Rauner administration contacting retirees about working in case of strike

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Chicago Tribune

A published report says Gov. Bruce Rauner's administration has been contacting retired state employees to determine if they're willing to come back on short-term contracts in case of a workers strike.

David Scheina of rural Sangamon County told The (Springfield) State Journal Register (http://bit.ly/1LNJ08k ) he received a call asking about the possibility of working in the interim if there's a strike. The 65-year-old retired three years ago after working in state government for 25 years, mostly at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

Rauner spokeswoman Catherine Kelly didn't deny the tactic, saying the administration is "pursuing all options."

Rauner's administration and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31 have been negotiating a new agreement. An extension on the contract ending June 30 expires Friday.

Associated Press

Read more: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-afscme-contract-20150727-story.html

[Gidney N Cloyd]

1. Someone call Pat Quinn and see if he can fill-in in the event we recall Gov. Ruiner's crooked ass.

[GeoWilliam750]

2. I am trying to understand this

He is trying to gut the unions, gut the pensions, and he wants the retirees to come back as strike-breakers?

Maybe he thinks that if he sufficiently guts their pensions, they will have no choice but to go back into the labor market at 70.

[DemocraticWood]

3. As far as I am concerned...

...Brucie is nothing more then a one-term brain-fart for the state of Illinois. The way he is attacking unions and working people is beyond disgusting, yet not surprising given he's got a hard-on for Scott Walker type politics.

[Paulie]

4. sure you can be employed by the state and get a state pension?

Anyone doing that would be executing their own pension future regardless

[surrealAmerican]

5. Would these be the same retirees whose pensions he's threatening to cut?

How does that call sound: "Here's a fun idea. How about, since you won't be getting as much next month, earn a few dollars by scabbing for the people who are trying to protect your pension!"

Rauner must think they're stupid.

[murielm99]

6. I remember when a school district around here

started calling retired teachers and subs to see if they would work in the event of a strike. I called their union rep. immediately.