SPRINGFIELD - A confusing headline in the State Journal-Register reads "AFSCME pushing bill to prevent state workers from going on strike, being locked out."
To the average Illinoisan, that doesn't makes sense. Why would a state employee union want to prevent their members going on strike, their most powerful negotiating weapon?
Apparently, AFSCME's plan is linked to stopping Governor Rauner from locking them out if contract negotiations stall.
State Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) sent out this explanation of AFSCME's proposal late Friday afternoon:
Unprecedented. Unique. Harsh. Extreme. Threatening. That’s how the AFSCME union representative described the negotiation stance Governor Rauner has taken on talks about a new contract for state employees. AFSCME pulled together a bill, SB 1229, and testified on it in committee this week after understanding that a new Governor is at the table and if they can’t negotiate with him then they will need their friends in the legislature to help them out.
The AFSCME bill is what is harsh, unique, extreme, and unprecedented. First, the bill requires that mediation be initiated for unresolved issues within 30 days of the expiration of the current agreement. Second, if after 30 days, mediation fails, then either party may initiate arbitration – normally both parties must agree to arbitration. Historically, negotiations have taken nine months or more so the union is intentionally shortening the bargaining timeframe. Why? Because arbitration places contract decisions -that cost taxpayers millions of dollars - in an unelected, unaccountable person or panel. Arbitrators have no reason to look out for taxpayers and what's affordable or comparable to the private sector.
This bill also puts every state employee into the same category as public safety employees by not allowing them to strike and therefore also not allowing the employer (the Governor) to lock them out if a contract impasse occurs. BUT, with one big difference, prior to commencement of arbitration, the employees may still strike – but the employer’s ability to lock out employees is not specifically preserved.
Here’s the scoop. Governor Rauner wants some contract concessions. AFSCME is having none of it. And they don’t want to go on strike or face a lock out. A strike would potentially require the Union to use their strike funds. In committee the union didn’t want to discuss union finances and whether they would be used – why use strike funds when you can mandate that the contract continues via legislative fiat instead of usual collective bargaining talks. They don’t want a lock out because they know the employees and their families depend on not only the pay, but also the benefits that come with a secure job.
The AFSCME contract provides annually for 13 holidays, 3 personal days, 12 sick days (which can accumulate), and anywhere from 10-25 vacation days. It gives automatic promotions and pay raises higher than the rate of inflation for all employees regardless of performance. And, employees only need work 37.5 hours a week. Retire at 60, with pensions up to 80% of the final average salary, and fully paid retiree healthcare are all included. The 196 page contract includes provisions for various leaves of absence, education benefits, and paid time to do union work.
Notably this bill was filed in the last days of regular session while AFSCME employees are still operating under an agreement that does not expire for over a month and with lots of time left for negotiation – that is unprecedented.
Finally we have a Governor standing up for the taxpayers. In case there was any doubt about political motivations, this bill is set to expire in four years - just after the next election for governor.
S J-R's Doug Finke's take on the development HERE.
