AFSCME workers picket statewide to raise awareness

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.southernillinoisan.com/articles/2008/05/29/local/24620676.txt

By Laura Chapman, The Southern
Thursday, May 29, 2008 10:29 PM CDT

Clad in green T-shirts and polos, state employees held green signs with white lettering that read: "State employees deserve a fair contract," and "Governor, don't cut our healthcare."

As petitioners stood along Illinois 13 in Marion and Illinois 3 in Chester, passers-by honked car horns in support.

Amid contract negotiations between the state and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31, thousands of state employees at 40 sites statewide took to the streets on Thursday to raise public awareness about the ongoing negotiations.

Negotiations for a new contract began in January. The state workers' contract expires on June 30.

The reason state employees held the demonstrations was to tell people about the many jobs these workers fill, said Buddy Maupin, regional director for the union.

"A lot of the work we do is invisible," he said to a crowd of petitioners gathered outside the Department of Human Services in Marion.

FULL story at link.