DOC/DJJ Facility Closure Update- URGENT INFO

We confirmed today that Judge Caveness of the 1st Circuit Court of Illinois has dissolved the injunction that he initially issued to halt the closure of State facilities. This comes after a ruling from the Illinois Supreme Court that ordered Judge Caveness to dissolved the injunction.

We have now been contacted by DOC/DJJ Labor Relations to inform us that the closures are set to move forward. Tamms CC and IYC Murphysboro are set to close on January 4, 2013. The closure date for Dwight CC is still pending. As soon as we learn any additional information we will be sure to notify you all. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Closure Injunction Lifted

It appears as though the State will now move forward with facility closures that were impacted by the 1st Circuit Court's injunction which initially stopped the closures from happening. The Illinois Supreme Court ordered the injunction be lifted and today Judge Caveness, who originally issued the injunction, has now dissolved the injunction impeding the closures.

We will keep everyone informed as to the status of each facility and the date closure is set to happen. As we learn any new details we will post them here and on our Facebook page.

We Are One Press Conference

If you are a current member and did not receive the e-mail containing the literature from today's "We Are One" press conference. Please send an e-mail with the subject line We Are One Press Conference to: isealaborerslocal2002@gmail.com and we'll get it to you ASAP.

Thanks,
ISEA, Laborers' Local 2002 Staff

Pay Case Decision Issued.....Details Forthcoming

We just received word that the Judge as ruled in the pay increase case and the Judge has ruled in favor of the Unions!! The details are still forthcoming but it appears that the Judge ruled that, regardless of whether or not money is appropriated for a monetary contractual obligation, the State still owes the money and must pay employees what it can immediately. The remainder of the money owed must still be paid to the employees eventually through Back Wage Claim and the money paid through Back Wage Claim would include 7%. We believe the State can still appeal this decision and may, and there are still details we are attempting to ascertain, but this is definitely a very big win for State employees!!

Stay tuned for additional information. As always, we will keep you informed at every phase with the information necessary for you to receive your pay.

Summary Of Pension Proposal

Attention ISEA, Laborers' Local 2002 Members

 

Attached below is a summary of pension legislation that will be introduced at a 10:00 am press event. The legislation we are told will be House Bill 6258. We are currently working with the We Are One Coalition to analyze the 225 page document. Once that is complete, we will submit our concerns to the coalitions. Our comments will be merged into a document with the concerns of all unions involved. The bill will voted on until early January 2013. We will keep you informed.

Mike

VR-704 Contract Negotiations Update

UPDATES FOR VR-704:

LEGAL UPDATE:

* Regarding the wage increase lawsuit, the final arguments to the Judge were due last Friday and we are hoping for a ruling before the end of the year. We do know that there are rumors about when the Judge may rule, but that is not confirmed. We are continually monitoring this case and we will immediately email the group as well as update our website and Facebook page as soon as we hear any news. Please be watching on all fronts.

* Regarding, the DOC/DJJ facility closures, you are probably aware that Judge Caveness issued a restraining order stopping the closing of the facilities. The Administration appealed that decision to the 5th Appellate Court and that court upheld Judge Caveness' ruling, at least for now. The next logical step would be for the State to appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court and they will likely request an expedited hearing. As soon as we hear of any action taken by the Administration, we will notify you via email and the website and Facebook as soon as possible.

NEGOTIATIONS: VR-704

We have had many non-economic issues to negotiate and they are very important issues, such as Temporary Assignments, Filling of Vacancies and Transfer Rights, Shift Preference by Seniority, Overtime and how it is mandated. For DOC, the State is pushing to have Grooming Standards apply at all facilities and we are now at an impasse on that issue as well as the Filling of Vacancies (Transfer Rights). That means, if neither side changes their position we will likely end up in mediation and possibly, subsequently arbitration. We are currently discussing Temporary Assignment, Overtime mandating, Shift Preference by seniority and some minor issues regarding benefit time. The input that we have gotten from our negotiations committee and the members of VR-704 is that these issues are of utmost importance so we continue to push and fight for these issues and that is taking some time. Please do not be discouraged that we do not have a contract yet as we are taking time on these issues to make sure we get them all resolved.

