Remembering AFSCME Local 3494 president Anna Beck

It was with tremendous sadness that we learned of the passing of Anna Beck, president of AFSCME Local 3494 at Heartland Human Services in Effingham, Illinois. She was the leader of a remarkably brave and determined group of workers that for nearly eight years has been standing up and fighting for their rights against a viciously anti-union employer.

Anna was at the forefront in 2007-9, when Heartland employees withstood a strike and subsequent lockout to defend their right to union representation. And she kept on battling, helping to inspire her co-workers to persevere for justice despite repeated and flagrant violations of labor law by Heartland management.

Anna passed away on March 29. From her obituary in the Effingham Daily News:

From the beginning in 2005 when [Heartland] management cut benefits and pay for those who provide vital services to the mentally ill in Effingham, she stood up for justice. Along with other workers she formed a union to seek basic rights. When management refused they went out on strike and two years later they won. That was a measure of their strength collectively and Anna’s commitment and perseverance. Later when the current management illegally withdrew recognition of the union — twice — Anna took on the leadership role challenging management’s actions. Just recently her efforts were vindicated when a federal appeals court ruled that Heartland management must recognize the union.

Anna will be remembered by tens of thousands across the state. She spoke at mass rallies in Chicago, huge conventions in Springfield, meetings in Champaign and elsewhere. She was always a voice for fairness and justice. She was always upbeat and always knew that if you fight for what is right, you will win.

Anna was known for her calm determination and incredible fortitude. She endured management attacks and just kept coming back, never allowing herself or her co-workers to be worn down. And she always focused on building the "Next Wave," engaging young union members to become a new generation of activists.

In recent months, AFSCME has won major victories in defense of the rights of Heartland workers before the National Labor Relations Board. In October, the NLRB found that Heartland management had violated the union contract when it stopped giving employees raises on their anniversary dates, unilaterally changed their retirement plan and hiked health premiums. The board ordered Heartland to rescind all changes and pay employees any wages owed. Then in February, management was found to have acted improperly when it tried to impose other health insurance changes, including a $3,500 increase in deductibles. Heartland was ordered to backtrack on this change as well.

Anna reflected on these victories in a recent interview for the AFSCME Council 31 member newspaper On The Move. "I've been so excited I can't sleep at night," she said. "It was like a huge weight off our shoulders. People believe in our union."

In tribute to Anna Beck, a great AFSCME activist and leader, let's all keep believing and working for justice.