October 6, 2014
Reprinted: http://www.wpsdlocal6.com
Springfield, Illinois – An Illinois appellate court has ruled that back wages owed to thousands of state government workers from 2011 to 2013 must be paid. A panel of judges from the First District Appellate Court found that members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees should get the back pay, and the Legislature's failure to appropriate enough money to cover the raises is not a reason to renege on them.
The ruling supports an independent arbitrator's decision that the government's failure to pay up violated the union contract. A circuit court agreed the money should go out. The ruling rejects an appeal by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan.
The ruling instructs a circuit court to follow the arbitrator's decision. AFSCME workers are owed the back wages and must be paid.
