NO. 195 • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 ILLINOIS COUNCIL 31 AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE, COUNTY ON THE AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES - AFL-CIO VOTE!MOVE OUR FUTURE IS UP TO US PAID AFSCME U.S. Postage U.S. Non-Profit Org Ave. 21st Floor 205 N. Michigan 205 N. Michigan Chicago, IL 60601 Chicago, AFSCME Council 31

THE NEW BACK-TO- AFSCME 2020 VOTING SAFETY IN STATE SCHOOL PAGES 5 & 14 GUIDE PAGES 8-9 PRISONS PAGES 10-11 2 On the Move September-October 2020

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT ON THE MOVE AFSCME Illinois On the Move is published six times annually by Illinois Public Employees Council 31 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Tax fairness is Employees, AFL-CIO. Send correspondence to: [email protected] or: AFSCME, On the Move, in our hands 205 N. Michigan Ave., 21st Floor, Chicago, IL 60601 Fair tax vote culminates years of groundwork Roberta Lynch, Executive Director Mike Newman, Deputy Director Nell McNamara, Editor Tom Greensfelder, Designer

COUNCIL 31 EXECUTIVE BY ROBERTA BOARD OFFICERS nate them. And they definitely LYNCH don’t want to see the super-rich Executive Director o fully understand the critical importance pay their fair share in taxes. Roberta Lynch of the Fair Tax fight we’re in right now, it’s These opposition forces State Sector Executive don’t have good arguments Vice-President necessary to recall some recent history. A to win voters to their side, so Ralph Portwood, Local 1866 T they’re dead-set on confus- WHY SHOULD decade ago, AFSCME joined with other Illinois Private Sector Executive labor unions and advocacy groups to form the ing voters about what fair tax Vice-President MIDDLE CLASS reform will do. It’s up to every Yolanda Woods, Local 2481 Responsible Budget Coalition. We aimed to one of us to make sure they Local Government Executive don’t get away with it. FAMILIES PAY restructure the Illinois tax system, making it fairer Vice-President The facing page includes John Rayburn, Local 1215 TAXES LIKE for working people while stabilizing the state’s everything you need to know finances. about the Fair Tax amendment. Secretary MILLIONAIRES? Here’s what it will do: Dave Delrose, Local 1028 For years we’d seen state In 2013 our efforts became • Begin to fix the broken sys- Treasurer government grapple with A Better Illinois, a grassroots tem now in place, where David Morris, Local 805 employee layoffs, program movement to convince leg- working people pay nearly cutbacks, and facility closures. islators to put the Fair Tax double what the wealthiest BOARD MEMBERS Illinois ranked near the bottom amendment on the 2014 ballot. 1% pays in state and local State Conference Board in the nation in state funding Instead, that election gave us taxes as a share of income. Co-Chairs for K-12 education. Aid to local a governor whose hostage-tak- • Make sure the richest Melanie Hoyle, Local 2600 governments was cut, while ing tactics only deepened the top 3% start paying their Kathy Lane, Local 448 state universities were forced budget crisis: Billionaire Bruce fair share on income over Tim Worker, Local 993 to raise tuition. Rauner refused to sign a state $250,000 a year. Clearly Illinois had a struc- spending plan unless the Gen- • Raise revenue to invest in REGION I VICE-PRESIDENTS tural deficit, meaning that eral Assembly complied with schools, health care, jobs and Phil Cisneros, Local 3969 revenues weren’t sufficient to his demands to strip public other important priorities in Safiya Felters, Local 2854 sustain the spending required employees of our right to col- every part of the state. Lloyd Marshall, Local 3477 to meet the needs of Illinois lective bargaining. And here’s what it won’t Stephen Mittons, Local 2081 residents. But the Constitution Rauner tried desperately to do, no matter what the opposi- Kobie Robinson, Local 3835 required raising taxes on every- drive down the wages of state tion’s misleading scare tactics Crosby Smith, Local 2645 one at the same rate—not just employees, eliminate public might say: those who could afford it. So all employee pensions, privatize • Does not tax retirement REGION II VICE-PRESIDENTS too often, the state dealt with public services and education income. Illinois is one of budget shortfalls by shorting and eliminate unions. He had three states that does not Terry Boone, Local 672 its payments to employee pen- the backing of a crowd of super- tax retirement income, and Garry Cacciapaglia, Local 1058 sion funds. rich honchos—most notably the amendment’s adoption Tom Opolony, Local 89 Something had to be done, billionaire Ken Griffin—and the would not change that. Yurvette Simmons, Local 3237 and the solution seemed obvi- anti-worker Illinois Policy Insti- • Does not affect consti- Carlene VanDyke, Local 2615 ous. Illinois is one of only a tute that they funded. tutional protection of Miguel Vazquez, Local 3297 handful of states in which the It took an unrelenting pensions. wealthy don’t pay their fair four-year battle led by our • Does not give legislators REGION III VICE-PRESIDENTS share. The federal government union to fight off Bruce Raun- any more power to increase Shaun Dawson, Local 2073 and 35 states have graduated er’s assaults. In 2018 we were taxes than they already have. Jeffrey Reighter, II, Local 2856 tax systems with higher rates successful in knocking him out They can vote to raise our Trudy Williams, Local 3433 for higher incomes and lower for good, and after JB Pritz- taxes any time currently— rates for lower and moderate ker took office we were able to but they are required to REGION IV VICE-PRESIDENTS incomes. But the Illinois Con- restore the wages Rauner had raise them at the same rate Jerry Grammer, Local 1175 stitution actually bars such a stolen and secure a new state for everyone. The Fair Tax Tad Hawk, Local 1805 fair tax structure. It’s time for contract with expanded bene- gives them the ability to set Cary Quick, Local 141 a change. fits and fair pay increases. higher rates for the higher Why should a house- Now we have the chance to incomes without raising TRUSTEES hold making the state aver- win tax fairness for all working taxes on the rest of us. age income—around $65,000 people with the Fair Tax consti- A basic question in the Cheryl Graham, Local 785 a year—pay taxes like a tutional amendment. But guess labor movement has always Tawny Proulx, Local 172 millionaire? what? The same forces that been, “Which side are you Tamara Rietman, Local 3693 Looking at our neighbors attacked AFSCME members on?” The sides on the Fair Tax showed that Illinois was way and our union, like the Illinois amendment are clear. The RETIREE CHAPTER 31 REPRESENTATIVE out of step. Wisconsin and Policy Institute and Ken Griffin, super-rich crowd say “NO” to Minnesota have five different are now attacking the Fair Tax fairness. Working people say Larry Brown tax rates, or brackets, based on amendment. They don’t want YES to tax fairness, funding income. Kentucky has six brack- to fund public services, jobs and fairness and making our state ets, Missouri nine, Iowa 10. pensions, they want to elimi- better, too. September-October 2020 On the Move 3

Everything you need to know about the FAIR TAX amendment When you vote, the Fair Tax constitutional amendment will be the first item on your ballot—even before the presidential race.

Question 1 Constitutional Amendment

The proposed amendment grants the State authority to impose higher income tax rates on higher income levels, which is how the federal government and a majority of other states do it. The amendment would remove the portion of the Revenue Article of the Illinois Constitution that is sometimes referred to as the “flat tax,” that requires all taxes on income to be at the same rate. The amendment does not itself change tax rates. It gives the State the ability to VOTE YES impose higher tax rates on those with higher income levels and lower tax rates FOR TAX on those with middle or lower income levels. You are asked to decide whether FAIR the proposed amendment should become a part of the Illinois Constitution.

