AFSCME responds to Gov. Rauner’s State of the State address

After Gov. Rauner's January 27 State of the State address, AFSCME Council 31 executive director Roberta Lynch issued this statement:

“Once again, Gov. Rauner falsely attacked public-service workers in state government and mischaracterized our union contract negotiations.

“The state employees Governor Rauner is obsessed with attacking keep communities safe, protect kids, care for veterans and more. Like all working people, they deserve affordable health care and wages that sustain a family, but the governor is trying to double their health care costs while freezing their pay for four years.

“His claims about state employee compensation and our union’s proposals at the bargaining table are simply false.

• Contrary to Rauner’s untrue claim that state employees are paid more than private-sector workers, the University of Illinois revealed that Illinois state workers are paid 13.5% percent less than their private-sector counterparts.
• Rauner also falsely claimed that state employees are higher-paid in Illinois than anywhere else; the U of I study shows Illinois ranked ninth.
• With respect to the union’s proposals in contract negotiations—which don’t come close to the governor’s fictional $3 billion figure—AFSCME has modified our initial positions, including on wages, and we’ve made clear we’re prepared to negotiate further on wages, benefits and all other topics.
• Contrary to the governor’s negative portrayal of state employees, Illinois state employees are exceptionally productive. Illinois has one of the nation’s smallest state workforces per capita, while inflation-adjusted payroll has held steady for a decade and represents barely 7% of total state spending.

“AFSCME has consistently sought to find common ground, but the governor relentlessly seeks conflict. The people of Illinois need stability and solutions, but the governor has terminated contract negotiations and walked away from the table, trying to force confrontation and disruption.

“It’s past time for Governor Rauner to stop making blatantly false claims, return to bargaining and work with us to reach an agreement that is fair to all.”