1 O N T H E #165 • APRIL-MAY 2015

Illinois Council 31—American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees—AFL-CIO PAID AFSCME U.S. Postage Non-Profit Org

Defending public services

Resisting Rauner’s bare-bones budget See pages 8-9 2 On the Move April-May 2015

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

On the Move AFSCME Illinois On the Move is published 6 times annually by Illinois Public Employees Council The twisted logic 31 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO. Send correspondence to: of arm-twisting [email protected] or: AFSCME, On the Move, 205 N. Michigan Ave., 21st Floor, Chicago, IL 60601

Roberta Lynch, Executive Director Mike Newman, Deputy Director David Miller, Editor Dolores Wilber, Designer Gov. Rauner’s trying to compel elected officials to ignore the will of Council 31 Executive Board Officers CITY/COUNTY EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT their constituents and the needs of their communities. Carmin Willis-Goodloe, Cook County Hospital, Local 1111 PRIVATE SECTOR EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Yolanda Woods, Hope Institute Local 2481 UNIVERSITY EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT Dorinda Miller, U of I Clericals, Local 3700 their constituents, not to the SECRETARY Pat Ousley, Department of ruce Rauner recently boasted that big poobah in Springfield. Employment Security, Local 1006 Illinois’ fiscal crisis provides him with Political blackmail isn’t going TREASURER to fly with them. Rob Fanti, Sheridan CC, Local 472 “leverage” to force the changes he Hopefully, it will be reject- B Board Members ed just as decisively by members wants to make. S TATE CONFERENCE BOARD CO-CHAIRS of the state legislature, where Gloria Arseneau, (RC-14), Rauner’s also trying his hand at Northeastern Illinois State Employees, w Local 2794 BUT, TRUTH IS, THERE’S A MIGHTY workers, eliminating the pre- strong-arming. His budget plan Kathy Lane, (RC-63), FINE LINE BETWEEN “LEVERAGE” vailing wage for construction makes massive cuts to essential Northwestern Illinois State Employees, Local 448 AND POLITICAL BLACKMAIL – AND workers and taking away bar- services for vulnerable individu- the evidence suggests the gover- gaining rights from public als, including autism treatment REGION I VICE-PRESIDENTS (COOK AND LAKE COUNTIES) nor has galloped right across it. employees. programs, indigent burials, Safiya Felters, Department of Health- Look at what’s happening The governor claims his breast cancer screening, smok- care and Family Services, Local 2854 in villages, cities and counties program to eliminate unions ing cessation, and assistance for Ellen Larrimore, Northeastern Illinois statewide. The “change” the and drive down workers’ wages children with complex medical University, Local 1989 Steve Mittons, Department of Children BY governor says he wants is the would improve the economic needs. Next on the chopping and Family Services, Local 2081 ROBERTA LYNC H end of all union membership. prospects of local communities, block would be treatment for John Rayburn, Chicago Public Library, Most state legislators are reluc- but there’s little evidence to the mentally ill, community dis- Local 1215 Kobie Robinson, Cook County Asses- tant to back such a brazen back him up. In fact, states with ability services, programs for sor’s Office, Local 3835 assault on workers’ rights. So similar policies on average have homeless youth, health care REGION II VICE-PRESIDENTS the governor is focused on significantly lower household assistance and more. (NOTHERN ILLINOIS) twisting the arms of local gov- income, higher rates of work- But here’s where that Garry Cacciapaglia, city of Rockford, Local 1058 ernments – many of them very place fatalities, less access to blackmail dressed up as “lever- Gary Ciaccio, Shapiro DC, Local 29 WITH A LITTLE small and virtually defenseless – health care and higher levels of age” comes in. Rauner has Dave Delrose, Will County, Local 1028 to compel them to back his poverty. And even the Cham- strongly hinted that if lawmak- Ralph Portwood, Stateville CC, Local 1866 HELP FROM union demolition schemes. ber of Commerce has said that ers will back state legislation to Ruby Robinson, Illinois State Employ- UNION It’s a clever scheme. First, Illinois doesn’t need “right-to- drive down workers’ wages and ees, Local 2833 Gov. Rauner put forth a FY 16 work” to compete with neigh- weaken unions, he’ll support Yurvette Simmons, United Cerebral Palsy of Will County, Local 3237 MEMBERS, budget plan that cuts state boring states. new revenue to mitigate the funding for local governments The good news – very good draconian service cuts. That’s a REGION III VICE- PRESIDENTS MANY LOCAL by 50 percent. That’s a lot of news – is that, with a little help devil’s bargain if ever there was (CENTRAL ILLINOIS) Mark Kerr, McFarland Zone Center, OFFICIALS ARE dollars gone from governmen- from union members, many one. Local 2767 tal bodies that have few rev- local officials are refusing to It’s playing poker with Gary Kroeschel, Sangamon County enue alternatives outside the bow to the governor’s tactics. In human lives as the chips: Indi- State Employees, Local 2224 REFUSING TO Matt Lukow, Springfield Area State politically-fraught path of rais- more than two dozen cities and viduals with autism, desperately Employees, Local 1964 BOW TO THE ing property taxes. A 50 per- counties, union members have ill children on feeding tubes, David Morris, Illinois State Employees, Local 805 cent cut in state funding would packed board and council families who can’t afford to GOVERNOR’S Steve Nordyke, Department of Health- cost Aurora more than $9 mil- meetings, presenting powerful bury a loved one, all these and care and Family Services, Local 2600 lion, Belleville more than $2 testimony about the damage more will be made to suffer Trudy Williams, Fulton County Sheriffs TACTICS. Dept. & Courthouse, Local 3433 million, Bloomington some “right-to-work” zones would do unless the General Assembly $3.7 million, Galesburg $1.5 to their jobs and communities. caves in to the governor’s REGION IV VICE-PRESIDENTS million – and the list goes on. In some areas, local offi- demands for legislation that (S OUTHERN ILLINOIS) Chris Milton, Madison County, After sowing panic, he cials are flat-out refusing to chops away at the rights, bene- Local 799 began travelling the state to even consider the resolution, fits and income of Illinois work- Duane Montgomery, Metro-East State promote his so-called “turn- insisting on the right to set ers. Employees, Local 1805 Cary Quick, Choate MH/DC, Local 141 around” agenda. The message their own agenda. The Dixon If elected officials in the Mike Turner, Southern Illinois Depart- to local government officials City Council adopted an alter- tiny town of Pecatonica, or in ment of Corrections, Local 415 was clear – to have any hope of native resolution that explicitly the Republican stronghold of Trustees getting their funding restored, rejects Rauner’s program. And Naperville, or in far downstate Carlene Erno, Illinois State Employees, they would have to pass a reso- Joliet’s newly elected mayor, Vandalia, or in numerous other Local 2615 Tom Minick, Moline Board of lution backing the governor’s Bob O’Dekirk, strongly criti- local governments across the Education, Local 672 agenda. To help them along, he cized the governor’s scheme, state can find the courage to Miguel Vasquez, Aurora Sanitary gave them a copy of the resolution saying “Union wages support stand up to Rauner, we can cer- District, Local 3297

and insisted they couldn’t change every business in Joliet while tainly insist that our state legis- Retiree Chapter 31 Representative a word. corporate profits of non-union lators do the same. With every- Larry Brown Despite Illinois’ budget companies may never find their one, including the governor, all challenges, Rauner has devoted way back into our economy.” too aware that new revenues much of his time to bopping While some local govern- are urgently needed to restore around the state on his disin- ments, usually very small ones, Illinois to economic health, formation mission, pushing for have passed Rauner’s resolu- let’s make sure those revenues support for his ‘turnaround tion, growing numbers of local are found without offering up agenda”– ”right-to-work” zones, elected officials are demonstrat- our state’s working families as cutting benefits to injured ing that their commitment is to this season’s sacrificial lambs. On the Move April-May 2015 3

