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AFSCME
MEMBERS HAVE VOTED: WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Illinois Policy Institute
AFSCME members have spent the last few
weeks voting on whether to authorize what could be the first-ever state
worker strike in Illinois history. Even if members vote to authorize a
strike, it doesn’t mean a strike is imminent – nor does it mean that the
majority of state workers want to strike.
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 Illinois state workers represented by the American Federation of State, County
and Municipal Employees are wrapping up a three-week strike authorization vote
on Feb. 19. This is new territory: If AFSCME calls a strike, it would be the
first time in state history.
This new territory means there are quite a few unanswered questions regarding
the strategy and outcome of a potential strike.
But a few things are certain. Even if AFSCME members vote to authorize a strike,
that does not mean the majority of state workers want to walk off the job. A
strike vote also doesn’t mean a strike is imminent. State law ensures that
residents are given notice before state workers stop working.
Even in the unlikely event that AFSCME tallies all the votes by the end of the
day on Feb. 19, the earliest the union could walk out is Feb. 24.
A strike authorization does not mean that the majority of state workers want to
go on strike
A strike authorization doesn’t mean the majority of state workers want a strike
– it just means the majority of those who voted have authorized AFSCME
leadership to call a strike.
Unions calculate strike approval based on the percentage of people who voted,
not on the percentage of overall workers represented by the union. For example,
if AFSCME announces that 90 percent of workers voted to authorize a strike, that
does not mean 90 percent of overall state workers. It means 90 percent of those
who voted.
State workers may not vote for a number of reasons. As nonmembers, fair share
payers cannot vote. In addition, employees who are not eligible to go on strike
– such as prison workers – also cannot vote on the strike authorization. And
some may choose not to vote at all because co-workers view a “no” vote as going
against the union.
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 A strike authorization does not mean state workers immediately go
on strike
If AFSCME members vote to authorize a strike, it does not mean
state employees will walk away from their jobs immediately. It
simply means AFSCME leadership is authorized to call a strike,
should they decide to do so.
However, union leadership has warned its members that a “yes” vote
means employees “will be prepared to go out on strike” in the event
the bargaining committee “issues the call.”
Even if AFSCME leadership calls a strike, it must first give notice
AFSCME can’t issue a midnight call for a strike and leave the state
at a standstill when offices open the next day. Instead, Illinois
law requires AFSCME to give at least five days’ notice of intent to
strike before walking out.
That allows both the state and residents time to prepare. And the
governor’s administration has already indicated it is doing just
that.
Even in the unlikely event that AFSCME tallies all votes by the end
of the day on Feb. 19, the earliest the union could walk out is Feb.
24.
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