NO. 184 • AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2018 COUNCIL 31 AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE, COUNTY ON THE AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES - AFL-CIO

ElectionMOVE 2018 VOTE! AFSCME VOTER’S GUIDE PAGES 8-9 PAID AFSCME U.S. Postage U.S. Non-Profit Org Council 31 Ave. 21st Floor 205 N. Michigan 205 N. Michigan , IL 60601 Chicago, AFSCME

YOU can make a difference: AFSCME31.org/Volunteer 2 On the Move August-September 2018

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

On The MOVE Elections don’t win AFSCME Illinois On the Move is published six times annually by Illinois Public Employees Council 31 of the American Federation themselves of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO. Send correspondence to: Sign up now to help defeat [email protected] or: AFSCME, On the Move, 205 N. Michigan Ave., 21st Floor, Chicago, IL 60601

Roberta Lynch, Executive Director Mike Newman, Deputy Director Nell McNamara, Editor was recently at my local pharmacy when one of the store Tom Greensfelder, Designer employees came up and introduced himself to me as an AFSCME COUNCIL 31 EXECUTIVE member. What was he doing working at the pharmacy, I BOARD OFFICERS I Executive Director wondered. It turns out he also works for the state Department of Roberta Lynch

Human Services and has gone several years without getting any of State Sector Executive Vice-President his promised step increases, so he had to take a second job working Ralph Portwood, Local 1866

evenings and weekends to make ends meet. Private Sector Executive Vice-President Yolanda Woods, Local 2481

That’s Bruce Rauner at work. of them saddled with college record and his tanking polls, University Executive BY A governor who has driven our debt or with young families to Rauner is running for another Vice-President state ever deeper into debt, support. term as governor, pouring his Ellen Larrimore, Local 1989 ROBERTA LYNCH cost Illinois taxpayers a small Bruce Rauner couldn’t immense wealth into the race Local Government Executive fortune in interest payments, care less about the hardships and doing everything he can Vice-President forced nonprofit community they face. He has made it to smear his opponents. With John Rayburn, Local 1215

service agencies to close their his mission to drive down no achievements to run on, Secretary doors or lay off staff, desta- public employee salaries and he’s trying to depress voter Dave Delrose, Local 1028 PRITZKER AND bilized our state universities, benefits. Here’s a millionaire turnout, hoping enough folks Treasurer STRATTON and proven himself stunningly who made his riches in part will be so turned off by all the David Morris, Local 805 ineffective at the basic task of by slashing the care in nurs- negativity he’s spewing that HAVE A managing state government ing homes and polluting the they’ll just stay home on Elec- BOARD MEMBERS operations. environment now fulminating tion Day. STRONG State Conference Board So what exactly has about the modest salaries of JB Pritzker and Juliana Co-Chairs CAMPAIGN, Rauner been doing in the gov- public servants who keep Illi- Stratton offer a sharp con- Gary Ciaccio, Local 29 ernor’s office for nearly four nois working every day. trast. They’re running for Kathy Lane, Local 448 BUT WE HAVE years? The answer is all too At the same time, Rauner public office because they TO DO OUR plain, yet still heard to believe. is trying to make it harder want to help improve people’s REGION I VICE-PRESIDENTS He’s been working tirelessly for these employees to afford lives. They’ve travelled from Phil Cisneros, Local 3969 PART. to pursue his vendetta against health care coverage, push- one end of this state to the Safiya Felters, Local 2854 public service workers— ing to raise their premium other, meeting many AFSCME Lloyd Marshall, Local 3477 particularly targeting state contributions by 100%. And members along the way. They Stephen Mittons, Local 2081 employees. he’s leading the charge to believe in the importance of Kobie Robinson, Local 3835 Employees like the nurs- find ways to reduce employee public services and value the Crosby Smith, Local 2645 ing aides who care for our pensions, making it harder to work that public employees frail and ailing veterans, the count on dignity and security do. They know Illinois faces REGION II VICE-PRESIDENTS mental health technicians in their retirement years. very difficult challenges, Terry Boone, Local 672 who provide round-the-clock And of course, it’s not just but they want to try to solve Garry Cacciapaglia, Local 1058 support for individuals with state employees that Rauner’s them, not shift the blame Carlene Erno, Local 2615 severe developmental dis- after. He wants to drive down to those who keep our state Tom Opolony, Local 89 abilities, the child protective the incomes and weaken the working every day. Yurvette Simmons, Local 3237 investigators who often put rights of every public employ- Bruce Rauner is not going Miguel Vazquez, Local 3297 themselves at risk to rescue ee—at state universities, city down without a fight. So if children from abusive homes, and county governments, and we want new leadership in REGION III VICE-PRESIDENTS the correctional officers who school districts. Springfield we have to be pre- Shaun Dawson, Local 2073 go behind prison walls daily to All of the harm that’s pared to fight too. And that Lori Gladson, Local 51 keep the rest of us safe. been done to our state’s finan- means going out and knocking Steve Howerter, Local 3585 Why would a guy with cial and social infrastructures on doors up and down the Melanie Hoyle, Local 2600 untold personal wealth so by Rauner’s two-year budget streets of our communities Matt Lukow, Local 1964 ardently devote himself to blockade was in the service to talk to every single voter. Trudy Williams, Local 3433 inflicting harm on individuals of this overriding goal—to Experience clearly demon- who devote their working lives destroy the public employ- strates that there is no more REGION IV VICE-PRESIDENTS to helping others and to the ee unions that raised those important factor in bringing Tad Hawk, Local 1805 betterment of our communi- incomes and established those out voters than encourage- Chris Milton, Local 799 ties? rights. ment from someone in their Cary Quick, Local 141 That’s a question I’ve Fortunately for those own community. Tim Worker, Local 993 asked myself many times and of us in AFSCME and other Elections don’t win them- cannot begin to answer. But unions, the Democrats in the selves. It’s not too late to get TRUSTEES the record speaks all too clear- General Assembly refused involved. Tom Brown, Local 3654 ly for itself. The young man I to bow down to Rauner’s Go to afscme31.org/ Jerry Grammer, Local 1175 encountered at the pharmacy demands. And fortunately for volunteer right away and sign Jeffrey Reighter, II, Local 2856 had to work two jobs because our state, a great majority of up now to do your part to one of Bruce Rauner’s earli- Illinoisans now understand defeat Bruce Rauner. We have RETIREE CHAPTER 31 est acts in office was to halt what Bruce Rauner is really just this one opportunity to REPRESENTATIVE all scheduled employee step about. Polls show his approval end his reign of destruction. Larry Brown increases—hitting the newest rating below 30 percent. Let’s make sure we get the job hires especially hard, many Yet, despite his abysmal done. August-September 2018 On the Move 3

Standing strong in the wake of Supreme Court ruling 100% Union makes the difference

