Clergy Call for Resolution to State Employee Contract Negotiations

On anniversary of Dr. King’s Death, faith leaders call for mediation and arbitration

to uphold MLK’s legacy

Media Advisory for Monday, April 4th 2016

Contact: Shelly Ruzicka, Arise Chicago

773-251-5003 | [email protected]

WHO: Religious leaders with Arise Chicago and state employees

WHAT: Religious leaders call on governor and state legislators for mediation and arbitration in state worker contract negotiations

WHERE: Chicago Temple, 77 W. Washington, 1st floor sanctuary

WHEN: Monday, April 4th at 10:00 AM

On the 48th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in Memphis while supporting sanitation workers, religious leaders from around Chicagoland will join with state employees to release an open letter addressed to Governor Bruce Rauner and the Illinois General Assembly. Signed by over 150 faith leaders from around the state, clergy call for swift resolution to contract negotiations. Like Illinois state employees, the Memphis sanitation workers supported by King were members of AFSCME.

Faith leaders are concerned about the potentially life-threatening consequences to families that rely on state services and to state workers who provide those services if the current approach of conflict and confrontation continues. To avoid disruption of vital state services and the imposition of harsh terms on state employees, clergy urge Governor Rauner and state legislators to move forward through mediation and arbitration to resolve contract issues.

Clergy and state workers will give statements and be available for interview.

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