic-employee pensions, Illinois, brought dignity and a Employees, Local 1805 issues of our time. expand privatization of public measure of fairness to every Cary Quick, Choate MH/DC, Local 141 Mike Turner, Southern Illinois Depart- The interests of the services, and cut state employ- represented employee, ment of Corrections, Local 415 Kochs and Rauner converge ee salaries. defended public services against privatization, and won Trustees most clearly in a case now So if you work anywhere in Stephen Howerter, Canton Correction- before the US Supreme Court the public sector, you can be legislative and political victo- al Center Employees, Local 3585 that seeks to banish ‘fair very sure that this right-wing ries that have improved the Tom Minick, Moline Board of lives of all citizens. That force Education, Local 672 share fees’ in the public sec- empty-thought tank is not on Miguel Vazquez, Aurora Sanitary tor. In fact, the connection your side. But you can also be is our union. District, Local 3297 could hardly be clearer. The sure that they will be trying to AFSCME has never quit Retiree Chapter 31 Representative suit was brought by a right- sell themselves as your new best in the fight for a better life Larry Brown wing legal group, the Center friend—pressing you to quit for all—and that’s why it’s for Individual Rights, that the union and make your co- essential that none of us ever gets its funding from the workers who are union mem- let ourselves be manipulated Koch Brothers, with Bruce bers pay for you. into quitting on our union. Rauner filing an amicus brief You can also expect to get On the Move January-February 2016 3

Rauner breaks off contract negotiations Seeks to foster conflict

Areas of disagreement can’t let him divide and con- n the final minutes of a Jan. 8 negotiating between the parties include: quer working people,” session between AFSCME and Gov. Bruce • Affordable health care. Robinson agreed. “That’s why The administration wants to “Unions are the we need as many citizens as IRauner’s administration, members of double health premiums for only voice that possible to help us fight the state employee Bargaining Committee employees if they keep their working people have.” back.” were shocked when the governor’s represen- current health plan, making At press time, AFSCME Illinois among the worst states planned to renew its support tatives announced that they believed negotia- in the nation for health cover- for legislation to provide arbi- tions were at impasse and would no longer age. tration as an alternative continue to bargain. • Fair pay. Rauner wants means to reach a contract set- to freeze wages and step tlement. And state employees increases for four years. With began organizing local union w no general or step increases meetings to discuss the status “IMPASSE” IS A TERM WITH LEGAL employees out on strike in plus huge hikes in health of bargaining and the possi- for 40 years,” said Ruby MEANING IN COLLECTIVE BAR- order to impose his extreme costs, workers would see their bility of a strike. Robinson, president of Local GAINING, REFERRING TO A SITUA- demands. take-home pay diminished. “We’re prepared to con- 2833 and a member of the tion in which further negotia- That’s why unions repre- The governor also wants to tinue to work in good faith to Council 31 executive board tions are futile. senting state employees sup- impose a so-called “merit reach an agreement that’s fair and state bargaining commit- The Union immediately ported legislation providing bonus” plan that’s better to all,” Lynch said. “It's unfor- tee. “When I started, there rejected the “impasse” claim, arbitration as an alternative termed “political pay” since it tunate we have a governor was no union. I don’t ever making clear that AFSCME means to settle the contract if would open the door to who doesn't appear to respect want it to go back to the way it is prepared to continue to talks broke down. When the cronyism and favoritism by or value the work state was. I never want to see our negotiate. “The Governor’s governor vetoed that bill, he allowing management to employees do.” rights taken away.” rash action invites confronta- pledged to legislators that he decide how bonuses are But the tion and chaos—it is not the would work in good faith to awarded and who gets them. battle is path to a fair agreement,” reach a settlement. By defying What’s more, any employee much bigger AFSCME Council 31 Execu- his legal responsibility to bar- missing more than seven than state tive Director Roberta Lynch gain, Rauner broke that working days in a year would employees said. “The people of Illinois pledge. be ineligible, blatantly dis- alone. deserve leadership that is As On the Move went to criminating against families “Gover- focused on working together press, the Rauner administra- with small children or nor Rauner and getting things done, not tion formally declared im- employees with illnesses. is aggressive- someone who demands his passe and asked the Labor • Privatization. The ly seeking to own way or nothing at all.” Board to affirm that position. administration insists on elim- destroy the Although negotiations In the meantime, the “tolling” inating safeguards that pre- entire labor have been long-running and agreement (contract exten- vent unfettered privatization movement,” contentious, nothing about sion) is still in place. of public services. The union Lynch said. the early January bargaining is standing up to ensure that “Unions are session hinted that manage- Critical disagreements public services aren’t con- the only ment would pull out. at the table tracted out for private profit, voice that For 40 years, AFSCME has and to protect the standard of working peo- been able to reach fair agree- STATE EMPLOYEES WANT A FAIR living of public employees. ments at the bargaining table agreement. They don’t want ple have. with every Illinois governor. to go backwards on economic Standing up for work- And he But as a candidate, Bruce security, allow the governor to place rights wants to Rauner repeatedly boasted jeopardize public services, or silence that voice.” that he would force public give up their voice at work. “I’VE BEEN A STATE EMPLOYEE “We 4 On the Move January-February 2016

Legislative agenda: Protect workers’ rights, ensure fair funding for services AFSCME delegates set 2016 legislative agenda, make primary endorsements

and just society.” day after the Rauner administration AFSCME mem- walked away from state contract nego- bers were joined tiations in Peoria, delegates represent- by two state legislators A who are standing up ing AFSCME locals across the state gathered for working families there for the Council 31 legislative and and a fair economy. Sen. Sam McCann “Good union jobs endorsement conference to chart a course meant everything to forward. my family,” said Rep. w Litesa Wallace (D- ONE YEAR OF GOVERNOR lating the rules so they can prof- Rockford), whose RAUNER HAS LEFT ILLINOIS LIMP- it at the expense of working mom was a postal Rep. Litesa Wallace ING ALONG WITHOUT A BUDGET, families, Lynch said, pointing worker and father a human service agencies closing out that funding for political police officer. “Public tle.” services and assets their doors, and public employ- campaigns is so skewed that half employees are the backbone of • Adequate staffing levels and ees threatened with the loss of of all contributions in the cur- our state, but Rauner’s goal is to Moving forward quality services delivery in basic union rights. AFSCME’s rent presidential race are from dismantle collective bargaining. in 2016 state agencies PEOPLE program is more just 158 wealthy families. We have to fight against that.” • Funding to improve wage important than ever. “The labor movement is at Sen. Sam McCann SOME 500 PEOPLE CHAIRS AND levels in community disability “We cannot overstate the the center of these battles (R-Carlinville) spoke of the local presidents adopted agencies and other AFSCME- peril of the moment,” AFSCME because we have a vision of rais- importance of building on our seven priorities for AFSCME represented human service Council 31 Executive Director ing wages and lifting up our grandparents’ achievements Council 31’s 2016 legislative providers Roberta Lynch told the crowd- communities,” said Council 31 and not backing down when agenda: • Adequate funding for state ed room. “Not only is the future Deputy Director Mike Newman. faced with extraordinary chal- • Protect workers’ rights universities of the labor movement hanging “We won’t bow down to the oli- lenges. “Collective bargaining is • Address revenue shortfalls • Oppose cuts to public in the balance, but the future of garchy of rich, selfish bullies the best way to preserve the in state and local govern- employee pensions all working people is at stake.” like Gov. Rauner. We’re going middle class in this country,” he ments Wealthy elites are manipu- to stand up and demand a fair said. “We need to win this bat- • Fight privatization of public

AFSCME endorsements: 2016 March primary

Primaries in March will have decisive impact on the future of workers’ rights in Illinois

“RAUNER AND HIS FRIENDS HAVE MILLIONS TO DOLE OUT IN THESE RACES, AND THEY AFSCME’s PEOPLE Executive Committee, which is made up of the are determined to gain Republican control in the Legislature in order to pursue chairs of each local area PEOPLE committee, made 2016 primary their agenda of wiping out public employee collective bargaining in Illinois,” warns legislative endorsements based on recommendations of the regional AFSCME Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch. PEOPLE committees. In addition, the full body of delegates—local presidents “They may have the money, but we have the people power. Every AFSCME and PEOPLE chairs—voted on endorsements for statewide and national member and their families need to knock on doors, make calls and get involved. If candidates in contested races at the January 9 statewide Legislative and we stand together, we will still be here when Bruce Rauner is gone.” Endorsement Conference.