As you may be aware, the Administration has stated that it will no longer honor the contract between the State and AFSCME Council 31. We have had many members voice concern so we want to address this issue. We are in a very different situation than AFSCME. First, it is our understanding that AFSCME has been siging month to month extensions of the contract. We have signed a general extension that would expire when a new agreement is reached. Second, we know that AFSCME's membership consists of a large amount of employees that are not security staff and they have threatened to strike. The overwhelming majority of our VR-704 unit is considered security staff and by law, they do not have the right to strike but rather have the right to "interest arbitration" where an arbitrator would make a ruling on any issues outstanding at the end of negotiations ("impasse"). As sympathetic as we are to other Unions who are attempting to get a fair contract under this Administration, the security staff under this unit CANNOT strike, by law.

These are tough times and we need to continue to band together. Be watching your email, our website, and our Facebook page for updates. If you have questions, please call us!

IF YOU KNOW OF A FELLOW MEMBER WHO IS NOT ON OUR EMAIL LIST, PLEASE SHARE THIS WITH HIM OR  HER AND HAVE THEM CONTACT US TO UPDATE THEIR EMAIL ADDRESS.

Sincerely,

Mike Stout

Business Manager

VR-706 Contract Negotiations Update

VR-706 Update: 

Over the Summer we negotiated the non-economic portions of the contract and came to the economic negotiations. We submitted our first economic proposal and the State followed that with their first economic proposal. As you may have heard, the State was requesting nothing but concessions from the unit, including reducing salaries by TWO SALARY GRADES. After discussion, we realized that their proposal was composed of nothing but "non-starters" for us, meaning we were so far apart the negotiation process needed some help. So we have been working behind the scenes on all fronts. We have been working the political and even legislative angles and we have been monitoring any movement the State is making in the economic portion of negotiations with other Unions. We are seeing some movement by the State so we will be gearing up to head back into negotiation sessions soon. So, be watching your email, our website, and our Facebook page for updates.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us anytime.

Sincerely,

Mike Stout

Business Manager

SB 1556

As reported earlier, Senate Bill 1556 will be voted on the floor today. If passed, the bill has the potential to impact tiltes certified on or after December 2, 2008.

Here is a listing of those possibly impacted:

PSA 8Ks (mental health admins):
PSA 8Ls (attorneys) + Nuclear Safety Staff Attorneys:
SPSA 7s (DNR- captains):
SPSA 7s (ISP-Forensics- Sections Chiefs, Asst. Lab Dir., Deputy Lab Dir.):
SPSA 7s (ISP-additional titles):
SPSA 7s (ISP- Inspectors):
DHS OIG Investigators:
PSA 7s (DOC additional titles):
PSA 7 (ISP Narcotics Sup):
PSA 7 (ISP Sex Offender Registry):

Those titles not listed above cannot be impacted.

We have no reason to believe all of the titles will be targeted by the Governor's Office, but wanted to share this with our members.

We are working to defeat this bill in the Senate, please call your Senator at 888 412 6570 and ask them to vote NO!

Final Regular Day for General Assembly

Good Morning,

Today is the final day of regular session for the General Assembly, here is a summary of the major issues:

Pension benefit reduction - yesterday the Republican House Leadership withdrew its  support for pension changes due to the shifting of pension funding burden to local school districts. Late last night, Speaker Madigan changed his position on the issue and turned the lead on pension reform to House Minority Leader Cross. It is expected that the bill will be amended to take out local funding of teacher pensions. We fully expect the new legislation which impacts state employees and retirees to pass, but will continue to fight. This will call for both state employees and retirees to choose between a new COLA that significantly reduces benefits or maintaining the current COLA and retirees losing healthcare benefits. Pension bills are as following: House Bill (HB) 1447 (Senate Amendment 2), HB 3076 (Senate Bill 2) and HB 3865 (Senate Amendment 3).

Budget - both the House and Senate budgets contain the funding to keep open Tamms, Dwight, Joliet and Murphysboro, unless something happens today, the facilities will be funded. The bad news, the Governor will be able to control which facilities stay open and which close. We will continue to fight to keep all facilities open.