AFSCME members turn down “turnaround agenda”

he trial run for agenda, his scheme to bring “right-to-work” to Illinois Gov. Bruce through “empowerment Rauner’s zones,” has drawn especially T strong criticism from working extreme, anti-worker people. agenda is showing “I kind of think the gover- that the labor move- nor’s trying to put the onus ment is ready to on the local governments to do the dirty work for him and stand up and oppose get a feel for how the munici- attempts to weaken palities in the state want to the middle class in pursue this,” said Tony Miller, President of Local 1514, Illinois. which represents Aurora city w employees. Miller lives in IN FRONT OF COUNTY BOARDS, Oswego, which was the first CITY COUNCILS AND VILLAGE government body to take up BOARDS, MEMBERS OF AFSCME Rauner’s resolution. and other unions have turned Miller said “right-to-work” AFSCME was well-represented among more than 300 union members who turned out to oppose was nothing more than an out on short notice to let Rauner’s resolution in Livingston County. elected officials know the gov- attempt to divert more wealth ernor’s ideas aren’t welcome and power into the hands of in their communities. the elite. Rauner is pushing local has real problems, but the government meetings to con- got a strong message. I was “I think ‘right-to-work’ government bodies to pass governor’s agenda wouldn’t sider the governor’s resolu- really thrilled and humbled takes away a lot of your bar- resolutions expressing sup- do anything except make life tion got out, union members by the whole thing.” gaining power,” he said. port for his so-called “turn- more difficult for working were quick to turn out, often Iroquois County was one “When you don’t have the around agenda” that reads families,” Council 31 Execu- on very short notice. of several locations where, ability to bargain for wages like a wish list for the corpo- tive Director Roberta Lynch “I knew I needed to speak despite the governor’s resolu- and benefits, you start seeing rate elite: barring public said. “It’s an extreme agenda to the board so they knew tion being on the agenda, no a bigger disparity between the employees from participating – and in the case of ‘right-to- how we felt,” said Local 3312 action was taken after citizens haves and the have-nots.” in politics; eliminating pre- work’ zones, blatantly illegal.” President Susan Vegovisch, voiced their strong opposi- Rauner’s “right-to-work” vailing wage agreements on who spoke before the Iro- tion. Other government bod- push has drawn a strong public works projects; cutting Strong turnout quois County Board. “I ies, particularly in union- response from AFSCME benefits for injured workers; on short notice thought we were there by our- friendly areas, have taken up Retirees, who have turned out and prohibiting public sector selves, but we filled the room the resolution only to strike it at several meetings to defend bargaining on key issues such EVEN IF ADOPTED BY A VILLAGE, with different people from down. the rights they fought for as health care benefits and city or county, the resolutions different walks of life, some That doesn’t mean decades to preserve. subcontracting. don’t carry the force of law – union, some not.” Rauner’s plan doesn’t have “We all stand together Most notably, it calls for but they are a way to make Vegovisch said that while supporters, though. In and we’ll continue to stand allowing local governments to extreme policies seem legiti- the Iroquois County Board McHenry County, for exam- together until we know we establish “empowerment mate and to pressure state leg- may not be very friendly ple, the resolution was passed can retain our rights,” said zones” that would impose islators to enact the key ele- toward labor, the people who despite a strong, vocal Louis Briick, President of “right-to-work” – allowing ments of Rauner’s anti-worker turned out at the meeting turnout from union members. Retiree Sub-Chapter 73. “This employees represented by a agenda. were decisively on the side of governor has so far only union to opt out of paying The labor movement in working people. “Right-to-work” – demonstrated that he wants to any dues or fees toward the Illinois quickly saw through “There wasn’t one nega- wrong for Illinois undercut, underfund and cost of that representation. this sneaky, cynical maneuver. tive thing said about unions at destroy our union. We have to “We all know that Illinois Whenever word about local that meeting,” she said.” They ONE ELEMENT OF RAUNER’S stand together to fight.”

Union members packed the room when the Village of Oswego considered a “turnaround agenda” resolution. 4 On the Move April-May 2015

“Fair share” confiscation backfiring on Rauner

in a groundswell of support for keeping unions strong. “The governor’s non-stop attacks on the labor move- ment have reminded people why unions are so important,” Lynch said. “By signing up for the union, people are taking a stand against an agenda that would weaken the middle class.” Efforts to sign up remain- ing fee-payers are now under- way in AFSCME locals throughout the state as part of Council 31’s “100% Union” campaign.

Two court cases

WITH RAUNER’S CONFISCATION plan on hold for now, the explicitly allowed under state paychecks. Fees already with- related federal lawsuit are union can turn its attention ov. Bruce law and required by the state held will also be transmitted intended to effectively bring toward the two cases that will Rauner’s master contract – though the to the appropriate unions. “right-to-work” to the public decide whether “fair-share” scheme to governor has asked federal The court order is based sector by allowing public fees can continue – or if G courts to declare them uncon- on an agreement reached employees covered under col- unions will see their resources hamstring AFSCME stitutional. between the Rauner adminis- lective bargaining agreements stretched thin by having to and other public Since Comptroller Leslie tration and all affected labor to pay nothing toward the represent employees who con- employee unions has Munger refused to implement unions – AFSCME, the Illinois cost of union representation. tribute nothing toward costs. been blocked, at least Rauner’s order or set up an AFL-CIO, and 26 others that But instead, many public The first case, the lawsuit until the courts have escrow account in which the have sued to have the execu- service workers are exercising filed by AFSCME and dozens fees could be held, the gover- tive order invalidated. a right of their own – their of other unions, is still pend- their say. nor’s office had to impose a “We continue to believe right to join a union. ing before the St. Clair Coun- complex scheme that resulted that the governor’s executive “Even before the court ty Circuit Court. It seeks to IN THE MEANTIMEw, AFSCME in “fair share” fee-payers hav- order is meant to weaken the halted the confiscation of have Rauner’s executive order MEMBERS ARE BECOMING MORE ing their salaries reduced, right of state employees to fees, more than 1,000 state invalidated. The second case, UNIFIED – AND THEIR RANKS ARE with the money remaining in have effective union represen- employees acted on their own filed by Rauner in U.S. Dis- growing. agency budgets. tation,” said Illinois AFL-CIO to sign up to be full dues-pay- trict Court, seeks a declarato- Since February, Rauner But that plan came to an President Michael T. Carrig- ing members of AFSCME,” ry judgment that “fair-share” had been trying to implement end soon after it went into an. “We’re pleased that all fair Council 31 Executive Director fees are unconstitutional. an executive order prohibit- effect – on April 10, a St. Clair share agreements will now be Roberta Lynch said. “The “The governor doesn’t ing state agencies from col- County Circuit Court judge honored while our legal chal- number continues to grow want us to have the resources lecting “fair share” fees from issued an Agreed Order lenge is proceeding.” with each passing day.” needed to stand up to him in bargaining unit members who requiring state agencies to Lynch said that Rauner’s court or at the bargaining choose not to join a union. immediately reinstate the “100% Union!” extreme agenda, much of it table,” Lynch said. “That’s These fees, which the transmission of “fair-share” geared toward weakening why overturning his executive state remits to the union, are fees deducted from employee RAUNER’S ORDER AND THE unions in Illinois, has resulted order now is so critical.”

AFSCME honors library workers

n April 14, AFSCME celebrated jobs and more. National Library Workers Day, Chicago Public Library employees Owhich recognizes the valuable represented by Local 1215 are among contributions library workers make to the 20,000 library workers represented their communities. by AFSCME nationwide. The three pic- This year, the union distributed “I tured here – Andrew Hamilton, Ray LLibrary Workers” bookmarks that Orellana and Tony Powers (left to allow patrons to show their support for right)– work at the Austin-Irving employees who help them find books, branch and joined two young avid read- consult reference material, look for ers to show off their bookmarks. On the Move April-May 2015 5

Illinois schools for deaf, visually impaired make a big difference in young lives

wo schools in Jacksonville, TIllinois, serve as powerful examples of the quality public services provided by skilled state employees. w THE TOWN IS HOME TO BOTH THE ILLINOIS SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF AND THE ILLINOIS SCHOOL for the Visually Impaired (ISVI). Both state schools give children access to a standard education as well as special- ized programs, all provided by state employees trained to work with students with unique needs. Both schools offer their programs at no charge to fam- ilies, drawing individuals from all across the state who can’t afford private schools and who value the dedicated staff Local 38 President Jeff Haak is the laundry supervisor at the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired. (Photos by at the schools that serve peo- Randy Squires.) ple with visual and hearing impairments. “I feel like we’re a family,” don’t provide things like said Jeff Haak, president of braille readers. They don’t Local 38, which represents provide the adaptive physical employees at both schools. education or living skills.” “We have long-standing employees and don’t have the Teaching independence turnover you’d see in a pri- vate institution.” ALONG WITH A TRADITIONAL AFSCME members at education in math, science both schools include educa- and English, students also tors, support staff and, since learn how to navigate a world many students reside on cam- they cannot see or cannot pus, residential care workers. hear. Employees teach skills Most staff members have spe- that are used in both daily liv- cialized training that enables ing as well as in potential jobs. them to expand the horizons Haak, who works as the of the students and help them laundry supervisor at ISVI, meet even the most difficult receives help from several stu- challenges. Employees at the dent workers. School for the Deaf, for exam- “I’m teaching them ple, are all fluent in American housekeeping skills. It’s a Sign Language (ASL). great experience for me,” he Tara Northrop, a residen- Tara Northrop is a residential care worker at the Illinois School for the Deaf. said. “I know they have chal- tial care worker, said the main lenges in their life but I’ve benefit for students attending seen them overcome them the School for the Deaf is that and games are against similar greatly.” they don’t have to be paired schools in other states, some The teaching and guid- with an interpreter and are wrestlers compete against stu- ance provided by employees is surrounded by people who dents from traditional public vital, especially for those stu- speak the same language. schools in the area. “I get a kick out of watching kids dents who come from trou- “They can talk to the “I get a kick out of watch- grow and develop bled families or have parents other kids instead of just ing kids grow and develop unwilling or unable to learn being ignored all day,” she and trying to make a differ- and trying to make a difference in their lives.” what it takes to communicate said. “They can play sports ence in their lives,” said with their child effectively. here whereas too often they Jim Raabe, a physical educa- “I’ve had cases where kids are shut out of those opportu- tion teacher at the School for — Jim Raabe were seniors and the parents nities at the public schools in the Visually Impaired. “It’s came up to me and asked them their communities.” a visual world so the kids to tell their child congratula- Athletics are important at here don’t know how to play tions on graduating,” Northrop the School for the Visually naturally. They have to be said. “A lot of parents can’t Impaired as well. Students taught how to play. But they yards.” “They’d be in a special communicate with their chil- there can participate in a vari- do a great job and work Raabe said the experi- classroom or they’d be isolat- dren, but we can. I just feel like ety of sports, including track extremely hard. Some of ence for ISVI students is far ed. They don’t learn how to I’m helping to make them a and field, swimming and them who were very limited different from what they’d interact,” he said. “A lot of better person, giving them wrestling. While most meets swiwill end up swimming 500 have in a traditional school. times traditional schools something that they need.” 6 On the Move April-May 2015

