January 28, 2007
Labor in Illinois News Digest
Budget Cuts Threaten Police and Health Care Workers in Cook County
County Board President Todd Stroger proposed that Cook County release more than 100 police officers and 200 courtroom deputies, and close about 16 health clinics, in accordance with his proposed budget.—Chicago Tribune (23 Jan 2007)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/chi-070123countybudget-story,
1,283203.story?coll=chi-politics-topheadlines
OSHA Levies Penalty for Dan Ryan Trenching Safety Hazards
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (of the U.S. Department of Labor) fined a Bartlett, Illinois contractor $234,000 in penalties to for repeat violations in a trenching project along the Dan Ryan Expressway. OSHA holds that Benchmark Construction repeatedly exposed workers to potential cave-ins and violated inspections codes.--Occupational Safety and Health, (13 Jan 2007) Vol. 37, No. 3, p. 50
Proposals for Low Income Housing in Chicago
Mayoral candidate Dorothy Brown called for an ordinance that would require all residential developers to set aside ten percent of what they build for low income residents. The city currently requires developers who receive city assistance in the form of city land or subsidies to dedicate at least ten percent of units with at least ten units to low and moderate-income buyers. Brown and Mayor Daley agree that the requirement should be broadened to create more mixed income neighborhoods. Daley suggests that the funding for affordable housing should come from legal fees paid to prosecute City Hall corruption. -- Chicago Tribune (25 Jan 2007)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/chi-0701250075jan25,
1,554023.story?coll=chi-politics-topheadlines
AFSCME Endorses Chicago Aldermanic Candidates
AFSCME Council 31 announced endorsements of candidates in contested races for Chicago's February 27 municipal elections. The union represents 6,000 Cook County employees -- AFSCME website, http://www.afscme31.org/articleDetail.asp?objectID=1094 25 Jan 2007
Posted on January 28, 2007 3:21 PM