Labor in Illinois

Week of Feb 26

Steelworkers Seek to Block Sale of Baltimore Mill

Though the US Justice Department ordered Mittal Steel Company to sell a mill near Baltimore to settle an antitrust suit, United Steelworkers have demanded that the companies seek alternative methods to resolve the company’s pending merge with Arcelor SA of Luxembourg. Under their present contract, Steelworkers have the right to block the pending merger, and are considering their options. Illinois-Based Esmark of Chicago Heights says it may consider purchasing the Sparrows Point mill if another in West Virginia is unavailable. – Daily Southtown (22 Feb 2007)

With Courtrooms Booked, Alternative Dispute Resolution Becomes Profitable

With public court calendars overbooked with civil trials, suing parties have long had access to alternative, private mediation through groups such as the Neighborhood Justice for Chicago and the Center for Conflict Resolution. Usually, these centers have been staffed with bar-certified lawyers. Chicago’s Marc Becker, however, has pioneered an arbitration business in Chicago that grossed $3.6 million in revenue last year alone. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) professionals are not necessarily lawyers and do not necessarily issue decisions based on the law. Nevertheless, an increasing number of Chicago courts are recommending or demanding ADR to keep make room on court calendars. – Crain’s Chicago Business (19 Feb 2007): 22.

Abbott Announces Job Cuts

Abbott Laboratories, employer of about 14,000 at their Lake County facilities, confirmed Monday its plans to cut 200 research scientists and many more drug representatives, most of whom worked on a particular area of research for obesity and diabetes pharmaceuticals. The company announced that the cuts were part of the company’s reorganization plan. -- Chicago Tribune (26 Feb 2007).
http://mobile.chicagotribune.com/detail.jsp?key=28765&rc=business

Alton Police Lieutenants Demand Independent Bargaining Unit

Alton Policemen’s Benevolent Labor Committee recently filed a petition to the Illinois Labor Relations Board to certify six Alton police lieutenants as an independent bargaining unit within Unit 14 of their union. Alton Personnel Director David Miles said that lieutenants, who are supervisors, have different concerns from those ranked below them. Only one captain, a chief, and a deputy chief are ranked above them, and these positions are either Civil Service positions or mayoral appointments. The lieutenants would not like to leave the umbrella Unit 14 of Alton police but, similar to the organization of the Chicago Police Department, comprise separate units of ranked officers with different bargaining times for each rank. – The Telegraph (Alton) (26 Feb 2007)

Bloomington and Normal Firefighters Protest

A 2006 ruling in an appellate court gave Bloomington's union firefighters the right to negotiate city promotions through the Illinois Labor Relations Board. The union has now sued for the right to review currently promoted fire chiefs retroactively, under the new negotiation system. Also in Normal, firefighters picketed Monday over respect for the union, Firefighters Local 2442. Specifically, they argue that the union represents training officers as part of their collective bargaining unit. – www.firefightingnews.com

Chancellor Comments on SIU-Carbondale Faculty Contract

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Chancellor John Dunn said he was confident about meeting the terms of a new contract with employees—a 3 percent salary increase over the next four years and $3.25 million in backpay. He suggests the university can depend on increases in both state and campus funding.— The Southern (27 Feb 2007)

New Contract Approved for Graduate Employees Organization, UIUC

Members of the Graduate Employees Organization (GEO), IFT/AFT Local 6300, ratified the terms of a new contract. The agreement ensures a 3.3% raise to employees working for the minimum stipend in 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 academic years. The University will contribute 50% of the health insurance fee. The University also settled a grievance with the GEO, agreeing to retroactive backpay for employees who worked 12 months but were paid for only 11 months. – www.uigeo.org

Unions and Legislators Discuss State Healthcare Plans

Under the banner, “Better Health Care Together,” Illinois legislators, non-profits and unions have designed four reform proposals they hope to initiate by 2012. Meanwhile, Illinois Representatives Rahm Emanuel (D) and Ray LaHood (R) have cooperated to push for a reauthorization and expansion of the federal State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Senator Dick Durbin has pledged support in the Senate. –Labor Paper (Peoria) (1 Mar 2007): 8.