Federal employees should join the 2018 Government Shutdown Lawsuit

Posted on February 25, 2019 by jen

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

Posted on February 2, 2019 by jen

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.

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

Posted on January 26, 2019 by jen

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. Amidst these challenges, it’s crucial to ensure that any dismissal breaching equality laws is addressed promptly to uphold fairness and protect the rights of all individuals involved.

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

Posted on May 5, 2018 by jen

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

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.

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 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 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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

Solar Spotlight

Posted on February 24, 2018 by jen

The Future Energy Jobs Act went into effect June 1, 2017. The IBEW is taking action by implementing solar training to prepare workers with jobs in the solar industry.

By Jennifer Rice
Managing Editor
Thursday, Feb. 8, 2018
Email Jennifer Rice at: jen@foxvalley
labornews.com

WARRENVILLE — On a dark and cold evening Jan. 29, more than 130 people packed Warrenville-based IBEW Local 701 to talk and learn about the sun.

More specifically, they came to educate themselves on the status of the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA), a piece of energy legislation that followed nearly two years of negotiations between energy companies, consumer advocates and environmental groups.

Its focus is energy efficiency, renewable energy and job training. It began June 1, 2017.

“We are in unique position with this Act to take advantage of its economic benefits,” said Tim Milburn, with the Northwest Cook County Group of the Illinois Sierra Club. The Sierra Club, along with PowerForward DuPage sponsored the event.

Industry experts believe renewable energy is one of the fastest emerging energy technology fields. The Future Energy Jobs Act will help stimulate job creation throughout Illinois and when it does, the IBEW will be ready with trained workers. Photo courtesy of U.S. Air Force/Jennifer Green-Lanchoney

Those advantages include requiring the state’s two biggest electric utilities — Commonwealth Edison and Ameren — to dramatically expand their energy efficiency programs and reduce electricity waste, lowering Illinois power bills by billions of dollars through 2030.

For workers, FEJA saves and created thousands of clean energy jobs.

Harry Ohde, executive director of Illinois IBEW Renewable Energy Fund, said he’s been waiting 20 years for solar, but it’s finally here. His job is to make sure the IBEW has a trained workforce to keep up with the demand of solar installation. With $30 million in funding to help with training, a plan is being implemented. Before the panel installation on any building, it is important to know the answers to common questions like ‘can you transfer a solar lease‘, etc.

“These systems are made to last so they need to be installed properly,” Ohde said. “We need to have a workforce from Illinois to make sure people aren’t coming in from out-of-state to do these installations. We want an educated and qualified IBEW solar installer who will be employed by a union IBEW contractor.”

Chicago-based IBEW Local 134 has what its calling, a “traveling solar roadshow,” to promote renewable energy technologies throughout Illinois. Photo courtesy of IBEW Local 134

The $30 million in funding will be diverted among three job training programs: solar pipeline training, a craft apprentice program and a multi-cultural jobs program.

Ohde’s organization is in the process of developing a 40-hour renewable energy training curriculum, which will offer hands-on training and support.

This summer, the Alsip-based Renewable Energy Training Field will invite IBEW members to its IBEW/NECA Technical Institute for a Train the Trainer program. With the information learned at this program, IBEW members can return to their Locals and begin implementing the same program.

An engaged audience at Warrenville-based IBEW Local 701 consisted of decision makers who would install solar panels on their private businesses, public facilities or municipalities. Several residential home owners indicated they were planning to install solar panels in the near future. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

Solar training programs also will be implemented in junior high schools, high schools, community colleges and low-income communities. Train the Trainer Training program.

Ohde was proud to announce that six high schools in diverse neighborhoods throughout Illinois will start a potential per-apprenticeship program, either this year or in 2019, to be worked out with local IBEW unions.

“We need young people for the types of jobs in this industry. These jobs aren’t going to be for an old guy like me, that’s for damn sure,” Ohde said to laughter.

Aurora-based Painters District Council 30 celebrates the holidays with its members

Posted on December 7, 2017 by jen

Fox Valley Labor News
Jennifer Rice/staff photographer
Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017

The inside of Painters District Council 30 was transformed into a winter wonderland by its apprentices. In the weeks leading up to its annual Breakfast with Santa event, apprentices paint the structures inside the school to look like the North Pole.

The Plascencia family took a photo with Santa Claus. Parents Juan and Danae brought their sons Max, Elias and daughter Leamsi.

Children were in for a real treat when they saw real, live reindeer at the Christmas event. With the help of Santa’s helpers, children got to touch and take a picture with the reindeer.

