Updated on Wednesday July 2 at 4:00 p.m. CT
Employees working for Champaign County could go on strike as early as next week over stalled contract negotiations.
Workers represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees say the county isn’t doing enough to increase wages or reduce health insurance costs. The union sent a five-day notice to officials on Monday announcing plans to strike — a required step under state law.
A spokesperson for the union said the group can now call a strike as soon as next Tuesday July 8.
“We’re proud to deliver crucial public services to the people of Champaign County,” said AFSCME Local 900 President Cecelia Phillips in a press release. “We don’t want to strike, but management’s lack of respect for us and our work is leaving us with no other option.”
The union represents workers in nearly every Champaign County department.
In a statement, Champaign County Executive Steve Summers said the county is committed to reaching an agreement with the union.
“County Administration and AFSCME have been meeting with a mediator and additional sessions are scheduled for next week. We continue to see productive movement on both sides and the County is committed to continuing negotiations until we reach a fair and equitable agreement,” he said.
The union said a work stoppage would bring Champaign County operations to a halt, including for highway maintenance, the courthouse, and animal control.
“What we are asking for is fairness,” said Brianna Harrison, Chief Steward for AFSCME Local 900. “We’re asking to be able to go to the doctor without worrying about exorbitant increases to our health insurance costs. We’re asking for fair wages that allow us to provide for our families. These are things that all working people in Champaign County deserve.”
In a statement, Champaign County Board Vice-Chair Emily Rodriguez said officials learned about the union’s intent to strike after a second mediation session.
“The notice came as a surprise as AFSCME had yet to issue a serious response to the County’s economic proposals, which include $2k in bonuses, 12 weeks paid parental leave, a 3 percent wage increase retroactive to January, reduced healthcare costs, an additional day off, and additional sick leave,” she wrote. “We will continue to engage in the mediation process AFSCME requested we participate in. We look forward to hearing specific, workable solutions to address AFSCME’s concerns with health care costs.”
In May, 96% of the union’s members voted to authorize a strike if necessary. The group’s last contract expired at the end of 2024.
This story has been updated to include comments from Champaign County officials.