U.S. SENATE: (D, District 6) Kane County Board: Rock Island County Circuit Tammy Duckworth (D) (D, District 7) Brian Pollock (District 4, D) Clerk: (D, District 8) (District 8, D) Amy Beeding (D) U.S. CONGRESS: Michael Madigan (D, District 22) Tom Armstrong (District 20, D) Tammy Weikert (D) Bobby Rush (D, District 1) Christian Mitchell (D, District 26) Willie Clements (District 22, D) Robin Kelly (D, District 2) Thaddeus Jones (D, District 29) Joseph Haimann (District 24, D) Stephenson County Board Luis Gutierrez (D, District 4) Marcus Evans (D, District 33) District E: Danny Davis (D, District 7) Al Riley (D, District 38) Kankakee County: Bill Hadley (R) (D, District 8) Jaime Andrade (D, District 40) State’s Attorney: Jim Rowe (D) Litesa Wallace (D, District 67) County Board District 9: Williamson County : Mike Halpin (D, District 72) Shane Ritter (R) State’s Attorney: (D, District 2) Dennis Scobbie (R, District 95) Brandon Zanotti (D) (D, District 5) Lake County Circuit Clerk: Michael Hastings (D, District 19) Illinois Comptroller: Erin Cartwright Weinstein (D) Winnebago County: Cristina Castro (D, District 22) Susana Mendoza (D) Board Chair: Scott Christiansen (R) Sam McCann (R, District 50) Livingston County Circuit Clerk: Tom Klein (R) Cook County State’s State’s Attorney: Board District 10: Joe Hoffman (D) ILLINOIS HOUSE OF Attorney: Randy Yedinak (R) Board District 12: Jaime Salgado (D) REPRESENTATIVES: Kim Foxx (D) Board District 17: David Soll (D) Alex Acevedo (D, District 2) Madison County: Board District 19: John Guevara (R) Luis Arroyo (D, District 3) DeKalb County Board Chair: Board Chair: Alan Dunstan (D) Cynthia Soto (D, District 4) Mark Pietrowski (D) Recorder: Amy Meyer (D) (D, District 5) On the Move January-February 2016 5

Community disability employees press for a pay increase AFSCME backs legislation to raise wages to $15 an hour for direct support personnel

wanted to affect the lives of kids.”

Hiring crisis mounts

TURNOVER DUE TO LOW WAGES for such a challenging job has always been a problem for community-based service providers in Illinois, but now it’s a crisis. Many DSPs in Illi- nois have not received a wage increase since 2007—the last time the state increased its low reimbursement rates to providers. Rising wages in other sectors like fast food and retail have made it even harder for agencies to recruit and retain quality staff. Dis- ability agencies are facing hard-to-fill vacancies for up to 25 percent of their staff. Recently, a federal court monitor charged with ensur- ing individuals’ access to com- munity services told the judge in the case that Illinois is not complying. The monitor found that a staff shortage in community services—driven by low wages—means individ- uals cannot access the care they need. “The monitor fully supports an increase in reim- bursement rates to increase wages for DSPs in order to facilitate the provision of ade- quate, appropriate supports,” the report said. Excessive vacancies force employers to rely more on mandatory overtime, leading to staff burnout and driving up costs. “There’s a lot of stress in this job. A lot of times, you just finished work- ing your shift and then you are forced to work the next shift if you want to keep your job,” Woods said. Yolanda Woods, direct support personnel Woods says the proposed n estimated 27,000 children and adults with developmental dis- at Hope Institute in Springfield, advocat- legislation would improve ser- ing for increased state support for com- abilities live and learn in community-based settings in Illinois. munity disability agencies in 2013. vices for people with develop- But the trained paraprofessionals who care for these vulnerable mental disabilities. “Our goal is A developmental disabilities, to help each individual reach individuals every day—feeding, clothing and teaching them—must often combined with physical their potential and live in soci- struggle to care for their own families on poverty-level wages. disabilities, can be costly to ety with the least amount of operate. restrictions on them as possi- AFSCME AND ITS PARTNERS IN 20 years, findsw her work at the that they may not be develop- “That’s why AFSCME has ble,” she said. “We can reach COMMUNITY AGENCIES WILL PUT Hope Institute in Springfield ing normally: basic life skills been working to help these that goal if the state invests a lit- FORTH A BILL IN THE 2016 LEG- extremely rewarding. like using the bathroom employees form unions,” said tle more in this field and raises islative session that seeks to “There’s nothing better than independently, loading the Council 31 Associate Director wages to stabilize the work- reduce turnover, fill vacancies, seeing the kids you’ve worked dishwasher, self-medication Tracey Abman. “If we can force.” and ensure that Direct Service with since they were five or six or even how to use a cash reg- bring all of them together all Woods argues that people Personnel (DSPs) are adequate- years old go out and be able ister. across the state, we can create with developmental disabilities ly compensated for the impor- to hold down a job in the a powerful voice for fair pay need stability in their lives. They tant work they do. The pro- community,” she said. “It’s A powerful voice and quality services.” need someone they know and posed legislation calls for sad that this work isn’t valued With an average hourly trust working with them every increased reimbursements to because we are talking about BUT WITH MORE THAN 400 wage of $9.35, many DSPs day in order to learn and thrive. state-funded service providers human lives. We aren’t different employers and qualify for public benefits “My own child was recently that reflect a new $15 base babysitters. We are trained to even more work locations, such as Medicaid and food diagnosed with autism. Now I hourly wage for all DSPs. help individuals live the best these dedicated employees stamps and are forced to think: How would I want some- life they can live.” too often find themselves accept them in order to sup- one to treat and teach my son? I We’re talking about DSPs like Woods provide forgotten by the state lawmak- port their families. “If I had think that’s the perspective our human lives habilitation services that ers who must fund their agen- done something else I might legislators need.” help a person learn or cies. Residential programs be in a better financial posi- YOLANDA WOODS, A DSP FOR improve skills and abilities serving individuals with severe tion,” said Woods. “But I 6 On the Move January-February 2016

