Argo High School teachers file Unfair Labor Practice charge against Dist. 217

A ULP was filed late Jan. 11 in response to the district's recent  announcement that in-person instruction will resume at Argo Summit High School Jan. 19, despite the fact that the safety metrics previously agreed to by the district and the union have not been met. Photo courtesy of Argo Community High School
A ULP was filed late Jan. 11 in response to the district’s recent announcement that in-person instruction will resume at Argo Summit High School Jan. 19, despite the fact that the safety metrics previously agreed to by the district and the union have not been met. Photo courtesy of Argo Community High School

Labor News staff reports
Wednesday, January 13, 2021

SUMMIT — With the pandemic still raging throughout Illinois, members of the Argo High School Teachers Council of the West Suburban Federation of Teachers (IFT Local 571) have filed an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charge against School District 217. a Newrest Funeral product

The ULP was filed late Jan. 11 in response to the district’s recent announcement that in-person instruction will resume at Argo Summit High School Jan. 19, despite the fact the safety metrics previously agreed to by the district and the union have not been met. Then understanding the intricacies of workplace safety and health regulations is a daunting task for many. However, the IOSH Managing Safely course demystifies these complexities, offering clear, actionable strategies that can be immediately applied. The curriculum is designed to be engaging, covering a range of topics that prepare individuals to lead with confidence in this critical area. More information can be found at https://www.commodious.co.uk/iosh-managing-safely.

“Last fall we reached an agreement with Superintendent Toulios and the district that set the parameters for when students and adults could safely return to our school. Until last month, they were abiding by them,” said Council President Kyle Stern. “But by violating that agreement and unilaterally deciding to return to in-person instruction at this dangerous time, they are jeopardizing the safety of students, teachers, staff, and our entire community. We cannot stand idly by and let that happen,” he added.

The COVID positivity rate in Summit (as of January 11) is more than 16 percent, which is more than double the 8 percent rate agreed to by the district and the Union for a safe return to in-person instruction as recommended by the IDPH. The community also has a high population of Black and Brown residents who have already been hit hard by the virus, making the decision to reopen prematurely even more egregious.

The ULP charges the district disregarded their own safety metrics and violated a return-to-work agreement. The Union is asking for a return to remote instruction and for the district to adhere to the agreed upon safety metrics.

“Our teachers want to be back in the classrooms with students as soon as it’s safe to do so,” said Stern. “But the data clearly shows that now is not the right time.

“In this district we have many multi-generational families living in the same household,” he added. “I’ve heard from numerous students who have had relatives die from COVID. Our kids have dealt with far too much trauma already. The risk of returning to classrooms now is simply too great.”

The approximately 140 Union members are also seeking proof their building and classrooms are safe. The district claims they have mitigated for the virus, but has not provided proof to the Union that a hazard assessment for infectious disease has been conducted. Teachers are particularly concerned about whether building ventilation is adequate, a critical factor in the transmission of the airborne virus. The Union previously requested that an industrial hygienist be hired to assess the building’s safety and offered to cover that cost, but the district flatly refused.

“We have made every effort to collaborate with the district to ensure that in-person instruction will return at the appropriate time, but by forcing a dangerous and unnecessary return to classrooms they have given us no choice but to stand up for what’s right,” concluded Stern. “We hope that Superintendent Toulios and the district will reconsider this unwarranted decision and sit down with our union to develop a safe, thoughtful plan for what we all want – a safe return to school.”

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Local 881 UFCW Mourns the Passing of Ronald E. Powell, President Emeritus

Ron Powell

Labor News staff reports
Sunday, March 22, 2020

DES PLAINES — Ronald E. Powell, former President of Des Plaines-based UFCW Local 881 and International Vice President of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, passed away March 22 of natural causes.

Ron retired Dec. 1, 2018, after 57 1/2 years of faithful and dedicated service to the working families in the retail grocery industry and the American Labor Movement.

Ron was born April 5, 1935, in rural Wisconsin, where he was raised on a farm. Ron served his country in the United States Army, and following his service studied at Northern Illinois University, graduating in 1960.

