Illinois State Workers To Get 15.25% Salary Raises

September 7, 2008 9:39 a.m. EST

Chicago, IL (AHN) - More than 37,000 members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) scored a major victory after a new contract ratified will give them a 15.25 percent raises over four years.

The major issue state workers raised during consultation was reportedly their share of health care premiums.

Chicago Tribune reported that union officials said the state wanted to notably increase health-care costs for workers. But to make peace with the union, a mediator was brought in and a tentative agreement was reached in mid-August.

Council 31 executive director Henry Bayer says the union members' premiums will go up, but it will be more controllable with the pay increases.

The workers covered include clerical workers, corrections officers, social workers, doctors, and direct-care workers.