Scherer Urges Continued Negotiations for AFSCME Contract

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Amid an impasse that could jeopardize the delivery of public services, state Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers on Wednesday to call for renewed contract negotiations between Gov. Bruce Rauner’s administration and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31.

“It is critical to continue contract negotiations to keep the state functioning and to avoid a strike or lockout,” said Scherer. “A negotiated compromise would ensure that employees like home care workers stay on the job to provide services that local families depend on, and that these individuals receive fair wages for the work they perform.”

The Illinois Labor Relations Board ruled earlier this month that contract negotiations between the governor and AFSCME Council 31 are at an impasse. Scherer, whose district includes significant numbers of state employees, is calling for continued good-faith negotiations to allow both parties to work towards a fair contract.

“The only way to reach a compromise is with both sides at the negotiating table, bargaining in good faith,” Scherer said. “Negotiating is not always easy, but the right thing to do is to work together towards a contract that is fair for everyone involved.”

For more information, please contact Scherer’s constituent service office at 217-877-9636 or at StateRepSue@gmail.com. Scherer represents the 96th District, which includes portions of Christian, Macon, and Sangamon counties.