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Illinois DMV workers ready to strike Aug. 16

State employees of the Department of Motor Vehicles have been working without a contract since June 30 and rejected a 1.7 percent in pay over a four-year period, giving union members the power to strike after Aug. 16.

The new wage package that was rejected by 92 percent of rank and file members also included an increase in health care, co-pay and medication. Employees can't afford the changes.

"The changes that were made this time were drastic and we cannot afford them," said Michelle Barnhart, a spokeswoman with the Service Employees International Union.

In many cases, co-pay is doubling and SEIU employees can't afford the changes. The DMV is the lowest paid state department in Illinois and takes employees 14 years to make $30,000 a year, while some agencies start at that amount.

One employee Barnhart spoke of has been working for the DMV for six years and recently had a baby and is now on state assistance. This is only one of many cases of poverty within the DMV.

State agencies work in steps or anniversary increases. Most agencies have seven steps to reach maximum pay. The Illinois Federation of Teachers has 14 steps, and the SEIU has 22 steps or years to reach maximum pay.

"I think before, the union was taken advantage of," Barnhart said. "This year, that is going to end."

Barnhart said what many people do not realize is the fee increases in license plate and title registration did not go to the Illinois Secretary of State's Office and employees of the state. The funds actually go to the general revenue funds.

"The Secretary of State is the third largest source of revenue for the state," Barnhart said."Their employees shouldn't have to work for 14 years to make $30,000 a year."

Dave Druker, a spokesperson for Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, said the vote to strike was more a method of negotiation, but discussions are ongoing and they are working to improve their offers in hopes of avoiding a strike.

"We respect the job they do," said Druker, "but we are dealing with the taxpayers' money and we have to be as prudent as possible."

They didn't have a budget to work with until last Sunday, Druker said.

Druker said until 1999, when White took office, starting pay for DMV employees was only $17,000. It is now $22,000.

The next meeting for negotiations is set for Aug. 11 and a federal mediator will be brought into the discussions.