The day wouldn’t be complete without making reindeer food! Children could make their own bags by scooping oats with glitter into bags. On Christmas Eve, all they have to do is sprinkle the reindeer food on their lawn. The shiny glitter will sparkle in the moonlight and the smell of the oats will guide Rodolph to their home.

A mother helps her daughter, 4-year-old Nicole, write a Christmas letter to Santa Claus. When asked if she’s been naughty or nice, she stressed to her mother she’s been good! After the letters were written, they were dropped in a special mail box that goes directly to the North Pole.

Along with meeting Santa Claus and getting a picture taken with reindeer, children could also make several holiday crafts to take home. Several tables were set up as crafting stations. Here, two boys make necklaces to take home.

A mother helps her daughter put the finishing touches on her reindeer ornament.

Hillside-based IBEW Local 9 keeps a promise to help a community

Posted on December 1, 2017 by jen

Members of Hillside-based IBEW Local 9, from left, IBEW Local 9 Financial Secretary Brian Lewis, Boys & Girls Club of West Cook County Director Keenan White, IBEW Local 9 Business Manager Bill Niesman, Bellwood Mayor Andre Harvey, Boys & Girls Club of West Cook County staff member Steve Beranek and IBEW Local 9 Assistant Business Manager Kevin Schuster, along with children from the Boys and Girls Club of West Cook County, helped set up the turkey dinner donation site. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

By Jennifer Rice
Managing Editor
Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017
Email Jennifer Rice at: jen@foxvalley
labornews.com

BELLWOOD — Last year, Hillside-based IBEW Local 9 Business Manager Niesman made a promise to the Boys & Girls Club of West Cook County — his Local would be back again this year with turkey dinner donations for families.

“After [the club] told us how appreciative they were [last year], we knew we’d do it again,” Niesman explained. For Thanksgiving last year, the Local donated turkey dinners to deserving families. And this year, the Local kept its promise.

On Nov. 21, union members pulled up outside the club and carted in enough turkeys, plus all the fixings for a complete turkey dinner. “We tried to think of everything,” said Niesman. “We’ve got applesauce, pop, gravy and stuffing, pies, rolls and vegetables.” The union even provided aluminum pans to cook the turkey in. Food was purchased at Jewel-Osco and Aldi’s.

Families not only took home a turkey for their Thanksgiving dinner, but all the trimmings, including: applesauce, pop, gravy and stuffing, pies, rolls, vegetables and an aluminum pan to cook the turkey in. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

The clubs Director Keenan White said IBEW Local 9 does so much for the kids. A complete turkey dinner at Thanksgiving is a way to help families in the community as well.

Bellwood Mayor Andre Harvey stopped by the club to see how things were going. Harvey attended the club when he was a child. “When we moved here, I remember joining the following year — in ‘72 or ‘73,” Harvey recalled.

Many of the volunteers attended the Boys and Girls Club as children. Michael Somone, Assistant Vice President of Amalgamated Bank of Chicago and member of the Club’s Board of Directors facilitated joining IBEW Local 9 with the Club.

“This club does so much for the community. This is a wonderful way for labor to give back,” Somone explained.

Children at the club were eager to help sort and organize bags of food.

Donated food sits in carts waiting to be brought up to the 2nd floor. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

Union members start organizing and lining up food on tables. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

Brian Lewis works on his handshake with a Club member. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

IBEW Local 9 Financial Secretary Brian Lewis, IBEW Local 9 Business Manager Bill Niesman, Bellwood Mayor Andre Harvey and IBEW Local 9 Assistant Business Manager Kevin Schuster pose for a picture in front of the IBEW Local 9 trailer. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

Governor’s race is heating up

Posted on November 27, 2017 by jen

Five Democratic gubernatorial candidates discuss taxes, Gov. Bruce Rauner and education during a recent Oct. 17 forum at Aurora University. Photo courtesy of Aurora University

Bernie Biernacki
Special to the Fox Valley Labor News
Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017

“I wasn’t thinking I was going to discuss climate change, but talking to educators — I should have known better,” joked Sen. Daniel Biss.

AURORA — Both Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner and Illinois Speaker of the House Mike Madigan equally shared criticism at the Oct. 17 Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Forum, held at Aurora University.

Candidates Chris Kennedy, JB Pritzker, State Sen. Daniel Biss, Tio Hardiman and Bob Daiber fielded questions from Rick Piarson, a political reporter for both the Chicago Tribune and WGN Radio, which broadcast the event live.

All agreed Rauner’s past, current and future actions will most certainly be detrimental to the state and it’s residents — both union members and non-union.

Kennedy was concerned the influx of big money is not the way to run any political campaign. Biss added, saying people must come out and vote down big spending.

