Champaign County workers vote overwhelmingly to authorize strike amid contract dispute

Public employees represented by AFSCME Local 900 have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike if contract negotiations with Champaign County officials fail to deliver fair wages and benefits. The decision comes as the union’s previous contract expired nearly five months ago, and discussions have reached a standstill.

Metro Services90% of eligible union members participated in the strike authorization vote, with 96% voting in favor.

SPRINGFIELD, IL (Chambana Today) – Public employees represented by AFSCME Local 900 have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike if contract negotiations with Champaign County officials fail to deliver fair wages and benefits. The decision comes as the union’s previous contract expired nearly five months ago, and discussions have reached a standstill.

Announced Thursday outside the county courthouse, AFSCME Local 900 President Cecelia Phillips shared that 90% of eligible union members participated in the strike authorization vote, with 96% voting in favor.

The dispute is further complicated by Champaign County’s reported $4 million budget gap, which has limited the county’s ability to offer meaningful increases in wages or maintain affordable health coverage—two core issues in the stalled negotiations.

AFSCME members serve in key roles across multiple departments, including the Courthouse, Brookens Administrative Center, Highway Department, Animal Control, Coroner’s Office, and County Jail. With no new contract in place and rising frustration among employees, the strike authorization sets the stage for potential labor action if a breakthrough isn’t reached soon.