Contract ratification vote begins

The Tentative Agreement on a new contract between AFSCME and the Quinn Administration will not be valid until it has been ratified by a democratic vote of the AFSCME membership. Ratification meetings will take place across the state over the coming weeks.

The AFSCME Bargaining Committee, comprised of more than 250 elected representatives from every local union representing state employees, reached a Tentative Agreement on a new contract with the Quinn Administration at approximately 12:30 a.m. last Thursday morning.

After 15 long months at the bargaining table—and with the threat of a strike looming—the Bargaining Committee was able to forge an agreement that protects the economic security of union members, staves off massive health care cost increases, and expands important rights on the job.

The Committee voted unanimously to recommend the Agreement to the membership for ratification.

Union staff are now in the process of preparing and having printed a comprehensive summary of the newly-negotiated provisions to be provided at ratification meetings.

Ratification meetings could begin in some local unions later this week—and will likely take several weeks to complete in all locals.

Each local union will establish its own schedule for the ratification meetings where voting will take place. The meetings will include a presentation that explains all elements of the Agreement—and an opportunity for members to ask any questions they may have.

All AFSCME members are encouraged to attend a ratification meeting in your local to get important information and cast your vote on your new contract.