State taxes were a big part of the evening. The current state flat tax rate is 4.95 percent. Candidates were asked about a graduated income tax, which would require a re-writing of the state’s constitution. Biss said he is worried the poor and middle class pay more, based on their income or lack thereof, than the rich.

Kennedy worried a simple answer on restricting the tax rate can’t be done today if one doesn’t know what the needs will be for the next budget. “Remember, Rauner is a Libertarian,” Kennedy said. “We don’t know if we will even have a budget next year. It is unfair to ask [what the rate will be] now.”

Pritzker said before any decision on what the rate will be, “I have to view what the expenditure will be, what revenue will be available and what future growth will be. There is no one answer. What I can say is [Rauner] is the biggest wasteful spender we have ever had.”

While not saying what the average family’s tax rate should be, Hardiman said the rich of Illinois are not paying their fair share and should be paying a rate of between 7 percent and 10 percent. Daiber was the only candidate to say exactly what the rate should be — if a graduated tax is approved.

“For those making up to $160,000 the rate should be 1 percent,” Daiber said. “And those making more than $160,000, the rate should be 6 percent.”

Pritzker said Rauner doesn’t understand the necessity of investing, particularly with regards to education. “Spending for education is in reality a good investment for all in the state,” he explained. Pritzker said he would focus on universal preschool, building up all education from kindergarten through grade 12 and re-building the state’s public colleges and universities.

Hardiman said one way to improve the lives of many in the state would be to educating state prisons, so when they are release they have a real chance of success.

Biss said Rauner’s actions (or lack of) has hurt both public and private higher education. “He helped the University of Wisconsin,” Biss said, referring to the increase of Illinois students going to that institution.

Prtzker said putting money into Illinois higher education keeps students here, not in other states.

Kennedy said rebuilding the state’s high education system and particularly research, will bring on a renaissance.

Both Kennedy and Biss believe combining units of government — local, county and statewide — would be a good financial growth measure.

As for Madigan, all agreed he has wielded much power and while working with him, they wouldn’t work for him. Kennedy said Madigan’s career as a property tax attorney, while not illegal, is has been a problem, as it hurt schools by leaving schools less in taxes. Biss added Madigan has been in power too long. Pritzker said he would seek indecently drawn legislative maps and leadership term limits.

Daiber said Madigan has accomplished a lot for the state. “He has kept it together, particularly with the current governor’s actions. “I take my hat off to him for that.”

Candidates discuss building a progressive Illinois

Posted on October 26, 2017 by jen

From left, Rep. Emanuel Chris Welch, Sen. Laura Murphy and Sen. Linda Holmes were honored for their dedication to public education and working families. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

By Jennifer Rice
Managing Editor
Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017
Email Jennifer Rice at: jen@foxvalley
labornews.com

OAK BROOK — When gubernatorial candidates speak to a room full of educators, there’s no doubt they will be asked their opinion on pension reform and the recent passage of a tax credit program to overhaul the way Illinois funds schools.

But three Democratic candidates were surprised when educators also wanted to know their views on fracking, climate change and clean energy.

“I wasn’t thinking I was going to discuss climate change, but talking to educators — I should have known better,” joked Sen. Daniel Biss.

Educators from western Cook and DuPage Counties gather to hear from three Democratic gubernatorial candidates. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

Biss, along with Chris Kennedy and Rep. Juliana Stratton — JB Pritzker’s running mate and candidate for Lt. Gov., were invited guests to the West Suburban Teachers Union Local 571’s 12th Annual Legislative Breakfast.

Local 571 President Jane Russell believes it’s in the best interest of her members to meet and form relationships with local legislators. The annual breakfast encourages members to be aware of current political issues and candidates.

From left, Rep. Juliana Stratton — JB Pritzker’s running mate and candidate for Lt. Gov., Chris Kennedy and Sen. Daniel Biss were invited guests to the West Suburban Teachers Union Local 571’s 12th Annual Legislative Breakfast. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

All three candidates believe a progressive income tax for Illinois is the best way to fund schools.

Stratton laid out a plan she and Pritzker intend to follow: Make preschool universal, bring back vocational training to high schools and apprenticeships for young adults and invest in financial aid and MAP grants.

West Suburban Teachers Union Local 571 President Jane Russell is dedicated to educating her members on political issues and candidates. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

“We are ready to increase public funding for education across the board . . . by passing a progressive income tax in Illinois. Those who can afford to pay more should do so,” she explained.

Kennedy would like to go a step further and eliminate the property tax system, which would eliminate a conflict of interest in both parties where political leaders are property tax appeals lawyers.

