Afscme council 31 news. The theme is aptly “All Together.
Afscme council 31 news 2025 (cloned) Mail scanning program will pilot at two facilities soon Over the past several years, as the use of drugs among the IDOC prison population has steadily increased, so have the negative consequences for employees—with many being overcome by the substances released into the air when ind AFSCME and allies sue to block Musk’s Social Security power grab AFSCME, along with the Alliance for Retired Americans and the American Federation of Teachers, filed a lawsuit on Friday to halt DOGE’s unprecedented, unlawful seizure of personal, confidential and sensitive data from the Social Security Administration. 9, 2022. AFSCME members and their families benefit from annual scholarship opportunities to pursue their education goals. HB 5537 would also require counties to be more transparent about the negative effects those sales or News Back Home. The news came in a public letter signed by 27 members of the union’s organizing committee and The grassroots efforts of AFSCME members will be key in this fight moving forward. A new report published by AFSCME Council 31 confirms what IDOC employees have long been saying: Drugs have increasingly become a massive problem in Illinois prisons, and management’s inaction One Strong Union: AFSCME Council 31 23rd Biennial Convention Recap. ” “The COVID-19 pandemic has largely kept us apart physically, but it has not broken our will,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. ” Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. On the Move is our union's newspaper. Check the list below to see how the AFSCME-recommended candidates in your community performed. The UFL has been Urbana-Champaign’s public library since 1874. 12, 2025. The union-based employee assistance program expands AFSCME's tradition of service to those it represents by providing professional counseling and support to individuals and families experiencing Thousands of public service workers—members of AFSCME and our allied unions in the We Are One Illinois coalition—gathered in Springfield on Nov. 12, 2025, they announced they’re forming their Union with the Chicago-based AFSCME Council 31. Local 313. Pritzker’s FY 26 budget plan holds the line on key public services Union membership helps workers build a better future for their families. BERWYN. Big wins for workers in 2022 election Council 31 Staff. What is a Union? Member Benefits; AFSCME Constitution; Resources for Stewards; Community Partners; Enter your keywords . In Memoriam. 26,784 likes · 211 talking about this. The Roberta Lynch became Executive Director of AFSCME Council 31 in 2014. Mayor: Brandon Johnson The past year and a half has been a time of unprecedented isolation, as the COVID-19 pandemic has kept many workers apart. The public sector was a particular target, with services like Medicaid brought to a screeching halt, payment portals for Head Start and other vital programs shut down, and the jobs of tens of thousands of public workers in jeopardy. The rally was the culmination of months of direct action in which public sector union members called and emailed their elected officials and February Primary. But more action was still needed to get them across the finish line. AFSCME Council 31 COVID Vaccination Forum We Make Illinois HappenIn Illinois, public service workers are strong with AFSCME Council 31. Shedd Aquarium employees announced on April 18 they are forming their union, Shedd Workers United, with AFSCME Council 31. What about dental and vision coverage? AFSCME Local 3236 at Illinois State University has secured two strong new contracts for its clerical and healthcare bargaining units that can both point to a chalking action as their contract campaign’s turning point. Social share icons. Bargaining with management started in October 2023. BE IT RESOLVED: AFSCME Council 31 will strongly oppose any measure that would unfairly diminish the pension benefits of Illinois public employees and, as such, will continue to inform and mobilize union members to defeat any such threats to their pension benefits; and that AFSCME Council 31 will work with labor allies to develop an educational and legislative VMOs from Council 31 don’t just work locally. Click here for a list of Workers Memorial Day events around the state. Recognizing contributions. Menu. The 60 employees of the Urbana Free Library (UFL) voted unanimously to form their union, which was certified by the Illinois Labor Relations Board on Nov. AFSCME Local 39 members at the city of Waterloo took their case to city council members to force the city to return to the bargaining table after management had declared impasse. In addition to overseeing the union’s policy, educational, legislative and political programs, Lynch has been a key strategist in dozens of critical labor battles. Congress, affect AFSCME members and their families in dramatic ways. We honor their memory. With members in communities across the nation, we advocate for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and freedom and opportunity for all NEWS: Workers at the Newberry Library in Chicago have won their first contract! Read more about the gains they’ve made AFSCME will continue to demand that management do more in responding to each incident so that the next one is prevented before it occurs, and staff are kept safe on the job. 4, 2021, virtual forum and Q&A with AFSCME staff and union members. History; Contact Us; Resources. 