FSCME members are more steadfast than ever in the A wake of a US Supreme Court ruling that banned fair share fees and brought “right to work” to the public sector. Tawny Proulx AFSCME Local 172 Jack Mabley Developmental Center “Our local is at 100% union. We have to be if we want to beat Rauner and keep our rights. “In order to ensure our members stay strong, we’ve had a lot of meetings to talk about what the Supreme Court ruling in the Janus case means and the battles that lie before us. Without the level playing field that a union provides, either you’re rich or you’re going to be left behind. There will be no middle class. And I think a lot of people are ready to fight for it. “Every new member is given a two-hour orienta- tion where we go over everything our union has won, from wages that can provide for your family, to health care and retirement, to representation on the job. “I tell them, ‘Welcome to the most awesome opportunity you’re ever going to have in your life, to Tawny Proulx and members of AFSCME Local 172 celebrate their 100% unity: “We are not opting out. We are in this together—we are the union.” belong to a strong union that backs the employees not the employer.’ It’s really important to have that and benefits are a third less than what we have here. face-to-face conversation so they know you care about This isn’t accidental. Because they do not have a union, them, they aren’t a number. “The Janus case is about they don’t have anyone going to bat for their benefits, “Being 100% union means every one of us has wages and their dignity. We had to fight hard for our signed a card saying we are committed. We are not opt- one thing—people wanting to contract and it took time. The employer isn’t paying us ing out. We are in this together—we are the union.” more because they feel like it. take away our rights.” “Having a union isn’t just about our pay. It also means we set a high standard for our jobs. We live in this community, our kids go to the school district and we support our food banks, churches, fire and police. get this contract and we gotta keep it going. We have What we make in wages and benefits we turn around to stay together. If we don’t fight for what we have, we and spend here. We care about what’s best for everyone. won’t keep it. “Right now our future is under attack. Despite “Our local is doing great. We’re at 100% mem- bership. But that doesn’t mean our work is done. We have to support the rest of the locals in the state and help them be 100% too. We need to get more people involved. And we need to educate our new members and make sure they’re ready to carry it on. Not just as members, but as activists.” Terry Boone AFSCME Local 672 Moline-Coal Valley School District “I knew I wanted to be part of a union at my next job after working as a mechanic at a car dealership Tom Brown, AFSCME Local 3654 for 27 years. When I started working for the school district, I immediately got involved in AFSCME and Tom Brown eventually became the local union president. “We are 100% union at Local 672 and I think that AFSCME Local 3654 unity comes down to the conversations we have with Southwestern Illinois one another. After Janus we have been stressing to our long-time members that we can’t take anything for Correctional Center Terry Boone, AFSCME Local 672 granted. And for our new members, we make sure to “Unity is very important. My goal is to make connect with them from the day they are hired. It takes what big business and rich politicians say, unions sure that we’re keeping all the benefits that we have one-on-one communication. We sit down together aren’t making anyone go broke. The reason they are now—our health care, wages and retirement. to discuss the union and our contract, and encourage attacking us is because they want to privatize our jobs “When I meet with new members or former fair them to get involved and to contribute to our PEOPLE so they can make money off them and they can’t do share fee-payers, I give them the contract and let them program. that with unions standing in the way. read it. I let them see what we’ve fought for and won “If anyone hesitates to join the union, I point to “The Janus case is about one thing—people want- over the years. People we don’t even know fought to the school district that’s just 20 miles away, where pay ing to take away our rights.” 4 On the Move August-September 2018

It’s time to opt in After the Supreme Court ruling, a message to my fellow former fair-sharers

employees with Cadillac ben- I urge you to join your union. collectively for millions of efits grumbling over their Yes, your dues may go up by a American workers, will go on wo very nice union representatives contracts when they have it couple of bucks each month. to retire with a comfortable knocked on my door last week. better than many in the private I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t pension and full health care Anticipating an unfavorable ruling sector. briefly tempted by the idea of benefits negotiated for him by T The thing is, unions help opting out of the union and the very union he took to court in Janus v. AFSCME, they asked me, a “fair all workers, organized or not. putting that money in my (I hope he thinks about that share” state employee, to join the union. I According to the Economic pocket instead. But the ben- every time he cashes a pension Policy Institute, unions keep efits you reap with collective check). didn’t have to think twice. Sign me up, I told wages high for nonunion work- bargaining power – for example In this day and age, when them. I’m with you. ers as well by setting pay and lower health care premiums the middle class is being benefit standards that non- and enforcement of step pay squeezed, wages are stagnant, Although I don’t believe, as Mr. and interests would be ignored. union employers follow. Labor increases – are vast in compar- prospects are shrinking, our Janus does, that paying fair By teaming up with tens of unions brought us the weekend ison to the modest dues you collective wealth is being fun- share dues – fees paid to the thousands of other working and 40-hour workweeks and pay. neled upward to make the rich union by non-union employees people, however, our collective the end of child labor and paid I know that the state’s richer, and wealthy special – infringes on my First Amend- voice gives us power in negoti- vacations and employer-spon- email said, “even if you opt-out interests are doing their best to ment rights, I also don’t think ations. Hence, the importance sored health insurance and a of the union, you still receive undermine collective bargain- that unions are perfect. I’ve of unions. host of other benefits we take the same employment benefits ing, it’s time for working people heard all the arguments against unions: that they make this country less competitive. That higher costs of union salaries and benefits are passed on to consumers and taxpayers. That they unfairly protect incompe- tent workers. And yet. I joined the union because, despite its flaws, it is an orga- nization that is dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of working people, and I am a working person. I am fully cognizant of the fact that the quality of my salary, benefits, health care and pen- sion are 100 percent due to the fact that a union negotiated for them on my behalf, and that if I want to continue enjoying good benefits in the future, I will need a union to advocate for them each time the contract is up for renegotiation. Immediately after the Janus decision was delivered, the state of Illinois sent an email to all its employees, myself included, telling us that we were no longer obligated to pay “fair share” dues and that “Illinois statute requires the State to provide health care benefits, retirement benefits and many other employment benefits. They do not depend on union membership or collec- tive bargaining.” That statement is mislead- ing at best. Illinois might be required by statute to provide AFSCME Local 1019 member Erika Holst and her husband, Chris Schnell of AFSCME Local 805, signed AFSCME Strong cards after the Janus ruling came down in June. benefits, but the statute sure doesn’t mandate the quality of as union members.” But think to be there for their unions. benefits it provides. Without “I joined the union because it is about it. If everybody opts out Labor unions aren’t just for the strength of a union behind dedicated to advocating for the rights of the union, who will be left you, they are you: your voice, me, the state could and proba- to, you know, be in the union? amplified in collective strength bly would renegotiate my con- and well-being of working people.” Who will speak for you? Who with thousands of people just tract to increase the number of will negotiate a favorable con- like you. It’s time to opt in. hours I am required to work, tract on your behalf? Who will double my health care costs, I know what you’re think- so much for granted now that have your back if your job is decline to offer a cost-of-living ing. I know because I used to we forget there was even a unfairly threatened? This op-ed by Erika Holst, an raise, or otherwise cut back think the same thing, before I struggle for them in the first The union is there for employee of the State of Illinois, my benefits. If this were to started working for the state. place. working people. Even Mr. was published in the Illinois happen, and I, as an individual, You’re thinking that you’re If you hold a position cov- Janus, whose lawsuit weak- Times on July 5. Reprinted with were to protest, my lone voice sick of hearing well-paid state ered by collective bargaining, ened the ability to bargain permission. August-September 2018 On the Move 5

