AFSCME Union Considering Strike, Workers Want Fair Pay
By: Kim Behrens
Updated: February 9, 2013
Forty thousand state employees could be going on strike if a contract deal isn't reached with Governor Pat Quinn.
AFSCME Council 31, the union representing state workers says its been trying to negotiate an agreement with Governor Quinn for more than a year.
Workers say they want fair wages and health insurance, and have even offered to go without a pay increase for the first year of the agreement.
AFSCME says the problem is, Governor Quinn isn't willing to negotiate.
In November he terminated their contract.
AFSCME 31 Public Affairs Director Anders Lindall hopes to get a deal worked out, but says striking is a strong possibility.
"Governor Quinn has been very extreme seeking no pay increases over three years and huge increases in health care costs up to $10,000 from an individual worker that could really make health care unaffordable," Lindall explained.
The union heads back to the bargaining table later this month.
But it's warning members to be financially prepared, in case of a strike.
We tried reaching Governor Quinn's office for comment, but were unsuccessful.
AFSCME Council 31, the union representing state workers says its been trying to negotiate an agreement with Governor Quinn for more than a year.
Workers say they want fair wages and health insurance, and have even offered to go without a pay increase for the first year of the agreement.
AFSCME says the problem is, Governor Quinn isn't willing to negotiate.
In November he terminated their contract.
AFSCME 31 Public Affairs Director Anders Lindall hopes to get a deal worked out, but says striking is a strong possibility.
"Governor Quinn has been very extreme seeking no pay increases over three years and huge increases in health care costs up to $10,000 from an individual worker that could really make health care unaffordable," Lindall explained.
The union heads back to the bargaining table later this month.
But it's warning members to be financially prepared, in case of a strike.
We tried reaching Governor Quinn's office for comment, but were unsuccessful.