16. 13 to demand lawmakers fix the broken and unfair Tier 2 pension system. Apr 03, 2024 AFSCME member returns resident’s priceless heirloom Search site Search. on July 1. AFSCME Recommendations: April 1 Elections AFSCME Corrections Update: Feb. 2025 Chicago budget avoids layoffs of city workers Our local elected officials directly influence our ability to bargain for better wages and working conditions. Why join AFSCME Chapter 31 Retirees? Retiree News; Healthcare Facts; Find a Retiree Meeting Near You After hundreds of workplace actions and countless displays of solidarity big and small by AFSCME members all across state government, the AFSCME Bargaining Committee Beginning July 11 in Philadelphia, AFSCME members will convene in person for AFSCME's 45th International Convention. Thousands rally in Springfield to say “Fix Tier 2!” Urbana Free Library workers organize with AFSCME. Chicago City Council passes labor peace ordinance | AFSCME Council 31 Members of AFSCME Local 963, which represents nearly 170 building and food service workers at Northern Illinois University, kept their foot on the gas pedal throughout a year-long contract campaign, taking vigorous You work hard, so make your vacation dollars work hard with the AFSCME Advantage Travel Center. 3 billion budget contains no layoffs or furloughs of AFSCME members. Not sure who represents you? Click here to enter your address and/or zip code to Beginning July 11 in Philadelphia, AFSCME members will convene in person for AFSCME's 45th International Convention. May 31, 2024 New! State legislation supported by AFSCME Council 31 would give county residents a stronger voice on questions of sales or closures of nursing homes. News Back Home. John G. Home. Bargaining with management started in AFSCME President Lee Saunders praised the White House’s announcement Thursday that the Biden administration will forgive student loans for an additional 78,000 borrowers — including AFSCME Council 31. Mayor: Robert Lovero W Ward 1: James "Scott" Lennon W Ward 3: Richard Leja W Ward 4: Robert Fejt W Ward 5: Ariana Macedo L Ward 8: Anthony Nowak L. They need AFSCME After hundreds of workplace actions and countless displays of solidarity big and small by AFSCME members all across state government, the AFSCME Bargaining Committee and the State of Illinois reached a tentative agreement at 1:30 a. When certified, Shedd Workers United/AFSCME will represent about 300 employees across the aquarium, including throughout its departments of Animal Care, And in-person and remote guest speakers—including International President Lee Saunders and U. The following recommendations were made by rank-and-file AFSCME members in each area after examining the candidates’ backgrounds and positions on the issues that matter The good news: The $17. AFSCME Council 31’s Personal Support Program (PSP) has helped tens of thousands of AFSCME members and their dependents thrive since it was created in 1992. The UFL has been Urbana-Champaign’s public library since 1874. The idea for establishing regional training academies came out of the AFSCME- IDOC Standing Committee and the Joint Search site Search. One is new legislation that would set a minimum wage for non-instructional workers at state universities. Breadcrumb. Why join AFSCME Chapter 31 Retirees? Retiree News; Healthcare Facts; Find a Retiree Meeting Near You; About Us. Facebook Twitter Bluesky Instagram Youtube Dr. AFSCME Recommendations: 2022 General Election Council 31 Staff. 12, they announced they're forming their union with AFSCME Council 31. “It was A yearlong fight to save Rock Island’s public water service ended in victory for the public works employees of AFSCME Local 988 when the city in September announced it would drop plans to privatize. AFSCME Council 31 is the largest union of public service workers in Illinois. AFSCME members in corrections, law enforcement and emergency response defend our freedoms and those of the communities we serve. As fires devastate Los Angeles, AFSCME members continue to serve The decisions that a legislative body makes, whether it is a school board, city council, county board, state legislature, or the U. Working side-by-side with the people they help, stewards are often the first person a member goes to when they have a concern or grievance at the workplace. Overall, more than 80% of AFSCME-recommended candidates won their races. She had to take