Gov. Bruce Rauner's executive order blocks a state law that forces non-union state employees to pay "fair share" fees. (Photo courtesy IOCI Media Services)
By Illinois News Network
SPRINGFIELD – A group of labor unions have filed suit against the state arguing the governor’s executive order on union dues is “patently illegal,” but Gov. Bruce Rauner's office says they’ve always expected the court action.
One of Rauner’s first actions as the state’s new executive was to hold the so-called “fair share” dues in escrow pending a legal decision, claiming it was a violation of the workers’ First Amendment rights to force the payment to the unions.
The Chicago Tribune reports 26 labor unions filed the suit in circuit court asking the judiciary to restore their access to the fees. Rauner’s office says the forced union dues are a critical cog in the corrupt bargain that is crushing taxpayers. The message from Rauner’s office also says the unions will do anything to keep the broken status quo.
After signing the executive order earlier this year, Rauner said he wants the U.S. Supreme Court to make the ultimate decision on what he characterized as “unfair share.”