Yes No

Set Things Funding Protect Right Fairness Retirement “Under the current tax sys- “We need more funding for Illinois is one of the few tem, middle-class people schools, health care and states that doesn’t tax pay more in total taxes as a jobs in every community. retirement income—not share of their income than The Fair Tax will generate pensions, Social Security wealthy people do. That’s $3 billion from the folks at or anything else—and wrong. I support the Fair Tax amendment to the top—mostly millionaires and billionaires. the Fair Tax amendment protects and main- help set things right.” That’s why I’m voting Yes.” tains that exemption. “The wealthy CEOs are – Terry Boone – Dan Kwiecinski against the Fair Tax because it will make them pay their fair share. They want to come after MAINTENANCE SPECIALIST, EQUIPMENT OPERATOR, EVANSTON retirees instead. We all need to Vote Yes to GENESEO protect our retirement.” Don’t Be – Mary Jones Tax Fooled RETIREE, CHICAGO Fairness “Some special interests are “I’m voting Yes for the Fair making false claims about Tax amendment to make what the Fair Tax will do. The Other the tax system fairer. It will Don’t be fooled! It will only allow taxes to be raised only raise taxes on the wealthy. Side on people who make more If you make under $250,000, your taxes will go Who’s trying to than $250,000 a year. That’s the top 3%—they down or stay the same.” defeat the Fair Tax? should pay their fair share.” – Jacob Jenkins Millionaires and billionaires like Ken – Trudy Williams HUMAN SERVICES CASEWORKER, Griffin, Sam Zell SECRETARY, CANTON DECATUR and Dick Uihlein, and anti-union front groups like the Illi- STRONGER TOGETHER! nois Policy Institute AFSCME Council 31 and AFSCME Retirees Chapter 31 are joined in supporting the and the Koch Broth- Fair Tax by more than 125 other unions with more than 1 million members. ers’ Americans for Prosperity. The same crowd funded Bruce Rauner and wants to cut union wages, end pensions and wipe out bargaining rights.

LEARN MORE & GET INVOLVED YESFORFAIRTAX.ORG AFSCME31.ORG/VOLUNTEER 4 On the Move September-October 2020

Local governments struggle with revenue shortages

ities, counties and other units of local government have been at the epicenter Cof the COVID-19 pandemic. Facing steep increases in the cost of providing critical public services and sharp declines in revenue, local units of government are confronting a mounting crisis.

Local governments employ League of Cities found that 14.5 million people in the 96% of cities face budget United States, according to shortfalls this year—in the Department of Labor large part due to COVID- Bureau of Labor Statistics, 19—with at least 43% of all including the overwhelming cities reporting unanticipated majority of first responders. spending increases this year In Illinois, Council 31 local on top of declining revenues. government members staff At the same time, with public health departments, businesses closed and con- serve as paramedics, care sumers staying at home, sales for the elderly in nursing tax revenues are dropping. register until three years after secure funding to help local homes, maintain jail secu- Income from fees for business the private sector’s lowest governments address budget rity, and play countless licenses, recreational centers, 96% of cities point. Here in Illinois, the shortfalls that the pandemic other essential roles on the courts, libraries, and real face budget Fair Tax can help to ensure has precipitated. The Dem- front lines of combatting the estate transactions are down that communities can count ocratic-led House of Repre- pandemic. as well. shortfalls this on essential state funding to sentatives has already passed Counties expect to spend Nationwide, state and year. maintain critical public ser- the HEROES act which would an additional $30 billion local governments already vices and jobs. provide such funding, but fighting COVID through FY cut 1.4 million jobs between Nationally, the deci- Republicans in the Senate 2021, a National Association February and June. Almost sions Congress makes in the have refused to call the of Counties survey indicates. two-thirds of them were held layoffs to date, but the worst coming months will shape measure for a vote. Their And a recent survey of cit- by women. may be yet to come. During how deep the cuts could be obstruction is jeopardizing ies by the U.S. Conference Most Council 31 locals the 2008 “Great Recession,” later. That’s why AFSCME vital public services and jobs of Mayors and the National have averted large-scale public sector losses didn’t has been leading the fight to all across the country.

Budget woes beset Cook County, City of Chicago

from 2020 budgeted Corporate layoffs would be on the table To address the shortfall, Fund revenues. in seeking solutions to the the county already cut spend- “This disease has forced a budget shortfall. ing by 6.5% to recoup $94.5 seismic disruption of our econ- In Cook County, the dire million. The Cook County omy, and as a consequence our financial picture is expected Health and Hospitals system city’s finances,” Chicago Mayor to worsen in 2021. Its short- eliminated more than 70 non- Lori Lightfoot said. fall is expected to expand to union administrative and Since the start of the manager positions to save $5 pandemic, more than 900,000 million this year and is work- Chicago residents have filed ing to cancel or renegotiate its for unemployment benefits. “This disease contracts with outside agencies The city’s unemployment rate has forced to recover another $30 million. has skyrocketed from 3.6% in As part of the job eliminations, February to 12.6% as On the a seismic more than 35 people were laid Move went to press. disruption of our off. Like Chicago, Cook Coun- In April, Mayor Lightfoot ty’s executive signaled more called reducing the size of city economy.” layoffs or furloughs may be oth Cook County and the City of Chicago government “penny wise and coming. are forecasting bleak budget scenarios pound foolish,” noting that “This is a very tough the city should play a positive $410 million, the largest pro- year,” said Council 31 Asso- and signaling that all options will be on role in keeping the economy jected budget gap since 2011 ciate Director Claudia Rober- B moving instead of adding to according to county data. That son. “But we’re determined the table to address expected shortfalls. unemployment, in turn hurt- represents a sharp reversal to do everything that we can The City of Chicago estimates critically a $783.2 million pro- ing local businesses that rely from just a year ago, when the to avoid layoffs with all of a 2021 Corporate Fund gap jected Corporate Fund revenue on discretionary consumer county’s budget had a pro- their damaging personal and of $1.2 billion. This is driven loss due to COVID-19, which spending. More recently, how- jected shortfall of just $18.7 community consequences.” by several factors, but most equates to a 17.7% reduction ever, Lightfoot indicated that million. September-October 2020 On the Move 5

AFSCME members help students thrive—safely

t was a back-to-school time unlike any other this year as AFSCME members in Ieducation settings prepared the way for the students and families they serve. From early childhood to higher education, AFSCME Council 31 members are navigating a radically changed school community while advocating for the resources and protections needed for a safe workplace and learning environment.

