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Kane probation workers strike starts fourth week

Striking Kane County probation officers and youth counselors were bolstered Tuesday afternoon by an interfaith workers-rights advocacy group, Arise Chicago, at a prayer vigil at the Kane County Judicial Center in St. Charles.

The strikers, who belong to Teamsters union Local 330, are in the fourth week of a strike.

They cited unfair labor practices, and a desire to maintain their wage structure in a new contract, as reasons for the strike.

Kane County Chief Judge Susan Clancy Boles, representing the county, declared May 12 that if workers didn't return to their jobs by May 15, the county would start hiring replacements.

The two sides differ on the amount of raises offered, and on the use of a step system for raises. The union has suggested Boles should ask the county board for more money to accommodate the raises; Boles replied the county finance committee chairman said the board is not willing.

The previous contract expired at the end of December.

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  The Rev. C.J. Hawking of Arise Chicago, and Dominic Romanazzi, president of Teamsters Local 330, speak Tuesday during a prayer vigil and news conference at the Kane County Judicial Center in St. Charles. Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
  Krista Larson, probation officer, and the Rev. C.J. Hawking, leader of workers-rights advocacy group, address a gathering Tuesday during a prayer vigil and news conference in St. Charles. Larson is one of the striking workers. Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
  The Rev. C.J. Hawking speaks Tuesday to striking Kane County probation officers and youth counselors at the Kane County Judicial Center. Hawking is executive director of Arise Chicago, an interfaith group that advocates for workers. Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
  Signs are held Tuesday during a prayer vigil and news conference with the Kane County probation officers and youth counselors, marking the beginning of the fourth week of their strike. Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
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