AFSCME members win new contract in Cook County Member solidarity prevails in tough fiscal climate

together as one strong and uni- fied force for “universal negoti- n September 5, after more than a ations” over shared issues like year of very challenging negotiations, wages and insurance. AFSCME reached a tentative Management came to the O table with a long list of con- agreement on a new contract between Cook cessionary demands, including County and 14 AFSCME local unions that a three-year step freeze, big increases in health insurance represent nearly 5,000 county employees. premiums, reductions in over- time pay and much more. Deter- The county’s very severe budget met with management rep- mined to resist those unfair shortfall made for a tough fight resentatives from different terms, the AFSCME bargaining for the union bargaining com- county offices or divisions for committee never wavered in its mittee led by Council 31 Deputy “local negotiations” over issues commitment to secure a con- Director Mike Newman and specific to the members of that tract that continues to provide comprised of nearly 90 elected local. And all 14 locals—1111, access to high-quality, afford- representatives from every local. 1178, 1276, 1767, 2060, 2226, able health care and builds on Negotiations took place 3315, 3477, 3486, 3692, 3696, the economic gains made in on two tracks. Each local union 3835, 3958, and 3969—came previous contracts. The committee was backed by the solidarity of AFSCME members who time and again showed their resolve. By stand- ing together against long odds, the union reached an agreement that represents real economic progress for every member, as well as expanded rights on the job. This accomplishment would not have been possible with- out the support and solidarity shown by AFSCME members throughout county government. As On the Move went to press, ratification meetings were Members of the AFSCME bargaining team celebrate the night they reached a tentative being set at county worksites. agreement with Cook County. “We fought hard for a fair contract with the county,” said Newman. “We understood the “We ensured that county officials financial constraints, but we also ensured that county offi- didn’t balance their budget on the cials didn’t balance their budget on the backs of hard-working backs of AFSCME members.” AFSCME members.”

City of Chicago bargaining continues

care first and foremost. But That debt also represents a real The advantage of pen- we also know there are ways threat to the retirement secu- sion obligation bonds is that s On the Move went to press, that the city could be fairer rity of tens of thousands of city they could allow the city to bargaining continued for the six to its own employees—and employees. make a payment that would AFSCME local unions (505, 654, we’re trying to focus on those To address the problem, immediately bring the pension A as well.” the Emanuel Administration funds to more than 50 percent 1215, 1669, 2912 and 2946) representing The current AFSCME is exploring utilizing pension funding, thus allowing the more than 3,500 City of Chicago employees. contract expired at the end of obligation bonds as a means of funds more opportunity to June, but all terms and condi- stabilizing the city’s pension grow through investment, and Comprised of four bargaining and keeping health care afford- tions of that contract remain funds. AFSCME met with the ultimately reducing the city’s units, the membership encom- able. In addition, the union is in effect while bargaining for a city’s financial team, which pre- financial liability. passes employees with admin- seeking to expand promotional new contract continues. sented preliminary details of “AFSCME Council 31 will istrative and clerical, human and educational opportunities the plan while stressing that no consult with the national union services, inspection, profes- for employees. final decision has been made and other affiliates around the sional and library titles. “Our bargaining commit- City explores as to whether to move forward country to make an assessment Progress has been made tee is very unified and deter- with it. of whether these bonds repre- in fending off management’s mined,” said Council 31 Deputy pension bonds The city’s four pension sent the best path to greater demands for changes to over- Director Mike Newman, who Chicago’s financial woes, funds collectively have only 26 stability for the pension funds,” time pay and compensatory leads the negotiations. which cast large clouds over percent of the assets needed to Newman said. “We must find time, but there are still key “We want to ensure that the contract negotiations, are pay promised pension benefits, a solution to ensure the hard- union goals on the table, espe- members earn fair wages and due in large measure to the so financial prudence dictates earned pensions of city workers cially with regard to fair pay have access to quality health city’s massive pension debt. some form of remedial action. are honored in full.” 6 On the Move August-September 2018

Rauner keeps up attacks on state employees AFSCME keeps beating him back

Learn more about the Illinois Policy Institute at ince he took office nearly four years AFSCME31.org/TheRealIPI ago, billionaire Governor Bruce Rauner Shas been unrelenting in his efforts to devalue the work and diminish the living The Illinois Policy Institute: standards of state employees. Public Employee Enemy Number One But all his attempts to knock Pushing them down have failed— because they never quit fight- employees out ing as a union. Now, even as he faces a of union daunting re-election campaign, When the US Supreme Rauner’s war on his own work- Court ruled in Janus v. AFSCME ers continues unabated. Council 31, Bruce Rauner was on the steps of the court to Rauner tries claim the case as his own. He had previously asserted that to evade steps thousands of employees would ruling leave the union when the court ruled that fair share fees were The Illinois Policy Institute recently sent out a mailing to 400,000 After an appellate court not constitutional. public employees in Illinois—teachers, firefighters, correctional agreed with AFSCME that the But the overwhelming officers, social workers, nurses, and so many others—pushing all of Rauner administration had ille- majority of state employees gally withheld state employee have rejected that course, them to drop out of their union. step increases since July 2015, recognizing the critical impor- The IPI claims they just want to help public employees by making the case was remanded back tance of having a strong union to the Illinois Labor Relations that enables them to stand them aware of their rights. But the real IPI is a shadowy, billion- Board (ILRB) to order a remedy. together for their rights, their aire-backed front group—Rauner’s biggest cheerleaders—that In July, the board gave safety on the job and their eco- is single-mindedly devoted to dismantling the rights, wages and Rauner 20 days to submit nomic security. a plan to restore employees So now Rauner’s trying benefits that public employees have worked so hard to earn. They to their rightful steps. But to force employees out of the were behind the recent Janus case, and in fact Mark Janus is now instead Rauner submitted union if they won’t leave of on their payroll. a plan trying to delay and their own volition. He’s filed deprive state employees of full petitions at the ILRB to strip So when the IPI says you can keep your current wages and bene- restitution.. more than 1,000 current union fits if you drop out of the union, don’t buy it. If members drop out Specifically, the Rauner members of their collective bar- of the union, then the union won’t have the resources to stave off administration claimed that: gaining rights. • It is only obligated to pay While these employees the big-money forces that are trying to drive down our standard of steps from July 1, 2015, until have been included in the bar- living. That’s exactly what Bruce Rauner and the IPI want. January 8, 2016, when the gaining unit with full contrac- administration walked away tual rights for many years, the If you want to continue to have decent wages, affordable health from contract negotiations, Rauner Administration is sud- care, sick and vacation time, benefits that improve your life, safe claiming impasse; denly alleging that their posi- working conditions, protections against unfair treatment on the • Step increases are subject to tions meet one or more of the appropriations (improperly statutory exclusion definitions job, access to promotions, and all the other vital rights provided by citing the Illinois Supreme under the Illinois Public Labor your union contract and by the laws unions have helped to enact, Court’s ruling in the 2011 Relations Act. put the IPI mailer right where it belongs—in your trash bin. back pay case) and no funds AFSCME members see have been appropriated; through Rauner’s ploy. It’s a • No payments at all should deliberate attempt to force Be sure you’ve signed an AFSCME Strong card be made until the impasse employees out of their union pledging to remain a union member. dispute—currently before and leave them without any the Fourth District Appellate guarantees regarding wages, Court—is decided. health insurance costs, pro- AFSCME strongly dis- motional opportunities, job AFSCME will represent these between the state of Illinois appeal is decided because the agrees with the Rauner admin- security or other essential employees at the labor board and AFSCME. union demonstrated a “reason- istration’s submission and the rights. and will fight on every front to This case dates to Jan- able likelihood” of prevailing. union filed a petition for com- When there is a dispute as safeguard their right to union uary 2016 when the Rauner “There isn’t and never has pliance with the ILRB arguing to whether specific positions representation. administration walked away been any impasse,” AFSCME that all employees should be should be excluded from a bar- from bargaining and sought Council 31 Executive Director immediately restored to their gaining unit, the labor board to impose its terms, including Roberta Lynch said. “This case proper step and paid the back holds a fact-finding hearing to Impasse case a 100% increase in employee is about whether an employer, wages owed. determine eligibility. CMS is goes on costs for health care and an in this case Gov. Rauner, can In response, a labor board pressing for those hearings to end to basic safeguards against refuse to comply with his legal compliance officer directed the get underway immediately. The 4th District Appellate irresponsible privatization duty to bargain in good faith.” Rauner administration to place Many of the affected Court heard oral arguments schemes. Now that oral arguments all employees on their proper employees have contacted on June 13 in AFSCME Coun- In March 2017, the appel- are completed, the court will step by October 1 and to pro- AFSCME to express their anger cil 31’s appeal of the Labor late court granted the union’s issue a decision. There is no vide detailed information on the and frustration at Rauner’s Board’s decision backing request to put the labor time frame for a decision, total cost for back wages owed. attempt to strip them of the Gov. Bruce Rauner’s claim board’s decision on hold—and which can typically take protections of a union contract. of impasse in negotiations stay Rauner’s hand—until the months to be issued. August-September 2018 On the Move 7