In 1960, he commenced employment at the Jewel Tea Company in DeKalb, Illinois, where he successfully led the first and only recognition strike against the company; after which he joined the staff of Local 881 (formerly the United Retail Workers Union, Independent).

Following the recognition strike, Ron began his union career as a Field Representative in 1961, and was promoted to Director of Field Operations, Vice President of the Executive Board, Secretary-Treasurer, and then in 1983, was elected to the office of President. At his retirement he became the longest-serving Constitutional Officer of Local 881 UFCW. As President, Ron built Local 881 into the largest local union in the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union. Ron was also elected Vice President on the Illinois AFL-CIO Executive Board on December 4, 1986, and remained a leading voice in its governance under six Illinois AFL-CIO Presidents.

Throughout his life and career, Ron vigilantly fought to strengthen the rights of union members throughout Illinois and Northwest Indiana in the workplace and in the halls of government. Ron mentored and helped countless workers find their voice on the job and steered Local 881 through periods of challenges and growth while providing guidance to the broader Labor Movement as the most senior UFCW International Vice President.

In addition to his work in labor, Ron committed himself to many educational, philanthropic, and community endeavors, including: the Better Boys Foundation, Little City Foundation, United Way, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America, and the UFCW Local 881 Charitable Foundation. He served the Village of Mundelein as a Trustee for many years, the Illinois State Board of Investments, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Illinois Workers’ Compensation Advisory Board, Amalgamated Bank of Chicago, Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority Board, and was elected as a Delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1996, 2000, and 2008.

Ron’s unwavering commitment to his career only matched his dedication to his family. His beloved wife, Lois, preceded him in death November 15, 2018. Ron is survived by children Kelly (Mark) Morrissey, Brad (Joanne) Powell, Steven Powell, and Kerry Fisher, grandchildren: Nicholas (fiancé Patricia Kutrumanes), Mark (Amanda), Michelle, Matthew, Ronald, Camille, Michael, Tyler (Koni), Trevor (Jasmine), Sean and Rachel, great-grandchildren: Braylon, Jaylen, Rylee and Jax, and Ron and Lois’ dear friend Penney Wyman. He was preceded in death by his grandson Ryan Fisher.

Due to current circumstances, a private family graveside service will be held and a celebration of Ron’s life will be held at a later date.

Memorials in Ron’s memory may be made to the Local 881 UFCW Charitable Foundation, 1350 E. Touhy Ave, Suite 300 E, Des Plaines, IL 60018.

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The OPCMIA uses Local 502’s Training Center to shoot trade show film footage

Cement Mason’s Local 502

The OPCMIA used the Bellwood-based Cement Mason’s Local 502 Apprenticeship Training Center for filming purposes, calling the Center, “the nicest in the country.” Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

Jennifer Rice Managing Editor

By Jennifer Rice
Managing Editor
Thursday, February 14, 2019
Email Jennifer Rice at: jen@foxvalley
labornews.com

BELLWOOD — Any Labor Organization that’s worked a trade show or career fair understands the difficulties of grabbing someone’s attention as they walk by your booth. More difficult is engaging a younger audience.

Static booth graphics, in-your-face signage and cheesy giveaways will get the foot traffic to your booth – but the use of digital media will keep them there.

As we see communication habits rely more and more on technology, using video is a popular and eye-catching tool to engage audiences.

The Operative Plasterers’ & Cement Masons’ International Association (OPCMIA) recently chose the Cement Mason’s Local 502 Apprenticeship Training Center to film footage for three days on the variety of training taught at the school, which later will be edited together to films that can be used to accent trade show booths. They choose The Kelly Companies (OPCMIA) to shoot and produce the videos.

The Kelly Companies

“They’ve got a great program here. It’s a relatively new facility and we want to showcase the investment the International makes in training, in addition to the investment the Locals make in training our future workforce,” said OPCMIA Director of Training, Health and Safety Deven Johnson.