In Rockford, 30-year veteran Christiansen noted that paraprofessional and Local no members have been laid off, 698 President Betty Chris- and with the help of the union, tiansen works in early child- those impacted by program hood education programs, closures were reassigned to screening children and assist- comparable jobs in locations of ing in the classroom. The the employee’s choice. special education students Local 1275 President she and her co-workers work Catina Barnett also worked with are especially vulnerable. hard to ensure that her mem- Many cannot tolerate wear- bers—Rockford Public Schools ing masks but require close, bus drivers—had the informa- hands-on care. tion they needed, despite the Members of Christiansen’s administration’s lack of com- local were anxious about the munication. Barnett regularly return to in-person classes, updates the local’s Facebook an anxiety compounded by page, disseminates information the administration’s lack of via group texts and personally communication. calls members who are less “The plan has changed so social-media savvy. many times,” Christiansen said. Drivers in Local 1275 were “There was very little informa- excited to come back to school, tion shared, and when they did reconnect with students and communicate, they often left families on their routes and paraprofessionals out of the be a part of supporting the loop and in the dark. Our union community during this dif- has brought members’ con- ficult time. But drivers were cerns to the administration and also concerned about a lack of pushed them for a plan.” personal protective equipment: RPS only issued two masks per driver, and drivers were given had been out of the classroom At the Illinois School for together to develop a proposal Advocating for additional cleaning duties using since mid-March and would now the Deaf and Illinois School for using their skills to help protections new and potentially hazard- be returning with a new set of for the Visually Impaired in students continue to develop Jacksonville, back-to-school their independence while learn- The union has also played an brought a different set of chal- ing off-site. important role in educating “We’re going to get through this. We lenges. AFSCME members at When students are on-site, members on newly expanded the schools work both in the residential staff help them with family leave rights. Although know AFSCME has our back.” classroom and in residential a wide range of tasks, from pre- most paraprofessionals settings. With classes going paring snacks to sewing buttons are women, often moms of virtual, members feared for and making beds to dressing children with special needs ous chemical cleaning agents, rules to enforce social distanc- their job security, but also felt themselves. The local proposed themselves, many were previ- issues the local is continuing to ing. Fortunately, some measures strongly that with support, a plan for engaging residential ously ineligible for Family and address through labor-manage- to prevent the spread of the they could adapt their work to staff to help the schools develop Medical Leave Act protection ment meetings. virus were second nature to the new circumstances. training modules that students because they did not work staff in preschool settings, such “Fear and emotions are and their families could use at enough hours. as washing hands frequently running high,” said Local 38 home, allowing them to con- The most impactful recent Unique and sanitizing surfaces and play President Shelly Hoots. “At first, tinue to develop these import- victory, however, was the challenges materials. management wanted to assign ant life skills. One idea was to expansion of unemployment Unlike many other high- us to janitorial work while the produce a series of videos with benefits to cover school district In Champaign-Urbana, AFSCME risk settings, the university school was closed for in-person corresponding slide presenta- employees. Local 3700 members at the provides for regular testing classes, but we would not allow tions that students and their “Our members made a lot University of Illinois Child on paid time. Employees can any erosion of the contract. We families could do at home, like of phone calls to help get the Development Lab and Early either get tested during their also felt we would benefit stu- a how to make a grilled cheese legislation passed,” Christian- Childhood Development Lab regular work hours with no loss dents more by continuing to do sandwich step by step. sen said. “I’m so thankful we returned to in-person classes of pay or receive pay for time the things we do when we’re in “My members are the have a union that thought of with much apprehension. Con- spent testing while off-uty. the dorm with them.” reason I keep pushing,” us; I don’t know what we would sistency is key when working And when an exposure occurs, Prior to the last labor-man- Hoots said. “I want every- have done otherwise. Many of with young children, member employees receive paid time off agement meeting, the local body to know we’re going to our members live paycheck to Lisa Pannbacker observed, but for the quarantine period, Pan- used a video conferencing get through this. We know paycheck and are single moms.” the children in the program nbacker said. platform to bring members AFSCME has our back.” 6 On the Move September-October 2020

Pension fund elections: Make your voice heard Union members running for pension fund trustee positions

unwavering commitment to protecting and defending the rights of individuals. As Trustee, lected trustees serve a vital role on pension fund boards. That’s Kevin has stood firm in his commitment to why AFSCME has always sought to strengthen Illinois public amplify the inter- pension funds by working to elect union members and retirees ests of all Cook E County employ- who can serve as strong voices for frontline workers. This fall, several ees in the deci- pension funds are holding trustee elections. Below are the AFSCME- sion-making of supported candidates. the Board. Over the last three years serving as IMRF RETIREES will elect an Annuitant Trustee, Kevin Illinois Municipal Trustee in the November election. AFSCME has become the Retirement Fund (IMRF) Chapter 31 is supporting former IMRF Executive leading authority Director Louis Kosiba. for Labor’s inter- IMRF ACTIVE PARTICIPANTS will elect ests on the Board two Employee Trustees this November, each Louis Kosiba is the former Executive and an outspoken to serve a 5-year term. AFSCME is supporting Director of the IMRF and member of AFSCME voice on various issues of concern- from legis- AFSCME member Tracie Mitchell and IEA mem- Retirees Chapter 31. During his 28 years with lation impacting the funding and independence ber Hugh Cunningham. the IMRF, Louis was both the manager of of the pension fund to retiree health benefits. field services and general counsel in addition Kevin is a proven leader on the Cook County Tracie Mitchell is an Emergency Com- to executive Pension Fund Board. munication Specialist for the Central Illinois director. He has Dispatch Center. She is Recording Secretary been a staunch of AFSCME Local 268 and serves as both supporter of Member Chair guaranteed pen- Municipal Employees’ and PEOPLE Chair sion benefits Annuity and Benefit Fund for her local. and the rights of Tracie is a relent- employees and of Chicago (MEABF) less advocate for retirees under public service both the Illinois This October City of Chicago employees workers and Pension Code will have the opportunity to re-elect Verna knows first hand and the Illinois Thompson as Trustee on the MEABF Board. the importance of Constitution. Verna was first elected in 2017. The MEABF maintaining the He will bring his will hold its Trustee Election via telephone retirement secu- experience, expertise and energy to the table and online portal the week of October 26-30. rity that comes to keep IMRF the best-funded pension system Voting credentials will be distributed to City with IMRF partic- in Illinois. He will be an effective and powerful of Chicago employees mid-October prior to ipation. In 2018 voice for retirees. the election. when the City of Decatur transitioned dispatch operations to a new employer, Tracie fought to Ballots for the Fall IMRF elections will be mailed to members and retirees at the end of October. To be Verna Thompson is an experienced ensure employees would maintain their IMRF SEIU Local 73 Steward and member activist. status. Tracie seeks election on the IMRF Board counted, ballots must be received by the IMRF by December 4. She is a dedicated 15-year employee of the City of Trustees to carry on the work of previous of Chicago at the Office of Emergency Manage- AFSCME-backed trustees to preserve the fiscal ment and Com- security of the pension fund and the continua- munications. She tion of pension benefits. Cook County attended North- eastern Illinois Hugh Cunningham is the copresident Pension Fund (CCPF) University. Verna of the Triad Custodial, Maintenance and Util- was first elected ity Association This October Cook County employees will have to the MEABF (CMUA)/Illinois the opportunity to re-elect Kevin Ochalla to Board in 2017 and Education Asso- the Cook County Pension Fund Board. Kevin has been a com- ciation (IEA). He was elected in 2017 and is the first AFSCME mitted guardian has served on member to serve on the Cook County Pension of MEABF mem- numerous bar- Fund Board. bers’ interests, gaining teams Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person ensuring that to represent the voting has been cancelled this year. All Cook when workers interests of the County employees will be mailed a ballot toward retire, they can depend on the pension they local union mem- the end of September. Mail ballots must be worked hard to earn. During her term, Verna bers in the TRIAD received by the Cook County Pension Fund no has developed a strong working relationship Community Unit later than October 28 to be counted. with AFSCME. As trustee, Verna has upheld her School District in commitment to being a strong voice for Chi- Madison County. Kevin Ochalla has served as an Assis- cago employees on the pension fund board and Hugh has been an active union leader and will tant Public Defender in Cook County for more she is seeking re-election to continue the work continue to advocate for the retirement secu- than 17 years and is President of AFSCME to ensure the promise of a secure retirement. rity of all participants within the IMRF. Local 3315. In both roles Kevin has shown an September-October 2020 On the Move 7

PEOPLE power can make the difference in 2020 election AFSCME members are ready to meet the challenge

undreds of delegates from local unions across the state gathered online for HAFSCME Council 31’s first-ever virtual PEOPLE conference on August 29. Delegates prepared new ways to mobilize voters during the pandemic and made endorsements in key federal and statewide races (see pages 8-9).