Uniting to win in November Union members will work to defeat Bruce Rauner and his allies

ruce Rauner’s assault on public employees has been unrelent- B ing for the past three years. Now AFSCME members are hitting the pave- ment to defeat him in the November general election.

Hundreds of delegates from commitment to workers’ local unions across the state rights. came together for the AFSCME “Bruce Rauner walked out PEOPLE Conference on August of negotiations with AFSCME 18 to chart a pathway to vic- in 2016 and he never returned,” tory for working families, start- Stratton said. “But JB and I ing with early voting which strongly believe in the collective begins in locations statewide bargaining process and that our on September 27. hard-working public employees The conference capped deserve a fair contract. a months-long grassroots “My mother was an process in which local union AFSCME member,” she contin- AFSCME members vote to endorse candidates who will stand with working families. and retiree delegates in 11 ued. “Public employees have PEOPLE regions met to review been Bruce Rauner’s scapegoats legislative voting records and for far too long. Together we can responses to the union’s candi- defeat him in November!” Volunteers Make the Difference date questionnaire, as well as Council 31 Executive Direc- conduct candidate interviews tor Roberta Lynch urged AFSCME in state legislative races. members to work to get out the The recommendations vote in their communities and from those regional meetings usher Rauner out of office.

Don Wanack Ed Johnson AFSCME Local 943, Pinckneyville AFSCME Local 1669, City of Chicago Correctional Center Department of Human Services

After 20 years in state corrections, I’ve We’ve had four years of Bruce Rauner. realized that the only way we’ll get Everybody knows what that has meant true change is to elect people who will for us and workers around the coun- come to the table and work with us. I try. It’s simple. We’ve got to make a understand exactly how much politics change. affect me and my family. So I make sure I volunteer so I can look in the mir- to volunteer in every election. ror and say I did all I could to make “Public employees have been Rauner’s When Bruce “Ruiner” is speaking, sure this guy doesn’t stay in office. It scapegoats for too long. Together we he’s lying. It’s been a nonstop onslaught starts with one person taking action and since his oath of office, from executive I want to do my share. can defeat him in November!” orders to illegal acts against employ- Some people are leery of knocking ees. He hates unions—so this election on doors. But you have to turn that is more personal than ever. fear into positivity and hope that you were submitted to the state- “Rauner’s goal when elected I’ve met JB Pritzker. He really has a can do some good. Maybe you will wide PEOPLE Executive Com- was to defeat us, but AFSCME good sense of what’s going on in this convince someone who wasn’t going mittee, which met on August members have blocked Bruce state. And I am totally impressed with to vote to come out and vote in this 17 and unanimously voted to Rauner’s anti-union attacks at Juliana Stratton, his running mate. election. endorse all recommended state every turn since he took office,” Pritzker and Stratton know what our If Rauner gets another term, he’s legislative candidates. Lynch said. “Now we need to true problems are—and they know that going to be devastating. It’s self-pres- AFSCME Council 31 vote him out in November.” paying state employees their due wages ervation at this point. We need what we endorsed JB Pritzker for gov- The election is a critical and benefits is not what’s breaking Illi- have right now and we don’t want to ernor and Juliana Stratton for moment for the labor move- nois. That’s why I’ve been out volunteer- lose it. lieutenant governor in April. ment in Illinois and beyond, ing for them since the beginning of May. We can talk to JB and he’ll listen to Delegates to the conference Lynch told the crowd. But the It’s always tough knocking on doors us. We can’t talk to Rauner. That means made endorsements in key fight will not end in November. the first time. Go with a friend to start. we have to support JB. There is no federal and statewide races and “We cannot take our rights When the person comes to the door, other choice. discussed campaign strategy by for granted—the fundamental I always say that I’m out volunteering Every AFSCME member should region (see the full list of rec- right to unite, to unify, to come because I believe in these candidates. be working full blast to make sure ommendations on page 8). together as a union is something JB gets in office. We’ve got to take a Stratton, keynote speaker that must be fought for over and If you’re genuine, you can open peo- at the conference, inspired over again. We must rise up and ple’s eyes. stand. the packed room with her keep on rising!” AFSCME Recommendations: 2018 General Election

The Illinois General Election in November is critical for the defense of workers’ rights in our state and beyond. Make your voice heard and VOTE! Need to know: • September 27: Early voting begins in most locations. • November 6: Election Day! • Visit elections.il.gov for specific early voting information in your community. The following candidates are recommended by AFSCME Illinois:*

NATIONAL State House House 62 – Sam Yingling House 64 – Trisha Zubert Congressional District 1 – House 17 – Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz House 65 – Richard Johnson Congressional District 2 – House 18 – Robyn Gabel House 68 – Jake Castanza Congressional District 3 – Dan Lipinski House 19 – House 69 – Angelique Bodine Congressional District 4 – Jesus “Chuy” Garcia House 35 – Frances Ann Hurley House 70 – Paul Stoddard Congressional District 5 – Mike Quigley House 37 – Matthew Hunt House 71 – Joan Padilla Congressional District 6 – Sean Casten House 42 – Kathy Carrier House 72 – Mike Halpin Congressional District 7 – Danny Davis House 43 – Anna Moeller House 76 – Lance Yednock Congressional District 8 – Raja Krishnamoorthi House 44 – Fred Crespo House 77 – Kathleen Willis Congressional District 9 – House 45 – Diane Pappas House 79 – Lisa Dugan Congressional District 10 – Brad Schneider House 46 – Deb Conroy House 81 – Anne Stava-Murray Congressional District 11 – House 48 – Terra Costa Howard House 84 – Stephanie Kifowit Congressional District 12 – Brendan Kelly House 49 – House 86 – Larry Walsh Congressional District 13 – Betsy Londrigan House 50 – James Leslie House 88 – Jill Blair Congressional District 14 – Lauren Underwood House 51 – Mary Edly-Allen House 89 – Nick Hyde Congressional District 16 – Sara Dady House 53 – Mark Walker House 90 – Amy Davis Congressional District 17 – Cheri Bustos House 54 – Maggie Trevor House 55 – Marty Moylan House 91 – Carolyn Blodgett APPELLATE COURT House 56 – Michelle Mussman House 93 – John Curtis House 57 – Jonathan Carroll House 95 – Dillon Clark Appellate Court District 5 – Kevin Hoerner House 58 – Bob Morgan House 96 – Sue Scherer House 97 – Mica Freeman STATE LEGISLATURE House 59 – Daniel Didech House 61 – Joyce Mason House 98 – Natalie Manley State Senate Senate 9 – Senate 21 – Senate 23 – AFSCME members get behind Senate 24 – Suzanne Glowiak JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton Senate 27 – Ann Gillespie Senate 29 – “I believe JB Pritzker will stand by the union. He strikes me as Senate 30 – Terry Link someone with integrity. He’s told us he’s going to work with us Senate 33 – Nancy Zettler and that’s a [heck] of a lot better than we got with Rauner. If Senate 36 – Gregg Johnson you’re not voting, you’re giving a yes vote to Rauner. We need every vote we can get. Protect your future and your children’s Senate 38 – Heidi Henry future—vote for JB and Juliana.” Senate 41 – Bridget Fitzgerald —Tawny Proulx, AFSCME Local 172 Senate 45 – David Simpson Senate 48 – Andy Manar “I’m supporting JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton because our Senate 54 – Brian Stout current governor has failed working families of Illinois. We Senate 56 – Rachelle Aud Crowe want a governor that will advocate for working families and Senate 57 – not attack us like the current governor has done. It’s time for a Senate 59 – Steve Webb change in Illinois.”