Cook County contract fight part of a larger battle

contract fight, but for all the espite a other fights.” bargaining Local 1767 President Steve Ramsey told county Dprocess that employees at a “town hall” has stretched over meeting in March that their two years, Cook fight for a fair contract was about a fair balance of power. County employees “Something has to stop continue to insist when politicians are getting their next contract bailed out and public employ- ees are getting sold out,” he include a fair wage said. increase with retroac- With so much at stake, tive pay after two the 15 AFSCME locals repre- senting county employees are years without a raise. focusing on building the lines of communication and w reminding members of the COUNTY PRESIDENT TONI importance of being active PRECKWINKLE’S ADMINISTRATION and involved in their union. HAS YET TO PUT AN ACCEPTABLE “We’ve sent a strong mes- economic proposal on the sage to the Preckwinkle table. County negotiators administration by attending want employees to give up pickets, almost all making retroactive pay phone calls while accepting or filling increased “We cannot the room at health insur- allow this attack county ance costs. on our retirement board At the same meetings,” time, Preckwin- security to succeed.” Local 3315 kle is still press- President ing the General — Jim Dunaway Presita Assembly to cut West said. employee pen- “We know sions. that mes- “Even sage is get- though her ting plan was defeat- through. ed last year, President Preck- But we need to do more. We winkle still wants to make us need to send that message in pay for the mistakes of politi- every way we can.” cians,” Local 3486 President County employees have Jim Dunaway said at a recent been urged to wear AFSCME gathering of county employ- green on designated days to ees. “We cannot allow this demonstrate their solidarity attack on our retirement secu- and determination. Locals are rity to succeed.” also work- With Gov. ing on Bruce Rauner building up trying to weak- Member en – even elimi- Action nate – unions “We need Teams to in Illinois, to be ready improve Cook County not just for engage- employees have this contract fight, ment and an opportunity but for all involve- to serve as an the other fights.” ment. example to At the public service — Mike Newman March town workers hall, Coun- throughout the cil 31 Exec- state by show- utive Direc- ing that unions tor Roberta can make gains Lynch told even in the most difficult of county employees that they climates. were on the frontlines in a “The governor is going fight against an elite that around to different communi- believes public employees ties saying that public employ- don’t deserve decent wages, ees are making too much retirement security, or even money. He’s going after all basic benefits like vacations. (From top to bottom) Local 3486 President Jim Dunaway, Local 3315 President Presita West and Local 1767 President Steve Ramsey urged Cook County employees to be active and involved in the fight for a new contract. working people in Illinois,” “The best way to fight Council 31 Deputy Director back is to keep up the Mike Newman said. “We need fight for a fair contract,” she to be ready not just for this said. On the Move April-May 2015 7

State contract negotiations – everyone’s fight

of all states. egotiations And in the budget plan he for a new presented to the General Assembly, Rauner proposed “Bruce Rauner has Ncontract with sweeping changes to state em- launched an all-out the state of Illinois, ployee pension benefits that he assault covering some 38,000 claimed would save $2 billion in on the very existence the coming fiscal year, as well as state government of labor unions $700 million in health care “sav- in Illinois.” workers, are shaping ings” based on drastically reduc- up to be of critical ing employee benefits. — Roberta Lynch importance to every Ready for action and AFSCME member, no outreach matter where they AFSCME MEMBERS IN STATE work. government know they’re in for one very tough fight to groups about their battle to state government will be to display signs indicating w defend their right to have a reaching out to their fellow their support for state employ- “BRUCE RAUNER HAS LAUNCHED defend their contract, their union. union members who work for ees. Similar signs were AN ALL-OUT ASSAULT ON THE economic security, and their It’s increasingly clear that local governments, universi- deployed during the last con- VERY EXISTENCE OF LABOR fundamental right to have a the governor’s repeated ties, or in the private sector,” tract fight and became a com- unions in Illinois – and he’s voice on the job. assaults have failed to damage Lynch said. “Every union mon site in storefronts and made state workers his No. 1 As On the Move went to the strong support for state member, especially every home windows. target,” Council 31 Executive press, state locals were prepar- workers and the services they AFSCME member, no matter “The governor has mil- Director Roberta Lynch said. ing for the first Unity Day of provide in communities all where they work, has a huge lions of his own dollars to put “As their employer – and this contract campaign. Mem- across Illinois. The AFSCME stake in the battle that state pressure on politicians and a party to their collective bar- bers will participate in various Friends and Families Network workers are fighting. If network of wealthy supporters gaining agreement – he’s displays of solidarity, includ- will build on that support to Rauner can succeed in taking who will echo his attacks,” clearly trying to make them ing wearing buttons and t- establish a network that helps away their union rights, you Lynch said. “That’s why we the testing ground for his pro- shirts or displaying signs. those employees withstand can be sure he will soon be are working to build up grass- gram to eliminate all union Equally important, many the all-out assault that Gover- coming after the rights of roots support now. We need members in the state.” union members have begun nor Rauner has launched on every other union member.” to be able to counter his The AFSCME State Bar- to reach out in their commu- state workers. Businesses and other money with our best resource gaining Committee of some nities to inform friends, fami- “AFSCME members in groups are already beginning – people.” 225 elected rank-and-file lies, elected officials, and civic union members has been meeting regularly with nego- tiators from the Rauner administration since Febru- ary – but the two sides have Bill to pay back wages yet to even trade economic proposals. Instead, the Rauner makes progress administration has focused on dozens of changes to contract language all with one overrid- in Springfield ing goal – to wipe out decades of progress in assuring fair- ness in state workplaces. Rauner wants to eliminate union’s legislative team and any restrictions on subcon- fter nearly four years of waiting, attorneys to win a series of interim steps both in the Gen- tracting, allowing for state thousands of state employees workers to be fired and “The employees eral Assembly and in the replaced with contract are one step closer to receiving have already done courts. A To become law, the bill employees. He’s pushing to long-overdue back wages. the work and lengthen the work week, would have to be signed by they deserve Gov. Bruce Rauner or the leg- reduce overtime pay, weaken to be paid ON APRIL 16, THE STATE HwOUSE the fight for full payment on islature would have to over- rights for laid-off workers, and for their services.” virtually dismantle the griev- PASSED HB 3763, A SUPPLEMEN- all fronts. The union has ride his veto. Scherer said she ance procedure. He also TAL APPROPRIATION BILL THAT already prevailed at the appel- hoped the governor would wants to bar deduction of would provide $63 million to late court level, has gotten all — Rep. Sue Scherer sign it, despite his anti-union union dues, as well as fair pay the remainder of the of the wages owed paid in views. share fees and PEOPLE con- wages earned from July 2011 most state agencies, and has “I would hope that the tributions, from employee to July 2013 by employees in gotten half the wages owed governor would recognize paychecks. the departments of Human paid in the five remaining Jacksonville said action should this as the oldest bill,” she At the onset of bargain- Services, Corrections, Juvenile agencies. have come a lot sooner. said. “I would hope he would ing, the governor went on the Justice, Natural Resources The bill, sponsored by As On the Move went to do the right thing.” road with a PowerPoint pre- and Public Health. Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Spring- press, the Senate had yet to AFSCME continues to sentation that purported to The wages were called for field, now goes to the Senate. act on the legislation. The press for a court decision show that state employees are in the state master contract in “The employees have union is urging AFSCME ordering that the back wages overpaid and have excessively place at that time, but were already done the work,” members in all affected be paid. Last September, a generous benefits. frozen by former Gov. Pat Scherer said during the floor departments to call their sen- panel of state appellate court AFSCME responded Quinn. Quinn eventually debate in the House, “and ator and demand action on judges ruled that employees quickly to point out that, in agreed that the wages should they deserve to be paid for HB 3763. must be paid the wages they reality, state employee pay be paid, but by then the issue their services.” Member activism has are owed, but the Attorney rates are in line with others in was tangled up in the courts The legislation earned been a critical piece of the General has appealed that comparable positions – and and the legislature. bipartisan support. Republi- battle every step of the way, decision to the Illinois benefits are in the mid-range AFSCME has been waging can Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer of working together with the Supreme Court. 8 On the Move April-May 2015