“They’re making money on the property tax system. They’re not going to let us switch to an income tax system — they have a conflict of interest and it’s big money,” Kennedy explained.

With one of the most regressive tax codes in the country, Biss would like to start with repealing the flat tax provision in Illinois’ Constitution and move on to a progressive income tax.

He also pointed out the issues of school funding was an issue prior to current GOP Gov. Bruce Rauner taking office. As he put it, “things weren’t great in Illinois,” reminding guest two Democratic governors prior to Rauner were imprisoned.

“We have to defeat this horrible governor, but if we only defeat him and go back to whatever we had before Rauner — then shame on us. We need to understand what it was in Springfield, on both sides of the aisle, that stopped us from enacting the progressive policies that our state needs.”

Along with the three gubernatorial candidates, three legislators, Sen. Linda Holmes, Sen. Laura Murphy, and Rep. Emanuel Chris Welch, were honored for their dedication and support of public education, labor unions and working families.

As a member of the Pension Conference Committee Holmes has stayed committed to defending pension legislation, being the one dissenting vote on SB1.

She held fast to Illinois’ Constitution, which indicated pensions shall not be diminish. “You can’t change the terms of the contract once it’s in place. To me that seemed really, really obvious. Why it wasn’t obvious to everyone else [on the committee], I don’t know,” Holmes explained.

SB1 eventually made it’s way to the Illinois Supreme Court, where it unanimously ruled SB 1, unconstitutional.

“The morning I heard that, I really wanted to pour champagne over my cornflakes, I was so excited,” she said to laughs.

Looking ahead, Holmes and Welch are looking at charter schools. Both legislators are moving forward with HB 768, which creates a charter school application process where only locally elected school boards and parents could decide if a charter school is good for their community.

Welch also is fighting to keep the recently passed tax credit program to five years. “[Republicans] are going to try and make it go even further to where they get vouchers in the public school systems. If that happens, that’s going to destroy the public school systems. We need to be putting more money into our public schools and not taking out money,” he said.

Murphy also voted against the school voucher bill. She knows Rauner’s agenda is to eliminate unions and the pension members have earned. She’s going to continue fighting for public education, jobs, and to close corporate loopholes. “That’s how we make the middle class successful,” Murphy added.

Chris Kennedy honored for his dedication to Labor

Posted on October 23, 2017 by jen

Chris Kennedy was proud to receive his award as Man of the Year for his dedication as president of the Merchandise Mart, as well as his leadership involving the development of Wolf Point. With both properties, Kennedy was able to secure thousands of construction and other jobs for Illinois workers. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

By Jennifer Rice
Managing Editor
Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017
Email Jennifer Rice at: jen@foxvalley
labornews.com

ADDISON — When the Italian American Labor Council of Greater Chicago makes the decision to honor an individual as its Man of the Year, it looks for someone who has a lasting effect on the community.

“This person is chosen for their leadership and contributions to improving the well-being of the American worker,” explained IALC President Anthony Guida. This year, honoree Chris Kennedy fit the bill perfectly. He was honored Oct. 14 at a dinner dance in Addison.

During his 12 years as president of Chicago’s Merchandise Mart, Kennedy was able to work with governmental agencies, labor groups and independent small businesses to bring companies and good jobs back to Illinois.

Italian American Labor Council of Greater Chicago President Anthony Guida. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

As the largest commercial building in the world, the Mart spans two city blocks, sits at 4.2 million square feet and is one of the largest LEED-certified buildings in the world.

While leading Chicago’s Wolf Point development, Kennedy was able to bring in 2,000 construction jobs and other permanent jobs to Illinois.

Around Labor Day every year, Guida recalled the Merchandise Mart would notify the unions and ask that they bring their union hall flags to the Mart so they could be displayed in the lobby.

“That’s something I’ll never forget. That’s one of the reasons we asked you to come — because of your strong dedication to Labor,” Guida added.

Kennedy thanked the 240 attendees at the event who were there to honor him, including several individuals he worked with at the Merchandise Mart. “You made living in Chicago such a pleasure,” he told them.

Lake County Building and Construction Trades Council

Drawing on his Immigrant ties, Kennedy said our country was a pioneer in a new form of government — a multi-cultural Democracy, which is currently under attack, from outside and inside forces.

“We cannot allow the celebration of our cultural heritage to be attacked and be diminished,” he explained.

The Irish and Italians created unions in America, as well as supported them with laws they passed. “We built the model Democratic Party to work hand in glove with Labor. Democrats and Labor, working together is who we are in our country, when we are at our best in America,” Kennedy said to applause.

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