Durbin opposes Rauner’s call for right-to-work zones

Posted on February 9, 2015

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin said right-to-work zones could lead to lower wages and worse workplace conditions. (Photo by B Corbin/WJBC)

By John Gregory/Illinois Radio Network

CHICAGO – U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin isn't surprised to hear three certain words coming from the governor.
 
Those words are “right to work,” an idea Gov. Bruce Rauner claims would attract businesses and more jobs. Durbin said those will be low-paying jobs with fewer collective bargaining rights, but he also admits he expected Rauner to propose something like this.
 
“It’s no surprise for those of us who followed him,” Durbin said. “He was outspoken in the primary, his opposition to workers organizing and bargaining collectively and unions.”
 
Durbin said if the result of a right-to-work law is reducing pay and preventing employees from collectively bargaining over workplace conditions, the idea “doesn’t do workers any favors.” He said the General Assembly will have to consider the kind of work environment that should exist in Illinois before taking up Rauner’s proposal.

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…