OPPOSITION GROWING TO RAUNER’S BUDGET

ov. Bruce Rauner is attempting to use The governor’s clear bias in favor of the that addresses the state’s needs. the budget crisis facing Illinois – one he state’s rich and powerful was on display when There is evidence the coalition’s work is Ghelped create – to pass a raft of mea- he announced on Good Friday that he was paying off and that lawmakers are getting the sures that would weaken the state’s middle freezing $26 million in grants that help autistic message. class, while doing nothing to improve econom- children, provide burial funds for the indigent, “The thought that you can cut your way to ic competitiveness. and fund teen after-school programs. Days prosperity is a myth,” Sen. Toi Hutchinson, a The state is facing a $6 billion funding later, he announced that he was green-lighting Democrat, said at a press conference attended shortfall in fiscal 2016 due to the rollback of more than $100 million in special tax breaks by other members of the legislature’s Black income tax rates at the beginning of this year. for some of Illinois’ biggest corporations. Caucus. “We have over $5 billion in debt, Those tax breaks went disproportionately to “The governor’s budget priorities aren’t because the General Assemblies year after wealthy people and corporations. Rauner has based on what’s best for the state – they’re year after year took money from the public proposed closing this gap purely through dev- based on what’s best for the wealthy few,” pension system and used it to spend on pro- astating cuts to vital services, state universities Webb-Gauvin said. grams because they didn’t want to talk about and local governments. taxes.” Rauner says he won’t support any new rev- WORKING FOR A Some Republicans are resisting the gover- enues to avert those cuts unless the General nor, too. Rep. David Leitch, for example, told Assembly passes legislation that would drasti- RESPONSIBLE WBEZ radio that the governor’s proposed cuts cally reduce pensions, weaken workers’ com- BUDGET to mental health services were irresponsible. pensation laws, and allow local governments “The emergency rooms pick up more and to create “right-to-work” zones that would Rauner’s fiscal 2016 budget reflects those the jails pick up more,” he said. “Any cuts the greatly weaken unions. priorities. It leaves more than $2 billion in cor- state makes, simply means somebody else “The governor says he’s willing to negoti- porate tax breaks untouched while making has to pick up the cost.” ate, but his idea of negotiating is to offer law- steep cuts to many state agencies, state uni- Despite such comments, AFSCME mem- makers two choices: either cut services that versities, and nonprofit disability agencies. It bers and others will have to keep the pressure millions of people depend on or enact laws that also cuts by 50 percent the portion of the state on lawmakers to resist cuts – and resist giving would hurt countless middle class families,” income tax that goes to local governments. Rauner the anti-worker legislation he wants. Council 31 Legislative Director Joanna Webb- AFSCME is lobbying hard against these “You can’t predict what deals will be made Gauvin said. cuts – and it’s not alone. The union is part of in back rooms,” Webb-Gauvin said. “It’s going While offering two options that would hurt the Responsible Budget Coalition, which is to take strong, consistent pressure from con- everyday Illinoisans, Rauner has asked nothing urging lawmakers to resist the governor, stand stituents to keep lawmakers from accepting a of the state’s wealthy or large corporations. with middle class families and pass a budget rotten deal.” On the Move April-May 2015 9

Disability services cuts University employees would have steep speak out against human cost proposed budget cuts

ommunity agencies that care for people with developmen- f all the devastating cuts contained in Gov. Bruce Rauner’s Ctal disabilities have been dealt a one-two punch by Gov. Obudget proposal, among the deepest are those to state Bruce Rauner’s heartless approach to budgeting. universities. The governor’s fiscal 2016 budget proposal would reduce The governor’s fiscal 2016 plan would slash funding to state spending on such agencies by more than $82 million through universities by 31 percent – or $390 million. The cuts would result rate cuts, elimination of grants and increased restrictions on who in nearly 3,000 positions eliminated and, as a result, a reduction in would be eligible for care. The cuts would jeopardize services critical services. and keep the average wages of direct support providers (DSPs) “Staff cuts that deep will impact everyone from the clerical, below the poverty line. technical and maintenance and dietary staffers AFSCME repre- On the heels of that proposal, the Rauner administration sents, to professors,” Council 31 political director John Cameron announced the governor’s unilateral decision to freeze spend- said in testimony to the House Higher Education Appropriations ing on $26 million in social services and public health grants. Committee. “Any such cut will impact the experience of students, Community disability agencies depend on such grants to run from less help in the financial aid office to fewer class offerings to vital programs, such as those that help children with autism. reduced hours at campus facilities to dirtier bathrooms.” Those immediate cuts caused layoffs in disability agencies The budget would cut to the bone funding for a university Continued on page 10 Continued on page 10 10 On the Move April-May 2015

Disability SHORT REPORTS services cuts

Son of Illinois AFSCME seniors that will be renewed ing out government services to Continued from page 9 hour,” said Yolanda Woods, member awarded for $2,000 each year for a companies that place profits around the state. president of Local 2481 at Family Scholarship maximum of four years, pro- over providing quality services. AFSCME members who Hope School in Springfield, vided the student remains A summary of the investiga- work at community disability who testified before the enrolled in a full-time course tion was included in the OIG’s agencies are not standing House Appropriations Com- of study. annual report, released in Janu- idle. They’re speaking out mittee. “Hope School is hav- In an essay titled “What ary. It concluded that National against the governor’s bud- ing trouble hiring because the AFSCME Family Means to Mentor Holdings, a private sub- get, taking the argument they pay a little over $9 for Me,” Jacob wrote that “the contractor, suffered from “a directly to lawmakers. very hard, responsible work.” steady wage increases and culture of incompetence and “During my 10 years at For Woods, Rauner’s health benefits negotiated by lack of forthrightness.” Ray Graham I’ve seen staff decision to freeze grants that AFSCME have helped protect The investigation focused positions not filled because help children with autism was my family from inflation and on two girls, 11 and 12 years we don’t have the money, felt personally. Her 2-year-old a widening wealth gap.” old, who were placed in the and that makes it harder to son, Nevelle, is diagnosed Jacob, who will attend home of a foster mother who give quality care,” said Southern Illinois University in had previously committed Audrey Lake, a member of the fall to study finance, wrote fraud and had abandoned a 9- AFSCME Local 3492 who that he hopes to “create jobs year-old foster son with special works as a DSP for Ray Gra- “Hope School is having JACOB CHAPMAN, THE SON OF that provide good wages and needs. While the OIG’s report ham Association. “Now the trouble hiring because Local 1048 member Leslie benefits… similar to what does not identify the “private Governor’s budget would cut they pay a little over $9 Chapman, a public service AFSCME has provided for my agency” to blame, reporting by $2 million dollars from Ray for very hard, administrator in the Illinois mother.” Buzzfeed confirmed that Men- Graham.” responsible work.” Department of Public Health tor is the company in question. Lake testified in March — Yolanda Woods who lives in Ava, is one of this Privatized foster care The girls, who had both before the Senate Appropria- year’s recipients of AFSCME’s agency leaves Illinois been diagnosed with mental tions Committee, which will Family Scholarship. after scathing IG report health issues, required special- play a key role in determin- Each year the AFSCME ized care. Mentor placed ing the fiscal 2016 budget. Family Scholarship Program, AN INSPECTOR GENERAL’S REPORT them with a foster mother who She was blunt in her assess- with autism and has benefit- awarded by the international from the Department of Chil- ran a day care business and ment of Rauner’s lack of con- ed from The Autism Program union, provides $2,000 schol- dren and Family Services illus- “prioritized the needs of her cern for the people with (TAP) at Hope School. arships to 10 high school trates the dangers of contract- Continued on facing page developmental disabilities “TAP is where my own she supports on the job. son was first evaluated and “Governor Rauner does- received his diagnosis of n’t care what our individuals autism,” Woods said. “He need. He wants to cut could not speak to express $800,000 from Ray Graham’s his wants and needs. His only Specialized Living Center,” method of communication she said. “That facility would was crying. After a few University have to close, 100 individuals months of social skills train- would lose their homes and ing, Nevelle begin to echo their friends, and 100 staff words. He pointed at items employees oppose would lose their jobs.” he wanted instead of crying. He is making progress and it Struggling below was TAP who started him on budget cuts the poverty line that journey.” While opposing Rauner’s DUE TO EIGHT YEARS OF STAG- budget proposal, AFSCME, Continued from page 9 Putting the burden was 3rd in the nation and we are nant state funding, average community disability agen- system that is already starved on students now tied for 6th,” said Local wages for DSPs remain below cies and the families of peo- for resources. At Eastern Illi- 698’s Jim McGuire, a storekeep- the poverty line for a family ple with developmental dis- nois University, for example, AFSCME MEMBERS AREN’T JUST er at the University of Illinois at of four, leading to increased abilities also remain allied building service workers have speaking up for themselves. Urbana-Champaign who testi- employee turnover at com- through the Care Campaign, already been reduced by 17 They’re also speaking up for fied before the Senate Appro- munity disability agencies. which is lobbying lawmakers percent over the previous families who would bear the priations Committee. “The uni- to pass legislation that would three years. brunt of tuition increases forced versity has more than increase DSP wages to $13 an Further cuts would by the sharp reduction in fund- contributed to our economy hour over time. ing. Those increases could, in and state revenue through edu- “Governor Rauner mean not only layoffs, but a Legislation to increase reduced standard of living many cases, either result in stu- cation of its students and cut- doesn’t care DSP wages has been intro- for the employees who dents taking on more debt or ting-edge research. When will what our duced in both chambers of remain. even having to give up on we return to fully supporting individuals need.” the General Assembly – HB “This is too deep a obtaining a college degree. the staff and faculty who make 3255, sponsored by Rep. hole to plug with staff pay “State universities have that happen?” — Audrey Lake Robyn Gabel, and SB 1822, cuts,” Cameron said. “At been an avenue to success for In his testimony, McGuire sponsored by Sen. Heather EIU, AFSCME members are at many middle- and low-income noted that strong state universi- Steans. the end of a four-year students who cannot afford pri- ties help the economy in other “Rep. Gabel and Sen. contract where – between very vate college tuition,” Cameron ways, too. Like any other large Rauner’s proposal will Steans want our individuals modest pay raises and said. “Tuition hikes that price employer, they serve as an eco- make it even harder for agen- to get what they need: DSPs paying more for insurance – those students out of an educa- nomic anchor in their commu- cies to attract and retain the who are alert and fresh and workers have already fallen tion are not a viable solution to nities. employees who play an essen- patient, not DSPs who are behind the cost of living.” this cut.” “A cut to the university bud- tial role in teaching and sup- stressed and impatient from In many ways, Rauner’s Students who aren’t shut get in wages and spending is porting people with develop- working two jobs to keep proposal would set the state off from attending face another obviously going to have a nega- mental disabilities. their families out of poverty,” university system back issue – a decline in the quality of tive impact on the local econo- “Here in Springfield, Lake said. “They want to decades – literally. The pro- their education as universities my and businesses,” he said. Panda Express has openings move our individuals for- posed funding for Northeast- are forced to cut classes and “Cuts would clearly harm not starting at $9 to $11 an hour. ward. Governor Rauner’s ern, for example, hasn’t been have greater difficulty attracting only the university but our local Marco’s Pizza is hiring drivers budget would push them at such a low level since 1988 and retaining quality faculty. government and our state’s starting at $10 to $14 an back.” – 27 years ago. “Our engineering program future economic growth.” On the Move April-May 2015 11

