House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, who
a week ago stood firmly in opposition to attempts by the largest state employee
union to circumvent labor negotiations, commended their leadership for moving
past last week and signing the indefinite tolling agreement extended by
Governor Rauner.
“I would like to commend both Governor Rauner and AFSCME for
recommitting to negotiations. It is my
genuine hope that both parties eventually emerge with an amicable agreement,”
said Durkin.
The agreement signed this week reinforces language that
existed in the second 60-day tolling agreement intended to keep the agreement
going in the absence of another agreement. Specifically, the agreement calls for good faith negotiations and
prevents either side from unilaterally declaring an impasse.
Downstate Republicans last week secured a similar letter of
intent from the Governor clarifying the indefinite nature of the second tolling
agreement; however, many view the new agreement as a sign that both sides
recognize the importance of arriving at a solution.