Labor

AFSCME turns to courts to delay Rauner contract, costing taxpayers millions

AFSCME turns to courts to delay Rauner contract, costing taxpayers millions

A judge in Cook County has issued a temporary restraining order halting a labor board decision that would allow the state to implement its contract with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. The delay costs Illinois taxpayers over $1 million more each day in state-worker health coverage costs.

By Mailee Smith

On top of top salaries and health care, AFSCME contract includes lesser known provisions unheard of in private sector

On top of top salaries and health care, AFSCME contract includes lesser known provisions unheard of in private sector

AFSCME’S outrageous demands when negotiating for a new contract led to an impasse in negotiations. Now the union is suing to keep the state from implementing the contract – while ignoring that state workers will maintain many lavish perks unlike anything offered in the private sector.

By Mailee Smith

3 reasons AFSCME has so much power over Illinois taxpayers

3 reasons AFSCME has so much power over Illinois taxpayers

Over the years, AFSCME – the state’s largest government-worker union – has amassed incredible benefits for state workers through contract negotiations with the state. When AFSCME comes to the bargaining table, it isn’t AFSCME versus the governor – it’s AFSCME versus the state taxpayer. And AFSCME holds extraordinarily more power in the process than the state taxpayers footing the bill.

By Mailee Smith

New overtime rules in AFSCME contract could save $111 million if implemented

New overtime rules in AFSCME contract could save $111 million if implemented

With AFSCME and the state at impasse for a new contract, the governor can implement his last offer to the union. That offer includes overtime pay after employees work the market norm of 40 hours in a week – as opposed to the 37.5 hour workweeks AFSCME demanded. Adjustments to overtime pay will save the state $111 million over the term of the contract.

By Mailee Smith

Labor board declares impasse in contract negotiations between AFSCME and the state

Labor board declares impasse in contract negotiations between AFSCME and the state

Negotiations between Illinois and AFSCME – the state’s largest government-worker union – languished for months. While AFSCME demanded contract benefits that would cost the state $3 billion in additional salary and benefit increases, Gov. Bruce Rauner offered a contract that treats state workers fairly and avoids further burdening taxpayers. On Nov. 15, the Illinois Labor Relations Board issued a decision that prevents AFSCME from obstructing progress on an agreement.

By Mailee Smith

AFSCME: The 800-pound gorilla at the negotiating table

AFSCME: The 800-pound gorilla at the negotiating table

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees claims to be seeking a “fair contract” on behalf of Illinois state workers. But the power and influence exerted by the state’s largest government-worker union means the bargaining table almost always tilts in AFSCME’s favor. The reality is that AFSCME is the power player in negotiations...

By Mailee Smith

Palatine school board approves $130 million building referendum for November ballot

Palatine school board approves $130 million building referendum for November ballot

Palatine-area Community Consolidated School District 15 is once again a hotbed of debate, as the school board that recently tied taxpayers to a 10-year union contract has now approved a $130 million building referendum to be placed on the November ballot. Before voting, residents need to take into consideration the school board’s history of closed-door decision-making, as well as the substantial economic impact the referendum could have on local taxpayers.

By Mailee Smith

AFSCME leaders rejected offer of bereavement leave, performance bonuses

AFSCME leaders rejected offer of bereavement leave, performance bonuses

AFSCME and Gov. Bruce Rauner are deadlocked in negotiations for a new contract for Illinois state workers. AFSCME claims to advocate for its members — but union leadership has turned its back on contract provisions that would benefit state employees and their families.

By Mailee Smith