Rauner seeks strikebreakers

In a blatant attempt to intimidate state employees who have just resoundingly voted to authorize a strike, Governor Rauner announced a new “job portal” aimed at recruiting strikebreakers.

AFSCME members have repeatedly stressed that they do not want to have to strike. But Rauner Rauner’s unreasonable demands include a 100% hike in employee costs for health care that would cut worker pay by $10,000, and an end to safeguards against reckless privatization.

“AFSCME members investigate child abuse, care for veterans and the disabled, respond to emergencies and more,” said AFSCME Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch. “These jobs require years of experience and training. It shows just what kind of a person Bruce Rauner really is that he would seek unskilled temporary strikebreakers to do these highly sensitive jobs rather than simply sit down with state employees and work constructively to reach a fair contract settlement.

“Instead of trying to intimidate workers with illegal threats, Bruce Rauner should simply do his job: Negotiate with us toward a compromise that's fair to all.”