Collective bargaining - the bill to remove the rights of certain state employees to be covered by a union contract resurfaced yesterday. We are analzing the bill and its impact on our membersd.  Last night Senate Executive Committee  passed the bill moving it to the floor. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT ALL MEMBERS CALL THEIR STATE SENATOR AND ASK THEM TO VOTE "NO" ON SB1556.

Please make one last call to your legislators and ask them to vote "NO" on all three issues!

Call them at  1 888 412 6570

ISEA, Laborers' Local 2002 Board & Staff

Call To Action!!!

ISEA, Laborers' Local 2002 Members,

Call To Action!

Do you and your family have cable television?

- Cable Television & Communications Association of Illinois support the Governor in his attempt to cut pension benefits. Call your local cable provider and express your opposition to their support.

Do you drive a Ford vehicle?

- Ford supports the Governor in his attempt to cut pension benefits. Call your Ford Dealership and express your opposition to their support.

Do you drive a Mitsubishi vehicle?

- Mitsubishi supports the Governor in his attempt to cut pension benefits. Call your Mitsubishi Dealership and express your opposition to ther support.

These corporations and many more are supporting the Governor in his attempt to cut your pension benefits. For a complete list of all companies and organizations supporting this legislation please click on the link provided below. Please contact these companies and organizations and express your opposition to their support of Governor Quinn's pension reform.

Pension Reform Support List

Thanks For Your Support,

ISEA, Laborers' Local 2002 Board & Staff

Illinois Farm Bureau

ISEA, Laborers' Local 2002 Members,

It has been reported that the Illinois Farm Bureau supports Governor Quinn’s effort to cut state employee pension benefits.

Please call your local Illinois Farm Bureau and/or insurance agency and ask if this is true. If it is, please voice your opposition!

The phone number to the main office is: (309) 557 2111

Thanks,

Mike Stout

ATTN: Call To Action!

Several members will be coming to Springfield this week to lobby their legislators concerning pension, healthcare benefits and facility closings. It is not too late to sign up! We are asking members to meet at our office (2945 Stanton Springfield, IL 217 585 0802) at 11:00 am each day so that they can pick up their local union t-shirts and discuss the planned activity. After lunch, the members will travel to the Capitol and talk to their legislators about these important issues. If you are unable to meet at 11:00 am, let us know and we will accomodate you. 

These issues impact all of us, we must do everything possible to preserve our benefits. If you are unable to come to Springfield, please call your legislator and voice your opinion. Call your legislator at 888-912-5959.

Thanks,

ISEA Laborers' Local 2002 Board & Staff

Pension Update

As you know, Gov. Quinn and legislative leaders are, once again, trying to balance the budget on the backs of state employees.  Laborers’ Local 2002, represented through our Regional Office, is part of organized labor’s “We Are One Illinois” coalition negotiating team which has met with representatives of the Governor’s office and the General Assembly numerous times.

The Governor released his “framework” of pension cuts and is actively courting support for them.  The cuts include:

·         Cuts to pension Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) for future (and, possibly, current) retirees;

·         Increasing the retirement age to 67; and
·         Contribution increases for current state employees.

These proposals have more support among some legislators than past proposals have.   Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel essentially echoed them this week as potential changes he’d like the legislature make for Chicago workers and retirees.  We need to increase our phone calls to our legislators immediately voicing our opposition to these changes.

Call your state representatives and senators at 888/412-6570 or just click here today http://www.weareoneillinois.org/click-to-call!  Tell them that:

1)      Labor is willing to a negotiate fair and constitutional solution to the pension problem;

2)      Proposals to cut benefits are unconstitutional; and
3)      Passing unconstitutional cuts are a political game that the public will easily see through.  Voter want real solutions, not games.

Also, the Illinois House passed a bill yesterday (SB 1313) that eliminates the 5%/year of service State pick-up for retiree health care premiums, essentially leaving the State’s contribution up in the air every year (and, you know, it won’t be increased).  Here is the link to how the state representatives voted:

 http://ilga.gov/legislation/votehistory/97/house/09700SB1313_05092012_012000T.pdf

Please ask your state senators to vote ‘no’ on SB 1313 and thank your representatives if they voted ‘no’ or ‘present’ and (politely) indicate your displeasure with those who voted ‘yes’ on SB 1313. 