Next chapter in pension saga takes shape as Supreme Court decision nears

time to come. A positive ruling would all of their remaining years of lar to the one Rauner has used s On the If the justices overturn do nothing, though, to service. to justify his belief that public Move went the Circuit Court ruling – address the solvency of the employees and their unions which declared the pension- SURS, SERS and TRS pension Undermining the court should not be allowed to have a A to press, the cutting law, known as SB 1, systems, which face massive voice in the political process. state Supreme Court “null and void” because it funding shortfalls after EVEN THOUGH THE SUPREME “The governor apparently had yet to announce violated the state constitu- decades of neglect by politi- Court hasn’t announced a defines ‘corrupt’ as anyone tion’s pension protection cians. decision in the SB 1 case, who dares to disagree with whether it would clause – a lengthy case would “AFSCME and its partners Rauner has already gone on him,” Lynch said. uphold a Circuit likely get underway, with the in the We Are One Illinois the attack against the court, Rauner has also Court ruling striking central question being union coalition, which has led questioning its legitimacy. expressed support for repeal- whether the state’s fiscal crisis the effort to have the pen- “I don’t trust the ing the constitution’s pension down pension cuts is so dire that the state is justi- sion-cutting law struck down, Supreme Court to be rational protection language, which for active and retired fied in invoking “police pow- are ready to work in good in their decisions,” Rauner would open the door to end- state employees, ers” to override the constitu- faith with elected officials on told the Daily Herald. “I think ing defined-benefit plans tion. The Circuit Court ruling a solution to the pension cri- they’re activist judges who entirely. It’s all too likely he state university held that the constitution’s sis that ensures solvency while want to be legislators.” will try to get such an amend- employees and language was absolute, being fair to employees and Rauner added that he ment on the ballot in the downstate teachers. regardless of the state’s finan- retirees,” Council 31 Execu- believed the Supreme Court 2016 election. cial woes. tive Director Roberta Lynch was part of a “corrupt” system “The Supreme Court is A ruling upholding the said. because it hears cases argued going to have the final say on w Circuit Court decision would Unfortunately, any solu- by trial lawyers who con- this particular case, but the HOWEVER, WHATEVER THE EVEN- undeniably be good news for tion to the pension issue tribute to the campaigns of fight to defend retirement TUAL DECISION, IT IS CLEAR all the public service workers would have to win approval judges – though Rauner said security is far from over,” THAT PUBLIC EMPLOYEES AND and retirees who have fought from Gov. Bruce Rauner, who nothing about the pro-busi- Lynch said. “We won’t have RETIREES will have to continue for years against draconian has only offered one idea: ness groups that also attempt any time to rest on our lau- defending their right to a pension cuts – in the General forcing all public employees to influence judicial contests. rels, no matter what the court secure retirement for some Assembly, then in the courts. into the lower Tier 2 plan for That argument is very simi- decides.” SHORT REPORTS

Continued from facing page telling Buzzfeed “we cannot Douglas Hunter, a mainte- provide a service in a manner nance worker at a West Side business over the care of the that meets our standards.” McDonald’s, told Progress Illi- girls.” Previous reporting by nois. “More young people Buzzfeed reported that Buzzfeed exposed Mentor’s would go to jobs like McDon- Mentor, a for-profit company, involvement in a long history ald’s instead of standing on a works with a non-profit entity, of child deaths and sexual street corner. “The protests also Alliance Human Services, to abuse. Former employees told drew attention to the plight of enter into contracts to provide Buzzfeed that “the search for university professors, some of foster care services. Alliance high profit margins meant whom are paid so little that they signs contracts with govern- child safety suffered.” have to rely on public assistance ments, then pays much of the programs, even though they money to Mentor. “Fight for 15” gains hold advanced degrees – and “This convoluted system momentum in Illinois, carry massive student loan debt. acted to further muddle the nationwide “In my wildest dreams, I chain of command and add would never think I would be a unnecessary complications to ON APRIL 15, TENS OF THOU- Ph.D. on welfare,” Wanda the delivery of services to sands of low-wage workers and Evans-Brewer, an adjunct pro- clients,” the OIG report found. their supporters took part in fessor at Concordia University Ultimately, the OIG recom- protests across the nation and in River Forest, told the Chica- mended that children and fos- around the world to highlight Workers and supporters of the “Fight for 15” campaign called for go Tribune. ter homes assigned to Mentor the need for increased wages higher wages during a demonstration in Chicago on April 15. One rally outside a McDon- should be moved to “reputable, for fast food restaurant ald’s even inspired Brinks secu- contracted child welfare agen- employees, home care workers, rity guards to walk off the job cies” and that DCFS should adjunct professors and others. AFSCME Cab Drivers United workers in other industries to protest their own low pay. avoid contracts with agencies Protests took place in who came out to show their who are unable to make ends “We put our lives on the that rely on subcontractors like more than 200 cities in 30 support. meet despite working full-time line and have a very danger- Mentor. countries. In Chicago, thou- The Fight for 15 campaign in jobs that also offer little in ous job working 45 to 60 Soon after the report’s sands filled the streets in the began in 2012 with a focus on the way of health care benefits hours in a week,” Alex release, Mentor announced it downtown Loop, demanding fast-food workers, particularly or paid time off. Alvarez, an armored truck dri- was shuttering its operations in fair wages and improved work- at McDonald’s restaurants. “If we were paid better ver, told Progress Illinois. “It Illinois. It denied the OIG’s ing conditions. They were Since then, it has expanded to wages, that would bring more isn’t even a Chicago problem report led to that decision, joined by members of fight for improved wages for money into the community,” – it’s a problem nationwide.” 12 On the Move April-May 2015

