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Feb. 24, 2021

News

Feb. 24, 2021

News

AFSCME rebuffs Chicago Tribune's demand for concessions from state employees

In a Feb. 24 letter to the editor, Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch took on the Tribune's demand that Governor Pritzker "get tough" on AFSCME.

AFSCME rebuffs Chicago Tribune's demand for concessions from state employees

Feb. 18, 2021

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Feb. 18, 2021

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AFSCME Council 31 COVID Vaccination Forum

Get answers to your questions about the COVID-19 vaccines. Watch this Feb. 4, 2021, virtual forum and Q&A with AFSCME staff and union members.

AFSCME Council 31 COVID Vaccination Forum

Feb. 17, 2021

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Feb. 17, 2021

News

Pritzker's budget plan provides path forward

Governor Pritzker’s budget plan for the 2022 fiscal year appears to maintain vital services, continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic and meets the state’s pension obligations.

Pritzker's budget plan provides path forward

Feb. 08, 2021

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Feb. 08, 2021

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Karen Lewis, tireless fighter for justice

Statement of Roberta Lynch, AFSCME Council 31 Executive Director on the passing of former Chicago Teachers Union president, Karen Lewis.

Karen Lewis, tireless fighter for justice

Feb. 05, 2021

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Feb. 05, 2021

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2021 Illinois Consolidated Election

Illinois voters across the state selected representatives for city councils, mayors, school boards, park boards and other local elected officials during the Illinois Consolidated Election on Apr. 6.

2021 Illinois Consolidated Election

Jan. 26, 2021

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Jan. 26, 2021

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Supreme Court denies Janus

The U.S. Supreme Court announced on Jan. 25 that it won’t hear a bloc of cases that sought to financially kneecap unions for obeying the law.

Supreme Court denies Janus

Jan. 22, 2021

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Jan. 22, 2021

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VIDEO: Dr. Landon on the COVID vaccines

Dr. Emily Landon answers frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccines. Landon, an infectious disease expert at the University of Chicago, appeared on an IDHS virtual town hall meeting.

VIDEO: Dr. Landon on the COVID vaccines

Jan. 22, 2021

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Jan. 22, 2021

News

Judge rejects management objections to CGH union

Nearly 1,000 employees of CGH Medical Center in Sterling took a big step toward realizing their goal of forming a union with AFSCMCE this week when a state labor board administrative law judge rejected objections raised by CGH management.

Judge rejects management objections to CGH union

Jan. 14, 2021

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Jan. 14, 2021

News

AFSCME efforts protect worker rights in criminal justice reform bill

Early drafts of criminal justice reform legislation threatened employee bargaining rights and legal protections, but member phone calls and staff lobbying efforts blocked the most harmful provisions.

AFSCME efforts protect worker rights in criminal justice reform bill

Jan. 06, 2021

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Jan. 06, 2021

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The path forward: COVID-19 vaccines

Getting vaccinated can prevent getting sick with COVID-19 and spreading the virus to your co-workers and loved ones.

The path forward: COVID-19 vaccines

Jan. 05, 2021

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Jan. 05, 2021

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Closing prisons isn't the answer to state finances

A budget shortfall of this magnitude can’t be fixed by cutting employee wages and hiring freezes, or by closing prisons.

Closing prisons isn't the answer to state finances

Dec. 15, 2020

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Dec. 15, 2020

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State employees shouldn't bear unfair share of revenue shortfall

Governor Pritzker announced a plan to address Illinois’ dire revenue shortfall. AFSCME disagrees that frontline state employees should be expected to sacrifice more. Read the full statement from Executive Director Roberta Lynch.

State employees shouldn't bear unfair share of revenue shortfall

Dec. 09, 2020

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Dec. 09, 2020

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Stay resilient during the pandemic

Resilience is the ability to face and recover from adversity and prolonged stress. Try these strategies to help yourself stay mentally and physically resilient during this difficult time.

Stay resilient during the pandemic

Dec. 08, 2020

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Dec. 08, 2020

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Stop the Sale of Our Water & Sewer!

A public water system is the best way to ensure accountability for employees, consumers and our community. AFSCME Council 31 urges opposition to the proposed sale of Rock Island’s municipal water service to a for-profit operator.

Stop the Sale of Our Water & Sewer!

Dec. 08, 2020

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Dec. 08, 2020

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New AFSCME members at Oak Lawn Public Library

Oak Lawn Public Library employees have formed a union with AFSCME Council 31. The nearly 80 librarians, library assistants, library associates and pages voted to join the union and filed their petition with the Illinois Labor Relations Board.

New AFSCME members at Oak Lawn Public Library

Nov. 06, 2020

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Nov. 06, 2020

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2020 General Election Results

Americans have voted in huge numbers to move forward to tackle our nation’s greatest challenges and make life better for all of us.

2020 General Election Results

Oct. 30, 2020

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Oct. 30, 2020

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AFSCME members help students thrive—safely

“We’re going to get through this. We know AFSCME has our back.”

AFSCME members help students thrive—safely

Oct. 30, 2020

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Oct. 30, 2020

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New Chief Safety Officer position makes prisons safer

Union-created role addresses crises, issues in pandemic: “The union’s Chief Safety Officer is there to ensure that the safety of all is priority number one.”

New Chief Safety Officer position makes prisons safer

Oct. 27, 2020

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Oct. 27, 2020

News

Remote education a balancing act, especially for women

School closings have kept kids at home and, as a result, many parents—mothers in particular—are struggling to meet the needs of both their children and their jobs.

Remote education a balancing act, especially for women

Oct. 27, 2020

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Oct. 27, 2020

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On the Job: Jamie Sonta Smith at Carterville School District #5

“We keep these kids safe when they go to school—even more now.”

On the Job: Jamie Sonta Smith at Carterville School District #5