With AFSCME and the state at impasse for a new contract, the governor can implement his last offer to the union. That offer includes overtime pay after employees work the market norm of 40 hours in a week – as opposed to the 37.5 hour workweeks AFSCME demanded. Adjustments to overtime pay will save the state $111 million over the term of the contract.

Negotiations between Illinois and AFSCME – the state’s largest government-worker union – languished for months. While AFSCME demanded contract benefits that would cost the state $3 billion in additional salary and benefit increases, Gov. Bruce Rauner offered a contract that treats state workers fairly and avoids further burdening taxpayers. On Nov. 15, the Illinois Labor Relations Board issued a decision that prevents AFSCME from obstructing progress on an agreement.

AFSCME does all it can to perpetuate the myth that it is the “little guy” – the victim – in any contract negotiations with the state. The evidence paints a different picture.