Some of Illinois’ largest labor unions are preparing for a fight with Governor Bruce Rauner. They’re on the defensive after Rauner talked more openly about so-called Right to Work laws.
Rauner is suggesting local governments, say DuPage County, should be able to decide if it wants to enact Right to Work laws.
Right to Work does not require employees to join a union when they’re hired. That has unions thinking Rauner is picking a fight. Jesse Sharkey heads the Chicago Teachers Union.
"I think this idea of having union-free zones is nothing more than a wedge. It’s an attempt to undo the rights of working people in the state."
Sharkey also responded to one of Rauner’s criticisms that unions can buy influence. Rauner says it’s a conflict for unions to donate to candidates with whom they bargain their contracts.
Sharkey says if Rauner wants to limit money in politics - he should start with individuals in business, like himself. Rauner’s given 36 million dollars of his own money to his campaign fund.