As the House prepares to take up a veto override of SB 1229, Illinois caregivers make the case for arbitration as Governor continues to push for elimination of training and health insurance for the low-wage workforce

(Springfield) – Local caregivers gave lawmakers and reporters a glimpse into the vital training program that Governor Rauner is intent on eliminating at the bargaining table, highlighting the dire need for a successful veto override of SB 1229 in the Illinois House of Representatives.

Given Governor Rauner’s extreme hostility towards Illinois unions and his stance at the bargaining table to eliminate both training funds and health insurance for home care workers and child care providers, local workers say SB 1229 is a critical step to protecting benefits that improve the quality of care for vulnerable populations.

“This is the type of vital state service that is threatened by a strike or lockout. This legislation prevents the drastic consequences of a shutdown while protecting both workers and taxpayers,” State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) said.

The training demonstration presented a sample of key skills taught in the ‘Early Childhood Education’ course, which educates child care providers about child development and learning environments.

Governor Rauner has made his vendetta against workers represented by labor unions clear in public remarks and at the bargaining table. In addition to eliminating health insurance for 20,000 low-income child care and home care workers and the fund that has trained more than 20,000 caregivers and improved the safety and welfare of tens of thousands of kids and people with disabilities, he is insisting on a four-year wage freeze for the state’s lowest paid employees.

SB 1229 would extend the same fair arbitration process available to police officers, firefighters, and prison security for the last thirty years to other state employees, including home care workers and child care providers. This legislation does not require arbitration; rather, it creates the option in the event of impasse. Governor Rauner could avoid arbitration altogether by remaining at the bargaining table and negotiating in good faith.

“SB 1229 represents common-sense reform to labor contract negotiations, allowing critical services to continue if state employees and the Rauner administration cannot reach a contract agreement,” said State Senator Sam McCann (R-Plainview). “The legislation would provide for neutral arbitration by a 3rd party panel in the event of an intractable impasse between the parties. A YES vote on SB 1229 is a vote to protect the taxpayers in the state of Illinois.”

Springfield caregivers urged state representatives to support the veto override of SB 1229 to preserve economic stability, avoid the shutdown that Rauner has promised in the past, ensure continuity in care for tens of thousands of vulnerable Illinoisans, and protect low-paid workers who just want a shot at entering the middle class.

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