Unions protest Rauner in Champaign

Posted on January 30, 2015

Gov. Bruce Rauner encountered protestors during a speech in Champaign on Thursday. (Photo courtesy Bruce Rauner)

By Illinois News Network

CHAMPAIGN – Unions protesting Illinois’ new governor say he's bad for the state, but Gov. Bruce Rauner said he’s being wrongly characterized as anti-union.

During a presentation in Champaign at the I Hotel Conference Center Thursday, Rauner talked about ensuring money for universities, and in particular the University of Illinois, doesn't get lost in the bureaucracy and stays in the classrooms. But Rauner's desires to strengthen the state’s higher education system was overshadowed by protesters outside the presentation reacting to his call for employee empowerment zones.
 
After the presentation Rauner said he's not anti-union.
 
"People try to spin me as anti-union," Rauner said. "What I believe is workers should be able to be empowered to decide for themselves whether to join a unit or not. That's the American way. I believe that's a fundamental right"

Rauner added that local voters should decide the issue, not the state.

An official proposal for the so-called right to work zones has not been filed. The governor is set to give his State of the State speech Wednesday in Springfield.

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…