Making a difference, one life at a time AFSCME probation officer and parole agent share their story

better job of changing the or substance abuse counseling robation officers and parole agents help rehabilitate offenders image of public service work- or conduct random drug to reduce recidivism and improve the lives and futures of ers. For whatever reason, so tests. I check in with everyone many people in our commu- on my caseload at least once a individuals and their families. These men and women find nity have no understanding of month. P What do you think of Gov. their sometimes dangerous professions to be highly rewarding as the kind of work we do. We Rauner’s push toward privati- they know their work is critical not only for the people they serve are paid a fraction of what Rauner and his cronies make, zation? but for our communities and our state. On the Move interviewed but we are changing the lives Privatization of the prison two long-time public service workers to get a glimpse into their of our youth. We need to industry is extremely trouble- worlds. They shared their own stories and set the record straight on change the image of public some. It would be a huge mis- service workers by being more take. Whenever you have a the value of public service work. collaborative with our fellow for-profit agency being paid workers. We have to be sup- to incarcerate people you are w the road to the legal system. portive of each other because going in the opposite direc- Then we focus on providing they are attacking all of us. tion of what Rauner professes wrap-around services to best to support, which is fewer assist the minor—and their people in our prison system. family—to prevent recidivism MATT If you’re paying private agen- to the juvenile system or grad- LUKOW cies dollars per inmate, the uation to the adult system. incentive is to lock people up The role of probation officer A Senior Corrections and keep them in prison is limited, however, and we longer. The staff would be strive to be collaborative with Parole Agent, President lower quality. Security and community-based services, the of Local 1964 and safety would be diminished. schools and the families. We’ve seen it in other states How do you stay positive and AFSCME Council 31 and it ends up costing more motivated? Executive Board Mem- in the long run because For me, it’s the response I ber, Matt Lukow has inmates aren’t treated cor- get from the kids. After 13 rectly or humanely and there years I still have a relationship been a state employee in are more assaults and escapes. with kids I handled on my Sangamon County very first caseload. It keeps me motivated to keep doing this since 1990. “We need to make sure work because I see their the public understand progress. I see kids graduating Why do you do this work? Tell tht union members from high school, becoming us about your job. want a living wage for entrepreneurs by starting I always wanted to get everybody.” vices possible. home day care centers or get- into law enforcement. After By the time a young per- KISHA ting their own apartments. five years as a corrections offi- son gets to me, they are often From the outside some of cer I was able to become a ROBERTS- in life or death situations. We their progress may seem parole agent. It’s a really established my position so How do you feel about TABB small, but they haven’t been interesting job. There are that these girls would be treat- Rauner’s animosity toward in school since sixth grade 35,000 parolees statewide. My ed as victims of human traf- public employees? and they are working and tak- caseload consists only of A Cook County ficking and not criminalized It’s a move to try to ing care of themselves. Seeing felons released from state for things that aren’t in their destroy unions and the coun- Juvenile Probation that kind of achievement prison. Every day I check on control. I can be helpful to try. We’ve seen it happen in motivates me to make bigger the parolees at home or at Officer, Kisha Roberts- my fellow members because I Wisconsin and Indiana. Big and better progress for my work to make sure they are have relationships with the money interests want to see Tabb has been a member clients. doing what they need to do FBI, Chicago Public Schools, How do you feel about wages reduced and benefits of AFSCME Local and getting the help they Chicago Police Department, Rauner’s animosity toward and pensions reduced or need. Sometimes I follow up 3477 for 13 years. and the Department of Chil- public employees? on referrals for mental health Continued on the facing page dren and Family Services. I feel like it’s just propa- Also, if the minor is in danger ganda when he says public Why do you do this work? Tell or is set to testify against the workers are overpaid or us about your job. trafficker, we work with agen- greedy. If the public worked I believe it’s not an acci- one day in our position they’d dent that I’m doing this job. know it’s not about greed. I This is my purpose. It’s a call- “By the time a young deal with pimps and human ing. person gets to me, traffickers. I find young girls I started off working in they are often in life or in horrible situations and get the Austin and Englewood death situations.” them safe from predatory neighborhoods of Chicago. men. I’m in a very dangerous Then I went to Jumpstart, an position—I’m definitely not educational program that doing it for the money. Field helps you advance your officers go into unsafe envi- career, and now I am Cook cies outside of Illinois to get ronments every day, County’s Human Trafficking, them in a safe environment as unarmed. We make the deci- Gender Responsive and far from the trafficking as pos- sion to go into a blind spot LGBTQ specialist. I focus on sible. not knowing if we’re going to helping young girls who are How do probation officers walk out again. What’s greedy victims of human trafficking, help rehabilitate young about that? girls and young women with offenders? How can we challenge unique needs, and any minor We have a service-cen- Rauner’s negative portrayal of who identifies as lesbian, gay, tered approach. We evaluate public service workers? bisexual or transgender, to each situation to see what I feel like as a union and ensure they have the best ser- caused the minor to get on a community we have to do a On the Move January-February 2016 7

AFSCME members work around the clock to keep floodwaters at bay In late December, AFSCME members across Illinois worked tirelessly to protect Illinois residents

“It is truly amazing what Tragically, Shawn Beaupre, the frigid waters. Shawn will be we accomplished in a very a dedicated correctional officer greatly missed by friends and FSCME mem- “Teamwork bers across short time,” Local 1175 Presi- and AFSCME Local 494 mem- his large, loving family of 11 dent Jerry Grammer said. ber, died in a car accident children. “Shawn always had a has been exemplary the state dealt “Teamwork has been exem- caused by freezing rain on his smile on his face,” remembered during a very A way to work at Pontiac Correc- Duane Beal, his longtime co- with rising waters plary during a very chaotic situ- chaotic situation.” tional Center on December 28. worker at Pontiac. “It was a joy and treacherous ation.” IYC Pere Marquette, a His car crashed into a flooded working with the man.” weather conditions Department of Juvenile Justice creek and he was overtaken by over the holidays as facility north of Alton, also 2015 came to a close. took a hit from overflowing Mississippi waters. AFSCME members worked together to One life at a time PUBLIC WORKSw TEAMS PLOWED transfer the youths to other SNOW AND SALTED ICY ROADS, facilities, keeping them out of PARAMEDICS RESPONDED TO harm’s way. weather-related emergencies, Working 12-hour shifts and members piled sandbags seven days a week, Randolph to control damaging flood County Sheriff’s Deputies, waters. members of AFSCME Local At Menard Correctional 2402, evacuated homes in Center in Chester, Illinois, Rockwood and on Kaskaskia AFSCME members used 800 Island and monitored the Mis- tons of sand in 25,000 sand- sissippi River levees. “This is a Matt Lukow, continued from the facing page bags to protect the maximum- flood we only see every 20 or security prison from the rising 30 years,” Deputy Shane Rine- done away with so they can take more money for themselves and their stockholders. Mississippi River. Using flatbed hart said. “Our biggest respon- Gov. Rauner doesn’t appreciate state employees and the work that we do. His anti-union, trailers and picnic tables as sibility during the flood is pro- anti-state employee rhetoric is bad for morale. If he’s successful in cutting our benefits and pay walkways, maintenance crafts- tecting those levees. If the that will hurt morale more and make it harder to attract good people for this work. He’s also try- men, counselors and correc- levee was breached, entire ing to cut the Upward Mobility Program, which benefited me a great deal. I was able to become tional officers worked on their towns would be lost.” a sergeant after corrections officer, and then parole agent. I also earned a master in social work days off to transfer more than Danger is part of many which has helped me a great deal on the job. 200 inmates to safety. AFSCME members’ work How can we challenge Rauner’s negative portrayal of public service workers? Due to pressure from lives. “The 24/7 services We need to let people know what we do and that we provide vital functions to the state of AFSCME Local 1175 over that AFSCME members Illinois. If you’re making a decent wage, according to people like Rauner, it’s not fair. He’s try- many years, Menard was better provide mean that no matter ing to pit the citizens of Illinois against their state employees, saying we have too much while prepared this time than for the how bad the weather is, they don’t have anything. I think it’s the opposite. We should be racing to get everyone’s wages historic floods of 1993. Proac- they have to get to work,” and benefits up to where we are in the public sector so all workers have decent wages and can tively planning for the eventu- said AFSCME Council 31 work a full-time work week. al crest of the river prevented Regional Director Eddie Cau- Our benefits are not extravagant. We are not overpaid. Our economy has become a race to what could have been utter miant. “They just have to the bottom. Corporate bosses want to put us all at Walmart wages and benefits. We need to catastrophe. get in their cars and head make sure the public understands that union members want to see everybody have a living wage. into it.” 8 On the Move January-February 2016 Thousands of working families Rally for Fairness across Illinois

