By Eric Stock
BLOOMINGTON – Local laborers will gather to celebrate on Monday under the backdrop of a contentious battle with the governor.
State lawmakers failed this week to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of what he called the worst bill in Illinois history – one that would bar state strikes or lockouts by forcing binding arbitration.
PODCAST: Listen to Dan Swaney’s interview with Matejka on WJBC.
Mike Matejka, Governmental Affairs director for the Great Plains Laborers District Council, told WJBC’s Dan Swaney union workers are justifiably concerned.
“The motivation for this piece of legislation was the governor might hold true to that promise of ‘I’m going to shut the state down’ and come up with what they call a best, last and final offer,” Matejka said.
Matejka said the threat of arbitration will keep the two sides closer to an agreement out of fear they could lose big if they ask for too much.
“If they walk out then they are in a perilous situation,” Matejka said. “Are they replaced. Public opinion is not going to like a walkout by state employees, so its’ going to put a lot of pressure on them.”
The theme for this year’s annual McLean County Labor Day Parade is “For more than ourselves.” The parade seeks to honor those who emphasize community service. The parade sponsored by the Bloomington and Normal Trades and Labor Assembly has more than 100 entries.
It begins at 10 a.m. Monday in downtown Bloomington on Front Street and ends at Miller Park.
Laborer of the Year
WJBC’s Laborer of the Year, Roberto Avina, will ride in WJBC’s convertible during the parade, compliments of Dennis Toyoya and Ford. Avina is a Mitsubishi worker and United Auto Workers 2488 member. He is a Mexican immigrant and naturalized U.S. citizen, who has volunteered with the Boy Scouts for the past 10 years.
The Creve Couer resident recently received the Boy Scouts of America “George Meany Award” from the W.D. Boyce Boy Scout Council. The Meany Award, named after George Meany, the first President of the combined AFL-CIO, annually honors a union member who donates their time and efforts to scouting as an adult leader.
Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].