The conference was held over intense. And since the state Zoom, capping a months-long expanded early voting and grassroots process in which vote-by-mail options because local union and retiree dele- of COVID-19, ballots are U.S. Senator Dick Durbin State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth gates in 11 PEOPLE regions already being cast. urged union members to stand for a encouraged everyone to make their across the state reviewed The AFSCME Interna- better future by voting for Joe Biden voice heard in this election by vot- legislative voting records, con- tional Executive Board voted for President: “America has only 4% of ing: “This election year, we have ducted candidate interviews unanimously to endorse Joe the world’s population but 20% of all decency on the ballot. Unions are and pored over responses to Biden for president earlier this coronavirus-related deaths. Because on the ballot. Racial justice is on the the union’s candidate ques- year. He chose Senator Kamala of the failure in the Trump administra- ballot. Democracy is on the ballot. tionnaire. Endorsement rec- Harris as his running mate in tion, we’ve seen 180,000 American ommendations from those August. We have to come together.” regional committees were Despite Republican lives lost so far [as of August 29]. submitted to the PEOPLE incumbent Donald Trump’s Each one is a heartbreak. America statewide executive commit- outright failure in handling can do better.” tee, which voted to endorse all the coronavirus pandemic, his recommended state legislative tax policies that heavily favor candidates on August 28. the already wealthy, his refusal to back COVID-relief legisla- pandemic by expanding vote-by- volunteers will be working to tion to aid hard-hit state and Get out the vote mail options, going so far as to mobilize voters through phone Presidential local governments, his efforts The Republican strategy relies hamper mail delivery by the U.S. calls and online outreach. Make election to reduce access to health heavily on voter suppression Postal Service. your plan to vote today.” care, and his determination to (preventing Democrats from “Every vote counts in this During a presidential election stoke the flames of division, casting their votes). Trump has election,” said AFSCME Council To join the Election 2020 Green year, the urgency around the presidential race could be tried to sabotage new laws that 31 Executive Director Roberta Brigade, sign up at AFSCME31. Election Day is especially extremely tight. respond to the risks posed by the Lynch, “and AFSCME’s political org/Volunteer. MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD: IT’S TIME TO VOTE

Because of a new state law expanding safe voting options polling places. And to prevent overcrowding at the polls on during the pandemic, every voter is eligible to vote by mail. Election Day, early voting hours are significantly expanded. Five million voters who participated in the last three elections received a vote-by-mail application; local election authorities Early voting is already underway. Local election authorities began sending out mail-in ballots on September 24. can set aside special voting times for vulnerable populations and a curbside voting option will allow voters to cast a ballot Schools and other government facilities will be used as without entering a polling place. 1. REGISTER Register to vote online at ova.elections.il.gov by October 18. Or you can register in person at your early voting site or polling place. 2. VOLUNTEER Sign up to join our union’s new virtual Get Out the Vote effort at AFSCME31.org/Volunteer. 3. VOTE! VOTE BY MAIL — request your ballot today at AFSCME31.org/MailBallot EARLY VOTING — underway in some locations already; check local election authority for information VOTE ON ELECTION DAY — leave extra time in case of lines Artwork by Maja Lindall, Age 10. 8 On the Move September-October 2020 Vote for Our Future The 2020 General Election provides a historic opportunity to build a new future for our state and our nation. AFSCME Illinois PEOPLE has endorsed the following candidates who will stand up for workers’ rights—and for the health, safety and dignity of every human being.

Election Day is November 3, but the voting process is already underway. Illinois has made voting easier and safer than ever before, expanding early voting and vote-by-mail. See page 7 for everything you need to know about voting in this election.

2020 General Election ILLINOIS Judicial AFSCME Recommends: 5th Supreme Court District – Judy Cates Federal and state legislative incumbents are noted by inclusion of their AFSCME 5th Appellate Court District PEOPLE voting record. AFSCME does not typically endorse in uncontested races. – Sarah Smith 3rd Supreme Court District NATIONAL Retain – Thomas Kilbride VOTE YES State Senate FOR Senate District 10 – Robert Martwick, 100% FAIR TAX President Senate District 11 – Celina Villanueva, 100% Joe Biden Senate District 19 – Michael Hastings, 100% Senate District 25 – Karina Villa, 100% in the House FAIR TAX Vice-President Senate District 28 – Laura Murphy, 94% AMENDMENT Kamala Harris Senate District 31 – Melinda Bush, 100% The proposed amendment grants the Senate District 34 – Steve Stadelman, State authority to impose higher income 100% tax rates on higher income levels, Senate District 40 – Patrick Joyce which is how the federal government U.S. Senate Senate District 46 – Dave Koehler, 100% and a majority of other states do it. The Dick Durbin, 96% Senate District 49 – Meg Cappel amendment would remove the portion of the Revenue Article of the Illinois U.S. House of State House Constitution that is sometimes referred Representatives House District 16 – Denyse Wang- to as the “flat tax,” that requires all taxes District 1 – Bobby Rush, 100% Stoneback on income to be at the same rate. The District 2 – Robin Kelly, 98% House District 17 – Jennifer Gong- amendment does not itself change tax Gershowitz, 100% District 3 – Marie Newman rates. It gives the State the ability to House District 18 – , 100% District 4 – Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, 100% impose higher tax rates on those with House District 19 – Lindsey LaPointe District 5 – Mike Quigley, 97% higher income levels and lower tax rates House District 20 – Michelle Darbro District 6 – Sean Casten, 100% on those with middle or lower income House District 35 – Frances Hurley, 100% District 7 – Danny Davis, 99% levels. You are asked to decide whether House District 37 – Michelle Fadeley District 8 – Raja Krishnamoorthi, 100% the proposed amendment should House District 38 – Debbie Meyers-Martin, become a part of the Illinois Constitution. District 9 – Jan Schakowsky, 100% 94% District 10 – Brad Schneider, 90% House District 41 – Janet Rohr District 11 – Bill Foster, 95% House District 42 – Ken Mejia-Beal District 12 – Raymond Lenzi House District 45 – Diane Pappas, 100% District 13 – Betsy Dirksen Londrigan House District 47 – Jennifer Zordani District 14 – Lauren Underwood, 100% House District 48 – Terra Cost Howard, District 17 – Cheri Bustos, 95% 88% September-October 2020 On the Move 9

