June 6, 2006
Mr. Rod R. Blagojevich
Governor of Illinois
Office of the Governor
207 State House
Springfield, Illinois 62706
Re: AFSCME (the union) v. Gateway Foundation
Sheridan Correctional Center
Mr. Blagojevich:
On May 1, 2006 I began working for Gateway Foundation (Gateway) as a Counselor III at Sheridan Correctional Center (Sheridan). I was hired by Gateway in May 2005. It took me a year of writing letters to you and the Director of the Illinois Department of Corrections, Mr. Roger E. Walker Jr. to get the Illinois Department of Corrections to allow me access to the Correctional Center.
On June 6, 2006 Gateway employee “union” members of AFSCME decided to go on a strike, stopping their employment with Gateway and Sheridan Correctional Center. I am not a member of this union. Technically, this union does not exist. They are in the bargaining stages with Gateway. There is no union contract between Gateway and AFSCME. Nevertheless, I am not a member of this “union.” I decided I was going to work on June 6, 2006.
On June 5, 2006 I received a call from my superiors stating the Warden of Sheridan decided all “probationary” employees of Gateway would not be allowed in the institution during the strike. This is absurd.
Sir, it appears Sheridan has aligned itself with AFSCME. I believe Sheridan should be a “neutral” partner to Gateway and AFSCME in the bargaining stages and when and if a contract manifest itself. Sheridan should not take a position aligning itself with the union and against Gateway. This takes away from the bargaining processes of the union and Gateway creating disparities. The action taken by Sheridan and Warden is discriminatory.
I need to work. I am not a member of this union. I am not striking. I should be allowed to feed and take care of my family. I have a choice here. There is no reason why Sheridan should disallow access to those Gateway employees who decide to cross the “picket” line. Other Gateway employees are allowed to cross the “picket” line. How can the State of Illinois justify its participation in preventing employees from crossing picket lines? Apparently, there is no danger if some Gateway employees are allowed to cross the picket lines. The State of Illinois cannot take a position determining whether “probationary” employees meet any criteria for non-striking employees, especially when the employees are not State employees, as defined by the State of Illinois.
In May of 2006 I reported to my superiors a phone call I received from Mr. John DiNicola, Staff Representative, AFSCME, Council 31, 29 North Wacker Drive, Suite 800, Chicago, Illinois 60606. I reported Mr. DiNicola threatened me suggesting consequences if I did not join the “union” in their activities of striking. I suggest the consequences Mr. DiNicola alleged are manifesting themselves.
On May 19, 2006 I received a letter at my home from AFSCME suggesting their strike and the bargaining processes they have incurred, before I became an employee of Gateway. I decided I would not take part in a strike against Gateway. I do not agree with a lot of their issues against Gateway. Sheridan is forcing me to take part in this strike.
Therefore, I am requesting an investigation from Mr. James A. Wright, Executive Inspector General for the Office of Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor into this matter of Sheridan preventing Gateway employees access to the Correctional Center who have decided not to strike.
Sheridan should not be engaged in choosing sides during this bargaining process between Gateway and AFSCME. Sheridan should not align itself with AFSCME against Gateway during the bargaining process. This alignment negates all good faith bargaining. Sheridan’s alignment appears to suggest a breach of contract.
Gateway is in the business of helping people through their addictions. I am dedicated to this cause.
I want to work. I do not want to strike. I believe this is my right. Please allow me to work to support my family.
Thank you.
Fred L Nance Jr., ABD, MA, CADC, NCRS
cc: Rod R. Blagojevich, Governor of Illinois (fax copies of this letter sent to Chicago and Springfield Offices)
Roger E. Walker Jr., Director of the Illinois Department of Corrections (fax copy only of this letter)
http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/ C.L.I.C.K. for Justice and Equality
Gregg Dockins, Director Gateway Foundation Sheridan Correctional Center (fax)
