Peters measure to create state-run labor mediation program

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Robert Peters is protecting workers and keeping Illinois’ economy moving with a new pilot program that would ensure unions, employers and public agencies can resolve disputes quickly – even as the federal mediation system faces major cuts.

“With the federal mediation system stretched thin, our pilot program would make sure our state’s workers and employers still have access to trained mediators who can help resolve conflicts quickly and fairly,” said Peters (D-Chicago), chair of the Senate Labor Committee. “This is about giving people a path toward solutions without costly disruptions that affect our residents.” 

Peters’ measure would create the Labor Mediation Services Pilot Program to be used in place of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service when the federal program is not available. The FMCS is a small, independent federal agency that provides mediation, training and facilitation to resolve labor-management disputes – disagreements between unions and employers. These efforts help avoid costly disruptions in production, services and supply chains, ensuring economic stability and growth.

Through the measure, Illinois would step up to lead where FMCS has been forced to step back. The state’s new pilot program, created through collaboration between the AFL-CIO and the Illinois Department of Labor, demonstrates a proactive effort to maintain essential mediation and dispute resolution services after federal cuts to FMCS left major gaps. Although a federal judge has issued an order preventing complete dissolution of the FMCS, the agency now operates with only a skeleton staff, leaving uncertainty about how many mediators remain available nationally or in Illinois. The state’s new pilot program would fill gaps in providing training, mediation, facilitation, dispute systems designs and other alternative dispute resolution services to agencies – allowing them to operate more effectively and serve the public better. 

Read more: Peters measure to create state-run labor mediation program

Turner releases statement following Grayson conviction

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) released the following statement in response to a jury finding Sean Grayson guilty in the murder of Sonya Massey:

“While nothing will bring Sonya back, justice has been served. Today's verdict shows that no one is above the law.

“I stand with the Massey family and my community as we continue to mourn the unjust loss of Sonya. Since Sonya’s murder, I’ve been committed to – and will continue to – put in the work to make necessary changes to ensure our community has trust in those who have taken the oath to protect and serve.”

Illinois Senate wears pink for breast cancer awareness

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate observed Wear Pink Day at the Capitol Wednesday to raise breast cancer awareness and encourage early detection.

“I was diagnosed about four years ago and went through chemotherapy, a mastectomy, radiation, and now ongoing preventative treatment. Raising awareness about breast cancer has become very important to me,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “I found comfort in hearing from women I know and admire —many of whom have walked this same path — and in knowing that I wasn’t alone. If you have recently been diagnosed or are awaiting results, know that you are not alone, there is help available and you will get through this.”

Read more: Illinois Senate wears pink for breast cancer awareness

Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus files comprehensive civil rights legislation in response to ICE activities

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus filed landmark legislation designed to protect Illinois residents' constitutional rights and ensure safe access to critical public services amid heightened federal immigration enforcement activities in Chicago and across the state.

The legislation comes in response to reports of aggressive federal immigration enforcement tactics in Chicago and other Illinois communities that have raised concerns about constitutional rights violations and the chilling effect on access to essential services.

House Bill 1312, sponsored by Senate President Don Harmon, would allow Illinois residents to bring civil actions against any person who deprives them of their constitutional rights under the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution, or Section 2 or Section 6 of Article 1 of the Illinois Constitution.

Read more: Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus files comprehensive civil rights legislation in response to ICE...