COGFA Vote Is In

7 - NO, 3 - YES
In favor of closing Tamms CC

7 - NO, 3 - YES
In favor of closing Dwight CC

This vote is advisory to the Governor but as members of the COGFA committee have said, the Governor has never gone against their reccomendations.

Still awaiting IYC Joliet vote.

COGFA VOTE

The COGFA commission will meet tomorrow morning at 10:30 am, May 1st in Room 212 of the Capital. Please generate calls to the following legislators and ask them to vote "No" on the Tamms CC, Dwight CC and IYC - Joliet facility closures:

SenatorSyverson            815987 7555

Senator Schoenberg       847492 1200

SenatorSchmidt              224 372 7465

SenatorMurphy              847 776 1490

Rep.Bellock                   630 852 8633

Rep. Riley                      708 799 4364

Rep.Tryon                      815 459 6453

Although this vote is only advisory, it will carry a lot of weight.

Thanks

Mike Stout

COGFA: New Facility Closure Decision Dates

COGFA has changed the dates for issuing their decisions regarding facility closures. Here is the new schedule:

Tamms C.C.: 5/11/12
IYC Joliet: 5/5/12
Dwight C.C.: 5/5/12

If you would like any other information you can visit COGFA on their website.

Governor Quinn's Proposal on Budget Changes

Governor Quinn has officially released a statement of his intended Pension Reform proposal. You can read a copy of his press release by clicking on this link- Governor Quinn Pension Reform Press Release

His proposal would do the following:

* 3% increase in employee contributions
* Reduce COLA (cost of living adjustment) to lesser of 3% or 1/2% of CPI, simple interest
* Delay COLA to earlier of age 67 or 5 years after retirement
* Increase retirement age to 67 (to be phased in over several years)
* Establish 30-year closed ARC (actuarially required contribution) funding schedule
* Public sector pensions limited to public sector employment

We will fight his changes on all fronts! We have been and will continue to work behind the scenes and on the front lines to safe guard your future!

Stay tuned for more information!

Pension Change Announcements to be made today

Governor Quinn will be making his proposed changes to the State Retirement Systems public today. We are not certain how specific he will be in what he announces today. However, there is a working group of Legislators and Unions that have been meeting with each other and the Governor's office and NO AGREEMENT HAS BEEN MADE. We do not understand why he is making this announcement today because the Committee that he assigned to meet with the Unions has not reached an agreement with the Unions. Do not be alarmed at this point.

REMEMBER- THE STATE CONSTITUTION DOES NOT ALLOW FOR LESSENING THE BENEFITS. ANY CHANGES MADE MUST BE CONSITUTIONAL.

NO PENSION CHANGES MAY BE MADE WITHOUT THE APPROVAL OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY!

THE PROBLEM WITH THE PENSION SYSTEM HAS BEEN CAUSED BY THE STATE'S FAILURE TO MAKE PAYMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE LAW!

ANY CHANGES MADE TO THE PENSION SYSTEM THAT ARE NOT DEEMED CONSTITUTIONAL WILL BE CHALLENGED BY THIS UNION AS WELL AS THE OTHER UNIONS.

The purpose of this email to keep everyone informed. We are constantly working behind the scenes and on the front lines to protect your rights.

 

Written Testimony - Closure of Dwight Correctional Center

March 27, 2012

Senator Jeffrey Schoenberg

Representative Patricia Bellock

Co-Chairs

Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability

703 Stratton Office Building

Springfield, IL 62706

Re:       Written Testimony- Closure of Dwight Correctional Center

Dear Senator Schoenberg and Representative Bellock,

Please accept this communication as my submission of written testimony on the above referenced closure which will be heard by the Commission on April 4, 2012. The proposed closure of Dwight Correctional Center is of great concern to Laborers’ International Union of North America, Local 2002, Illinois State Employees Association and the Union members, employees at the facility who will be laid off or transferred.