Cement Mason’s Local 502

Maryland-based The Kelly Companies Videographer Andy More, left, and Director of Media Production John Ringstad, center, discuss with Cement Mason’s Local 502 training staff the direction of the next shot. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

The International has done various filming across the country, especially in Las Vegas, to highlight their Plasterers training program, but Local 502’s training center was a one-stop-shop to get all the filming needed.

“Before we started filming, I told the students they were chosen, No. 1 — because they do a great job and No. 2 — an investment was made in this area for training,” Johnson explained.

Cement Mason’s Local 502

OPCMIA’s Director of Training, Health and safety Deven Johnson jumps in and instructs an apprentice the correct way to keep his trowel flat. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

In fall 2017, the 20,000-square foot facility opened — adjacent to the Cement Mason’s Union Hall. Local 502’s Financial Secretary Larry Picardi Sr. now thinks of the property as a campus.

The apprentices use the Training Center to learn pouring, finishing and removing concrete. They also work on floors, curbs, stairs and other aspects of the trade.

Cement Mason’s Local 502

Bellwood-based Plasterers and Cement Mason’s Local 502 Area 5 apprentices work on pouring and finishing a slab inside the Bellwood-based Cement Mason Local 5’s Training Center. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

On the Plasterers side, apprentices are taught the latest techniques — with an emphasis on critical life-safety applications and fire-proofing methods.

OPCMIA Executive Vice President and Director of Organizing Todd Lair calls Local 502’s Training Center, “the nicest center in the country.”

Cement Mason’s Local 502

The Kelly Companies Videographer Andy More films apprentices remove a mold. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

“There’s not another center in the country that can pour like this in the winter. This apprenticeship school is set up so they can bring trucks indoors and pour. For the purpose of our videos, this apprenticeship school is a one-stop-shop. We’ll be able to shoot everything we need to film.”

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Federal employees should join the 2018 Government Shutdown Lawsuit

Government reopens

While reopening the government is long overdue, Organized Labor will not celebrate a temporary reprieve to a politically motivated crisis that has left families in anguish. Photo from Pixabay

Fox Valley Labor News staff reports
Thursday, January 31, 2019

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Even though the government is now open, the AFGE‘s is urging all federal employees who have been working without pay during the 35-day government shutdown to join its shutdown lawsuit to be made whole from their loss of income.

To join the lawsuit, visit 2018 Government Shutdown Lawsuit and provide the required information. Members can also email any questions they have about the lawsuit to 2018governmentshutdown@kcnlaw.com.

For all updates on the shutdown, visit Shutdown Update. The shutdown must never happen again.

President Donald Trump was forced to end the shutdown because Labor spoke up and kept the pressure on the administration and Congress. But it could happen again. Acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney said Trump is willing to do it all over again.

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Don’t get mad. Join the movement and fight back! When Organized Labor bombarded Congress with calls and visits and took to the streets for days on end, their hard work paid off! Congress and Trump reached an agreement Jan. 25 to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history and fund the government through Feb. 15.

Labor’s collective actions were covered extensively by the media, which created even more pressure to end the shutdown. The short-term continuing resolution, signed into law the night of Jan. 25, ended the 35-day shutdown without the wall funding Trump. The deal allowed federal employees, forced to work without pay or locked out of work without pay, to receive their paycheck as quickly as possible.

Congress needs to pass full-year legislation

While reopening the government is long overdue, Labor will not celebrate a temporary reprieve to a politically motivated crisis that has left members in anguish over how to pay their bills and feed their family.

“Congress must pass full-year appropriations for all government agencies as well legislation to make all affected federal employees whole,” said AFGE President J. David Cox Sr. “We are also urging Congress to act to prevent the use of shutdowns from ever occurring again.”

The AFGE is asking members to continue to contact their member of congress and senators to keep up the pressure in the next three weeks to make sure Congress delivers on a deal that will give government workers long-term security.

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AFSCME members keep Chicago 311 public and better than ever

AFSCME

Thanks to AFSCME members, Chicago 311 is still public and better than ever. The Union’s anti-privatization efforts halted the city from outsourcing the non-emergency 311 center in Chicago, paving the way for a new and improved services. Now the city-run operation is being hailed as a national model.