housands of AFSCME members Illinois need a fair budget to fund the vitally and retirees, fellow union members, com- important public services they rely on every Tmunity groups, elected ocials and faith day, the men and women of state government leaders joined seven Rallies for Fairness across who provide those services need a fair union the state in early December. They sent Gov. contract, and Governor Rauner must stop Rauner a clear message: Anti-worker agendas holding this state hostage to his demands that have no place in Illinois. would hurt all working people. All seven rallies were packed with While the threats working families face have energetic crowds waving signs that said never been graver, these rallies demonstrated “Serving Our Communities, Standing for that we have never been more united. Employ- Fairness” and “Fair Budget, Fair Contract.” ees in state government were joined by other The kicko in Chicago drew some 1,300 AFSCME members who are university employ- Watch an inspiring people, with a special appearance by U.S. ees, city and county employees, and employ- ǀŝĚĞŽĐŽŵƉŝůĂƟŽŶŽĨ Representative Jan Schakowsky. Rallies in ees of community nonprofit agencies, as well all our rallies at Joliet, Rock Island, Marion, Rockford and as scores of AFSCME retirees. All stood arm ǁǁǁ͘ĂĨƐĐŵĞϯϭ͘ŽƌŐͬĨĂŝƌ Collinsville built momentum on the ground in arm with other unions, including the IFT, and in the media as thousands more came out IEA, SEIU, Laborers, FOP, Firefighters, Nurses, to protest Gov. Rauner’s anti-worker agenda. building trades and more. In every city, reli- In a stunning Springfield finale, more than gious leaders, community groups and human 2,000 people filled the street to march and services providers stood with us and echoed swamped the rally hall to hear messages from our call. And dozens of elected ocials—from state senators Sam McCann and , Congress to the Illinois General Assembly and AFSCME members on the front lines and rep- on to city councils and county boards—came resentatives from other unions and community out to show their support. groups fighting for a fair budget. The rallies laid a strong foundation to build The rallies sent a message of solidarity, on toward the goals of a fair state budget and determination and urgency: The citizens of fair contract for all state employees.

U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky spoke at Chicago’s Rally for Fairness to voice her support for public employees. Elected of cials, clergy, unions and community groups across the state joined AFSCME members and their families in the call for a fair budget and a fair contract for state employees. Right Photo: William Calvert, AFSCME Local 2258

AFSCME members send a powerful message Speaking to hundreds of rallying community members or one-on-one with reporters, AFSCME members told their story to the public during the week of Rallies for Fairness. Their words echoed through union halls and resonated in homes across the state.

Working in a prison, you put your life on I’m a single mom who was once on My fellow DCFS employees and I protect the line every day. Correctional employees are welfare. Now as a DHS employee, I am able children. We are motivated by the overwhelm- proud to serve and keep our community safe. to help other parents when they struggle to ing desire to serve. It’s our union that holds That’s why it’s so hard to see our governor provide for their families. But now, Gover- DCFS accountable for caseload size, to make trying to drive down our standard of living. nor Rauner is putting our well-being at risk sure no child slips through the cracks. It’s our When you don’t pay people fairly you have by demanding huge hikes in what all state union that advocates for more resources so constant turnover, which weakens safety and and university employees pay for our family we can protect kids. And it’s our union that security in a prison. Millionaires and billion- health care. My son has a rare disease; he is speaks out against harmful budget cuts. A aires are blaming working-class people for the alive today because of our doctors and we strong union is a strong advocate for protect- financial problems in our state. They want to want to keep them. We need to be able to ing kids. And we are the union. divide us, but I believe we’re more united than a ord to keep them. STEPHEN MITTONS ever. And if we’re united, we’re going to win. DENA MCGILL Department of Children and Family Services, RALPH PORTWOOD Department of Human Services, Local 2600 Local 2081 Stateville Correctional Center, Local 1866 On the Move January-February 2016 9

Because of Rauner’s political games, vital Gov. Rauner wants to get rid of the Rauner wants to drive out our union and programs for our state’s most vulnerable are safeguards in our contract that prevent drive down our wages. His role models are making cuts and even closing their doors. The privatization. But these private companies Indiana and Kentucky, where correctional governor wants to drive unions away so he aren’t about providing a good service— employees don’t make a wage that lets them and his buddies can get even richer and so they’re about making money. When Ohio support a family. It’s because we have a companies can do whatever they want to do privatized their prison food service, they union that we can stand up for safer working to their employees. I know what it’s like when found the food had maggots in it. The conditions and resist management’s there is no union to protect sta or ensure inmate population wanted to riot. It’s demands for forced overtime that makes quality services. That’s why we have to stand because we have a union that we can us work 16 hours straight. We have to together to show the governor that we aren’t stand up for safety and quality services. stand together and stay united. afraid and we will continue to fight. We will do whatever it takes. Together. SHAUN DAWSON STEPHANIE VALENTINE DARREN WILLIAMS Logan Correctional Center, Local 2073 Milestone Inc., Local 2515 Lawrence Correctional Center, Local 3600

My job is to make sure foster homes are safe and nurturing places for children. I love my work because I know I can make a dif- ference in children’s lives, in the lives of their parents and foster parents. One of Gov. Raun- er’s priorities is to privatize public services. But you cannot truly serve children and at the same time make profits your top priority. That’s why we need strong unions. We are the ones who care about and protect the children. CARLENE ERNO Department of Children and Family Services, Local 2615

Every day I see the harm the governor is causing by refusing to agree to a budget and making big cuts to critical assistance programs for our state’s most vulnerable. At DHS we help families access necessities: food, heat, medical care, child care. But now we have a governor who is putting that help at risk to leverage his anti-worker agenda. Raun- er says he cares about human services. But I have news for the governor: You cannot have strong human services without strong unions.

JENNIFER CURTIS Rally in Quad Cities Department of Human Services, Local 1805

Governor Rauner’s refusal to work toward a budget agreement or a fair contract has hit me on every level possible. I worry about the disabled residents I care for every day. I worry about the community mental health agen- cies in our network that are making cuts and closing down. And I worry about my youngest daughter and other children with autism. If Rauner gets what he wants, families across the state will su er—both those who work for Illinois and those who need our help. JULIE YANA Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center, Local 141

My job is to review cases of children who are under DCFS care and ensure they get all the help they need. I do this work because everyone deserves a chance to improve their Roberta Lynch res up Spring eld lives and our union makes sure they get that chance. Now Gov. Rauner is trying to take away our right to collective bargaining. We are standing up to say: drop your extreme demands, stop holding our communities hos- tage, and agree to a fair budget and fair union contracts now! KATHY LANE Department of Children and Family Services, Local 448 Rauner wants to drive out our union and drive down our wages. His role models are

Rally in Rockford Rally in Chicago Photo: William Calvert, AFSCME Local 2258 10 On the Move January-February 2016

