Moultrie County Beacon employees forming union with AFSCME

More than 75 employees  at Moultrie County Beacon, Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides services and supports for individuals with intellectual disabilities, are forming a union with AFSCME Council 31. 

AFSCME represents some 5,000 similar workers employed by disability-care agencies throughout Illinois.

In a public letter released June 18, Moultrie County Beacon employees on the union organizing committee say, “We take pride in the important work we do, but too often our experience, dedication, and contributions are overlooked. We believe that the people who provide the care should have a meaningful voice in the decisions that affect our workplace and the quality of services we deliver.”

The letter continues:

We have repeatedly raised concerns with management about issues affecting both staff and the individuals we serve. Too often, those concerns have gone unanswered or unaddressed. Chronic understaffing, poor communication, favoritism, and a lack of respect have contributed to high turnover and made it harder to provide the consistent, high-quality care our individuals deserve.

We want The Beacon to be a workplace that attracts and retains qualified, compassionate professionals. By standing together and forming our union, we can build a stronger organization for both workers and the individuals who depend on us every day. 

“Together in AFSCME, disability care workers have a strong voice on the job. We negotiate good contracts with fair pay and benefits, ensure fair treatment from employers and win funding increases from the state legislature in Springfield,” AFSCME Council 31 executive director Roberta Lynch said. “We look forward to adding the voice of Moultrie County Beacon employees, as we advocate for disability care workers and the individuals they serve.”