*Note: AFSCME does not make endorsements in uncontested races. —Cherone Gladney-Morris, AFSCME Local 505 Kankakee STATEWIDE County Board #2 – Marta Perales County Board #14 – Danny Williams County Board #22 – Charlene Eads County Board #24 – Kazys Kupcikeius Lake The Illinois General Election in November is critical for the defense County Board #3 – Ed Gallagher County Board #6 – John Wasik of workers’ rights in our state and beyond. County Board #10 – Jessica Vealitzek County Board #15 – Jennifer Clark Governor – JB Pritzker Make your voice heard and VOTE! County Board #17 – Maria Peterson Need to know: County Board #20 – Adam Didech LaSalle • September 27: Early voting begins in most locations. County Board #27 – Michele Hansen • November 6: Election Day! Macon • Visit elections.il.gov for specific early voting information Clerk – Amy Rueff in your community. Madison Clerk – Debbie Ming-Mendoza Lieutenant Governor – The following candidates are recommended by AFSCME Illinois:* Regional Superintendent of Schools – Juliana Stratton Andrew Reinking County Board # 5 – Jessica Thomas House 62 – Sam Yingling House 99 – Marc Bell County Board #10 – Bruce Malone House 64 – Trisha Zubert House 104 – Cindy Cunningham County Board #13 – Matt King House 65 – Richard Johnson House 105 – Ben Webb County Board #14 – Timothy Tweedy House 68 – Jake Castanza House 111 – Monica Bristow County Board #15 – Mike Sabolo House 69 – Angelique Bodine House 112 – Katie Stuart House 70 – Paul Stoddard House 113 – Jay Hoffman McHenry House 71 – Joan Padilla House 114 – LaToya Greenwood County Board #5 – Carlos Acosta House 72 – Mike Halpin House 115 – Marsha Griffin Peoria House 76 – Lance Yednock House 116 – Jerry Costello Illinois Attorney General – Sheriff – Brian Fengel House 77 – Kathleen Willis House 117 – Jason Woolard Kwame Raoul Auditor – Jessica Thomas House 79 – Lisa Dugan House 118 – Natalie Phelps Finnie House 81 – Anne Stava-Murray Randolph House 84 – Stephanie Kifowit COUNTY Sheriff – Shannon Wolff House 86 – Larry Walsh Champaign Rock Island House 88 – Jill Blair Clerk – Aaron Ammons Clerk – Karen Kinney House 89 – Nick Hyde County Board #4 – Cathy Emanuel County Board #12 – David Adams House 90 – Amy Davis County Board #5 – Leah Taylor County Board #14 – Angie Normoyle House 91 – Carolyn Blodgett County Board #6 – Mike Ingram County Board #21 – Dorothy Beck House 93 – John Curtis County Board #9 – Pranjal Vachaspati Secretary of State – House 95 – Dillon Clark Saline County Board #10 – Tanisha King-Taylor Jesse White House 96 – Sue Scherer State’s Attorney – Jayson Clark Cook House 97 – Mica Freeman Sangamon House 98 – Natalie Manley Clerk – Karen Yarbrough County Board #22 – Tony DelGiorno Assessor – “Fritz” Kaegi County Board #3 – Bill Lowry Shelby County Board #5 – Deborah Sims Treasurer – Beth Musser County Board #8 – Luis Arroyo Jr. Will County Board #9 – Peter Silvestri County Board #4 – Jacqueline County Board #11 – John Daley Traynere County Board #13 – Larry Suffredin County Board #5 – Meta Mueller Comptroller – County Board #14 – Scott Britton County Board #6 – Joe Van Duyne Susana Mendoza County Board #15 – Kevin Morrison County Board #7 – Kyle Killacky County Board #17 – Abdelnasser Rashid County Board #9 – Annette Parker Grundy County Board #9 – Rachel Ventura Sheriff – Kevin Callahan Winnebago Jackson Sheriff – Gary Caruana Clerk – Frank Byrd Clerk – Paul Gorski Treasurer – Sharon Johnson County Board #3 – Jay Ferraro County Board #2 – Charles Brandon Brown County Board #15 – Burt Gerl County Board #20 – David Soll Treasurer – Michael Frerichs 10 On the Move August-September 2018

Rise Up: AFSCME International Convention

tion elected Elissa McBride as International Secretary-Trea- ore than 5,000 delegates and surer by an overwhelming mar- alternates gathered in Boston gin. And delegates approved a for AFSCME’s 43rd International slate of resolutions to prepare M the union for the future. Convention in July, including 360 from Council 31 Deputy Direc- Council 31 local unions. tor Mike Newman said that convention delegates were reso- The strength and solidarity of co-workers, and learned how lute in the wake of the Supreme union members from across to fight back against corpo- Court’s Janus decision. the country was clear and so rate-funded campaigns to get “AFSCME members are was their message: Together workers to quit their unions. fearless and unwavering. In the we will rise up even in the The convention also gradu- face of these threats, our union face of our challenges, and we ated the first class of the Rise is more emboldened and ener- will never quit our union. If the wealthy special interests think they have us on the ropes, if they think they can “Together we will rise up divide us from one another, even in the face of our challenges, they can forget about it. Facing a wave of unprece- and we will never quit our union.” dented attacks, the 43rd Inter- national Convention provided innovative strategies to meet those attacks head on. Throughout the week, Up Institute, a more than gized than ever,” Newman said. participants learned new 5,000-member army of activ- “They can try to steal our free- union-building skills, dis- ists, organizers and commu- dom, but if we remain united cussed organizing strategies, nicators who returned home then there is no obstacle we re-committed to one-one- armed to defend union rights. can’t overcome. We are ready to one conversations with Delegates to the Con­ven­ rise up.”

