State workers star in AFSCME campaign urging Rauner to negotiate
Public service workers in Illinois state government are featured in a new statewide TV and digital spot that calls out Governor Bruce Rauner for refusing to negotiate with them. Rauner is pushing for a strike while state employees are willing to work to find common ground.
Called “Negotiate,” the new TV spot features three Illinois public service workers telling their own stories, countering the governor's efforts to portray state workers as faceless bureaucrats, and giving powerful voice to their commitment and determination:
The Rauner administration broke off negotiations in January and has refused to meet with the union ever since. Recently a hearing officer of the Illinois Labor Relations Board rejected Rauner’s contention that the parties are at impasse on wages, health care and other key issues, and said the administration should be required to resume negotiations with AFSCME.
“Public service workers in state government protect kids, care for veterans, keep us safe and more,” AFSCME Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch said. “State workers have always been willing to do their part. We’re prepared to compromise. But we can only do that if Governor Rauner puts the public good ahead of his personal demands and returns to bargaining ready to negotiate.”
Update 10/4: We've added a second spot. Watch it below:
Update 10/16: Here's our third spot. Watch it below:
Update 10/24: Our fourth spot. Watch it below: