AFSCME strike vote: Understanding the timeline of a potential first-ever AFSCME strike in Illinois

The union representing Illinois state workers scheduled a strike authorization vote for sometime between Jan. 30 and Feb. 19 – and it could be the first AFSCME strike in state history.

For months, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees has obstructed progress on a contract for Illinois state employees.

Its stall tactics eventually led to the state labor board determining that AFSCME and the state are at an impasse, or stalemate, in negotiations. That determination meant Gov. Bruce Rauner could implement his last and best offer to state employees.

But rather than accept the governor’s offer, AFSCME doubled down on its obstructionist efforts. Now AFSCME leadership has called for a strike authorization vote.

State workers represented by AFSCME have never before walked out on state taxpayers, meaning the timeline for such a strike is new to most Illinois residents.

First, AFSCME holds the vote. Then, if AFSCME leadership decides to call a strike, union leaders must give at least five days notice before state employees can walk out on residents.

Here is what to expect in coming weeks:

Strike vote scheduled for Jan. 30 until Feb. 19

AFSCME leadership scheduled a strike vote between Jan. 30 and Feb. 19. With state employees spread across the state, the vote will take place at local union locations statewide.

Not all state employees will vote. Some will not be eligible to vote, such as nonmembers who hold “fair share” status. And some AFSCME members may simply choose not to vote at all. Often workers who feel pressured by a union to vote “yes” to a strike, but do not personally desire to strike, abstain from voting altogether.

A strike authorization does not mean state workers immediately go on strike

If AFSCME members vote to authorize a strike, it does not mean state employees will walk away from their jobs immediately. It simply means AFSCME leadership is authorized to call a strike, should they decide to do so.

However, union leadership has warned its members that a “yes” vote means employees “will be prepared to go out on strike” should leadership “issue the call.”

Even if AFSCME leadership calls a strike, it must first give notice

AFSCME can’t issue a midnight call for a strike and leave the state at a standstill when offices open the next day. Instead, Illinois law requires AFSCME to give at least five days notice of intent to strike before walking out.

That allows both the state and residents time to prepare. And the governor’s administration has already indicated it is doing just that.