AFSCME issues report on youth center violence

and new report published by AFSCME ASSAULTS ON STAFF 2015-2017 • The failure of agency management to achieve Council 31 highlights the serious 400 the core goals of DJJ problem of increased violence in the in providing a safe A environment for youth Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice and and successfully reinte- recommends ways to reverse the trend. 350 grating them into their communities. The report, Rising Violence in qualified and special- Intended to emphasize Illinois Youth Centers: Causes & ly-trained staff; the urgency of the problem Cures, offers statistical detail • Persistent short-staffing 300 and spur action within the and first-hand accounts of and excessive overtime agency—or, if necessary, by recent incidents that power- due to the large number the legislature—the report fully convey the significant of employees off work on 250 concludes with a comprehen- uptick in youth assaults on service-connected leave, sive list of recommendations staff in those centers, as well directly restricting the based on front-line experience as the consequences this vola- services and rehabilitative to reduce violence, increase tile environment has for both programming provided to 200 safety and improve outcomes employees and incarcerated youth; for youth. youth. Some of those conse- A growing atmosphere of Among those recom- • 229 262 373 quences include: violence and disruption 150 mendations are establishing • Severe injuries to employ- that negatively affects 2015 2016 2017 and consistently applying ees causing both physical treatment, education and standards for behavior and and emotional trauma; other daily activities in A volatile environment consequences for infractions, • Extreme staff demoral- the centers; improved training, increased ization; • Inconsistent and poor- has negative consequences staff, focus on problematic • Loss of experienced staff ly-implemented behav- behaviors, court involvement and increased staff turn- ioral standards for youth for both employees and and, most fundamentally, over, as well the inability that hamper effective incarcerated youth. heeding input from employ- to recruit and retain rehabilitation strategies; ees. August-September 2018 On the Move 11

IDOC employee gets position he deserves AFSCME grievance restores fairness

center. Carrell credits the happy fter a two-year “roller coaster ride” ending to the power of the AFSCME Local 3649 member Dustin union contract. York won his grievance and was placed “The contract doesn’t A recognize a particular per- in the position he worked hard to achieve at son,” Carrell said. “It’s there Robinson Correctional Center. in black and white for every- body. The feeling of being able to enforce that contract and “I got hired at the prison with see the joy in Dustin’s face, a degree in machine shop tech- The power of a and in his wife’s face, and nology,” York said. “My goal was union contract know how it will help his fam- to use the skills I went to school ily, there are no words for it.” for and become a maintenance With the help of his stew- craftsman.” ards, York filed a grievance Two years ago the job he and had his grade right- Winning goes a wanted so badly opened and fully restored to a B. But he long way York applied with a B grade. still didn’t have the job. So Hoping to improve his grade to AFSCME took his grievance to York loves his new job, an A, he submitted the proper arbitration in order to try and and so does his young family. paperwork to CMS—but the secure the position he earned. “I’m home on the week- agency changed his grade from Monica Carrell, a correc- ends and I get to spend time B to ineligible. tional counselor and president with them,” York said. “And As a result of the agency’s of the local, was a steward I’m a lot happier with my job. error, someone with less senior- at the time and helped York I’m actually doing something ity was given the position. York through his grievance. She I want to do. It’s more than a was beyond frustrated. kept York informed through- job to me.” Dustin York and his family. “CMS made the error but out the lengthy process. And he knows AFSCME they just ignored me,” York “In a grievance like this of 2018—more than two his new job. The other made the difference. recalled. “I can’t tell you how it’s important to explain each years after the grievance was AFSCME member was able to “Without my union I many times I called CMS after step and have open communi- filed—York’s case went to retain his position and now would never have had any luck they took my grade away and cation,” Carrell said. arbitration. And he won. there are two maintenance getting this job.” another person got hired.” Finally, at the beginning On March 1, he started craftsmen at the correctional

“Perseverance paid off” State employees receive back pay owed since 2011

Mental Health Center. “We’re he state finally paid its oldest debt proud to know that we did not stop fighting and we got what this August—back wages owed to we deserved. We knew that more than 24,000 state employees. AFSCME wouldn’t let us down. T It wasn’t easy after seven years After seven years of legal and agencies are now paid in full, of fighting, but we kept the legislative battles, AFSCME after receiving nearly half the faith.” succeeded in gaining the appro- amount of back wages they “This fight was a test of priation needed to ensure ded- were owed in 2014. Other our resolve and it proved our icated employees were finally agencies had already paid tenacity,” said Shaun Dawson, paid the wages they earned out the full amount owed to president of AFSCME Local years ago. employees, most in 2011 or 2073 at Logan Correctional After a slow start where 2012. Center. “If there’s an obstacle Gov. Bruce Rauner dragged his AFSCME members cele- before us we’re going to over- feet on submitting vouchers brated the victory that was so come it. This win shows our to the comptroller’s office, the long and hard-fought. younger members who are Department of Public Health “It wasn’t just about the waiting on the steps they were was the first agency to release money, it was bigger than that,” promised that no matter how the remaining payments of a said Tim Worker, president of long the battle takes, we are negotiated pay increase illegally AFSCME Local 993 at Vandalia going to persevere and we are withheld since 2011. Correctional Center. “It was going to win.” And a few weeks later, about something that they the other four agencies owing should have done. It’s about the NOTE: If employees have ques- wages—the departments of fact that the money was ours tions about whether they received Corrections, Juvenile Justice, and should have been paid.” the proper amount, they should Human Services and Natu- “It’s been a long time contact their agency payroll ral Resources—issued paper coming, but our perseverance department and request the rele- checks or direct deposits to has paid off,” said Sara Holt- vant documentation. If they have employees. grave, president of AFSCME questions related to their pen- Employees in the five Local 401 at Warren G. Murray sions, they should contact SERS. AFSCME members march to the Capitol for back pay. 12 On the Move August-September 2018

ON THE LOCAL LEVEL

Making strides departments and colleges,” Donze said. “It’s challenging. at U of I But we’re proud of the strides we made and next time around This spring, AFSCME Locals we’ll come back and fight again.” 698 and 3700 at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reached contract settlements AFSCME that ensure a better future for LOCAL 3700 more than 1,600 employees. Local 698 represents more Along with David Beck, than 400 employees, includ- Local President Nadja Robot ing library staff, laboratory led the local 3700 bargaining mechanics, research farm team, which also included employees, lab animal care- Denise Hogan, Buffy Vance, takers, veterinary technicians, Jill Ouellette, Katrina Smith, crash rescuers at the airport, Cathy Keltz, Tobi Wilder, Jerri storekeepers, computer techni- Lyn Beck, June Clark-Eubanks, cians and more. They reached Josh McNattin, Sylvia Crowell, their agreement in March. Brett Peugh, Paula Luesse and Local 3700 reached its Robin Baird. agreement in June. The local The team won one-percent includes more than 1,000 cler- guaranteed wage increases ical, administrative and child in each year of the four-year development staff, as well as agreement, unless the cam- cooperative extension employ- pus-wide raise is higher, as it ees throughout the state. will be in 2018. But the most significant victory in these negotiations was the first AFSCME LOCAL 698 advancement in step increases since they were frozen in 2013. Council 31 Staff Represen- Steps will increase by two tative David Beck and Pres- percent, a 10 percent increase ident Kristi Donze led the over the life of the agreement, bargaining team for Local 698, and starting pay will go up along with Heidi Schwarz, Ben at least eight percent, with Riegler, Benjamin Stone, Reid slightly different wage scales McClure, Angie Gruendl, Mike for child development and Kobel, Zach Tammen, Jan community workers. Harper, David Jahn, Jamar “We are most proud of Brown and Dustin Sears. getting our step program The team won a four- back,” said Robot, an office year agreement that included support specialist in the stu- guaranteed one-percent raises situation, we felt this was a who are trained and prepared for performances at the dent affairs department. “It across the board in each of very good step forward.” for rescue emergencies with university. will provide wage increases to the first three years and a The union won higher aircraft, and the Krannert “When negotiating, we’re a great number of our mem- 1.25% raise in the fourth wages for some of the most Center theatrical stitchers dealing with the university as bers that haven’t seen a raise year—or the campus-wide underpaid employees, includ- who make all the costumes a whole and many different in years. We also removed the wage increase, whichever is ing veterinary technicians, the higher—and new shift differ- newest group in the unit. entials for different groups of “We’ve been fighting for employees. wage increases since we joined Donze said it was a big the union, so this was a good win for Local 698 members win for us,” said Donze, who to get a guaranteed raise for has worked as a veterinary the first time in two contracts technician in emergency and