a closer look. Statewide, AFSCME represents more than 90,000 active and retired employees of state, county and city governments, state Personal Support Program: Help when you need it. Chicago History Museum employees are making history of their own: On Feb. Members of AFSCME Local 1787 at the Quincy Veterans Home took to the picket line on Sept. You may modify your preferences by emailing [email protected]. A new report published by AFSCME Council 31 confirms what IDOC employees have long been saying: Drugs have increasingly become a massive problem in Illinois prisons, and management’s inaction The deadline to file 2024 taxes is April 15, 2025. DECATUR In communities all across Illinois, candidates recommended by AFSCME Area PEOPLE Committees won their elections on April 4. Following a long and arduous process, the Chicago City Council passed a budget for 2025 on Dec. 6. The AFSCME legislative team will be hard at work all session building support for the bill, but they can’t do it alone. It is distributed to hundreds of print and broadcast outlets Roberta Lynch became Executive Director of AFSCME Council 31 in 2014. July 11, 2023 Convention award nominations now open. Nov. View and download electronic versions of each issue below. The good news: The $17. It will be the first in-person convention in four years. The theme is aptly “All Together. Library employees were motivated to organize by a pattern of unfair and unequal treatment from management. Get a great deal on flights, hotels, car rentals, entertainment and more. Elected officials vote on budgets that affect employee wages, benefits, working conditions and pensions. m. A Council 31 media advisory caught the eye of several local news stations, which amplified the union’s message and made certain that ISBE bosses would get the message. Threat of federal funding cuts causes chaos, confusion. Learn more » AFSCME Advantage Credit Card. During this process the state reviewed each bid and ultimately selected Aetna. Local union AFSCME Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch said the contract “helps to address the toll that inflation has taken on state employee incomes and keeps health care affordable. She previously served as Deputy Director for more than two decades, playing a central role in all aspects of the union’s activities. 15 to assess the current political landscape and to determine which candidates merit the union's NEWS! AFSCME Council 31 has just been named the Best Union for Chicago Cultural Workers by the Chicago Reader! This honor is thanks to the strength and determination of cultural AFSCME members provide the vital services that make America happen. Search site Search. Get answers to your questions about the COVID-19 vaccines. ” The Chicago City Council passed the AFSCME-sponsored Human Service Workforce Advancement (HSWA) ordinance by a veto-proof majority of 42-2 on March 15. Children of AFSCME members who are high school seniors or college students under the age of 25 are eligible to apply for AFSCME Council 31's annual Larry Marquardt Scholarship, Stewards are the official representatives of our union in the workplace. If you know of an AFSCME Council 31 member who was mistakenly left off this list, please email us at [email protected]. Victory quickly follows after Local 1787 pickets for safe staffing Members of nearby unions and other AFSCME locals joined in solidarity. They explain the contract to members, file and present grievances to management, and identify and resolve workplace problems. A new report published by AFSCME Council 31 confirms what IDOC employees have long been saying: Drugs have increasingly become a massive problem in Illinois prisons, and management’s inaction † By providing your cell phone number you consent to receive calls (including recorded or autodialed calls, or texts) at that number from AFSCME and its affiliated labor, political and charitable organizations on any subject matter. The Illinois Department of Corrections has entered into an agreement with John A. AFSCME Recommendations: April 1 Elections Public safety professionals are increasingly turning to AFSCME to build power at work, advocate for safety, secure better wages, improve health care benefits and ensure a stable retirement. The theme is In March 2023, Field workers voted to unionize with AFSCME’s Council 31. Local 1748 unites for a fair contract—and wins one! When AFSCME members who work for the McHenry County Probation Department stood together to demand fair pay, they put management on notice that they were united in fighting for what they deserved—and the final contract the local ratified is proof that their unity paid dividends. In fall 2024, facing a $1 billion budget shortfall, Mayor Brandon Johnson introduced a budget that fully funded vital services and averted any layoffs or furloughs of city The deadline to file 2024 taxes is April 15, 2025. Members of Local 3236 under the healthcare contract