|
 At the bargaining table, AFSCME made clear that they are
unwilling to negotiate any contract similar to the ones agreed to by
17 other labor unions, which in many instances, were ratified by
more than 80 percent of union members.
In the press, AFSCME described small changes to their proposal as "a
big new offer." The "big new offer" would end up costing the State
billions over the next four years.
In response to AFSCME’s refusal to seriously negotiate, and in
accordance with the tolling agreement, the Rauner Administration is
now asking the Labor Board to determine whether or not the parties
are at an impasse.
“While we have reached innovative and fair contracts with most
unions and seen those contracts approved overwhelmingly by union
members, AFSCME leadership unfortunately refuses to budge or offer
reasonable proposals. We want to reach an agreement with AFSCME
members, but their leaders have proven unwilling,” Governor Bruce
Rauner said. “Instead of acting reasonable like the state’s other
union leaders, AFSCME bosses have said no to merit bonuses, they’ve
said no to programs to help minority employees, and they’ve said a
40-hour work week is too long. At a time of unprecedented fiscal
crisis, AFSCME is pushing insurance and wage demands that would cost
taxpayers more than $3 billion. As a result, we are asking the Labor
Board to determine the next steps in the negotiating process.”
AFSCME vehemently rejected the Administration’s proposal to
implement merit pay programs similar to ones welcomed by the 5
Teamsters and 12 other Trade Union bargaining units.
AFSCME vehemently rejected the Administration’s proposal that would
maintain a 37.5-hour work week, but have overtime rate wages kick in
only after completing a 40-hour work week. AFSCME rejected this
offer despite the fact it is more generous than the 40-hour work
week the Teamsters and Trade Unions ratified. Instead, AFSCME wants
to only work 37.5 hours per week and immediately get paid overtime
wages for any minute worked over 37.5 hours. They are also demanding
double pay for regular holidays and even 2.5x pay for some “super
holidays.”
AFSCME vehemently rejected the Administration’s proposal to make it
easier to promote minority employees. Other unions welcomed efforts
to promote minority employees.
[to top of second column] |
AFSCME vehemently rejected a health insurance proposal that closely mirrors
insurance proposals agreed to by the Trade Unions. Instead, AFSCME is demanding
insurance that is considered platinum-plus under the Affordable Care Act. They
are also demanding taxpayers subsidize over 80% of the cost of these platinum
level plans, which is asking to pay silver-level premiums for a platinum-plus
plan. Additionally, while the Teamsters agreed to maintain their current wages
for the next four years, AFSCME is demanding wage increases that would cost
taxpayers nearly $1 billion over the next four years. These demands come after
many union members have already seen their salaries double since 2004. Illinois
employees are now the third-highest paid in the nation – behind California and
New Jersey - and the highest after adjusting for the higher cost of living in
those states. Altogether, AFSCME’s wage and insurance demands would cost
taxpayers over $3 billion.
Under the signed tolling agreement, the Labor Board must now determine whether
the Administration and AFSCME are at impasse. During this time, the parties must
adhere to all statutory obligations regarding good faith negotiations while the
Labor Board is deciding the case. Quoting from the tolling agreement, this
specifically means there can be no “strike, work stoppage, work slowdown, or
lockout” until the Labor Board has determined that the parties are at an
impasse. The Governor will comply with these and all other obligations regarding
good faith negotiations.
[Office of the Governor Bruce Rauner]
 |
