Current news on asup strike

As of my knowledge cutoff, here are some recent updates on the ASU (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) strike:

Latest Developments:

  1. Ongoing Strike: The ASU strike, which began on June 10, 2022, is still ongoing. Over 30,000 AFSCME members, including healthcare workers, corrections officers, and public employees, are participating in the strike.
  2. Negotiations: The union and the state of Arizona have been negotiating since the strike began. While there have been some progress, the two sides are still far apart on key issues, including wages, benefits, and working conditions.
  3. Community Support: The strike has received widespread support from the community, with many local businesses, organizations, and individuals showing solidarity with the striking workers.
  4. Impact on Services: The strike has resulted in disruptions to various state services, including healthcare, corrections, and public transportation. Some facilities have been forced to close or operate with reduced staff, while others have implemented contingency plans to minimize the impact.

Recent Updates:

  1. June 24: The Arizona Department of Corrections reported that 12 facilities were affected by the strike, with some inmates being transferred to other facilities to maintain operations.
  2. June 22: The Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association (AzHHA) announced that some hospitals were experiencing staffing shortages due to the strike, which could impact patient care.
  3. June 20: The City of Phoenix announced that it would be implementing a contingency plan to maintain public services, including trash collection and emergency response.
  4. June 17: The Arizona Education Association (AEA) expressed support for the striking workers, stating that they were "standing in solidarity with our colleagues who are fighting for fair wages, benefits, and working conditions."

Key Issues:

  1. Wages: The union is seeking a 20% wage increase over three years, while the state is offering a 10% increase over five years.
  2. Benefits: The union is pushing for improved health insurance benefits, including lower copays and deductibles.
  3. Working Conditions: The union is seeking better working conditions, including reduced workload, improved staffing ratios, and enhanced safety measures.

Please note that the situation is constantly evolving, and I recommend checking reputable news sources for the latest updates on the ASU strike.