House District 49 – House District 113 – , 100% District 2 – DeAnn Rizzi House District 51 – Mary Edly-Allen, 94% House District 114 – L aToya Greenwood, District 18 – Jack Minner House District 54 – Maggie Trevor 100% District 19 – Dina Burch House District 55 – , 100% House District 116 – Nathan Reitz, 84% District 20 – Kristen Novacich-Koberna House District 61 – , 100% District 27 – Paul Rydgig COUNTY House District 62 – , 100% Peoria House District 64 – Leslie Armstrong- Champaign McLeod Auditor – Jessica Thomas Circuit Clerk – Katie Blakeman House District 65 – Martha Paschke County Clerk – Rachael Parker Coroner – Chaundra Bishop House District 66 – Coroner – Jamie Harwood Treasurer – Cassandra “CJ” Johnson House District 67 – , 94% Randolph House District 68 – Dave Vella Cook Circuit Clerk – Sherry Johnson House District 70 – Paul Stoddard State’s Attorney – Kim Foxx House District 71 – Joan Padilla Rock Island House District 72 – Mike Halpin, 100% Jackson County Board – Edwin Langdon House District 76 – , 94% Circuit Clerk – Cindy Svanda Will House District 77 – , 100% Treasurer – Liz Hunter Executive – Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant House District 78 – , 100% Coroner – Laurie Summers House District 79 – Charlene Eads Lake House District 80 – Anthony DeLuca, 94% Coroner – Howard Cooper COUNTY BOARD House District 81 – Anna Stava-Murray, 82% COUNTY BOARD District 1 – Sherry Newquist House District 83 – , District 4 – Gina Roberts District 12 – Erin Moncek 100% District 7 – Carissa Casbon District 12 – JoAnne Hamilton-Gunkel House District 85 – Dagmara “Dee” Avelar District 13 – Sandy Hart District 13 – Mica Freeman House District 90 – Seth Wiggins District 16 – Terry Wilke District 13 – Mark Ferry House District 92 – Jehan Gordon-Booth, 100% Madison Winnebago House District 94 – Angel Smith Auditor – Joe Silkwood State’s Attorney – Paul Carpenter House District 96 – , 94% Circuit Clerk – Amy Gabriel Board Chair – Joe Chiarelli House District 97 – Harry Benton Coroner – Steve Nonn COUNTY BOARD House District 103 – , 94% State’s Attorney – Crystal Uhe District 4 – Elizabeth Lindquist House District 111 – Monica Bristow, 88% COUNTY BOARD District 17 – Rob Young House District 112 – Katie Stuart, 100% Chair – Robert Daiber District 19 – Angela Fellars 10 On the Move September-October 2020

New Chief Safety Officer position makes prisons safer Union-created role addresses crises, issues in pandemic

IDOC—a contractual staff It’s a completely differ- have questions; then I can go member tested positive and ent atmosphere. Everyone is directly to management to get t the outset of the coronavirus the virus spread to inmates. really conscious about what answers. pandemic in Illinois, AFSCME worked We were at the forefront; we they need to do to mitigate the We had 15 positive cases to implement a new role, Chief Safety were trying to get ahead of it spread and everyone is doing at SWCC, all staff members A and make sure we were han- their part. It makes every- who recovered and are back Officer (CSO), to ensure open, productive dling everything properly, thing safer, cleaner and makes at work. There have been no communication between management and but still uncertain if we were Sheridan a better institution inmate cases. Our members doing everything right. We overall. can go home and get well, staff on the ground. It’s proving to be an had pregnant staff that had they can be taken care of invaluable asset during the ongoing public been exposed, people were by their families. But if an panicking. inmate gets sick, it’s not going health crisis. The CSO position made to be good. I want to make it so that I’ve been able to go sure inmates and staff are At each Department of Correc- CHIEF SAFETY around to the buildings every using masks, practicing social tions facility, the local union day to get information out to distancing and the facility is president or their designee OFFICERS people. The union got to be the clean. When our members fills the CSO role. This front- direct liaison to the member- are at work, they’re doing line, union-driven approach ship. During such a trying time, what they’re supposed to be to safety precautions has suc- that brought us closer together. doing. The numbers prove it. cessfully shown how valuable We overcame something big and Our members are taking this collaborative labor relations handled it well. We’ve kept it seriously. can be. at just 20 inmates and 15 staff Having this new CSO role “IDOC employees have infected. We’re pretty proud of was an adjustment for every- been on the public safety what we’ve been able to do here. Lynn Fields one, but now it’s clear: This is front lines during this pan- The big thing was being LOCAL 3654 PRESIDENT a partnership. The union has demic, working to ensure proactive. The union rented an equal voice. Too often we SOUTHWESTERN that Illinois correctional hand-washing stations and think the union is just about CORRECTIONAL CENTER facilities remain safe and bought extra sanitizer for wages, days off, benefits, secure,” Council 31 Regional sanitizing stations at the front Working more closely with discipline—but health and Director Eddie Caumiant gate. Moving around, seeing administration, we can deal safety is a benefit too. It’s a said. “It’s an enormously things firsthand, I get to talk to with things in the moment. I key part of our contract that challenging mission even Steve Fanti the members and they can let don’t have to call my staff rep should be enforced and taken before the coronavirus LOCAL 472 PRESIDENT me know what’s going on. We or shoot an email or wait for seriously. It’s something tan- swept through our state. The have open lines of communica- the next meeting. If something gible we can see right in front SHERIDAN union’s Chief Safety Officer tion. The issues that occur get comes up, we’re right there. of us every day. We should be CORRECTIONAL CENTER is there every step of the way resolved earlier. I have a daily I walk to each assignment to really proud that we have the to ensure that the safety of Sheridan had the first pos- meeting with the warden and I check in with officers to see if Chief Safety Officer role in all is priority number one.” itive COVID-19 case within can bring up concerns. they need anything or if they Illinois. September-October 2020 On the Move 11