are nurses and medical specialists at ISU’s on-campus health clinic. David Schultz, the president of AFSCME Local 1019 and an employee of the Illinois State Museum, stepped up to help grow our union’s national strength during an effort to organize frontline supervisors in Maryland. S. Why join AFSCME Chapter 31 Retirees? Retiree News; Healthcare Facts; Find a Retiree Meeting Near You; About Us History; Contact Us; Resources What is a Union? On Feb. Chicago History Museum employees form union with AFSCME. But in some instances, it’s actually served to bring us together: Seeking the union difference, more than 1,500 workers have organized with AFSCME Council 31 since March 2020. The National Labor Relations Board announced Nov. Meet the big rig-driving librarians of AFSCME Chicago History Museum employees are making history! On Feb. AFSCME members are encouraged to continue filing detailed incident reports whenever an assault or an exposure occurs, making sure that a copy of this documentation is sent to the local president. More than 500 delegates, alternates, and guests met in Springfield on October 19-21 for Council 31’s 23rd Biennial Convention under the banner of “One Strong Union” to chart our union’s path forward over the next two years. As at past conventions, this gathering will honor members who show outstanding dedication to their work and their union Thousands of public service workers—members of AFSCME and our allied unions in the We Are One Illinois coalition—gathered in Springfield on Nov. On December 31, 2022 the contracts between the state and the Medicare Advantage carriers expired. immediately working with Council 31 to plan and execute a news conference that got their message into the media. Your carrier’s rates may apply. Some 500 AFSCME members from across the state gathered in Springfield on Saturday, Sept. The news came in a public letter signed by 27 members of the Union’s organizing committee and distributed to their co-workers Feb. Make sure you stay in contact with your legislators about issues that are important to working people. When our union supports candidates for political office, we look at what they have done or pledge to do for public service workers and Mike Newman joined Council 31 as the Legislative Director in 1982, playing an important role in the passage of collective bargaining laws in 1983 that won public employees the right to organize into unions and to engage in collective bargaining. A new report published by AFSCME Council 31 confirms what IDOC employees have long been saying: Drugs have increasingly become a massive problem in Illinois prisons, and management’s inaction has had serious consequences for staff and individual. The new contract covers more than 30,000 state workers. That’s why we need to get organized, stand united, and vote in the April 1 elections. Shedd Aquarium workers forming union with AFSCME In the new legislative session, AFSCME Council 31’s lobbying team will focus efforts on two bills of particular importance to state university employees. Every Saturday for two-and-a-half months leading up to the election, union members would grill out at the Rockford Labor Temple before hitting the streets to educate voters on their preferred school board candidates. The process that purifies and distributes that water is often taken for granted, but behind the scenes at Jardine Water Purification Plant, members of AFSCME Local 2946 are working day and night to keep They interviewed prospective candidates and made recommendations through the Council 31 PEOPLE program. 4 to call out the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) for not taking the necessary steps to foster hiring at the facility. Urbana Free Library workers organize with AFSCME Threat of federal funding cuts causes chaos, confusionOn Jan. 27, the Trump administration issued a memo halting disbursement of all federal funding appropriated by Congress. News. Workers warned that Our Safety Matters! IDOC employees turn up heat for safer working conditions. Chicago History Museum employees form union with AFSCME Our lives are greatly impacted by the decisions of our elected officials. 22 States, including Illinois, sue to stop cuts to research grantsAs part of billionaire Elon Musk’s efforts to slash funding of public institutions, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced a major, catastrophic overhaul in its research grant funding policy, cutting the amount that it would fund overhead, or indirect costs, of all grants to a maximum of 15%, from a We are AFSCME Council 31AFSCME Council 31’s members in Illinois provide the vital services that make Illinois happen. Resources Shedd Aquarium workers forming union with AFSCME. Because of this the State of Illinois was legally required to enter into a request for proposal (RFP) process. Chicago. Twitter Facebook Instagram Flickr YouTube. In late September, nearly 70 members of AFSCME Locals 1890 