“We’re proud of the strides we made and next time around we’ll come back and fight again.”

instead of only relying on the critical care for 15 years. “We campus wage increase. have about 70 vet techs on “We were glad to get a campus and we pressured the guaranteed raise,” Donze said, university to finally increase “because you never know the starting minimum of each what’s going to happen with classification for the next the campus wage program. It three years.” might not seem like much, but The contract includes looking at the last couple con- hourly raises for the crash tracts and the state financial rescuers at the Willard airport, August-September 2018 On the Move 13

lowest steps so that new hires will start at a higher rate.” Robot credits the victories to the fact that Local 3700 diversified their tactics on campus, targeting different decision makers with cre- ative actions and pickets. At the same time, the graduate employees went on strike during AFSCME’s bargaining sessions, which helped ramp up tension. “Seeing other labor groups on campus willing to take it to that level helped us immensely,” Robot said. Robot is happy with the gains they made but she says the local is far from sitting back and relaxing. “We didn’t get everybody what we wanted,” she said. “Now we’ll focus on getting our lowest-paid members sig- nificant raises. They are our priority for the next contract.” Robot believes that the Local 2399 Vice President Melissa Piggues and member Cheri Galor. Local 1173 bargaining team: Jason Asbury, Eric Heiden and Jeff Markley (Marc McMahon not pictured). local made the gains it did because of strong member over the life of the three-year they provide. support. “The big gains we made contract, a sick-time bonus Management wanted to be “Now that we all live in a and standby pay. able to lay off staff by depart- right-to-work environment, are a direct reflection Electricians who complete ment, instead of the current member activism is more the apprenticeship program language that ensures part-time important than ever,” Robot of [our] hard work.” will receive a five-percent and seasonal help must be laid said. “So far the response has increase to their base rate off before full-time positions. been more people asking how of pay. Communications “We couldn’t agree to that to sign up than how to drop Representative Sara Dorner Melissa Piggues and executive dispatchers who are doing because some departments out. As long as we can keep said the members finally got board members Alicia Jones assigned certified training dis- have a lot of seasonal help and that momentum, we’ll have a through to the boards that and Terri Townsend. patch work will receive com- some have none,” Heiden said. good chance to negotiate an the nursing home has to to “The big gains we made pensatory time for that assign- “We’d be giving up a big pro- even better contract in 2021.” be competitive to attract in this second contract are a ment. And Handivan drivers, tection and we weren’t going and retain staff. The new direct reflection of the hard who provide transportation to do that.” contract demonstrates that work AFSCME members did to for the elderly and disabled, Management also wanted Persistent commitment. educate and engage the board received a pay-grade increase. the power to move employ- All staff will get a two-per- and the community in the All these gains were made ees to any position in the action brings cent guaranteed wage increase home’s future,” Dorner said. big gains every year of the three-year agreement. Nursing staff Members of AFSCME Local received a significant increase Galesburg “We fought 2399 at Stephenson County in starting wages and step union wins fair for high-quality Nursing Home recently increases. The new wage plan secured their second union will make a big difference in contract public services.” contract, but they’ve been the lives of the existing work- working for years to spur the force and help attract and Beating back manage- county to address the staffing retain new, qualified employ- ment-driven contract changes crisis at the home. ees. The bargaining team was and making gains in compen- possible due to the com- city, whereas right now they The staffing problem also able to increase the start- sation, AFSCME Local 1173 mitment of the bargaining only have the right to move includes not just medical care ing wage for other staff. members at the city of Gales- team to mitigate any losses staff within their current providers, but also housekeep- After blocking a man- burg won a solid three-year experienced by an antici- department. ing, laundry, activities and datory overtime policy, the agreement. pated increase in insurance Heiden is a senior water ancillary staff. team won an increased shift Led by Council 31 Staff premiums. plant operator in the produc- During negotiations, the differential, added a stay-af- Representatives Kyle Spencer “Walking out of it, we tive division, which is respon- AFSCME bargaining commit- ter bonus for those who work and Randy Lynch, the bargain- thought it was pretty fair,” sible for water treatment and tee focused on the critical beyond their scheduled shift, ing team included Local 1173 Heiden said, “and since then pumping safe water out to need for a safe staffing plan. and secured an on-call bonus. President Eric Heiden, Marc the city has changed insurance residents and businesses. The local had already laid the Employees who refer a new hire McMahon, Jason Asbury and companies and our premiums “We were never going to groundwork by ensuring the will receive bonuses as well. Jeff Markley. Heiden said that will actually be quite a bit agree to an interchangeable nursing home and county Local 2399 is proud of its while negotiations are never lower. So now a few months ‘maintenance pool’ either,” boards were well aware that accomplishments and will con- easy, and the local was working down the road we feel even Heiden said. “We have people the staffing shortage had tinue to fight for what’s best on an expired contract for sev- better about it.” that are trained and highly reached crisis levels. They for their membership and the eral months, he and his team Heiden said the union experienced in specific skill called board members every residents of the nursing home. were happy with the end result also rejected management pro- sets, so we fought to keep them day, every shift, when staffing Led by Dorner, the bargaining of their work. posals that would have been where they are. It’s just a much was short. team included President Mary- All employees will receive harmful not only to employ- better practice for high-quality Council 31 Staff lon Brooks, Vice President a 7.5 percent wage increase ees, but to the public services public services.” 14 On the Move August-September 2018

SHORT REPORTS

Missouri voters say no to “right to work” Defeating a core goal of anti-worker forces, Missouri voters overwhelmingly rejected the state’s new so-called Right- to-Work statute by referendum on August 7. The measure lost by a whopping 35 points, making clear that voters strongly oppose right-to-work (for less). Missouri Republicans who control both houses of the state’s legislature and the governorship passed the law early in 2017, but its imple- mentation was blocked when union members collected more than 300,000 signatures, three times the number required, to trigger the referendum. For the August election, unions and community groups Workers rally in Missouri to oppose right-to-work (for less) law. took every opportunity to get out the vote in opposition to urging people to vote no on the conservative groups like the laws, all workers have lower is not alone. the anti-worker law. proposition. As a result, the National Right to Work Foun- wages, less access to benefits Middle class workers on Not only did unions out- election had an unusually high dation, which have plenty of like affordable health care the other hand have watched spend the anti-worker groups turnout for an August primary. pull with state legislators, and experience higher rates of their real wages fall by 1.8 backing the law, they also beat “We would attribute a lot but not as much with regular workplace fatalities. percent since the cuts were them with good old fashioned of that to how much energy voters.” Missouri showed the coun- enacted. Worker pay isn’t ris- shoe leather. we had and our supporters Demolishing this measure try that by working together ing because a tax cut for the More than 2,000 vol- had,” said Erin Schrimpf of We sends a message to legislators to educate and mobilize vot- wealthy has never seemed to unteers worked on the cam- Are Missouri, the group that across the country: Voters ers, union members and their trickle down to the people who paign, knocking on more than led the “no” campaign. “The don’t support policies that allies can stop right-to-work create that wealth. 800,000 doors and making loudest proponents of the push working people down. (for less) laws from expanding Corporations have plenty more than a million phone calls laws tend to be out-of-state In states with right-to-work beyond the current 27 states of money—they just have no and even take some of those reason to pass it on to their states back. employees.