up has been very effective in anyone has any issues or sug- Instead of being at loggerheads its proper use and the impor- dealing with any possible cri- gestions. Then I walk around all the time, now we’re getting tance of wearing it. ses. During the pandemic, I the facility, talking to AFSCME cooperation between DOC and I’m a whistleblower for have assisted with staff safety, members. We stay on top of labor. I’ve been president for unsafe conditions. If I see offender safety, pandemic pro- everything and we’ve been able 18 years and I’ve never seen something unsafe, I go to talk tocols including quarantine, to keep COVID out of the facil- this level of cooperation. This to the warden or administra- morale issues, and the safety ity so that the inmates didn’t is more give and take on both tion and see how we can get it of offenders being transported. get it. sides, more cooperation and fixed. Or management might Some of our protocols have been There has to be coopera- transparency than I’ve ever come to me, for example if implemented statewide. I’ve tion between both parties oth- seen. someone isn’t wearing PPE been able to work on things I erwise it’s not going to work. properly. Then I can speak with wouldn’t have access to without So now, instead of telling me that employee and avoid any being the CSO. It’s benefited we’re going to do something, discipline. The faster we get membership across the board. management says, ‘This is what this virus mitigated and out of Nick Jones we’re thinking of doing. What the prisons, the faster we go LOCAL 3585 PRESIDENT do you think?’ With every- back to normalcy. thing, we’ve heard both sides, I think the CSO is a needed ILLINOIS RIVER discussed it and come to an position during this crisis. It CORRECTIONAL CENTER agreement. was hard to sell the administra- Being Chief Safety Officer We just did an interview tion on giving us a safety offi- allows me to talk to a lot of with the local newspaper, and cer because staffing is such a people each day, bringing infor- we did it together—the war- problem, but making the safety mation from management in den and the union. Usually officer be a union member, usu- a rapid fashion. And staff are in the past we’d be talking to ally the president of each local, able to tell me things they’re the media separately, but this ensures that there’s total trans- seeing firsthand and I can bring time when the media came and Dennis Young parency from management. that right back to management asked for an interview the war- LOCAL 1175 PRESIDENT We’re the largest maxi- without having to wait for a den said he’s going to bring the mum-security prison in the MENARD labor-management meeting union president into this. state. There’s still violence CORRECTIONAL CENTER or a grievance. We’ve been Tod Williams This experience has been every day, we still have a prison able to solve problems quicker. quite different than anything Our prison runs really to run. The inmates aren’t say- LOCAL 801 PRESIDENT When we were setting up our I’ve ever experienced after smoothly. There’s a good rela- ing ‘time out’ during the pan- quarantine and isolation areas KEWANEE LIFE SKILLS 25 years in DOC. If they can tionship between AFSCME and demic. Having a union member in preparation for what may RE-ENTRY CENTER carry this COS position for- the administration. As Chief in the role shows that we’re all Every day starts with a meeting ward after this COVID crisis is Safety Officer, I walk and tour here for the same endgame: We to go over COVID numbers over, the department and the the facilities, talking to staff want the minimum number of “The union’s around the state and to see if state would be a lot better off. about the availability of PPE, people to get sick. Chief Safety Officer is there to ensure that MORE CHANGES PLANNED FOR the safety of all is priority DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE number one.” On July 31, Gov. JB Pritzker and Lieutenant Gov. Julianna Stratton held a press conference to announce a four-year plan to revamp the state’s housing and treatment of youth offend- ers. According to the announcement, the plan will impact the operations of both DOC and come, I was able to get ideas DJJ, including the renovation and repurposing of existing facilities and properties. from military-trained employ- ees and have them put into The goal is smaller, safer more rehabilitative facilities with fewer youths in any one facility management’s plans. and more opportunities for young people to be closer and more connected with their fami- It has definitely worked. We’ve had zero sick offenders lies and communities. and only seven staff with the virus—and they were all exposed “We cannot continue to be a country that criminalizes the chil- “Success outside of work. Our staff is dren who need the most help,” Stratton said. “We need to help working together very hard. our young people heal, to redirect their energy, to realize their depends on They’re setting aside different potential and foster their dreams. It is time for a change.” personal beliefs to do what we heeding the need to do on the clock. Just The Pritzker administration has stressed that this new plan knowing their union is helping will not result in employee layoffs or facility closures. They voices of make decisions and pushing back against parts they don’t have also stated clearly that they will seek union input like helps everyone comply with throughout the change process. AFSCME will be seeking to frontline what they have to do right now. ensure that no employees lose pay or are forced to move— employees.” Morale is staying somewhat and that employees who are committed to the rehabilitation higher than it would have been because they know why we have of young offenders will be able to continue to do that important work. to do things this way instead of just getting a memo at roll call. “The success of this initiative depends on the department taking seriously its pledge to I hope they keep this posi- heed the voices of frontline employees through their union,” said Council 31 Executive tion. Having a safety officer Director Roberta Lynch. to move information from top ranks to the bottom and back 12 On the Move September-October 2020

ON THE LOCAL LEVEL

AFSCME members helped clean up communities hit hard by a massive summer storm in August: “It was an absolute mess. It took us about four weeks to get it all done,” said Local 2823 President Patrick Watson.

2823 President Patrick Wat- Four-year contract.” son said, “It was an absolute The team secured roughly mess. It took us about four agreement in 10% in across-the-board wage weeks with six to seven people Wauconda increases over the four years Michigan. No serious injuries on a shift, swapping out staff and maintained step raises AFSCME or fatalities were reported, but from other departments and Members of AFSCME Local during negotiations that members tackle the devastation to trees and working Saturdays, to get it 2904 in the Village of Wau- combined online meetings property was severe. all done. Then we sent crews conda secured a four-agree- and socially-distant in-person storm aftermath AFSCME members went to over to [the nearby town of] ment with wage increases in sessions. Oglesby to help them for each year, retroactive to May “There was an increase in AFSCME members across a couple days. It was quite 1. While there were modest insurance, but that pain has Illinois helped their commu- exhausting, but everybody increases to health insurance been spread evenly among nities clean up after a massive “Everybody pitched in to get this done and costs, they were evenly dis- village employees,” Mann said. late summer storm ripped pitched in to get they did a great job.” tributed among all employees through the Midwest on Driving through towns and coupled with contract August 10. this done.” just a month after the massive improvements. The storm was classified as storm, you might not know Council 31 Staff Repre- “They see a “derecho,” which according to there was a storm. But Wat- sentative Chris Hooser led our members the National Weather Service is work immediately, cleaning up son said in LaSalle alone they negotiations with bargaining a widespread (extending more debris, clearing roads for safe brought hundreds of dump team members including involved... than 240 miles), long-lived passage and helping their com- trucks full of tree debris to Local 2904 President Jacob and that goes a wind storm coupled with rain munities put everything right. dump in a local quarry. Mann and Vice President and thunderstorms that can “AFSCME members all “We burned them, so some- Mark Gedde. long way.” produce destruction similar to went above and beyond,” said one would stay to keep the fire “With the COVID situ- hurricanes and tornadoes. Council 31 Staff Representative burning so there wasn’t a lot ation, we were just trying to It hit Illinois with 100 Randy Dominic. “After they of smoke produced,” he said. maintain a good deal,” Mann “That’s all we’re looking for is mile-per-hour winds and seven helped in their own commu- “Members of the public could said. “Everything was pretty fairness.” tornadoes, including one that nities, they went to the next bring wood too. It was one big smooth because of the good Mann is a utilities foreman moved over Lake Michigan, cre- town over to help them too. It bonfire going all day, every day. relationship we had built who has worked at the village ating a waterspout. It affected was truly a team effort.” That fire was burning for almost with management and we’re for nearly 24 years and is proud Illinois, Iowa, Indiana and The city of LaSalle Local an entire month.” maintaining everything in our of his members’ contributions September-October 2020 On the Move 13

to the local community. five miles out of town, used “It’s a smaller town so to be 1.5 miles,” which widens everybody knows everybody,” the hiring pool, Chandler said. Mann said. “They see our “We were also able to change a members involved, donating position from a supervisor to a and volunteering their time foreman, keeping that position and that goes a long way.” a union position.”