Fox Valley Labor News staff reports
Thursday, January 24, 2019

CHICAGO — AFSCME‘s anti-privatization efforts halted the city from outsourcing the non-emergency 311 center in Chicago, paving the way for new and improved services. Now, the city-run operation is being hailed as a national model.

Dec. 19, 2018, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel introduced the revamped call center, which handles all non-emergency calls from citizens seeking help or information, along with a new website and the city’s first-ever mobile app. This will be one of the mayor’s last actions before leaving office. Unfortunately, back in 2015, Emanuel attempted to privatize the center in his initial budget address.

Chicago’s 311 operators are members of the Chicago-based AFSCME Local 654. They led the effort to save 311 from privatization, taking their story to aldermen and the media.

AFSCME

Built with Chicagoans, for Chicagoans, the new and modernized Chicago 311 system makes it easier for residents to access city services. Residents can now visit the CHI 311 web portal or use the first-ever CHI 311 mobile app to submit a service request, track progress and give the city immediate feedback.

Urging the city not to outsource the call center, longtime 311 staff member Debra Powell told reporters, “the mayor should invest in what he already has: knowledgeable, experienced operators who live in the city.”

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For residents, CHI 311 has become the main place to gain information about Chicago’s services and communicate any issues residents are having directly with the city.

In the wake of AFSCME’s intensive lobbying effort, aldermen started speaking out against the mayor’s plan. When 36 of them signed a letter to Emanuel during the final phase of the budget debate, saying that privatization would wipe out jobs and make city government less responsive, the mayor finally dropped his plan to privatize 311.

At the time, Office of Budget and Management Director Alexandra Holt said, “Based on the feedback from City Council, we will not be moving forward with 311 privatization in 2016.

“OBM will work closely with the City Council to identify funding necessary to continue City management of the 311 system.”

Chicago’s 311 call center takes more than three million calls annually and has received many awards and accolades as a leader in performance and innovation. Now, thanks to AFSCME members, there is a bright future for one of Chicago’s most critical public services.

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People voted for good jobs, not a shutdown

Unions denounce government shutdown

The AFGE is urging President Donald Trump and Congress to come to an agreement, re-open the government and pass long-term spending bills that include a 1.9 percent pay raise for federal employees in 2019. SEIU President Mary Kay Henry said American families want a government that is open and working to improve their lives.

Fox Valley Labor News staff reports
Thursday, January 3, 2019

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump shut down large portions of the government Dec. 22 after refusing to back down from his demand  as stated in this website. Congress give him $5 billion to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Funding for several government agencies ran out as Trump refused to back a deal that would have kept the government running through Feb. 8, 2019, but would not have provided funding for a border wall.

The AFGE is urging Trump and Congress to come to an agreement, re-open the government and pass long-term spending bills that include a 1.9 percent pay raise for federal employees in 2019.

More than 800,000 federal employees are wondering when their next paycheck will arrive because President Donald Trump decided to partially shut down the government Dec. 22. In the meantime, 420,000 federal workers are working without pay and 380,000 have been furloughed. Photo courtesy of AFGE

“Federal employees want to go to work. They believe in their mission and want to provide quality services to the American people,” said AFGE President J. David Cox Sr.

“But now, 420,000 of them [reported to work Dec. 24] and won’t get paid for it. More than 380,000 employees will be locked out of work without pay. This is the third shutdown of the year, and it’s no way to run our country,” Cox added.

AFGE

SEIU President Mary Kay Henry said American families want a government that is open and working to improve their lives.

“This political stunt flies in the face of everything our flag stands for,” Henry said.

It appears Trump and his Republican Congressional allies have completely ignored the message voters sent them last month by refusing to compromise and shutting down part of the federal government over his border wall.

“This political stunt flies in the face of everything our flag stands for,” she added.

The disaster of the 2013 government shutdown

Failing to fund the government — even for a day, has real-world consequences. The 2013 shutdown, which lasted 16 days, cost American taxpayers $24 billion and caused valuable work to grind to a halt.