It is on behalf of all of the affected employees at Dwight Correctional Center that we urge this Commission not to support the closure of this facility. Dwight currently houses female inmates in a maximum security level facility. The inmates at Dwight are those that create a serious safety issue to the employees and inmates at the other two (2) female correctional facilities. Dwight is a place to send the most serious of female offenders. Besides that, there are only three (3) female institutions in total. According to Department of Corrections’ plan, they intend to move the female inmate population from Dwight and put them in Logan Correctional Center, currently a male institution and move the male population to Lincoln Correctional Center. However, Lincoln currently houses female inmates which would mean that the females currently at Lincoln would all have to be relocated between Logan and Decatur Correctional Center. The entire female inmate population, approximately 2700, in the State would be divided between two institutions. This is terribly problematic. Furthermore, Lincoln Correctional Center cannot house all of the inmates from Logan Correctional Center which means the overabundance would have to be distributed amongst the other already overpopulated male facilities.

In addition to the reasons stated above, staff at Logan Correctional Center, which is currently housing male inmates, would have to go through a series of training as the training for male facilities and female facilities is extensively different. There is also the additional cost to Logan which is not now equipped to house female offenders. Logan’s budget would need to increase substantially to accommodate the incoming female population.

Furthermore, Dwight Correctional Center has a large medical center, hospice and a mental health facility to service the large population of female inmates. They also have staff and training in place for those offerings. The same is not true at Logan Correctional Center. Logan does not have hospice or a mental health facility and does not have contracts in place and staff to deal with the issues of hospice and mental health.

By closing Dwight Correctional Center, the Agency will now only have two facilities between which they can transfer female inmates. Currently, when a problem arises with a female inmate they are immediately transferred to another female institution. If the female inmate is involved in a problem at that institution there is currently a third option. In addition, for all female inmates there is the threat of going to Dwight, the only maximum security facility for female inmates. Like Tamms Correctional Center, Dwight is often used as a deterrent for female inmates who would likely otherwise create safety issues but for the threat of a maximum security setting.

Dwight Correctional Center is vital to the employees across the State whose daily safety is at risk, especially with options- only two female institutions- are so limited. It is imperative that this Commission think first of the safety of the employees and the inmates across the State of Illinois. We implore you on behalf of the employees across the State not to support the closure of Dwight Correctional Center.

Sincerely,

Steve Ruiz

President, LIUNA, Local 2002, ISEA

Cc:          COGFA Members and  Dan Long, Executive Director, COGFA

Written Testimony - Closure of Tamms Correctional Center

March 27, 2012

Senator Jeffrey Schoenberg

Representative Patricia Bellock

Co-Chairs

Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability

703 Stratton Office Building

Springfield, IL 62706

Re:       Written Testimony- Closure of Tamms Correctional Center

Dear Senator Schoenberg and Representative Bellock,

Please accept this communication as my submission of written testimony on the above referenced closure which will be heard by the Commission on April 2, 2012. The proposed closure of Tamms Correctional Center is of great concern to Laborers’ International Union of North America, Local 2002, Illinois State Employees Association and the Union members, employees at the facility who will be laid off or transferred as well as the employees at other institutions where the population of Tamms will be absorbed.

It is on behalf of all of the affected employees at Tamms Correctional Center that we urge this Commission not to support the closure of this facility. Tamms was built with a specific need in mind- to house inmates that provided a serious safety issue to the employees and inmates at other correctional facilities. To every end possible, Tamms is fully accomplishing its intended purpose. Tamms is a place to send the most dangerous of inmates- inmates who posed risks to other inmates and employees at other institutions. No other facility has the means to accomplish the same level of security that Tamms was specifically assigned to These inmates are responsible for destruction of State property, injuries and deaths to other inmates, and injuries to employees working within other institutions. Tamms is the only Super-Max facility in the State. Besides housing the most dangerous of inmates it is also an effective deterrent for other inmates across the State. The very threat of being removed to Tamms has the ability to deter dangerous behavior from other inmates. When those threats are ineffective then Tamms becomes the institution that provides the relief of safety issues for other institutions.

By closing Tamms Correctional Center, the State will not only be removing the most effective deterrent to attacks and destruction of property in other institutions, but it will also be releasing the most deadly and formidable inmates back into those institutions. These inmates will be released back into inmate populations where they have already proven their capacity for menace and destruction. The safety of other inmates and especially for the employees that are charged with the duty of daily dealings with the inmates will be in great peril due to the lack of deterrent and the addition of these deadly inmates into the population. The inmates who were previously on death row are housed at Tamms.

