City of Chicago tentative agreement reached

After two years at the negotiating table, the City of Chicago AFSCME Bargaining Committee reached a tentative agreement with the Emanuel Administration on the evening of June 18. Ratification meetings are set to get underway in the coming week.

The tentative agreement is unanimously recommended by the Bargaining Committee. Details will be provided to all members at ratification meetings.

The city and the union jointly issued the following news release:

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31 announced on Thursday that they have reached a tentative five-year agreement.

“This tentative agreement is a balanced and responsible deal for all taxpayers, including AFSCME members,” Mayor Rahm Emanuel said. “It allows us to provide fair compensation to our workforce in a way that is fiscally responsible.”

AFSCME represents more than 3,400 frontline employees who work in city libraries, police precincts and health clinics; they ensure clean drinking water, protect public health, serve the elderly and others in need, conduct restaurant food safety inspections and much more.

“AFSCME members are deeply committed to the people of Chicago. City employees represented by our union live, own homes, and pay taxes here in the city, side by side with the residents they serve every day,” AFSCME Council 31 executive director Henry Bayer said. “This agreement recognizes the essential role of AFSCME members in providing city services and ensures them fair pay, affordable health care, stable employment and a voice on the job.”

Reached after more than two years of negotiations, the terms of the agreement are retroactive to July 1, 2012 and extend to June 30, 2017.

Members can vote on Tuesday, June 24, at the locations listed below. Presentations will be given at the following times, except where noted:

9-10 a.m.
10-11 a.m.
11 a.m.-Noon
Noon-1 p.m.
1-2 p.m.
2-3 p.m.

* Meeting times at City Hall will only be at 1:30-2:30 p.m. and 2:30-3:30 p.m.

You must be a union member in good standing to attend and to vote! Membership cards will be available at each location.