One local, Gains for frontline two contracts employees

Late last year, the City AFSCME Local 1537 mem- of Jerseyville sold its water and bers at Interventions, a private wastewater systems to a private sector drug rehabilitation company, Illinois American facility on the south side of Water. AFSCME Local 1479 Chicago, settled a new contract members found themselves via Zoom after bargaining with two different employers was halted by the coronavirus right before their next contract pandemic. needed to be negotiated. They won a 3% raise in “We negotiated both con- each year of the two-year con- tracts at the same time while tract, which was a boost to staff the local also elected a new enduring especially difficult president, Chad Chandler,” working conditions. “It’s pretty crazy around BRINGING GIFTS OF JOY here but we got it done,” Local “The biggest President Craig Porter said. “We’re in-patient providing AFTER TRAGEDY challenge was detox and residential services, Four years ago, AFSCME Local 1175 member Terri Liefer and her trying to figure plus it’s for-profit so they want to bring in as many people as husband Daniel started the charity group Love Abby to honor their out what was they possibly can. It’s hard to daughter who was killed by a drunk driver in 2015. practice social distancing but going to work since [the pandemic] started In the year after Abby’s death, the for all of us.” only one staff person tested couple and their four remaining chil- positive and no clients.” In addition to the annual dren decided to “create happiness Council 31 Staff Representative raise, the team negotiated a in themselves by creating happiness Matt Whalen said. “As a first- 50-cent increase to all starting in others by performing randomized time president Chad stepped wages in 2020 and another up big-time.” dollar in 2021—and an extra acts of kindness.” They found joy Chandler chaired negotia- three dollars for starting nurs- in touching so many lives but also tions for the city contract while ing staff—and held the line on found great need in their community. former president Tony Layton insurance. and member Justin McIver took “We have to continue on,” Love Abby was established to pro- on the newly private contract AFSCME Local 1175 members Terri Liefer (left) and Dara Ernsting. with American Water that begins vide support for children in need in in October. Members in both “Right now, we Southern Illinois, particularly Ran- units got a 3% raise this year; dolph County, by donating school “Thank you to this fall the water employees will see the patients receive an additional 3% raise. supplies, hygiene items and gifts at everyone that “The biggest challenge seem sicker. Christmastime. was trying to work the con- They need donated. You tract with American Water more help.” For this unusual school year, Liefer help make a taking over water and sewer and her fellow Local 1175 member and trying to figure out what difference.” was going to work for all Dara Ernsting—with help from their of us,” Chandler said. He’s Porter said. “Right now, we see co-workers at Menard Correctional Center and local businesses— worked at Jerseyville in the the patients seem sicker, they collected enough school supplies to fill 278 new backpacks public works department for need more help. They get dis- eight years. charged and turn around and for children who needed them at local schools and foster care The local is pleased with come right back. It really is [a settings. what they were able to accom- hard time to stay sober] and plish in such an unusual situa- there isn’t a lot of support. We “Throughout the year, book bags go on sale and each year we tion. In addition to the raises, constantly have staff shortages Chandler noted several con- and the people here have to have more and more people watch for when the sale hits and buy tract improvements that the continue to do the work for the them for Love Abby,” Liefer said in a thank you message on the bargaining team secured in the people who left.” group’s Facebook page. “Thank you to everyone that donated… two-year agreements. Joining Porter on the “We have good insurance bargaining committee were You help make a difference.” benefits now and we will have Vice President Oliver Ball and five more years of insurance Lazheta Thomas-Richardson, Find out how to help at Facebook.com/LoveAbby13 after retirement. That’s a good aided by Council 31 Staff Rep- benefit. Also, we can now live resentative Cameron Day. 14 On the Move September-October 2020

Remote education a balancing act, especially for women AFSCME members struggle to teach, care for children while working

because I was able to do nearly everything from all day. My two youngest have IEPs and part of it home. That request was denied. So, I decided fter closing all K-12 schools is they can’t sit still. Every hour I have to check I was going to take a leave of absence because to make sure they’re still in class and paying last spring during the my 7-year-old needed me. But AFSCME went to attention. I have to print out the schedules for statewide shutdown, the work. I started my leave on Thursday, April 9, every kid so I know who is supposed to be in A and by that Monday I got a call saying you can which class at which time and check in with all continuing danger posed by the work from home. of them to make sure they’re doing what they coronavirus pandemic has led most I set up at the dining room table so I could are supposed to be. Illinois school districts to move work 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. while helping my kids with In the meantime, I’m trying to do work learning online this fall. school. It was really stressful—there were plenty myself while trying to get them situated. I’m of days where I worked after 3 p.m. to finish nervous about losing my job. Everybody is That’s keeping kids at home, and as a result, up—but it was good to be able to be home with worried. many parents—mothers in particular—are my kids to guide them. struggling to meet the needs of both their chil- Now I’m back at work again but this fall dren and their jobs. the expectations are higher. The kids have to Four in five parents don’t have anyone at be online every day. They have assignments, home to help, according to a recent New York they’re graded, they have [virtual meetings] with Times survey, and more than half are super- their teachers. They do have a program through vising school work while also working at their my YMCA helping kids with e-learning, however regular jobs. Mothers have taken the brunt of it costs money and I’m a single mom with four this unprecedented situation, according to fed- kids, one in day care. eral data. Likely due to the enormous wage gap My plan is to have my 8-year-old home with between men and women, more mothers than his brothers, but I worry they’ll probably end fathers have left the labor force since the pan- up fighting and I’ll get calls at work. I’m antic- demic hit the United States in March and the ipating spending my evenings on school work, trend continues in this school year. having check-ins with teachers. I’m hoping I can The gender wage gap is smaller for women [work from home] again. But either way, you in unions, and employers are more likely to pro- know what moms do. We make it work. One way vide flexible work arrangements where collective or another. bargaining agreements are in place. AFSCME is working to reach agreements with employers that will allow more employees to work remotely and expand rights to flextime, schedule changes MELINDA BARRETT and family leave. AFSCME LOCAL 2060 These advantages are helping AFSCME COOK COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY’S members navigate this incredibly challenging OFFICE, VICTIM WITNESS SUPERVISOR time. Here, three hardworking union members It’s so hard to find this balance of work and and mothers share their story. watching kids. My husband is self-employed and I go into work on different days each week. I’m very grateful that I’m flexible in that respect. Usually my husband is home when I’m at work, and the days I’m home, I’m working and watch- ing my son. There are times when both of us are working and I’ll get my cousin who lives in our building to watch him. When I’m working at home, it can be chal- lenging because my son has special needs and he’ll act up if he sees me on the phone or pre- occupied. So I try to make certain phone calls when my husband is home. I find myself doing CHAELECIA COOPER as much as I can before I clock in and after I AFSCME LOCAL 1989 clock out to make up for the time that I’m help- NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY, ing my son. Sometimes he’ll drop away from SPACE ADMINISTRATOR his Zoom class and I have to bring him back As parents we’re trying to coordinate every and help him focus. He’ll hit his head on the aspect of the schooling piece, the health piece, table out of frustration sometimes because he’s the nutrition piece, making sure they’re men- non-verbal, but he’s making strides. I’ve thought tally OK and making sure they’re safe. You about taking some mornings off. I don’t want JESSICA TAYLOR struggle with all of this. Especially me as a single him to be even more delayed because we can’t AFSCME LOCAL 1274 parent trying to juggle everything. spend the time. E-learning is made for people who have a My co-workers and supervisors are all HILL CORRECTIONAL CENTER, super-huge house. I’m in a two-bedroom town- in the same boat. I feel better knowing I’m BUSINESS MANAGER house and I’ve got an 18-year-old, 14-year-old, not the only one. It’s hard, but we’re working In March, when school was first out, my young- 11-year-old and 9-year-old. One son is down- through it and doing the best we can. We’re est was in day care and my then 14-, 11- and stairs, one son at the kitchen table and the two going to have good days and bad days, but we’ll 7-year-olds were all at home. I asked my war- girls up in their room. know we tried our best. That’s what keeps me den if it was possible for me to work remotely My kids aren’t used to being on a computer going. September-October 2020 On the Move 15

RETIREE NOTES

sure you get the name of the in general, due to physical dis- people you speak to, noting the abilities and living alone. Now date and time. many senior buildings are on lockdown with no visitors and 7. Don’t Ignore the Bills: little to no human contact. While you should take time to “In this small way, telecon- review your bill, don’t ignore a ferencing and virtual meetings past-due notice. can hopefully help people feel connected,” Johnson said. 8. Negotiate: If the amount Sub-chapter leaders are reach- you owe is correct but not ing out to members via email, affordable, ask the provider if mail and phone to let them there is a prompt-payer dis- know how they will be meeting count or a discount if you pay moving forward. in full.