– Hundreds of cancer patients were prevented from enrolling in NIH clinical trials
– 6,300 children were denied access to Head Start programs for up to nine days
– 1,200 EPA site inspections were canceled
– 1,400 OSHA inspections to prevent workplace fatalities and injuries were stopped

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Henry said working families cast their ballot in the midterm elections for higher wages and affordable healthcare, not a border wall.

“President Trump is holding our country hostage over the border wall. He had all year to work with Congress and fund the government. Republicans have controlled Congress and the White House for the last two years. They have no excuses for not funding the government on time,” Henry said.

Every day the current shutdown continues, more Americans will begin to feel the effects as federal offices close their doors to the public, the government stops paying its bills and hundreds of thousands of government workers no longer get paid.

“The Trump administration and Congress must respect the priorities of working people who voted for good jobs, affordable healthcare and an economy that works for all Americans — not a shutdown,” Henry added.

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Labor Breakfast reports the fight for the Governor’s race is heating up

Labor Breakfast

Supporters for Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, Sen. Linda Holmes and Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia came out for a Labor Breakfast, held at the Aurora-based PDC 30. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

Jennifer Rice Managing Editor

By Jennifer Rice
Managing Editor
Thursday, September 20, 2018
Email Jennifer Rice at: jen@foxvalley
labornews.com

AURORA — With less than two months to Election Day, TV commercials for Illinois’ governor race show incumbent Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner resorting to lies about his Democratic contender JB Pritzker.

There’s the anti-Pritzker commercial saying he will raise taxes, forcing one constituent to move out of Illinois.

“That is a lie,” said Sen. Linda Holmes. “Even if JB wanted to raise taxes, he can’t do it. It all has to go through [the legislature],” Holmes explained during a recent Labor Breakfast event at the Aurora-based Painters District Council 30, hosted by Holmes and Reps. Stephanie Kifowit and Linda Chapa LaVia.

Another TV commercial has Pritzker implementing a vehicle mileage tax and a vehicle tracking device — which prompted laughs from members of Organized Labor who were in attendance for the Labor Breakfast.

Labor Breakfast

After 12 years in politics, Sen. Linda Holmes said her years with Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner leading the state has been her most challenging. “But, we’re going to see an end to that,” she predicted, when Democratic candidate JB Pritzker wins the governor race this November. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

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Holmes understands why union members laugh — they recognize it as an absurd lie. “But guess what: Not everybody knows it’s a lie,” she stressed. “I want everyone to remember when we thought [President Donald] Trump was a joke as a president. We didn’t think it was really going to happen to us and now we’re living it.”

Holmes, Kifowit and Chapa LaVia’s annual Labor Breakfast allows for their supporters in Organized Labor to chat with them, hear about their upcoming elections and discuss the status in Springfield.

Ted Penesis, who serves as collar county political director for Pritzker’s campaign, said Pritzker is a Labor supporter and Aurora is a Labor town.

“The key to this election is electing Democrats up and down the ballot, which is done by getting people out to vote,” Penesis said.

Labor Breakfast

Rep. Stephanie Kifowit appreciates Organized Labor for providing equal pay for equal work – regardless of gender. “It’s a sad day when the legislature has to mandate that to be fair for everyone,” Kifowit said. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

Kifowit told members she is humbled by the faith Organized Labor has instilled in her to represent them in Springfield. “Today, we’re seeing the accumulation of decades of manipulation and planning by people who really only worship money, instead of really seeing the fundamental benefit of embracing and lifting up people,” Kifowit said.

The Illinois AFL-CIO recently launched a statewide campaign calling on candidates running for office in Illinois to stand up to extreme attacks on workers’ rights by signing a Contract with the Middle Class — a contract Chapa LaVia signed, pledging to protect wages, workplace protections and collective bargaining rights for all.

