AFSCME Members To Vote On Strike Authorization In Illinois
In this June 9, 2015 photo, members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees protest outside the in Chicago. Christian K. Lee/Associated Press
The largest public-employee union in Illinois will ask its members this month whether they'd support a strike in a contract dispute with Gov. Bruce Rauner's administration. The state council of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees told members Friday that they'll vote on authorizing the union's bargaining committee to call a strike. Such a vote would not guarantee a strike.
Rauner's office issued a statement condemning the move, saying it puts "Illinois residents at risk.''
Earlier this week, AFSCME offered a compromise to forgo general wage increases for four years and require employees to pay more toward health care. A Rauner spokeswoman called it "superficial.''
"It is disappointing that AFSCME refuses to respect the state labor board’s bipartisan ruling and work with us to implement a contract that is fair to taxpayers and state employees alike," said Governor’s Office General Counsel Dennis Murashko.
State labor regulators have declared the 2-year-old talks at "impasse.'' That allows the Republican governor to impose a contract and the union to strike.
Links
- Judge: State, AFSCME Should Continue Talks Over Wages, Health Benefits
- Rauner Laughs At Cullerton Suggestion That Pensions, AFSCME Contracts Are Tied
- Contract Talks Stalled Between AFSCME And Gov. Rauner
- The Players: Who Decides If AFSCME And Rauner Are At An Impasse? Here’s Who.
- AFSCME’s Contract Gets Two-Month Extension
- Governor & AFSCME Agree To Extend Contract Through July
- AFSCME Strike Prevention Stalls As Budget Takes Spotlight
- Appellate Court Agrees AFSCME Workers Owed Money
- AFSCME Puts Aside Differences, Endorses Quinn