AFSCME volunteers help elect union-backed candidates in local government

ith public employees W and the labor movement in Illinois facing unprecedented attacks, having pro- union voices in may- oral offices and city council seats has taken on added importance. w THANKS TO THE WORK OF AFSCME’S PEOPLE PROGRAM, SOME NEW VOICES WERE ADDED to the political dialogue in cities across Illinois, including Chicago, Springfield and Joli- et, in the aftermath of the April 7 elections. In Chicago, several union- endorsed aldermanic candi- dates emerged victorious. Two, Carlos Ramirez-Rosa in the 35th Ward and David Moore in the 17th Ward, were elected outright in the first round of voting on Feb. 24. They will be joined by Susan Sadlowski- Garza, who prevailed in a tight contest to represent the 10th Ward – pending the results of a “If we don’t have recount. people in there looking PEOPLE also endorsed out for our interests, four incumbents who won the City Council another term on the council, overcoming well-funded will be looking out opposition. They include the for someone else.” 38th Ward’s Nick Sposato, who won outright on Feb. 24, — Ed Johnson as well as several runoff win- ners: Toni Foulkes in the 16th Ward, Willie Cochran in the 20th Ward and John Arena in the 45th Ward. two winning City Council can- Local 1669 President Ed didates: incumbent Kris Johnson volunteered for Sad- Theilen in the 8th Ward and lowski-Garza’s campaign, newcomer Jim Donelan in the knocking on doors on the 9th Ward. southeast side. Liam McDonnell, a “If we don’t have people retired employee of the Envi- in there looking out for our ronmental Protection Agency, interests, the City Council will said electing a pro-union be looking out for someone mayor in Springfield was espe- else,” Johnson said. “We need cially important to him given to have people in the council who is occupying the gover- that are on our side and will nor’s mansion. “It’s absolutely important helped re-elect two aldermen, Local 440 President John Dil- work for our benefit, not for “I wanted to make sure for AFSCME Retirees to do Kathryn Hall in the 2nd Ward lon said. the rich and famous.” that Jim Langfelder was elect- this, because these attacks are and Bob Rockwell in the 3rd John Bilecki, the PEOPLE ed in Springfield because of not going to stop,” he said. Ward. chairman for Local 1028, Downstate victories his position on labor in partic- “Rauner is going to go after In Joliet, the PEOPLE which represents Will County ular,” McDonnell said. “He’s us and he makes no bones program helped Bob employees, said local elec- IN SPRINGFIELD, AFSCME VOL- not for these ‘right-to-work’ about it.” O’Dekirk prevail in the race tions may not get the atten- unteers helped Jim zones that Bruce Rauner’s In the Quad Cities, for mayor and also helped re- tion of statewide contests, but Langfelder win the race for promoting all over the state.” AFSCME backed two candi- elect District 1 Councilman can be just as important. mayor. Langfelder’s support McDonnell, who worked dates who will become new Larry Hug. “These are the people for public employees and the phones on Election Day members of the Rock Island “Bob was one of the few that are communicating to public services earned him to get out the vote, said City Council: Virgil Mayberry people on the City Council to our state reps and state sena- the endorsement of the PEO- retirees have as much reason in the 2nd Ward and Joshua support AFSCME and the tors,” he said. “All politics is PLE committee in the area. to be involved as active public Schip in the 6th Ward. In Sil- workers in Will County when local. You’ve got to start on The union also supported employees. vis, the PEOPLE program they went out on strike,” the local level.” On the Move April-May 2015 13

Aurora employees tions did take place, they went ident Ricardo Macedo said. “I stand firm over nearly smoothly enough. can say that most of our mem- LOCAL LEVEL four years “I was quite pleased with bers are satisfied. We were able the raises we received without to get something for everyone.” AFTER ALMOST FOUR YEARS OF having to give up anything sig- Management’s hands-on negotiations, the City of Auro- nificant,” he said. “We didn’t approach to bargaining was ra’s clerical, technical and pro- have any real problems with helpful in this case, Council 31 fessional employees finally have management.” staff representative Dick Crofter a new contract with fair wage The city’s police were said. increases – including retroac- negotiating their own contract “The negotiations went tive pay to cover the long bar- at the same time, and Gillespie really well and that’s because gaining process. said the separate units cooper- the mayor was in the room,” he Local 3298 President Anna ated. said. “The lawyers were a little Ishmael said that while negoti- “These bargaining units difficult to work with but the ating sessions with the city were worked together,” she said. “I mayor’s really good.” amicable, management didn’t thought that was admirable.” Crofter led the bargaining display a strong commitment to team and was joined by Mace- timely bargaining and some dis- Aurora public works do, Jeannette Rendon, Angela agreements took time to employees secure 10.75 Wagge, Jose Hernandez and resolve. percent wage increase Jessica Vela. “There was no getting up and storming off or anything TALKS BETWEEN THE CITY OF Tough but fair deal in like that, but there were times Aurora and the Local 1514 bar- Jefferson County we just weren’t getting any- gaining team were sometimes where,” she said. “The health contentious over two years of A TIGHT FISCAL CLIMATE IN JEFFER- insurance was a big part of it, negotiating, but the effort son County limited wage and wages. We went round and resulted in a four-year deal with increases for members of Local round on that and had to keep fair wage increases. 3664, but the contracts cover- coming back to the table to The city’s public works ing various departments still iron things out.” employees will receive a 10.75 keep insurance costs in check City negotiators also had to percent wage increase over the and include other perks. be persuaded to agree to wage life of the agreement. In Most county employees will increases to help cover exchange, employee health receive a 3 percent wage increased health care costs. care costs will increase some- increase spread over two years. After years of struggle, Heartland In the end, the bargaining what. Circuit Clerk employees who employees win new contract team secured a five-year con- “I think for a long time retire early will receive a $3,000 tract that includes an 11.25 per- management tried to do all the bonus. Health Department THE NEW CONTRACT FOR EMPLOYEES AT HEARTLAND HUMAN SER- cent wage increase over that contracts at once, so they kept employees were not negotiating vices in Effingham stands as a testament to the power of span. Nearly all of that increase us at the table for a long time a new contract, but will receive working people to overcome even the harshest attacks on was retroactive due to the and didn’t want to make a 5 percent increase in wages as their rights and dignity. length of negotiations. progress,” Council 31 staff rep- part of a reopener. The three-year agreement ratified in March was won only “The city initially wanted to resentative Carla Williams said. “It’s not the best deal but after repeated targeting of union activists, a constant stream give us nothing for all those “When everyone else was set- it’s a fair deal,” Local 3664 Pres- of unfair labor practices, a failed decertification election and years we bargained with them,” tling, that’s when they finally ident Jim Wray said. “It was other delaying tactics aimed at breaking the spirit of employ- Ishmael said. “They held that brought money to the table.” tough on our union and all the ees of the non-profit mental health facility. stance for a while, but we were The local’s president, Tony other unions.” Their spirits did not break, though. In fact, they’re eventually able to negotiate our Miller, had high praise for the Council 31 staff representa- stronger than ever. retro pay.” bargaining team. tive Jeremy Noelle said the “It’s a lot easier to do your job when you’re not worrying Council 31 Staff Represen- “They put in extra hours county not only was cash- about what management’s going to take away,” Local 3494 tative Carla Williams led the that they’re not compensated strapped, but also was con- President Trisha Katt said. “I think it’s great to be able to say bargaining team, which includ- for to broker the best deal they cerned about cuts to local gov- that we can move forward now. We can get back to why we’re ed Ishmael, Diane La Fan, Ben could,” Miller said. “I couldn’t ernment funding sought by here and focus on doing our jobs and we have the security of Torrance, Michelle Gumz and have asked for a better bargain- Gov. Bruce Rauner. the contract.” John Jerrard. ing team. They’re just a well- “Management was able to The contract is the second agreement since employees rounded group of guys with the show us that there were some voted to form a union in 2006. At that time, Heartland man- Slow talks, but a good whole local’s interest at heart.” pretty major concerns with the agement refused to bargain in good faith, resulting in a strike deal, in Jerseyville Joining Williams and Miller lack of funds,” he said. “They and lockout. on the bargaining team were also were hearing the same Even after an initial contract was secured, management LOCAL POLITICS IN THE CITY OF Dan Piscoran, Ruben Delgado, rumors that we were about the refused to accept a union. In 2012, administrators pushed for Jerseyville lengthened negotia- Chris Olson, Jerry De Mario, new governor cutting revenue a decertification election – one that was marked by intimida- tions with Local 1479 over a Brett Bennett, Dave Burgess streams going to counties and tion, threats and surveillance used against employees. new contract, but didn’t stand and Tim Hoehn. cities.” That election ended in a tie. Normally, that would have in the way of members reading Noelle led the negotiating ended the union, but management’s tampering led the a satisfactory agreement. Wage increase, paterni- team, which included Wray, National Labor Relations Board to order a new election. The bargaining team ty leave for Berwyn Karen Backstrom, Deb Dees, That ruling was appealed by management, along with secured a three-year contract employees Marsha Lueker, Tammy Walk- other NLRB rulings. After losing the first round of appeals, that will see wages rise by 7.5 er, Kathy Holmes and Kevin management became more interested in reaching a settle- percent. Health insurance costs THE NEW CONTRACT FOR CITY OF Rainwater. ment, Council 31 staff representative Dave Beck said. for dependent care have Berwyn employees includes a 6 “They were finally willing to negotiate,” he said. “But they increased slightly, but the con- percent wage increase over its Positive language had to pay a lot of back pay and make quite a few changes to tract now also provides for a three years, as well as several changes for Ray Gra- implement the NLRB’s remedies before we even started health care plan for recent other key improvements. ham Association negotiating again.” retirees. Along with better wages, employees The new contract includes wage increases of 1.5 percent, While the tone of talks was the bargaining team pressed for 1.75 percent and 2 percent in successive years. The bargain- always positive, elections in the – and won – eight weeks of LIKE OTHER COMMUNITY DISABILITY ing team also resisted management’s attempts at takeaways. city prevented negotiations paternity leave, matching exist- agencies, the Ray Graham Asso- “We were able to preserve our PTO and our holidays and from moving quickly, Council ing maternity leave provisions. ciation has found it difficult to came to an agreement over the health insurance, which is a 31 staff representative Carla The contract also establishes increase employee pay due to huge deal here,” Katt said. “Management wanted to strip Gillespie said. severance pay for employees state funding that has not seniority away and we were able to preserve that. We got a “Two of the councilmen we who serve at least 20 years, as increased in eight years. union shop – we got a lot accomplished.” were dealing with there were well as an extra paid holiday. For the Local 3492 bargain- Katt said Council 31 staff, the bargaining team and other running for mayor and people Health insurance costs will not ing team, that meant making local leaders should be proud. were afraid to move too much,” rise while the contract is in improvements elsewhere – “We wouldn’t be where we were today if we didn’t have a she said. “But at the end of the effect. including one that will make it great bargaining team and great people involved in the lead- day we got a pretty decent con- “Everything went very easier for them to be involved ership of the local,” she said. “They deserve as much credit as tract.” smoothly with the city and the with their union. anybody does.” The local’s president, Steve administration. There were no The three-year contract The negotiating team included Council 31 regional Ficker, said that when negotia- major bumps,” Local 1041 Pres- includes paid time off for director Kent Beauchamp, Beck, Katt, Elizabeth Baker and Elizabeth Hartke. Continued on page 14 14 On the Move April-May 2015