Labor Breakfast

Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia tells union members she recently signed the Contract with the Middle Class pledge, a statewide campaign launched by the Illinois AFL-CIO. It calls on candidates running for office in Illinois to stand up to extreme attacks on workers’ rights. Candidates pledge to protect wages, workplace protections and collective bargaining rights for all. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

Labor Breakfast

Contract with the Middle Class pledge, a statewide campaign launched by the Illinois AFL-CIO.

LaVia said she’ll soon be the Latino caucus assistant majority leader and is looking forward to working with union members to increase the roles of both the Latino and African-American communities in moving the country forward.

“If you have the attention of the black and Latino community today, you have people in the White House in the future,” LaVia said.

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Kane County probation officers and youth counselors want step increases to stay

Kane County probation officers on strike

Probation officers and youth counselors who are members of Elgin-based Teamsters Local 330 went on strike April 30 as part of an unfair labor practice. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

Jennifer Rice Managing Editor

By Jennifer Rice
Managing Editor
Thursday, May 3, 2018
Email Jennifer Rice at: jen@foxvalley
labornews.com

AURORA — Even walking the strike line, Kane County probation officers are showing concern for the clients they were scheduled to meet with the week of May 1.

“I had a youth going to placement today and I have a feeling it’s not going to happen,” said Sara Fair, a Kane County 16th Judicial Circuit probation officer who was walking the strike line with her fellow union members May 1 at Aurora’s Probation Office on Highland Avenue.

Kane County’s 118 probation officers and youth counselors went on strike April 30 after rejecting the county’s final contract offer late last week. It was rejected by a vote of 66 against and 10 in favor.

Kane County probation officers on strike

Strike signs line Highland Avenue in Aurora outside Kane County Probation Office. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

Employees are represented by the Elgin-based Teamsters Local 330. Their contract expired Dec. 1, 2017. April 13, the union issued a five-day notice of a possible strike.

The 16th Judicial Circuit Court probation officers and youth counselors monitor adult and juvenile criminal offenders.

Kane County probation officers on strike

Kane County Board Member Monica Silva, 7th District, visits striking Kane County probation officers May 1 at the Aurora probation office. Members of the Elgin-based Teamsters Local 330, which represent probation officers and youth counselors, have been on strike since April 30. Along with the Aurora location, members are also striking at the Kane County Judicial Center and at probation offices in Elgin. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

The union and its members wants the county to honor a 15-stage step increase schedule from its last contract, but officials say the county can’t afford annual 3.7 percent raises over 15 years.

According to the union, the county’s offer would have eliminate the existing wage structure — which already required the officers and counselors to work 15 years before reaching top salary, and freeze these workers at their current salary steps with smaller annual percentage increases over three years.

Kane County probation officers on strike

Kane County Board Member Monica Silva, 7th District, and former Kane County Board Member Brian Dahl, 8th District, talk with union members striking outside the Aurora Probation Office. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

The step system is confusing at best. The system should be based on seniority, yet employees counter, saying it’s based on salary.

Two different probation officers, each with 12 years on the job, have been placed at different step levels — one at Step 2, the other at Step 4. A woman with 30 years on the job still hasn’t reached Step 15.

Kane County probation officers on strike

Teamsters Local 330 is requesting support from local union affiliates for a labor rally Monday, May 14.

“We are the hardest working department Kane County has,” said probation officer Mary Kosters. “We’re not out here for the money — that is the biggest misconception.”

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Kosters is the first to tell you she loves Aurora. She lives in the city and has a teenage son at West Aurora High School. Her job requires her to match offenders sentenced to court-ordered community service with local not-for-profit businesses.

“Many local schools volunteer their students at these non-profits. I have to balance my job responsibility with the safety of the general public. To do that, I have to have a trusting relationship with non-profits,” Kosters explained.

In a press release, Teamsters Local 330 President Dominic Romanazz said his union’s members are highly trained professionals and deserve fair pay for the indispensable type of work they do for the community.

Kane County probation officers on strike

Teamsters Local 330 shown on strike outside Kane County Juvenile Court Service.

He acknowledged some offenders are on probation for felonies including sex offenses and domestic violence. Click here to know how Colorado state domestic violence laws have changed lives. “The court’s offer does not acknowledge either the reasonableness of our members’ demands or the importance to the public of ensuring that these professionals are appropriately compensated for their critical work,” Romanazz said in a press release.