9. Ask for a Payment Plan: If you need extra time to Supporting Black pay the bill, ask your provider Lives Matter for a payment plan. Earlier this month, 10. Get Help: Medical Sub-Chapter 86’s Executive Billing Advocates can help Board voted unanimously to you review your bills, ensure sign on to a letter supporting charges are accurate and the plan to remove certain reduce costs. You can find statues from the Capitol these trained individuals on grounds in Springfield, in soli- insurance company and the your time to determine their Copatient.com or darity with the local chapter of Vote safe: provider before they figured accuracy. BillAdvocates.com. Black Lives Matter. Vote by mail out he actually owed only $500. Black Lives Mat- “I began wondering how many 3. Verify the Charges: ter-Springfield exists to rep- Voting by mail is easier other retirees are like me and Don’t pay what you don’t resent, nurture, protect and than ever and a good way for usually just pay the bills they understand. You can request A new kind of empower the local Black com- seniors to ensure their votes are receive without really scrutiniz- an itemized bill from your meeting munity. The organization has counted. Gov. Pritzker signed ing them,” he said. provider. hosted several high-profile legislation expanding the vote- AFSCME Retiree sub-chap- events, most recently having by-mail program to reduce the 10 steps to help 4. Make Sure the Bill is ters haven’t had face-to-face thousands in a caravan peace- risk of COVID-19. manage medical bills: Adjusted: Look for the line meetings since the statewide fully protesting the killing Applications for mail bal- items that show an adjustment for shelter-in-place order was of George Floyd. The event lots were already sent to voters 1. Understand Your the contracted rate or insurance issued in March. By May, resulted in Springfield’s City who participated in the last Paperwork: While it’s easy payment. If you do not see one, some were using telecon- Council passing a resolution three elections. You can also to get confused, a medical bill that means your insurance has not ference or Zoom meetings that May 31 be deemed Black apply for a mail ballot online at comes from your medical pro- yet been applied to the bill. to connect and disseminate Lives Matter Day. AFSCME31.org/MailBallot. vider and tells you what you information. Local election authorities need to pay. Your insurance 5. Check that the EOB “While there has been began fulfilling ballot requests company will send you an Matches the Bill: If you have a learning curve,” said Kim starting September 24. Once you Explanation of Benefits (EOB) not received an EOB, that means Johnson, chair of the Chapter’s SERS back pay receive your ballot, return it right explaining why you need to pay your insurance company is not Communications Commit- update away to make your voice heard! that amount. yet done processing the bill and tee and president of DuPage determining your portion. sub-chapter 68, “I think it is After winning the battle 2. Don’t Pay Right Away: important that we retirees keep to ensure that every state While many people feel the 6. Be Persistent to in touch with each other and employee received the back Question your need to pay their bills immedi- Resolve Issues: Call your stay updated on issues impact- pay they were owed, either medical bills ately, billing errors are so com- insurance company or provider ing our benefits.” for a pay increase withheld by mon that you should first take if you see red flags. Also make Seniors are more isolated Governor Pat Quinn or step/ Managing medical bills longevity increases withheld can be difficult because they by Bruce Rauner, many are are often complicated and full still waiting to get that money of medical terminology. What’s incorporated into their SERS more, according to the Medical pensions. Billing Advocates of America, AFSCME had worked with more than 80% of medical SERS to decrease the time it bills for a hospital stay contain estimated it would take to errors. process the increases. Unfortu- “I received a medical bill nately, while SERS had believed for over $1,500 for my wife’s that they would be able to get hip replacement, despite having all of it completed by the end of the maximum out-of-pocket of the year, COVID-related delays $1,300,” said AFSCME Chap- have pushed that out by a few ter 31 President Larry Brown, months. whose insurance is the state’s Retiree Chapter 31 will United Health Care plan. “I continue to communicate with almost paid it right away before SERS and assist in any way slowing down and questioning we can to ensure pensions are the numbers.” updated as quickly as possible. Brown had to call both the 16 On the Move September-October 2020

were kids that weren’t there but should have been. Kids we knew were in need but weren’t coming. I knew their parents were working or didn’t have a car. So we would take detours to Jamie Sonta Smith find the kids and make sure they were getting enough meals. I just wanted to make sure that my kids were OK. When they’re on my bus, they’re AFSCME Local 1273 my kids. SCHOOL BUS DRIVER, How does your union improve CARTERVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT #5 your work?

Being union lets me know there’s someone this job for a sole source of income it’s extremely Tell us about your job. behind me, backing me up when things get diffi- difficult. And some like me have kids at home cult. Like now. A lot of drivers, monitors and staff The school district has given the students and doing e-learning. My five-year-old is in kindergar- members in the union were concerned about teachers the option to do full remote or do the ten and her school district is totally remote. blended learning. But our numbers on our buses what we would do when the school shut down in March. Would we most days are about the same. In the mornings What’s your inspiration to we pick up all grades and in the afternoons I do get paid, how are junior high and high school. go to work every day? we going to survive We have a strict mask enforcement. We have What keeps you motivated? financially, how is to have the windows down and the hatch is open everyone going for ventilation, which will be an issue once it gets I enjoy working with the children, getting to know to make this? The colder. We can have up to 50 people on the bus, them. Being part of their little community. I’ve union was there including the driver and a monitor if you have one. built a lot of bonds with these kids. I’ve been with to help us push We try but there is no way to social-distance on our them for the last six years. I find myself becom- for what we need, buses. None. After the morning runs, we spray the ing very invested in how they do in school, when make sure our con- they’re in sports, how they excel and succeed tracts are being honored and that we’re not just in those things. It’s very rewarding for me to see being cast aside because we weren’t needed at them do good. that time. “ We keep these We’re around the kids more, we can tell In our current situation, our contract will which kids need the extra attention or who isn’t expire at the end of the school year. We need kids safe when receiving positive attention. We can see who to pull together to negotiate our contract so we has problems at home. It helps us pass that don’t lose benefits we have, like guaranteed pay they go to along to other people who might be able to help raises. There are so many issues that we could them. I’ve seen kids almost expelled, and then be addressing and without a union we could be school—even excelling in school. I’ve seen them get the help completely disregarded. they need and turn around completely. That’s a I’ve worked for transportation companies more now.” good feeling. who didn’t have a union. We were not treated When I see kids who have already grad- fairly; we were treated as disposable employees. buses down with disinfectant and in the afternoons uated, they remember me. They say stuff like, I know I will never go back. they use an electrostatic cleaning device. And, of you were my favorite bus driver. Things like that course, we have hand sanitizer and basic cleaning. mean a lot and make it worth it. How has your job We’ve had to learn completely new routes, impacted your family? with new kids and new areas. Literally every day How does your job provide a is something different: new route, new stops, new valuable public service? I’m having surgery and I won’t be able to work kids. It’s hard to get these down and memorize for six weeks. If I had been in a nonunion work- it because it’s always changing. Fridays we have We keep these kids safe when they go to place I would have been on my own. It’s hap- reserved for other work—fixing routes, fixing seat- school—even more now. There are a lot of kids in pened to me before and I got no pay. Now I’ve ing charts, cleaning, maintenance and paperwork. rural areas who don’t have access to internet and got sick days saved up and I know my family The stress levels are very high, and morale is the things they need for e-learning. During the won’t suffer, we won’t face eviction or having our down. Everyone is losing extra income from field spring, we provided meal delivery to those kids utilities cut off because I had to have a medically trips and events and sports trips that we would out there, for free. necessary procedure. The union made sure I got normally be doing. For those of us who rely on I knew and the other drivers knew there those days.