Pay justice fight ramps up
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Legal Update: The union filed its main brief on February 28. Several other unions have filed “friend of the court” briefs in support of AFSCME’s position: Chicago Federation of Labor, Chicago Firefighters Local 2, Chicago Teachers Union, the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge No. 7, the Illinois Nurses Association, the Illinois Education Association and the Police Benevolent Association. The state’s final brief was due on April 4, but the state asked for and, over AFSCME’s objection, received a 28-day extension from the court. The state’s final brief is now due May 2, with the union’s final brief due May 16. After that, the court will schedule oral arguments. The legal process is slow-going, but AFSCME is determined to stay the course to ensure justice for employees and to uphold the integrity of the union contract. |
With a new legislative session getting underway, AFSCME is launching a renewed effort to pass legislation needed to ensure that all state employees are paid the back wages owed to them as a result of pay increases withheld in fiscal years 2011 and 2012.
While many state employees were made whole through the use of available funds in some departments, thousands of employees in five agencies – the departments of Human Services, Corrections, Juvenile Justice, Natural Resources and Public Health – still have not received the all the wages they are owed.
The total amount outstanding – $112 million – requires passage of a supplemental appropriation bill to provide the necessary funds specifically for the purpose of paying the back wages.
AFSCME has already gotten such legislation introduced in both chambers:
HB 3764 – Sponsors: Rep. Sue Scherer (lead), Jerry Costello, Larry Walsh, Jay Hoffman, Dan Beiser, Pat Verschoore
SB 2603 – Sponsors: Sen. Andy Manar (lead), Melinda Bush, Dave Koehler, Sam McCann, Jackie Collins, Gary Forby, Patricia Van Pelt, Julie Morrison, Daniel Biss, Michael Hastings, William Delgado, John Sullivan, Mike Frerichs, Donne Trotter, Bill Cunningham, Dave Luechtefeld, Kirk Dillard
If your legislators are not yet cosponsoring HB 3764 and SB 2603, contact them right away to ask them to sign on. You can reach your legislators toll-free right now by calling (888) 912-5959.
While AFSCME members are putting pressure on lawmakers, the union is also keeping up the fight in court. The union’s argument has been affirmed by an independent arbitrator and a Circuit Court judge – even the Quinn administration agreed to drop its appeal as part of the contract settlement.
Unfortunately, the fate of the appeal rests in the hands of Attorney General Lisa Madigan, who has refused to drop the case, which is now before the State Appellate Court.