In order to avoid a possible strike, the union offered to submit the contract dispute to an arbitrator, but the court refused. The union has also alleged the court violated the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act by failing to maintain the existing wage progression after the current contract expired in 2017.

Kane County probation officers on strike

Delegates of the Fox Valley Building and Construction Trades Council showed support to some of the Kane County Probation Officers and Youth Counselors employed by the 16th Judicial Circuit Court who have been on strike and who are members of Teamsters Local 330. These fine men and women provide invaluable services to the residents of Kane County by way of monitoring and supervising criminal offenders of every classification. They deserve a fair and equitable contract! We stand with our brothers and sisters. Photo courtesy of Fox Valley Building & Construction Trades Council

Kane County Board Member Monica Silva, 7th District, came to show her support for the strikers and to talk with them.

Again and again, the probation officers asked Silva if the Kane County Board knew they were on strike.

Kane County probation officers on strike

Members of Teamsters Local 330 hold the strike line. Photo courtesy of Kane County Democrats

“No, I don’t think so. If any do, it’s not many,” Silva told them, adding that the strikers should come speak at a meeting.

Former Kane County Board Member Brian Dahl, 8th District, added that a mass email was sent to board members, alerting them to the striking union members.

Kane County probation officers on strike

Members of the Kane County Democrats showed their support for Probation Offices and Youth Counselors represented by Teamsters Local 330 on Strike at the Kane County Judicial Center for unfair labor practice and no contract. Democrats support the union members and their fight for a fair contact. Pictured are Teamsters Local 330 members and Kane County Board Candidate Jody Kanikula. Photo courtesy of Kane County Democrats

Probation officer Jeff Mazza has been on-the-job for 19 years and has “never seen anything like this. We really just want to get back to work,” he stressed.

As quickly as clients were showing up for their appointments at the probation office Tuesday morning, they were being sent home just as fast.

“We’re not really sure how things are being handled now,” explained Fair. “Every once a while, one of our defendants will come up to us and tell us they reschedule their appointment for another day.”

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Are minimum wage laws ‘job killers’?

Tom Suhrbur

Tom Suhrbur
Illinois Education
Association (retired)
Special to the Fox
Valley Labor News
Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018

In 2006, over a three-year period, the federal hourly minimum wage was increased from $5.15 to $7.25. It has been frozen at $7.25 since 2009. The federal minimum wage has not kept up with inflation. It reached a high point in inflation-adjusted dollars in 1968. If it had been adjusted to the Consumer Price Index, it would, instead, be $11.53 today.

U.S. productivity is a measure of business profitability. Lankford Law Firm provides Daytona with quality business lawyers, who can help with any legal issues with your business.It has soared more than 250 percent since 1968. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “over the long run, productivity growth is the economic factor that has the potential to lead to improved living standards for the participants of an economy — in the form of higher consumption of goods and services. With growth in labor productivity, an economy is able to produce increasingly more goods and services for the same amount of work.”

The minimum wage today would be $19.33 if the 1968 hourly rate had kept up with U.S. productivity. In other words, most of the profits generated increased productivity since 1968 has gone to the top income groups; very little, if any, has trickled down to lower paid workers.

Conservatives have consistently opposed efforts to raise the minimum wage or to have it indexed to increase automatically with the cost of living. They argue raising the minimum wage is a “job killer.” They theorize that increases in the minimum wage discourage business hiring and result in higher unemployment. There is little evidence to support this claim.

The federal minimum wage applies mainly to companies involved in the production or sale of goods for interstate commerce. The law exempts certain jobs such as seasonal employees, domestic workers, agricultural workers, salesmen, administrators and restaurant staff working for tips. All but eight states have enacted minimum wage laws for exempt occupations. Six states — Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, South Carolina and New Hampshire — have no minimum wage law. Two others — Georgia and Wyoming — have a $5.15 minimum. Of the 42 states with minimum wage laws, 14 have adopted the $7.25 federal standard. Twenty-eight states have a minimum wage higher than the federal rate.