Hope for a better life at Good Shepherd Manor “For our co-workers, our residents and ourselves”

any little thing, you get anx- book page to promote anti- lar concerns and desires, how- ildred Keel’s ious and the residents can feel union rhetoric and attack pro ever, they realized their com- favorite part that. A bad vibe could make union employees, Good Shep- mon purpose. or break their whole day.” herd employees found a sup- When it came to organiz- Mof her work- Despite coercive tactics port system in the AFSCME ing a union, Alice Davis didn’t day is breakfast. She from management to quash Council 31 family. AFSCME need much convincing. “I knew works nights caring the union organizing effort, members from nearby facili- a lot of stuff management was on November 20 a majority of ties like the Kankakee County saying wasn’t true. They were for the residents of the organization’s 137 house- Training Center, Shapiro lying about the union because Colnon Wild House keepers, clerical workers, Development Center and Pin- we are the union.” at Good Shepherd DSPs, maintenance workers, nacle Opportunities came to Alice has worked at Good food service workers, health speak about how they are Shepherd Manor for 15 years. Manor, a residential care providers in the infir- making gains for themselves “We didn’t have a voice. They facility for men with mary and transporters voted and the people they serve could change the policy book developmental dis- to join AFSCME Council 31. through their local unions. on us whenever they wanted A single mom with two to. There was nobody to stand “I’m so glad we’ve abilities, but break- teenagers, working toward bet- Organizing to win up for us or let us know what actually been able to fast is when they ter pay and benefits means a lot we could do. We had no rep- take the first step to spend quality time to Mildred. Most DSPs make MANY OF THE WORKERS AT resentation. It was really sad.” have a voice. less than ten dollars an hour. Good Shepherd did not know Now the recently elected together. I’m elated. “At first I was a little nervous,” each other very well before bargaining committee is ready I’m so elated we are she admits. “We didn’t know they started organizing. Isolat- to negotiate the new union’s union.” w what would happen and we ed in the various residential first contract. “I ASK THEM QUESTIONS AS I GET —Alice Davis THEM BREAKFAST,” SHE SAYS. feared retaliation. But we just homes on different shifts, “I’m so glad we’ve actually “‘DID THEY HAVE VISITORS YES- stuck together and stayed unit- many employees had never been able to take the first step terday? What are they doing ed—and we got the union.” even met their coworkers. to have a voice,” Alice says. for the holidays?’ I love it After gathering together on a “I’m elated. I’m so elated we here. I’m really attached to Anti-union campaign regular basis and sharing simi- are union.” the guys.” fails Her affection and con- cern for the residents is what MANAGEMENT’S HOSTILITY TO drives Mildred every day, and the organizing effort stung why she helped organize a dedicated employees like union with her co-workers. Heidi Jones. Employees often “All of us shared the same heard the phrase, ‘If you’re sentiment—for the things we for a union, you’re greedy do and the extra miles we go, and you don’t care about the we should be better appreciat- residents.’ ed and better compensated,” “I wouldn’t jeopardize my she says. But most important guys at Good Shepherd for to workers like Mildred is the any reason,” Jones says. best interest of the residents. “We’re not trying to take any- Employees with 15 years of thing from them. We would- dedicated service have lost n’t be here if we didn’t care.” jobs with no warning after When Management dis- only one infraction. “Threat- tributed a weekly multi-page ened with losing your job over newsletter and started a Face- On the Move January-February 2016 11

Organizing to WIN: Hundreds join AFSCME Council 31 in 2015

households in America. ter future for their children. because the way these workers he security In short, while union That’s why workers are unit- are treated is very unfortu- Over the last year, more and dignity membership has declined, ing together. We are organiz- nate,” Ciaccio said. “We have Americans are working hard- ing for a common purpose.” to raise their standard of liv- than 1,800 workers Tthat come er than ever at jobs with lower ing because it affects all of organized their with a hard-won wages and fewer rights—and Strength in numbers us.” workplaces and voted to union contract are our country’s economy, and AFSCME Local 29 mem- join AFSCME Council 31 its people, suffer as a result. MANY LONG-TIME UNION MEM- bers knocked on doors during for a better future. increasingly rare for But despite the obstacles and bers recognize the impor- organizing campaigns at Kanka- U.S. workers in the threats, workers are standing tance of helping workers kee County Training Center, 21st century. up across the country to say: become part of AFSCME. Indian Oaks Academy and “We are not expendable. We As you drive through the Good Shepherd Manor, educat- them how much better things are hardworking human neighborhoods of Kankakee ing underpaid workers about can be if you’re represented by UNCHECKEDw CORPORATE GREED beings with families… and we you see many signs reading, the power of a union. “We’ve a union.” HAS CREATED A TOXIC ENVIRON- want a union.” ‘We Support State Workers.’ spoken at large meetings about “Workers organize to MENT FOR UNION ORGANIZING. This small community has a the difference AFSCME has improve their lives—and in Workers who seek to organize Uniting with a common big hunger for workers’ made in our careers, helping us doing so they help build a larg- a union routinely face pres- purpose rights. More than 1,600 afford a mortgage and have er, stronger union in Illinois for sure-packed anti-union cam- AFSCME members work in decent health insurance for our all AFSCME members,” Wood- paigns that include harass- OVER THE LAST YEAR, MORE Kankakee County, many of children,” Ciaccio said. “We tell son said. ment, threats and constant than 1,800 workers organized them members misinformation. a union in their workplaces of the 100% Union workers are com- with AFSCME Council 31 to union Local 29 pensated 28% more than build a better future for their at Shapiro non-union workers and are families. New AFSCME Coun- Developmental more likely to have family cil 31 members include 634 Center. health care and retirement employees of Northern Illi- Gary Ciac- savings. Women and people nois University, more than cio, president of color benefit even more 500 employees in Kankakee of the local, from union membership: County from Good Shepherd has been an African American women in a Manor, Indian Oaks Academy AFSCME mem- union are paid 34% more and Kankakee County Train- ber for 35 than their non-union counter- ing Center, hundreds of cab years. He and parts. But the percent of drivers in the City of Chicago, his fellow unionized workers in the U.S. and many more across the members has declined from 20% in state. played critical 1983 to just 11% in 2014. “Despite the constant roles in the This downward trend in attacks on unions, the funda- organizing union membership is mir- mentals haven’t changed. efforts of hun- rored in workers’ wages, People get treated poorly and dreds of work- which have steadily declined they want to form a union in ers in three dif- in real value despite their their workplace,” Doug Wood- ferent private increased productivity. son, organizing director at sector facilities Income inequality is at its AFSCME Council 31, told On in 2015. highest levels and just this the Move. He sees continued “I think it’s past year, Pew Research Cen- union organizing as an crucial that ter released a report that the encouraging trend in Illinois AFSCME con- middle class has shrunk to the and across the country. tinue organiz- point where it no longer “Everyone wants a better ing in the pri- includes the majority of life for themselves and a bet- vate sector 12 On the Move January-February 2016

