CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – A strike by Champaign County employees is now imminent after members of AFSCME Local 900 filed a formal five-day strike notice on Monday, June 30, moving one step closer to a walkout that could shut down critical public services.
The five-day notice, required by Illinois state law, clears the way for county workers to strike as early as July 8, unless an agreement is reached. The union represents workers across multiple departments, including the courthouse, highway maintenance, animal control, the jail, and the Brookens Administrative Center.
Union leaders say they’ve been bargaining in good faith for a contract that includes fair wages and affordable health insurance, but accuse management of stalling and offering proposals that don’t reflect the rising cost of living.
“Our members are frustrated and feel disrespected,” said AFSCME Local 900 President Cecelia Phillips. “We take pride in our work, but management’s unwillingness to treat us fairly is pushing us toward a strike.”
The union’s last contract expired at the end of 2024, and workers authorized a strike five weeks ago. If a strike is called, it could disrupt essential county operations.
“We just want fairness,” said Brianna Harrison, Chief Steward. “We want to go to the doctor without fear of skyrocketing costs, and we want wages that let us support our families.”
AFSCME represents employees across nearly every department in county government. As of press time, no additional bargaining sessions have been announced.