© 2024 WSIU Public Broadcasting
WSIU Public Broadcasting
Member-Supported Public Media from Southern Illinois University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Illinois House Approves Back Pay for Thousands of State Workers

Images
AFSCME Council 31
AFSCME members rally at the State Capitol over back pay.

The Illinois House has approved a measure to provide back pay to thousands of state workers who've been waiting for it since 2011.

The (Springfield) State Journal-Register reports the bill passed the House Thursday. It now moves to the Senate.
The legislation authorizes spending more than $63 million owed to about 24,000 state employees in the departments of Corrections, Juvenile Justice, Human Services, Natural Resources and Public Health. AFSCME, which represents the workers, says the back pay averages $2,500 per employee.

Former Gov. Pat Quinn said in 2011 the state couldn't pay a 2 percent raise to the workers because lawmakers didn't appropriate enough money.

Since then the state has come up with funds to pay many of the workers, but 24,000 never got their back pay.
 

As a WSIU donor, you don’t simply watch or listen to public media programs, you are a partner. By making a gift, you help WSIU produce, purchase, and broadcast programs you care about and enjoy – every day of the year.