“Right-to-work for less” flops in Springfield and beyond

Gov. Bruce Rauner’s plan to force local officials and state legislators into supporting his anti-worker agenda has fallen flat so far, thanks largely to the activism of the Illinois labor movement, including AFSCME members.

Since shortly after taking office, Rauner has pursued an agenda aimed at weakening unions and the middle class, including urging the creation of so-called “empowerment zones” that would bring “right-to-work” to counties and municipalities. Workers covered by collective bargaining agreements in those zones would not be required to pay any dues or fees despite benefiting from a union-negotiated contract.

A vote last week in the state House revealed how little support Rauner’s proposal has. Not a single legislator voted in support of an amendment allowing “right-to-work” zones. Even Republicans who have generally supported the governor declined to support the idea, voting “present” instead. (Click here to see how your representative voted.)

Legislators rejected “right-to-work” even though Rauner has indicated he will not support new revenues in the next state budget unless lawmakers embrace his anti-union agenda.

Preceding the vote, hundreds of members of AFSCME and other unions had placed calls to their legislators, urging them to oppose the amendment.

Similarly, union members have been a regular presence at recent village board, city council and county board meetings throughout the state, educating local officials on the dangers of “right-to-work” and Rauner’s other proposals that would lower wages and benefits for working families.

Rauner has asked local governments to pass resolutions supporting his agenda or risk deep cuts to state funding. Yet many villages, cities and counties have instead either not acted on Rauner’s resolution, rejected it outright, or even passed a separate resolution supporting workers and their unions.

“The governor’s attempt at blackmail is backfiring throughout the state,” Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch said. “Instead, he’s motivating people to attend meetings, make phone calls and send e-mails to let their elected officials know that ‘right-to-work’ is wrong for Illinois.”

Despite numerous defeats, Rauner is continuing to push his agenda on local governments and state lawmakers. Keep an eye out for news about the latest developments in Springfield or in your community – and be ready to take action when the time comes!