ty’s resistance, they persevered in negotiations for their first contract, winning an eight per- “You can’t save every- ON THE LOCAL LEVEL cent raise over three years and body, but you can do shaping policies to improve your job to the fullest, emergency services. do the best you can, “The county officials were and learn from what dragging their feet,” said Scott you’ve done before. McDaniel of AFSCME Local That’s true in life too.” 8236. “After three months with- —Scott McDaniel, out meeting, we’d go to the AFSCME Local 8236 table and leave after 20 minutes with nothing done.” overtime, and paid time to McDaniel has been a para- University of Illinois employees fight to keep maintain and earn paramedic medic for 20 years. As lead hard-won gains licenses. The bargaining com- supervisor he is in charge of mittee also front-loaded high- medical decisions for patients. er wage increases in the four- He and his co-workers felt year deal that is retroactive to strongly that their voices must December 1, 2013, and be heard. expires in November, 2017. “They thought we just want- Local 2464 President Matt ed money but that was the least Whalen said the best part of of our issues,” said McDaniel. his job is helping out his local “Management has never been community: “People call us at on an ambulance. It’s really their worst. No one ever wants important to public health that to see a paramedic, but that’s we have input on policy.” why we’re here.” He is happy with the bar- Whalen is proud of how gaining team’s accomplish- his fellow ambulance service ments. “There are a lot of members are playing a larger things that we’ve never had a role in their local. “This was say in before that we do now,” the first time we really he said. For example, para- stepped up to say, ‘We medics and EMS basics (para- IN CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS WITH AFSCME LOCALS 3700 AND 698, THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS deserve more,’” he said. “We medics in training) had limits sought to eliminate the step plan for most of its employees and resisted any wage increases, blaming achieved a lot of the things we on the number of times they the state budget impasse for its hardline positions at the set out to do and now we’re could change a shift each year. bargaining table. hoping to build from here.” In order to ensure flexibility for “It was a very tough situation for us,” said Local 3700 “The only way we can be The bargaining team was continuing education, the bar- President Ann Zettervall. “The university basically said they successful is if every member led by Staff Representative gaining team negotiated that wanted to pay everyone less. They wanted to eliminate our gets involved in the campaign. Jeremy Noelle and included shift trades conducted for acad- step plan and go back to what existed before the union was We need to come out and show Whalen, Gary Bartlow and emic reasons would not be here.” Travis Young, the previous the university community that counted against any employee. “The university came in with proposals that we could local president and vice presi- our wages and our lives matter.” AFSCME Council 31 Staff never support,” said Chris Ward, President of Local 698 dent. —Ann Zettervall, Representative Ed LaPorte led and a certified veterinary technician in the veterinary teach- “We’re still fighting,” AFSCME Local 3700 the Local 8236 bargaining ing hospital. “They used Rauner’s anti-union agenda and Whalen said. “We are filing team, which included budget games to influence negotiations.” grievances to ensure proper McDaniel, Nick Hoeffken, Kim In the end, the University agreed to keep the Local implementation of our con- Everett, Dan Parrott and Jason 3700 step plan in place but frozen for the first two years of the contract. All employees will receive the tract. And we’re backing our Nonn. 2.5 percent campus-wide cost of living increase from the 2014-2015 academic year. state workers; we will do any- Asked how he has done Both bargaining teams retained the option to renegotiate wages in the third year of the contracts. thing we can to help the such a challenging job for 20 “We are working on a plan for those negotiations now,” said Zettervall. “The only way we can be suc- cause.” cessful is if every member gets involved in the campaign. We need to come out and show the university years, McDaniel had a ready answer. “I like helping people,” community that our wages and our lives matter.” Springfield street he said. “You can’t save every- Bargaining for both contracts was led by AFSCME Council 31 Staff Representative David Beck. department secures body, but you can do your job Zettervall was joined on the Local 3700 bargaining team by Nadja Robot, Katrina Smith, Buffy Vance, five-year deal Jerri Lyn Beck, Kelly Edwards, Penny Grundy, Barbara Jauhola, Denise Jayne, Dorinda Miller, Jill Ouel- to the fullest, do the best you lette, Staci Sessler, Joyce Snider, Tonia White-Rose and D’Anne Winston. Local 3700 members include can, and learn from what you’ve AFSCME LOCAL 3417, REPRE- done before. That’s true in life more than 1,300 clerical and administrative employees, as well as staff in the university extension and senting truck drivers and too.” child development workers. laborers who plow streets, Members of Local 698 include more than 400 technical and professional employees. Bargaining repair roads, sidewalks and Paramedics, EMTs in team members included Gregg Homerding, Chris Ward, Becky Burner, Marc White, Ben Riegler, sewers, trim trees, and main- Jackson County make Kristi Donze, Heidi Schwarz, Jim McGuire, Dave Davis, Greg Hollern, Jan Harper, Susan tain the public works of our strides with community Wright, Chuck Reed, Stacey Coffmann and Alexx Dahl. state’s capital, won a new con- support tract that guarantees annual raises for five years. MEMBERS OF AFSCME LOCAL The bargaining team was Interest-based “Every single proposal was start of the process. 2464 are often first on the led by Staff Representative bargaining helps Rock discussed until both parties Bargaining team members scene in emergencies. But Roger Griffith and included Island City employees agreed to the final language,” included President Alan Van- these Jackson County Ambu- Tim Plummer (President), said AFSCME Council 31 Staff derheyden, Rick Hitchcock, lance Service employees have Norm Howard, Sr., Matt Howse, INTEREST-BASED BARGAINING Representative Miguel Morga, Quincy Steele, Russell Thomas, been working for years with Jon Self and Curtis Yokem. seeks consensus and requires who led negotiations for both Doug Newton, Mike Brown and no wage structure or salary They negotiated an additional active participation from both contracts. “We all benefited Mike Sonneville for Unit A. scale. A new employee could longevity pay step at 15 years, a sides of the table. Members of from training in advance of Vanderheyden was joined by make the same as someone guaranteed minimum of one AFSCME Local 988 successful- negotiations and a mediator Cara Ryckeghem, James Chap- with 15 years of experience. hour’s pay for any overtime ly negotiated two contracts helped steer our talks when man, Beth Hofeditz and By building support in the work, and a new safety incentive using this process and won consensus proved difficult.” Autumn Rower on the Unit B community, the 38 emergency bonus program for the local’s overall wage increases of Both units locked in a bargaining team. responders won eight percent 65 members. about 12 percent for both good contract for nearly five wage increases over four years “We stuck together and units, whose contracts expire years with significant wages Paramedics in Monroe with significant gains toward protected 95 percent of what December 31, 2019. increases and additional merit County win first union seniority pay. we had in our previous con- Unit A is comprised of increases that average two contract Fighting tooth and nail, tract,” said Curtis Yokem, about 80 equipment opera- percent each year. members organized several chief steward and member for tors, maintenance staff and Unit B employees also TWO YEARS AGO, PARAMEDICS rallies at the courthouse and nine years. “Unions are hav- garage mechanics, as well as won a more flexible sick-time and EMS staff employed by lobbied the county board. ing a harder and harder time; streets, water, sewer and sani- usage policy. The bargaining Monroe County Emergency After bringing in federal but we fought and came up tation workers. Unit B team improved the grievance Medical Services organized a mediators, the bargaining with a decent, fair contract in includes 60 office and clerical procedure for employees of union to improve working con- team ultimately secured these trying times.” workers, housing inspectors Unit A so that supervisor-stew- ditions and assert their rights seniority-based cash bonuses, ard meetings are held at the on the job. Despite the coun- and assistants. double time for mandated Continued on the facing page On the Move January-February 2016 13

AFSCME endorses two candidates in key primary races

to support the union-backed Governor Rauner. McCann ur state has fair arbitration bill. was the sole Republican been who voted to support the Senator Sam McCann union-backed fair arbitration Oplunged into for Illinois State bill. a war over the rights Senator (50th district) Commenting on his vote and standard of liv- to support a fair contract for STATE SENATOR SAM MCCANN all state employees, McCann ing of working peo- (R-Carlinville) has served the said, “I followed the two C’s: ple. Governor 50th District since January My conscience and my con- Rauner launched 2011. McCann has a long stituents.” track record of supporting McCann is endorsed by this war with his working families, despite AFSCME Council 31 and the enormous pressure from Sangamon County GOP. attacks on unions, Juliana Stratton Senator Sam McCann public employees, and public services. be tough races at the ballot tor of the Cook County Jus- box. tice Advisory Council. A grad- Vote by mail in March uate of DePaul Law School, w Juliana Stratton Stratton is Executive Director primary election THIS ELECTION YEAR WILL BE A for Illinois State of Cook County Justice for CRITICAL TEST FOR THE ABILITY Representative Children and an officer on GET READY NOW TO VOTE IN THE upcoming Primary Election OF UNION MEMBERS TO STAND (5th district) her local school council. Her in Illinois. It’s never been so easy. Voting by mail is an up against a corporate elite mother is a retired AFSCME option now available to everyone. Voters can request absen- with vast wealth at its disposal. JULIANA STRATTON, A LONG- member and her sister is a tee ballots from their local county clerk or board of elec- Two key contests come in the time community activist, is public school teacher. She is tions. Ballots must be postmarked prior to March 15, Prima- primary season—one in challenging incumbent Ken committed to stand with pub- ry Election Day. Chicago's 5th House District Dunkin for state representa- lic service workers. This election is critical for working families. The public and one in and around tive of the 5th legislative dis- Stratton takes on Rep. services AFSCME members provide and the workplace Springfield, the 50th Senate trict in Chicago. Stratton, Dunkin (D-Chicago), who rights and economic security union members have worked District. AFSCME endorsed who received AFSCME Coun- failed to support a key child so hard to gain are at stake. Governor Bruce Rauner is set the following two candidates cil 31’s endorsement, served care funding bill on the same to spend millions to elect a legislative majority that will back in those districts in what will four years as Executive Direc- day that he did not show up his plan to weaken unions in our state. ON THE LOCAL LEVEL