Tamms is also located in an already severely economically depressed area. By closing this facility the State would be slashing approximately 300 jobs resulting in an uprising of unemployment in an area where jobs are already scarce. In such a time as this it is critical that employers such as the State find other ways to cut costs, not by cutting jobs. It is vital to this State that jobs are saved, not eradicated.

Former Government officials, former Agency officials, and politicians have spoken out against the closure of Tamms as well. They are right. The closure of Tamms would be detrimental to the community in Southern Illinois, the employees and inmates across the State of Illinois and the State itself.

Tamms Correctional Center is vital to the employees across the State whose daily safety is at risk when such abhorrent and heinous criminals are amongst their institutional populations- just ask the employees who were there before Tamms was built. It is imperative that this Commission think first of the safety of the employees and the inmates across the State of Illinois. We implore you on behalf of the employees across the State not to support the closure of Tamms Correctional Center.

Sincerely,

Steve Ruiz

President, LIUNA, Local 2002, ISEA

Cc:          COGFA Members

                Dan Long, Executive Director, COGFA

Written Testimony - Closure of IYC Joliet Correctional Center

March 27, 2012

Senator Jeffrey Schoenberg

Representative Patricia Bellock

Co-Chairs

Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability

703 Stratton Office Building

Springfield, IL 62706

Re:       Written Testimony- Closure of IYC Joliet Correctional Center

Dear Senator Schoenberg and Representative Bellock,

Please accept this communication as my submission of written testimony on the above referenced closure which will be heard by the Commission on April 4, 2012. The proposed closure of IYC Joliet is of great concern to Laborers’ International Union of North America, Local 2002, Illinois State Employees Association and the Union members, employees at the facility who will be laid off or transferred.

It is on behalf of all of the affected employees at IYC Joliet that we urge this Commission not to support the closure of this facility. IYC Joliet currently houses the most at-risk and oldest youth offenders in the State. These are also the offenders with the most long term and repeated criminology in the State. However, IYC Joliet has been an active leader and has efficiently promoted and advanced pro-active measures to reduce recidivism, youth on youth assaults, and youth on employee assaults. Through the exceptional work of the employees at IYC Joliet they have also seen fewer incidences requiring use of force, use of restraints, and use of confinement. Bottom line- IYC Joliet is getting the job done and accomplishing the real goals of the Agency.

By closing IYC Joliet, the Agency will have to distribute the offenders back into other youth centers from where they have likely been taken due to escalated incidences. The strides that IYC Joliet employees will have made with this special group of youth will be diminished with their return to centers with other offenders that they may have had issues within the past.

It is imperative to vote against the closure of this youth center where they are specialized in taking care of the most dangerous youth offenders, striving toward turning around the future of this special group of youths. IYC Joliet is vital to the Agency because of its special strategies and efforts designed specifically with this particular group of youths in mind. It is of the utmost importance that this Commission consider first of the safety of the employees and the youth offenders across the State of Illinois. We implore you on behalf of the employees across the State not to support the closure of IYC Joliet Correctional Center.

Sincerely,

Steve Ruiz

President, LIUNA, Local 2002, ISEA

Cc:          COGFA Members

                Dan Long, Executive Director, COGFA

Lawsuit, Negotiations, Closures, and Pension Reform Update

WAGE INCREASE LAWSUITS PENDING

The lawsuits filed on behalf of our bargaining unit employees affected by the State's decision to refuse to implement wage increases are still pending as of this time. When the Court decides the outcome on one case before them it will ultimately affect all other cases. As soon as anything is ruled upon we will notify you via email, this website, and our Facebook page. Please be sure to check all resources available.

We also have a pending Unfair Labor Practice before the Illinois Labor Relations Board. In December of last year the State filed a Motion to Defer the unfair labor practice to the grievance-arbitration process. For many reasons, including that one grievance has gone through arbitration and the State refused to comply with the Arbitrator's decision, we objected to the Motion. We are awaiting a ruling by the ILRB on the Motion. The Board had previously filed a complaint for hearing and we anticipate that when the ILRB finally rules that it will move forward with a hearing. We will announce the Administrative Law Judge's decision on the Motion on this website, via email, and on our Facebook page. Please check all resources.