ary when he called for “per- tices subject to appointment City of Chicago pension manent pension relief by the governor. case on hold pending RETIREE NOTES through a constitutional decision in state case amendment.” Plus, despite his Claims of pension claim that previous laws were opponents don’t stand A LAWSUIT SEEKING TO REVERSE unconstitutional, Rauner has up to scrutiny pension cuts to City of Chicago now indicated support for retirees has been delayed until lowering cost-of-living adjust- EARLIER THIS YEAR, REP. JOE the Illinois Supreme Court ments (COLAs) for state and Sosnowski, R-Rockford, intro- reaches a decision on a case university employees – a duced legislation to repeal dealing with state pensions. scheme nearly identical to the the state constitution’s pen- The lawsuit filed by one used in SB 1. sion protection clause. AFSCME, along with partner In an effort to circumvent Sosnowski’s legislation unions CTU, INA, and Team- Health care premium against such exorbitant fees recent court rulings striking has gained the support of sters Local 700, targets SB refunds move forward for the other attorneys. down such attacks, Rauner is Rep. Tom Morrison, R-Pala- 1922, a law which sharply after union victory David Spinner, president hoping to amend the constitu- tine, who declared his support reduced pension benefits for over legal fees of sub-chapter 87 (Decatur- tion to weaken or even abol- in a column published on the employees and retirees who Hillsboro), testified in court ish the pension protection Reboot Illinois website. Mor- participate in the City of THIS JUNE, SERS AND SURS saying it is “unjust that 27,000 clause and is targeting rison’s reasoning, however, is Chicago’s Municipal Employ- retirees forced to pay AFSCME Retirees should be Supreme Court justices that deeply flawed. ees Annuity and Benefit Fund increased healthcare premi- penalized by having to pay ruled in favor of retirees in Morrison claims that pub- (MEABF). ums in 2013 and 2014 will twice for a lawsuit that we recent cases. lic sector retirement benefits The lawsuit charges receive a refund of the premi- won.” In a recent meeting with “cannot be sustained.” that City retirees earned um increases they paid as a Sangamon County Circuit the Chicago Tribune editorial Nowhere in his article does their promised pension and result of the successful battle Judge Steven Nardulli agreed board, Rauner laid out his Morrison mention the always paid their share into the that AFSCME waged to over- with the unions’ arguments, plan to dismantle Illinois’ decades of missed payments pension fund. As with SB 1, turn the law imposing those and ruled that instead of pension systems. Rauner said to the pension fund by state the bill which reduced state increases. receiving 15 percent of the the Supreme Court’s Kanerva politicians. and university pension bene- Now AFSCME attorneys total award, these attorneys decision, in which the court Morrison attempts to fits, AFSCME is urging the have succeeded in backing off should only receive a little found that increases to retiree make the case that public court to find SB 1922 unconsti- other lawyers who were trying more than 2 percent of the health insurance premiums pensions are fundamentally tutional. to secure exorbitant fees for total award. were unconstitutional, was unsustainable. The fact is that In mid-January, union their roles in the case. The judge also noted that “off base.” He accused the pension funds are fiscally attorneys made a motion Attorneys representing the attorneys representing judges of corruption simply sound when they are properly before Cook County Circuit AFSCME and its partner AFSCME “participated in this because they upheld the rule funded. This is evident by the Court Judge Rita Novak asking unions, the IFT, FOP, litigation from the very begin- of law. Illinois Municipal Retirement the court to temporarily and INA, do not receive a ning, and at each stage their Rauner wants to remove Fund (IMRF), the pension sys- restrain the City from imple- portion of the total winnings, arguments have been articu- constitutional protection for tem for downstate municipal menting the law. While that but rather are paid by the late, cogent, and of great assis- public pensions so that he can and county retirees. Unlike was being argued, the Illinois union based on their normal tance both to this court and enact pension cuts without other pensions systems, coun- Supreme Court announced hourly rate. However, other to the Supreme Court.” risking another court chal- ties and municipalities are that they would hear oral argu- groups who also sued the state lenge. He said he wants to use required by law to make every ments on SB 1. Even though signed “contingency fee Rauner sets sights on a constitutional amendment payment to their pension SB 1 primarily concerns state agreements” with their eliminating pensions to “end-run the years of law- fund on time. and university retirees, how lawyers, which allows those suits” that would come from The result is that IMRF is the Supreme Court rules on lawyers to seek exorbitant fees ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL, IN AN his plan to reduce pension 86 percent funded, compared that matter could affect the for their work. Initially, these effort to score easy political benefits. to the State Employee Retire- outcome of the Chicago attorneys were seeking points with retirees, Bruce Rauner also said that ment System which is only 36 retiree pension case. upwards of 15 percent of the Rauner would say that legisla- he wants to go after the percent funded. As a result of the pending total award. tive attacks on retirement Supreme Court judges that The message is clear: Supreme Court decision, the Union attorneys and benefits were “wrong” and correctly decided that the politicians refusing to proper- lawsuit concerning City of AFSCME Retirees fought “unconstitutional,” even if state constitution protects ly fund state pension systems Chicago pensions is being put back, arguing that these fees that contradicted his claim retirees’ hard-earned pension are to blame for pension on hold. As of press time, the were excessive. Ultimately, the that pensions were “overly benefits. underfunding, not the mod- Illinois Supreme Court was court determines the fees, so generous” and the product of His solution: He wants to est benefits earned by retirees expected to make a decision AFSCME and its union part- a “corrupt” system. hand-pick the Supreme who dedicated their lives to on the state and university ners went before the judge at Rauner revealed his true Court, calling for an end to public service. pension case between April an April hearing to argue agenda on pensions in Febru- judicial elections, leaving jus- and June of this year.

