Lake County Court Employees Join AFSCME After 'Intense' Campaign

WAUKEGAN, IL — More than 160 probation, detention and counseling employees in the Lake County chief judge's office were certified to join the nation's largest public sector union earlier this month.

The Feb. 1 certification followed what organizers described as an "intense anti-union campaign" by the administration of the probation department, according to statement describing the efforts.

“Only by organizing did we have a chance to be heard,” said principal probation officer Nina Naus.

Roberta Lynch, executive director of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, or AFSCME, Council 31, said she was pleased to welcome the Lake County court employees to the union.

“By standing together in AFSCME, county workers have a stronger voice to advocate for themselves, the services they provide and the communities they serve," Lynch said.

The chief judge's office employees will join staff of the Lake County Circuit Clerk's Office in AFSCME Local 3182, according to the union.

“These Lake County adult and juvenile probation officers and counselors saw firsthand how AFSCME representation made a difference,” said Tracey Abman, Council 31 associate director. “When the county attempted to reduce benefits, the Lake County employees we already represented were protected. That victory helped inspire these workers to join our union.”

Clerk's office staff and Lake County Coroner's Office, which are represented by Local 2452, have previously agreed collective bargaining agreements with the county.

Four different unions represent sheriff's office employees, and some county employees in the health department, facilities and public works are also unionized.

"The challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic made it evidently clear that our voices need to be heard and answered," said Kim Spasari, a senior probation officer. "Our dedicated employees united together to advocate for equal treatment, safer working conditions and appropriate wages and benefits. ."

AFSCME already represents hundreds of other probation department employees in Cook, DuPage and McHenry counties, according to Council 31, one of the union's 58 nationwide.

An AFSCME spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for further details of the allegation of anti-union efforts by administrators in the Lake County probation department. Any information received will be added here.

Chief Judge Diane Winter acknowledged the recent certification and said she hoped to maintain a positive relationship with her recently unionized staff.

“We have always had a good working relationship with our employees and recognize their choice to be represented by AFSCME," Winters told Patch in an emailed statement Thursday. "We will work with their representatives to address any concerns and look forward to continuing a good working relationship with our dedicated staff.”