D’Amico Stands Up for Working Families, Helps Pass Workers’ Rights Measure

CHICAGO – State Rep. John D’Amico, D-Chicago, helped pass legislation that works to protect the rights of working men and women across Illinois.

“Bruce Rauner and his extreme-right, millionaire allies are making unprecedented attacks against working families in Illinois,” D’Amico said. “This governor has been trying to maximize profits for the one-percent by driving down wages and benefits for working people.”

D’Amico’s Senate Bill 1905 would prevent local governments from enacting “right to work” ordinances within their limits. “Right to work” is a term used to describe laws that seek to weaken unions, typically trade unions that represent men and women who build roads and maintain infrastructure. Because of the protections of trade unions, the men and women who work in construction have good-paying jobs and are able to support their families and be members of the middle class. “Right to work” laws are typically supported by major business interests who would be able to expand their profits if given the ability to pay their employees a greatly reduced salary.

“Unions have been key to building a strong middle-class in America,” D’Amico said. “Illinois workers should have the right to negotiate fair wages and quality health care, so that they can provide for their families.”

Senate Bill 1905 passed the House and Senate and is awaiting further action by the governor.