Check out WBEZ story on layoffs

By Kulmeet Galhotra | Published: June 25, 2007

WBEZ investigative reporter, Ben Calhoun, continues with his series on the effects of the county budget cuts. Today, the piece was about the public defender’s office. Check out the podcast on the WBEZ website.

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  • Genevieve O’Toole

    The reporter found that these layoffs were totally unnecessary. THE MONEY WAS IN THE BUDGET FOR OUR JOBS!!! Even Stroger’s administration admits they don’t know what happened. As one of the attorneys who was cut as a result of this mess, and who is still unemployed with creditors breathing down my neck, what, if anything, is the union planning to do about this? This makes no sense.

    Thanks,
    Genevieve O’Toole
    Former Assistant Public Defender with recall rights

  • Kulmeet Galhotra

    The union is constantly working on getting all our members recalled. When we know how many and the date they are being recalled, we will post it here. In the meantime, discussions with the County, management and Council 31 are ongoing.

  • Melinda

    It has been almost a month since this story and the above postings and we have not received any information. As stated in the past, I am sure (or at least I hope) that the issue of our brothers and sisters who were laid off is continuing to be addressed. If it is those of us out here have no idea what, if any progress, has been made and feel like there is little that changed since this news story “shed light” on the situation. Any information is better than silence.
    Thank you.

  • Joe Stachler

    Has anything new been heard about call backs?

  • Shelley Blair

    I, too, am wondering if there is any work being done on by the Union anymore. I have sent a few emails inquiring about the situation and have gotten pretty vauge answers.

    Right now, I definitely feel like those of us who were laid off do not have any voice or anyone fighting for us. If I am wrong, I would be more than happy to hear what the Union is doing.

    I heard that Mr. Burnette submitted for 6 attorneys to be recalled; but, I did not hear that the Union followed up on this….Also, I heard that Mr. Burnette hoped to have everyone recalled by November; but, again, I did not hear that the Union was following up on this or monitoring anything. Perhaps there are things being done and we are simply not being informed…I hope that is the situation.

    Additionally, those of us who were laid off never recieved retro checks. Again, I sent emails to our Union President about this. I was told the situation was being worked on….it has been at least three weeks since this correspondence, and I have not recieved a check in the mail or any follow up information.

    Again, I hope this does not come off as combative. However (and I think I speak for all of us who were laid off),I do not feel like any progress is being made and am utterly frustrated…If the State’s Attorneys are making headway in their battle without a Union, I would think we should be making headway as well.