a day ago
Lake County Treasurer's office employees move to unionize, with support by outgoing head; ‘God bless America'
The Lake County Treasurer employees are forming a union with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31, the second unit of Lake County employees to unionize this summer, receiving the blessing of outgoing Treasurer Holly Kim.
'The right of workers to organize and bargain collectively is an American right,' Kim said in a brief statement. 'God bless America.'
According to a news release, earlier this week, the 13 employees filed a majority interest petition with the Illinois Labor Relations Board, which will certify the union. The employees are responsible for processing and accounting for county revenue and assisting the public in paying and assessing property tax bills.
Back in June, about 600 employees of the Lake County Health Department joined AFSCME, which also represents employees of the Lake County chief judge, circuit clerk, and coroner.
Anna Martinez, a collection specialist with the Treasurer's Office, said the move to unionize was driven in part by concerns over job security. With Kim deciding not to run for treasurer in the upcoming election and making a move to run for Illinois comptroller, they wanted to know they would not be replaced by the new treasurer.
'I know job security is super important with our current situation in the world,' Martinez said. 'I think this is a great opportunity for all of us. Having a voice really does matter to us.'
In a statement, AFSCME Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch praised the power of strong unions to protect and improve the jobs, wages, benefits, and services of public service workers.
'With the billionaires and anti-union extremists running amok in Washington, working people coming together has never been more important than it is right now,' Lynch said.
Nadine Arssinous, also a collection specialist at the Treasurer's Office, said the union provides 'stability and security' in the press release.
'We also believe a union contract will help get us the pay increases and high-quality, affordable health and dental insurance we deserve,' Arssinous said. 'We make Lake County work, so we should be able to provide for our families with the same stability that everyone in Lake County deserves.'