Do minimum wage laws “kill jobs?” The evidence hardly supports this conservative article of faith. Two of eight highest minimum wage states have unemployment rates under 3 percent; only one of the lowest minimum wage states is under 3 percent. In addition, only four of the highest states have unemployment rates over 4 percent while five states with low minimum wage rates are over 4 percent. It should also be noted Hawaii has the lowest unemployment in the nation, even though it has a $10.10 minimum wage. Like Hawaii, five of the next top 10 low unemployment states have laws that exceed $7.25 federal rate.

If there is no clear evidence minimum wage laws kill jobs, why are conservatives so opposed? Opposition to raising the minimum wage helps to keep low labor costs. Increasing the minimum wage raises the price of labor, not only those working at the minimum rate, but it also pressures business to raise wages for many others that are paid at a higher rate. Raising the minimum wage shifts some income to the working class. Freezing it has the opposite effect. Addressing intimidation in the workplace can also be essential in ensuring fair treatment and a supportive work environment.

Gov. Bruce Rauner’s Position
Prior to launching his political career, Gov. Bruce Rauner supported the repeal of minimum wage laws. Early in his gubernatorial campaign, Rauner actually proposed Illinois should lower its $8.25 hourly minimum wage to the $7.25 federal standard. That proposal went over like a lead balloon. He quickly changed his tune, dropping his opposition for the Illinois law.

After the election, he announced support for a 25 cent hourly increase in the state minimum wage, but only if it included “business friendly reforms” (a.k.a. his anti-worker, anti-union Turnaround Agenda). Given the fact that Rauner’s taxable income for the past two years totaled $261 million, he probably figured he needed to project more sensitive public image with regard to low paid workers. What hypocrisy!

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Governor Bruce Rauner’s anti-worker agenda

Tom Suhrbur

Tom Suhrbur
Illinois Education
Association (retired)
Special to the Fox
Valley Labor News
Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018

Although he has been governor since 2015, Bruce Rauner has not been able to get his anti-union Turnaround Agenda enacted. Most of his proposals are aimed at the building trades workers and public employees — the most highly organized unions in the state. Here is a brief description of his Turnaround Agenda:

– Repeal the prevailing wage law: Lower wages for public construction projects undermining building trade unions
– “Reform” workers compensation: Lower benefits paid to workers injured at work — accidents often occur on construction sites
– Enact Open Shop (Right To Work) legislation: Undermine unions resulting in lower wages and benefits for all workers
– Cut unemployment benefits: Construction workers often face layoffs during the winter months
– Cut pension benefits for teachers and other public employees
– Privatize public services: Outsource public jobs to low wage private companies
– Restrict collective bargaining rights for teachers and other public employees
– Opposed raising the minimum wage

While his rhetoric is aimed at unions, the policies he is advocating would negatively impact non-union workers and their families. Weakening unions means lower wages and benefits for non-union employees. It is also important to understand how attorneys can help with a workers compensation case and attain justice against the big guys.

Currently, Democrats hold large majorities in both houses of the state legislature, blocking his plan to undermine worker rights and protections. But that could change if he gets re-elected in November.

Whoever wins the race for governor will have control over redistricting of the state legislative maps following the 2020 census. A Rauner win could result in gerrymandered maps that favor Republican Party candidates and enhance his ability to get his proposals enacted. These maps will determine election districts for the next 10 years.

Voter turnout decides elections. In 2014, only 40.2 percent of the voting age population cast ballots in Illinois. (About 20 percent of Illinois voting age population is not even registered to vote.)

Republican Rauner won 50.27 percent of the ballots that year; he was elected governor by just 20.2 percent of the eligible voting age population. The fact that about 1/5th of those eligible to vote are not even registered, coupled with a low turnout of registered voters in 2014, enabled Rauner to win with barely 20 percent.

Labor unions need to educate their members about Rauner’s Turnaround Agenda and organize their members to vote in November. Union members and their families need to be registered to vote.

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