Tax cuts mean Unions reduce more for wealthy inequality not workers A new report by four econ- omists confirms the strong The big winners of the $1.5 role that unions play in trillion Trump-Republican reducing income inequality tax cuts of 2017 are not the for all workers, not just union everyday workers who were members. promised big wage boosts Henry Farber, Daniel but corporate executives and Herbst and Ilyana Kuziemko of shareholders. Princeton and Suresh Naidu of The tax cut package signed Columbia wrote “Unions and into law in December slashed Inequality Over the Twentieth the corporate tax rate from Century: New Evidence from 35 to 21 percent. These big Survey Data,” which used data companies, already benefiting from surveys of American from tax cuts, have bought households going back to the back a record amount of their 1930s. own stock—a financial prac- While unions peaked in tice that rewards shareholders the 1950s and 60s, the fact by making their shares more that union workers earn about valuable. 20 percent more than non- In just one example, since union workers in similar jobs the tax cuts were enacted, Ora- has remained steady for the cle Corporation CEO Safra Catz last 90 years. sold $250 million worth of As union membership has shares in her company—giving declined, incomes in the US are her the largest executive pay- as unequal as they were before day in 2018. And a review of the rise of unions a century Securities and Exchange Com- ago. Unions are needed more mission filings shows that Catz than ever. August-September 2018 On the Move 15

RETIREE NOTES

union came to my workplace but the union won,” said in corrections, the boss man Gary Mazzotti, Sub-chap- could fire you without any ter 86 member. “It was the notice,” recalled Robert Jones, union who took the fight for Sub-chapter 92 member. “The back pay all the way to the boss would talk to you like Supreme Court. It was union you were a kid. Management members who went to the respected us more after the legislators and pushed to get union was established at our our money. If it wasn’t for the workplace. We finally had a union, we would never have voice.” seen that money. We wouldn’t “The union gave us the even be talking about back 40-hour work week, time and pay.” Retirees gathered at the 2018 PEOPLE Conference in Springfield, including Judi Riordan, Terri Biddle and Jay Ferraro. a half, and employer health To keep this momentum insurance,” said Jay Ferraro, going, retirees and working Retirees gear up Retiree Sub-chapters are Union strong— Chapter 31 executive board members alike will have to organizing volunteers to walk member and candidate for bring unrelenting solidarity to for 2018 election doors and make phone calls. reflecting on our the Winnebago County Board. the movement. “Our plan is to help as “These benefits changed every- “If you have the union at Chapter 31 Retirees are much as possible,” said Don triumphs and thing. Without these wins we 60 percent solidarity when lacing up their boots and work- Todd, president of Sub-chap- legacy wouldn’t have had a roof over approaching the bargaining ing to elect labor-friendly can- ter 86. “Our volunteers are our heads.” table, the union is already didates this November. fired up and ready to knock on Each AFSCME Retiree AFSCME continues to starting at a 40 percent disad- “Sure, this election is import- doors and participate in phone member’s story is different, but thrive and fight for what is vantage,” Ferraro said. “That ant to me, but it’s crucial for my banks.” with one common theme: If we owed, even under Rauner’s makes it difficult to get what’s kids and grandkids,” said Bill And retirees from every stand in solidarity, our union destructive governing. By fight- necessary, like better wages Warhausan, Chapter 31 executive corner of the state agree. can survive and thrive in any ing together, the union won and working conditions. The board member. “I want them to “I volunteer to knock on climate. back pay owed to thousands of stronger we are together, the grow up in a state where they doors and drive seniors to “I have been a union state workers and retirees. more protection we will be able can have a shot at the American the polls because the senior man since 1962. Before the “It was a long fight; to give ourselves.” dream. This election will deter- vote has to get out,” said mine that for generations to Judi Riordan, PEOPLE chair come. We must get out and work.” of Sub-chapter 162. “Dou- AFSCME retirees under- ble check your registration stand the significance of this and make sure you can vote. Did you know? election and how important The ones that don’t vote can it is to reach out to active and be the ones who decide the To be an AFSCME Retiree Chapter 31 member, retired union members about election and we can’t let that sign an AFSCME Chapter 31 membership card! candidates who stand up for happen.” workers’ and retirees’ rights. Every election is import- Retiree dues are only $3.00 a month and will be deducted directly from your “Some people might not ant, but after the US Supreme pension check upon your authorization. want to volunteer at certain Court’s decision in Janus v. By joining AFSCME Retiree Chapter 31, you’ll be taking a stand for retiree times, like on weekends, but AFSCME, Illinoisans can’t risk if Rauner gets another term, another four years under Bruce rights and improved benefits. You’ve earned your retirement benefits; now we won’t be able to afford Rauner. join the fight to protect them. Become a member of AFSCME Illinois Retiree weekends,” said Teri Biddle, “This is the most import- Chapter 31 today—it’s the best investment a retiree can make! Sub-chapter 86 executive ant election I have ever seen,” board member. “We will have Todd emphasized. “We are For more information or to request a membership card, please contact to go back to work to afford fighting for our union and our Kate Morthland, AFSCME Council 31 Retiree Coordinator, at 217.788.2800 necessities!” democracy this November.” my co-workers. I’m a voice for my union brothers and sisters and I’m fearless. If I see a wrong I want to make it right.

Why are you active in your union? I’ve been a union activist for well over 20 years. I made sure I was at every meeting and I ended up getting on the local exec- utive board. The only way to make things right is to become involved. Change starts within.

How does the union improve public services? Having a union means we know our jobs have value. Contractors are just doing a job for someone else. But in Rockford, we have ownership of our jobs and we take ownership of our work. Everybody in my department eats, breathes and lives trees. And that’s the same across every depart- ment. When you take ownership of the service you provide then you tend to care a lot more about the quality of work you Christina do each day for the community. Loudermilk AFSCME Local 1058 TREE TRIMMER, CITY OF ROCKFORD

Tell us about your job in How does your job the Rockford Public Works serve the community? department. Rockford is known as the Forest City. When we remove trees, we plant trees. So we are As a tree trimmer, I do tree removals and How has your union job trim high and low branching. I also work helping keep our Forest City beautiful and to protect the tree population. Right now healthy. helped your family? I’m treating ash trees for the emerald ash We are also first responders during I worked many jobs before I got a union borer epidemic. These little pests have weather emergencies. If you have a job. Being an African-American, a minority, killed a lot of trees in Rockford and we’re winter storm come in, you have to clear I know that you aren’t protected even if running a six-year program to keep the the roadways of snow and ice for police you get great reviews. Being in the union, borer off the trees so they remain healthy. and fire, and for the public to get around I don’t have to worry about somebody In the winter months I plow snow. safely. Or if trees fall, they end up in the using me to fill a quota and then downsiz- roadways, on homes and cars, and we’ll ing by one. As long as I’m doing my job, How did you get into this come and clear the right of way. We keep doing what I’m supposed to do, I know I’ll people safe. keep my job. public service career? I have eight children and I’ve been with I worked for the Rockford public school dis- What inspires the city for 20 years now. That stability has trict as a bus driver. I worked for the city in provided health benefits for me and my the summer because they needed people you on the job? whole family. It’s helped me send four of with CDL licenses, and I really liked working My favorite part of the job is serving the my kids to college. It’s helped me purchase for the public out in the field. So I applied public, making everything safe and taking a home. and I came over to the public works depart- care of the trees. I love the outdoors, being I love my union. I would never want to ment. I was a heavy equipment operator and out in nature. get out of my union because I couldn’t see now I’ve been trimming trees for five years. But I’m also inspired by being there for myself surviving without it.