Continued from the facing page times the next morning. The bargaining team negoti- Public works team in ated a new emergency Homewood wins raises, response time rehabilitation protects paid time off bank that provides each employee with 16 hours to use INANEWFIVE-YEAR CONTRACT, in such situations, protecting the 100% union AFSCME workers’ earned vacation and Local 2891 public works sick time. team in Homewood won The bargaining team was annual raises with a new, first led by Staff Representa- higher salary scale for build- tive Ken Anderson and com- ing and landscape mainte- pleted by Staff Representative nance workers. The contract Cameron Day and included guarantees an overall 12.25 Local 2891 President Bryon percent raise, retroactive to Doerr, Vice President Timo- May 1, 2015, and expires in thy Mensik, Recording Secre- 2020. tary Dale Demro and Execu- Local 2891 members are tive Board Member Steven mechanics who work on Foley. The team doubled the vehicles, landscape and build- time frame for new hires to ing maintenance workers and get required CDL licenses, Tim Olaosebikan, president of AFSCME Local 3492, and executive board member Sarah Ostrom, who are direct support personnel at the Ray utility crew members who protected the longevity sys- Graham Center, participated in a roundtable discussion about developmental disabilities services in Illinois on November 19 with state Rep. maintain streets, lights and tem, avoided any increases in (center). trees, including snow removal health care contributions, and and emergency response secured a $500 boot to protect workers from any reminded me of a character that we must focus our ener- work. Because of the nature allowance. increases resulting from the named Socrates in Dan gies not on fighting the old, of their responsibilities, Members unanimously impending “Cadillac” health Millman’s 1980 book, ‘Way of but building the new. The employees are often called to voted to ratify the contract, care tax. the Peaceful Warrior’,” said negotiations helped our work late into the evening which includes a health care “My experience in our President Bryon Doerr. “To union become stronger and with very early assigned start and wage reopener in order months-long negotiations paraphrase, I have learned more united.” 14 On the Move January-February 2016

Winnebago County employees unite for good jobs and public safety Standing strong in the streets and at the table wins higher wages

tional officers. Analyzing the Board) and Jason Ferro. fter two years pay structures of other counties “By supporting each other, of negotia- comparable to Winnebago, we were able to get more com- which includes the city of Rock- petitive salaries for the area,” A tions, 500 ford, a 2008 job study and AFSCME Local 473 President hardworking and resultant arbitration award Rose Jackson said. “We said to determined members found that correctional officers ourselves: Let’s see what else we were grossly underpaid relative can accomplish!” of Winnebago Coun- to their counterparts perform- And it was a lot. The con- ty’s AFSCME Local to reduce turnover. Safe ing similar work for other pub- tract strengthens job rights in 473 won raises and staffing levels are critical at lic employers. such matters as compensatory facilities like the Winnebago In a subsequent 2010 rul- time, shift trades, improved strengthened their County Criminal Justice Cen- ing, the same labor arbitrator training opportunities, non-dis- rights on the job. ter, the 911 Call Center and affirmed that Winnebago crimination, time off for union Their success will River Bluff Nursing Home, yet County owed its officers two activities, employer-paid park- dollars more per hour. Yet the ing, limits on outsourcing and improve workplace employees are paid far less “There is a renewed than those in comparable award left a loophole for the more. energy in our local. safety and enhance counties—and so it is hard to county, ruling that it need only In adherence to the arbi- People are pulling raise wages once revenue was trator’s 2010 ruling, all correc- the quality of services retain qualified employees. together. ” “The whole county is available. For seven years the tions officers on the payroll as for county residents. County failed to meet its obliga- of October 1, 2015, are also —Rose Jackson, AFSCME underpaid,” AFSCME bargain- Local 473 President ing team member Vaughn tion—despite bringing in $28 guaranteed a 4.52 percent wage AS THE BARGAININGw TEAM Fowler said. Fowler, vice presi- million a year from a one per- adjustment and a $0.25 per cent “public safety” sales tax. hour wage increase, with all PUSHED FOR FAIR WAGES FOR ALL dent of Local 473, is in his Members consistently officers on the payroll as of COUNTY EMPLOYEES, NEGOTIA- eighth year as a Building Main- stood together at rallies and Family sustaining wages October 1, 2016 receiving a five tions proved challenging. In tenance Mechanic at River informational pickets, packing for public percent adjustment and a $0.25 October, two years into nego- Bluff Nursing Home. “The Cer- every County Board meeting in service employees per hour increase. tiations, the bargaining team’s tified Nursing Assistants at the months leading up to the Every full-time employee efforts secured a tentative River Bluff are dedicated—they settlement. They told their ULTIMATELY, THE AFSCME covered under the agreement agreement with county nego- get to know the residents, help story to the media, used social Local 473 bargaining team will receive a one-time $300 rat- tiators only to have the Coun- them with basic living skills, do media and placed a full-page increased wages for all County ification bonus, $200 for part- ty Board reject the deal. The their hair, help them eat—but ad in the Rockford Register workers, winning two percent time employees. Addressing Board specifically pushed many are leaving because of Star. Staff Representative Ed wage increases across the board the county’s lagging pay that back on a new “step plan” for unfair wages.” Sadlowski noted, “Local 473 in the first two contributes to high turnover some employees, scheduled to Bargaining ran a contract campaign years of the rates, the bargaining team be implemented on the last team member focused on issues that are “We are building up our contract and secured upward labor grade day of the four-year deal. and Correctional important to our membership, local so all workers have three percent adjustments for several classifi- After a final five-hour bar- Officer Tim Cox their families, and the commu- fair wages to support increases in the cations and established a joint gaining session, both sides has a similar view: nity. Every member got their families.” final two years. committee to study recruitment compromised and reached a “We’re losing peo- involved, which put pressure Led by and retention of employees in new agreement that resolved ple to other facili- —Vaughn Fowler, on the Board to do the right AFSCME Coun- all departments. the dispute. Union members ties where they AFSCME Local 473 Vice thing.” cil 31 Staff Rep- ratified the revised agreement are doing the President “I was really touched by resentative “The most united we’ve on November 23 and the same job for bet- how everybody came together,” Edward Sad- ever been” County Board accepted it the ter pay. This is a Cox said. “This is the most unit- lowski and next day. hard job, especially when ed we’ve ever been and we’re Regional Director Joe Bella, LOCAL 473 MEMBERS ARE CONFI- you’re doing double, triple the just getting started.” bargaining team members dent that their collective efforts Safe staffing levels work. As short-staffed as we’ve “Members are ready to included Rose Jackson (Presi- have set Winnebago County on for the public good been, it’s tough getting people take action and do whatever dent), Vaughn Fowler (Vice a better path forward. “There to stay.” needs to be done next,” Presi- President), Tim Cox, Sue Gren- has been a renewed energy in LOW WAGES ARE A FUNDAMENTAL Contract negotiations dent Jackson said excitedly. lund, Joe Young, Tom Van Den our local,” Jackson said. “Peo- problem throughout Win- included efforts to resolve two “People are stepping up and Eeden (Treasurer), Mike East- ple are pulling together. Half nebago County government job classification studies and saying, ‘This is our union, our on (Executive Board), Barbara of our fair share employees and Local 473 members con- two arbitration victories involv- jobs, and we need to take con- Schulz (Executive Board), Josh signed up to become full mem- sistently advocate for the need ing appropriate pay for correc- trol.’ It’s been awesome.” Liston, Amy Vowell (Executive bers.” On the Move January-February 2016 15 RETIREE NOTES

