That number would be even higher when adjusted for the latest starting salary of $43,000. Members estimate they work an average of 55 hours per week during the 15 weeks of session. Union literature estimates an analyst making 2022’s starting annual salary of $40,000 would earn nearly $10,000 more annually if they were paid their hourly rate for the extra hours they work per session week. The comp time rules don’t apply during veto or lame duck sessions, which frequently go beyond regular working hours. Burden said there’s a formula that employees haven’t seen. Burden said workers generally get one hour of comp time for every three hours worked during the spring session – but it’s unclear exactly how the time is calculated.

Members cite low starting pay and a confusing and non-transparent policy for awarding compensatory time off as primary motivations for unionizing. Speaker Welch’s office did not offer comment by publication time. “Current conditions within our units have led to historic staff turnover, loss of institutional knowledge and legislative expertise, and a failure to attract and retain a staff that reflects the diversity of our state,” said Burden. Other employees in the office, like lawyers, human resources and IT, aren’t included. Nearly 70% of employees in the Speaker’s research and appropriations and legislative units - 24 employees out of 35 - signed a petition card indicating they want representation. The group organized independently following the November 2022 passage of the Workers’ Rights Amendment, which guarantees the rights of all employees in Illinois to bargain collectively. “Unfortunately, it has been more of the same for his employees since the beginning of his tenure.” “After being elected Speaker of the House, Speaker Welch promised that it was a new day in Springfield,” said Brady Burden, an analyst in the research and appropriations unit and a member of ILSA’s organizing committee.

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