Unions for Ill. public employees team up to protect benefits amid cost-cutting
By Associated Press
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Unions representing Illinois public employees are joining forces to fight efforts to cut their pensions.
The new "We Are One Illinois" coalition includes unions for teachers, firefighters, police and state employees.
Pat Devaney (de-VANN'-ee) of the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois calls the coalition "unprecedented." He said Tuesday it has raised more than $1 million to make its case.
He says they'll argue it's unfair to cut benefits after employees were promised good pensions, often instead of any social security benefits, for their hard work.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/We-Are-One-Illinois/220676357958281
