SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (NEXSTAR) — The people tasked with maintaining and improving all of Illinois’ roads are threatening to go on strike if they can’t reach a new deal with the state.
“The members’ frustrations, they’re at an all-time high,” J.P. Fyans, President of Teamsters Local 916 said.
Last week, 95 percent of IDOT union employees voted to authorize a strike.
The union members have two key issues, including higher salaries, and attempts by the state to change health insurance plans. The union currently operates under an insurance plan that is managed by multiple groups, including the unions themselves. Fyans said the state wants them to switch to a state-sponsored health insurance plan, which would increase premium costs.
“The insurance taken away that current insurance structure and go into the state insurance is an overall reduction in pay for the members of over 25%,” Fyans said. “So with without any offset, which they propose no offset to this group. That’s a massive concessionary contract.”