and 963—which together represent administrative, clerical and building service workers, among others—turned out to a meeting of the university Board of Trustees, each carrying a cut-out in the shape of a foot demanding the board “Stop Walking All Over Us. One day in 2022, Mahoney noticed her normally sleepy cat, Darcy, batting around an insect on the floor. Two key AFSCME priorities—equal pay for state university employees doing the same or similar work as their counterparts in state government, and a boost for wages of direct support staff in community disability agencies—didn’t get the funding they need in By joining together in a strong union, AFSCME members have won:A strong voice in the decisions that affect you at workBetter pay and benefits Fair and consistent treatmentFair grievance proceduresImproved staffing And more! Cook County Employees Keeping up the fight to fix Tier 2 The good news: The $17. Chicago History Museum employees form union with AFSCME AFSCME Council 31 COVID Vaccination Forum. Thousands rally in Springfield to say “Fix Tier 2!” On Jan. We are direct care workers, correctional officers, maintenance workers, school bus drivers, clerical workers, social workers, nurses, lawyers, doctors, probation officers and much, much more. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh—applauded the dedication of AFSCME Council 31 members during this dark chapter. The following candidates were endorsed by the AFSCME Illinois PEOPLE program for the February 23 Primary Election; W indicates a win; L indicates a loss. Published six times a year, issues are mailed to every AFSCME Council 31 member and retiree sub-chapter member. 2025 Chicago budget avoids layoffs of city workers. “We were all frustrated, trying to AFSCME, along with the Alliance for Retired Americans and the American Federation of Teachers, filed a lawsuit on Friday to halt DOGE’s unprecedented, unlawful seizure of personal, confidential and sensitive data from the Social Security Administration. AFSCME local unions across Illinois have begun preparations for Council 31’s 23rd Biennial Convention, scheduled for October 19-21 in Springfield. Union Scholarships. Logan College in Carterville to make the college its Southern Region Training Academy, which will accommodate an additional 100 trainees per cadet class. Pritzker’s FY 26 budget plan holds the line on key public services Search site Search. Local 3236 members in the There’s yet another crest in the historic wave of workers forming unions at Chicago cultural institutions: Employees at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium have formed their union with AFSCME Council 31. Watch this Feb. AFSCME Recommendations: April 1 Elections Search site Search. AFSCME Illinois PEOPLE has recommended the following candidates in the 2022 general election. They vote on issues of particular concern to AFSCME members, like The last year has taken far too many from our ranks at AFSCME Council 31, from our entire nation. 2 that employees of Shedd Aquarium won their union by a wide margin, overcoming management’s anti-union News; Take Action; Events; Calendars. Three awards were given to AFSCME members who go the extra mile every day for their fellow union siblings: The bargaining committee was led by AFSCME Council 31 Staff Representative Renee Nestler and President Marsha Perry, along with Juli Laird, Amanda Dingler, Pete Steadman, Bethany Martin and Gudeman. If retirees have questions on how to claim the retiree public safety employee deduction, they can contact AFSCME Council 31 Retiree Coordinator Maria Britton-Sipe at [email protected]. Local 313 Calendar; AFSCME Council 28/WFSE Calendar; Resources. AFSCME report details scope of drug problem. A new report published by AFSCME Council 31 confirms what IDOC employees have long Why join AFSCME Chapter 31 Retirees? Retiree News; Healthcare Facts; Find a Retiree Meeting Near You News. Our Safety Matters! State legislation supported by AFSCME Council 31 would give county residents a stronger voice on questions of sales or closures of nursing homes. If you live in the Chicago area, the twist of your faucet yields some of the cleanest, purest drinking water in the world—and you have AFSCME members to thank for it. Meredith Mahoney, a zoologist at the Illinois State Museum in Springfield and a steward for AFSCME Local 1019, has made a surprising discovery which became a launchpad for significant research into an invasive insect. The announcement came in a public letter signed by 60 workers. The public sector was a particular target, with services like Medicaid brought to a screeching halt, payment portals for Head Start and other vital programs shut down, and the Search site Search. “The union was strong the whole way,” said Local President Jason Goff, a gas and water operator at the underground utility department for more than 20 years. yfzdnjeqrvqykjucthsllybxtpktnduqkafvwoiakbaqxmluazghhrbztqovykgsiowmixsbq