Arbitrator to Quinn: Give Unions Promised Pay Raises

By Chuck Sudo in News on Jul 19, 2011 6:40PM

Chuck Sudo/Chicagoist

A Bruce Springsteen-quoting arbitrator ruled in favor of labor unions in their fight to preserve pay raises that Gov. Quinn is trying to rescind.

Edwin Benn's ruling orders Quinn to restore the 2 percent wage increase that was to have kicked in July 1. Quinn said the state can't afford the increase as lawmakers in Springfield didn't appropriate the funds to cover the $75 million hit in the state budget.

Labor, led by AFSCME, essentially said "not our problem" and Benn agreed, saying in his ruling, “under the mandatory, clear and simple terms of the negotiated language, the State must pay the 2% wage increase effective July 1, 2011. As a matter of contract, the State has no choice." Benn then quoted the Boss' 1992 song "With Every Wish:" “ ‘Before you choose your wish […], you better think first. With every wish, there comes a curse.’ "

Quinn spokesman Grant Klinzman said the Governor will appeal the ruling, claiming that paying out the wage increases "would mean that these agencies would not be able to make payroll for the entire year, disrupting core services for the people of Illinois, including children, the elderly and those with special need."