ON THE LOCAL LEVEL

Continued from page 13 CEO Kim Zoeller’s strong sup- employees taking steward train- port for legislation that would ing, which will make attracting allow community disability stewards significantly easier, agencies to increase direct sup- Members of Local 1058 and Rock- Local 3492 President Tim port provider pay to $13 an ford families have Olaosebikan said. hour. urged the City The contract also improves “They’re very cooperative Council to raise wages of Head union security by making Ray in supporting the lobbying Start employees. Graham a union shop. effort to gain additional state Employees will also receive a funds for employee wages,” 1 percent bonus in the first year Council 31 staff representative of the agreement. There will Kathy Steichen said. Rockford Head Start tract will finally allow their pay in an even worse place finan- also be a chance for wage The bargaining team, led workers take deadline to rise, even if not right away. cially and jeopardized a vital increases later, with reopeners by Steichen, included Olaose- deal, look to future The members of Local program for Rockford’s low- in the second and third years of bikan, Audrey Lake, Lenona 1058 unit C voted to accept a income families. the deal. Eizenga, Lenora Williams, AFTER SIX YEARS WITHOUT A WAGE three-year contract after the city “The budget cycle for the Negotiations went well, Kevin Lane, Christine Garcia, increase, Rockford Head Start imposed a funding deadline federal grant ended April 1, so which was unsurprising given Barb Hanzl and Jean Todd. employees hope their new con- that would have put employees if we hadn’t cut a deal we would On the Move April-May 2015 15

business model that skirts regu- lation and have the resources to put millions into advertising, “Rideshare” companies a marketing and campaign con- tributions.” Uber has flexed its muscles bad deal for cities, to prevent strong regulations in Chicago, even though it recruits, pays, hires and fires customers and cab drivers drivers just like a cab company. Despite the similarities, the difference in regulation is stark: • Cab drivers are required n the streets to pass a background check, of Chicago – drug test and physical annually. and now Background checks for O “rideshare” drivers are left up to Springfield – an the company. unregulated but • The city sets strict limits on the number of cabs on the deep-pocketed indus- road to help control traffic and try is undermining pollution. There is no limit public safety regula- placed on “rideshare” drivers, many of whom don’t live in the tions and jeopardiz- city or even in Illinois. ing the modest • Taxi cab drivers are progress that taxi cab required to have commercial insurance policies. “Rideshare” drivers have made in companies rely on drivers’ per- improving their sonal policies, even though working lives. such policies don’t cover com- mercial vehicle use. “There’s a responsibility w Chicago cab dri- when you’re in a cab to show THE INDUSTRY CALLS ITSELF vers have called your licenses on a regular for regulations “RIDESHARING,” BILLING ITSELF basis,” Miller said. “An Uber dri- that would put AS CONNECTING CARS WITH PEO- them on an even ver could get their license sus- ple who need them through playing field with pended and you wouldn’t even smartphone “apps.” In reality, UberX drivers. know.” these companies aren’t much The good news is that different from cab companies Uber’s strong-arm tactics have – except they face far less reg- unified cab drivers as never ulation and they treat their Council 31 Associate Director when it launched in Spring- cabs. Instead, the company before. Through the new drivers even more poorly. Tracey Abman. field in January: The compa- focused on providing relatively AFSCME affiliate, Cab Drivers “Rideshare” companies – In Chicago, Mayor Rahm ny’s first customer there was a expensive rides in luxury vehi- United, drivers are now lobby- particularly Uber, which dom- Emanuel’s administration has city alderman. cles. ing city officials to implement inates the industry and is supported only watered-down But that all changed when rules that will not only make bankrolled by wealthy rules that pale in comparison Separate and unequal the company launched its competition fair, but also help investors – have kept regula- to those governing taxi cab UberX service, which competes ensure good customer service tions at bay despite ongoing and limousine services. On WHILE UBER’S ARMY OF AMATEUR directly with cabs on price and and safety. questions about qualifications the state level, a bill that drivers operates with little regu- has far fewer restrictions on “It’s unbelievable that the and licensing of its drivers. would have put meaningful lation in Chicago, the city’s pro- who can be a driver. City has failed so miserably to “Uber asks its customers rules into place was vetoed by fessional cab drivers have suf- “Uber isn’t successful act to stand up for its own resi- to put their safety in the Gov. Pat Quinn during his fered. because they developed an dents, workers and visitors, but hands of strangers, yet final days in office. When Uber first came to app,” said Cheryl Miller, a we will not rest until the pub- expects no oversight despite a Uber’s ability to court the city, its operations were ille- Chicago cab driver. “They’re lic and drivers are protected,” very spotty track record,” said politicians was on display gal but didn’t compete with successful because they have a Miller said.

have lost $300 in our members’ politicians making these choices.” the contract is a new education- “Some people have 20 or employees in Local 1344. pockets,” Council 31 staff repre- The negotiating team, led by al stipend – employees who 30 years,” the local’s president, The local’s bargaining sentative Ed Sadlowski said. “It Sadlowski, included Hughes, obtain an associate’s degree will Karen Beauchamp, said. “Those team secured an 8 percent was an agreement out of necessi- Bobbie Washburn, Teresa Mallo, receive a $500 per year stipend, people have been loyal.” increase in wages spread over ty.” Theresa Ramos and Traci Madi- while those earning a bache- Bargaining was difficult, the life of the contract. Local Employees will get a 1.3 per- son. lor’s degree will receive a Council 31 staff representative President Joshua Berman said cent wage increase retroactive to $1,000 annual stipend. Randy Dominic said, because negotiations went relatively April 2014. Health care costs will Wages will rise for City Council 31 staff represen- the agency hasn’t had a funding quickly once the two sides also remain stable through the of Streator employees tative Randy Dominic led the increase from the state in eight resolved an issue over accrual end of 2016. More importantly, bargaining team and was years. Still, the contract does of comp time. THE NEW CONTRACT FOR CITY OF joined by Scudder, Scott Lucas, the contract allows for two wage include a $250 signing bonus “We agreed to a cap of 80 Streator employees includes an Lynn Haydon, Mary Mackjust reopeners, the first of which is and a 1 percent wage increase hours a year which is pretty 8 percent increase in wages and Bill Lee. already being negotiated. in the final year. normal for surrounding com- spread over three years – an Head Start employees are “One percent doesn’t munities,” he said. “Everything using that opportunity to contin- amount that will help offset an Tough bargaining for sound like much, but with the was pretty amicable otherwise.” ue community outreach and increase in health insurance Kreider Services budget uncertainty, we thought Berman complimented the putting pressure on the City costs. employees it was a good deal,” Dominic bargaining team, which repre- Council to invest in the program The Local 1592 bargaining as it once did. team had a good relationship LONGTIME EMPLOYEES AT KREIDER said. sented the various divisions of “They used to put in with management and also had Services, a community disability Dominic led the bargaining the village’s public works $750,000 of the city’s money to a clear sense of purpose, said agency in Dixon, will be reward- team and was joined by employees. supplement the federal grant, Jim Scudder, the local’s presi- ed for their tenure under the Beauchamp, Jackie Long, Car- “We all had expertise from but this administration doesn’t dent. terms of a new three-year con- rie Vaughn, Dave Miller and Jen every angle,” he said. “They want to do that,” said Kristen “We didn’t get everything tract. Reiners. worked together really well.” Hughes, the unit chair. “We push we asked for, but I’m pretty The Local 1268 bargaining The talks were led by now- ahead because we believe that happy with what we did get,” he team won two longevity steps for Wages to rise retired Council 31 staff repre- the families in this community said. “The bargaining team was longtime employees. That 8 percent in Wheeling sentative Matt LaPierre, who deserve respect and assistance. good and knew what they were change will help address a prob- was joined by Berman, Chris We’re going to keep trying to asking for and how to fight for lem in which employees with RELATIVELY SMOOTH NEGOTIA- Surdam, Sean Lindsay and educate the aldermen and the it.” decades of service were making tions yielded a three-year con- Scott Wilson. community members and the A notable improvement to nearly the same as newcomers. tract for Village of Wheeling 16 On the Move April-May 2015 THE EXPERTS WEIGH IN: “RIGHT-TO-WORK” IS ALL WRONG FOR ILLINOIS

llowing local governments to implement so- called “right-to-work” rules would have a cat- A astrophic impact on jobs and the economy in Illinois, according to a new report. The report, “The Impact of Local ‘Right-to-Work’ Zones,” speci cally looks at what would happen if Gov. Bruce Rauner’s plan for “right-to-work” zones was put into place by various counties in Illinois. Under Rauner’s proposal, counties and other local government units would be allowed to establish “right- to-work” zones in which workers represented by a union would not be required to pay any dues or fees to cover the union’s costs. Frank Manzo IV of the Illinois Economic Policy Insti- tute and Dr. Robert Bruno of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign found that local “right-to-work” zones would “reduce worker earnings and decrease state and local tax revenues. The result would be a weaker Illinois economy.” The report found that if half the state’s counties estab- lished “right-to-work” zones, the consequences would be devastating: r
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Manzo and Bruno excluded Cook County from their analysis due to the unlikelihood of “right-to-work” being implemented there. Yet the entire Chicago region would suffer if the collar counties embraced Rauner’s proposal. “If local right-to-work zones were only passed in the Chicago six-county area, the regional economy XPVME
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notes. “Both businesses and workers would relocate to other parts of the state with better incomes and higher consumer demand.” Other regions of the state would suffer greatly under “right-to-work” as well. Worker earnings would fall by 
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