NEGOTIATION DATES ARE SET

Our staff attorney has been working on proposals for the various bargaining units based upon issues that arose via grievances through out the existing contract terms as well as based upon feed back received from contract survey forms submitted by bargaining unit members. If you have any additional issues you wish for us to address during contract negotiations, please email us at isealaborerslocal2002@gmail.com and put in the subject line "Proposal Suggestions".

We are also working on putting together a negotiations committee for the various bargaining units. If you are interested in participating, please contact us via our email address and put in the subject line "Negotiations Committee" and your respective bargaining unit number: DNR employees- RC-104; CMS Auto Shop supervisors and Dept of Ag Meat and Poultry Inspector Supervisors- VR-106; all other employees (DOC, ISP, DJJ, IDFPR, DHS, Dept. of Revenue, etc.)- VR-704.

VR-704 Negotiation Dates: April 17-18, 2012- at these initial meetings we will be submitting our proposals and explanations but there will be no negotiating at those meetings. Therefore, our staff attorney and Vice-President will attend to present our proposals and answer questions. The next scheduled sessions will involve the negotiation team.

VR-706 Negotiation Date: April 24, 2012

RC-104 Negotiation Date: We have offered dates and are working on finalizing the first session.

Please check back for updates. As the negotiations get under way we will be utilizing this website, Facebook, and email to keep you updated on the status of negotiations.

FACILITY CLOSURES UPDATE: HEARING DATES

Following is a list of hearings set by the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA)

Tamms C.C.- April 2, 2012, 12pm, Shawnee Community College, Ullin, IL
IYC Joliet- April 4, 2012, 10am, Joliet Community College
Dwight C.C.- April 4, 2012, 4pm, Dwight High School

We will keep you updated as we learn more information. As you may already know it has been announced that the following facilities will be closed on the corresponding dates:

DOC- Tamms C.C. and Dwight C.C.- August 31, 2012
DJJ- IYC Murphysboro and IYC Joliet- July 31, 2012

Please contact your local representatives to get these closures stopped. We must all band together to support one another in such times. If you need information on how to locate your State representatives, please contact us at our email address: isealaborerslocal2002@gmail.com

Please keep checking back for new updates.

PENSION REFORM UPDATE:

At this time we are aware of nothing new being introduced or proposed regarding legislation that would change the pension structure for State of Illinois employees. When we do receive an update we will announce it on this website, the Facebook page and via email.


PLEASE KEEP YOUR INFORMATION CURRENT WITH US. WE SEND EMAILS TO OUR MEMBERS TO NOTIFY THEM OF IMPORTANT MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS AND OTHER ANNOUNCEMENT THAT AFFECT YOU.

If you are not receiving our emails please email us at isealaborerslocal2002@gmail.com and put in the subject line "Information Update" so we can be sure we have all of your current contact information. If you are on Facebook, please like our page from the link on this website and follow us.

Closures Announced for DOC and DJJ

We were notified by Central Management Services that the Governor would be announcing closures that will affect some of our members in Department of Corrections and Deparment of Juvenile Justice. Within DOC, the State has determined to close Tamms Correctional Center and Dwight Correctional Center. Within DJJ, the State has determined to close IYC Joliet and IYC Murphysboro.

We fully intend to fight these closures and in the event that the closures move forward we will strive to ensure that no one is laid off. In the event of closure we will enter into negotiations with the State regarding the effects on the bargaining unit, layoff plans, and the possibility of transfers to other facilities. As you may be aware, we have had vacancies posted throughout the State that may be an option for those possibly affected.

It is our hope to stop these closures. You can help start the fight by contacting your local legislators to voice your opposition to these closures. We will do everything we can on this end to fight these closures and possible layoffs of our bargaining unit members.

Membership Meeting

ISEA, Laborers' Local 2002 will hold a quarterly meeting open to all members in good standing on Saturday, February 25th at 11am. The meeting will be held at the ISEA Office located at 2945 Stanton, Suite A Springfield, IL 62703. If you have any questions or need directions, please contact the office at 217-585-0802. We hope to see you there!

ISEA, Laborers' Local 2002 Board & Staff