Retirees Rally AFSCME retirees, funding to programs for “The Meals on Wheels pro- meal delivery programs, for Fairness community groups seniors. gram has been cut from five Rauner has targeted several call attention to AFSCME retirees from days a week to three but they senior programs such as home AFSCME RETIREES STOOD budget cuts in “lottery Chicago, along with members put aside a billion dollars to pay care services, Medicaid pro- shoulder to shoulder with protest” of Illinois Alliance for Retired lottery winners?” exclaimed grams such as the Illinois working members to demand Americans and the Responsible Charlie Hogan, president of Breast & Cervical Cancer an end to Bruce Rauner’s GOVERNOR RAUNER SIGNED A Budget Coalition, protested the AFSCME Retiree sub-chapter Program, and LIHEAP, anti-worker agenda in a series stopgap measure that would governor’s priorities by holding 163 (North Cook County). the energy assistance program of rallies across Illinois dur- allow the state to continue to a press event to show the lottery “This isn’t right. Budgets are which helps low-income ing December. Joining them pay lottery winners in Decem- tickets they purchased to sym- moral statements. It’s where families and seniors pay for were union members from ber, despite vetoing similar bolically fund these critical our priorities are.” heating and cooling their across the labor movement, measures aimed at restoring social services. Along with cuts to residence. community and faith groups, elected officials, and con- cerned citizens from all walks of life. Along with demanding a A win for retirement security fair budget to protect vital state services, protesters called for a fair contract for state workers and an end to Advocates elected to the llinois Municipal Retirement Fund Board of Trustees bargaining demands from the Rauner administration that would cause massive increases in health insurance costs for state and university retirees. “If you’re not going to She is an Administrative Assis- mer Lee County Treasurer. stand up to cuts to your bene- FSCME member Trudy Williams, tant in the Fulton County Sharon is committed to con- fits and social services now, Illinois Education Association State’s Attorney’s Office. tinuing her work to preserve you can’t complain later,” member John Piechocinski and Trudy is committed to pre- the defined benefit plan for said Vicki Thomas, vice-presi- A serving the fiscal stability of workers and retirees. dent of sub-chapter 88 AFSCME retiree Sharon Thompson won the pension fund. By voting together, union (Champaign-Urbana), who seats on the Board of Trustees of the Illinois John Piechocinski has members were able to ensure took the union bus to the Municipal Retirement Fund. been an IMRF Employee that workers will continue to Springfield rally. “Retirees Trustee since 2011. As the have a strong voice on the can either get involved now Head Custodian for Plainfield IMRF board. Williams, or sit back and watch our w Community Consolidated Piechocinski and Thompson IMRF PARTICIPANTS INCLUDE system in the state. benefits disappear.” School District, John is an will do their utmost to assure ANYONE WHO WORKS FOR OR These three trustees will Hundreds of retirees Illinois Education Association that the IMRF remains strong RETIRED FROM ANY MUNICIPALITY, work to ensure the IMRF is attended the rallies in Chica- member and dedicated advo- and solvent so that current county, school district or properly funded and to pro- go, Joliet, Rock Island, Mari- cate for employee and future retirees can count other unit of local govern- tect pension benefits. on, Rockford, Collinsville and participants. on security and dignity in ment in Illinois, except the Trudy Williams is Presi- Springfield, setting a strong Sharon Thompson has retirement. City of Chicago or Cook dent of AFSCME Local 3433 foundation for the fights been an IMRF Annuitant County. It is the most finan- and an AFSCME Council 31 ahead in 2016. Trustee for 15 years. She is cially sound public pension Executive Board member. an AFSCME retiree and for- Scholarships available for AFSCME members and families

nion membership AFSCME members who are helps workers build a high school seniors or college Ubetter future for their students under the age of 25. families. AFSCME members Two winners will be awarded and their families benefit $1,000 each. from annual scholarship The scholarship honors opportunities to pursue their Larry Marquardt, the first education goals at colleges, executive director of Council universities, labor programs 31 and a tireless union orga- and technical schools. nizer who dedicated his life to Council 31 is accepting improving the lives of working applications through April 15 people. for its annual Larry Mar- Visit: www.afscme31.org/ quardt Scholarship. Appli- union-scholarships for more cants must be AFSCME Coun- information on this and other cil 31 members in good scholarship opportunities. standing who plan to attend school full-time or children of 16 On the Move January-February 2016 CORPORATE ELITE BACKS U.S. SUPREME COURT CASE AIMED AT PUBLIC EMPLOYEES

n Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association, currently before the U.S. Supreme Court, a wealthy elite is trying to ban the ‘fair Ishare’ fees now paid by represented employees who opt out of joining the union. By requiring unions to represent employees who don’t have to pay anything toward the cost of that representation, these right- wing forces hope to bankrupt the labor movement and thereby wipe out the only force with the strength and resources to provide a counterweight to the outsized influence of the uber-wealthy in our political system. On January 11 the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case and a decision is expected later this spring.

Why the corporate elite wants to ban ‘fair share’ fees • Americans are working more than ever before. But it’s harder to get by, let alone get ahead. Our economy is out of balance because corporate CEOs and wealthy special interests have manipulated the rules in their favor.

• It’s become much harder for working people to band together and exercise their right to negotiate together for better wages and benefits that can sustain their family.

• And as the number of union jobs has dropped, the income share of the richest 1 percent of Americans has grown to 22 percent of all U.S. income. Meanwhile, middle-class income has dropped. All working people, and our families—whether in a union or not— do better when unions are strong.

• Unions are everyday people who come together to make their voices heard on issues that aect all of us: fighting for smaller class sizes; working to make sure we can all retire with dignity; holding billionaires like corporate CEOs accountable for paying their fair share; and making sure that employers understand that we are working harder and harder just to get by.

• When unions are strong, we have a more balanced economy for everyone. Everyone who works should be able to make ends meet, have a say about their futures, and be able to negotiate better wages and benefits one can sustain a family on. The best way to do that is by using our strength in numbers—band- ing together and speaking with one voice. All workers benefit from having our voices heard.

• Collective bargaining has also historically been a path to the middle class for people of color and has helped to fight inequality in the workplace so that women get paid for the work they do. African-American union members today earn 31 percent more than their non-union counterparts. And many union contracts include measures that make the workplace more equal and fair for women—for example, more time o to care for a sick child or employment protection for victims of sexual harassment. This sets the bar higher for all workplaces, union and nonunion alike.

While the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association on January 11, hundreds of workers assembled outside the court building to protest the ongoing attacks against working families from wealthy special interest groups. Stephen Mittons, a DCFS child protection investigator and president of AFSCME Local 2081, spoke to the crowd on the steps of the Supreme Court. “It is frightening to me that the same CEOs and corporate interests who have been manipulating the rules of our economy for decades are now trying to make it harder for working people to come together, speak up and get ahead. It would be shameful to see the Supreme Court decide this case in favor of wealthy special interests and put the important services public employees provide to children and families at risk. I don’t think protecting children and families is a matter of politics; it’s our duty.” Stephen Mittons, AFSCME Local 2081