To thwart potential economic issues for union workers in the face of a possible impending large-scale AFSCME strike, Gov. Bruce Rauner recently launched a website intended to aid laborers should they forfeit their jobs.
The governor set up a platform to facilitate a potential influx of displaced state workers in need of new positions, according to the Springfield-based State Journal-Register. Dubbed “Working for a Better Illinois” at statejobs.illinois.gov, the site records applicants’ contact information, preferred geographical areas for employment and other details.
If the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees does mount a strike — against the state of Illinois — it would be a first-time event, according to the Journal-Register.
Rauner held a press conference on Feb. 23 in Springfield to address strike-related issues.
"We genuinely hope AFSCME leadership will not strike against taxpayers and [will] work with us on implementing common-sense proposals like overtime after 40 hours, not 37.5," Rauner's general counsel Dennis Murashko said in a statement. "However, we must be prepared to continue government operations and provide services that citizens deserve and expect."
Of the labor union’s 38,000-odd members, over one-fourth (10,000) hold security positions and are not allowed to strike, the Journal-Register said.
Alerts Sign-up