SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Larry Walsh, Jr., D-Elwood, is criticizing Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of a bill that would have protected working men and women in Illinois by preserving their right to collectively bargain.

“Working people’s right to negotiate as a group gives them the strength in numbers they need to stand up to huge corporations and ultra-wealthy CEOs and demand fair wages and a safe workplace,” Walsh said. “Because Governor Bruce Rauner is dedicated to an agenda of enriching big businesses at the expense of working people, he wants to eliminate collective bargaining rights. We pushed this legislation because the governor’s agenda doesn’t work for middle-class families. I hope we’ll continue to stand up for the rights of working people by overriding the governor’s veto.”

Walsh’s Senate Bill 1905 protects all Illinois workers by any unit of government from enacting local “right-to-work” laws pushed by Rauner and his right-wing allies. The governor’s plan would weaken the ability of individuals to collective negotiate for fair wages, safe workplaces and competitive benefits. Studies show these “right-to-work” laws cut middle-class wages.
Walsh’s bill is supported by the Illinois AFL-CIO, Illinois Federation of Teachers and Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois.

“Unions give workers the right to earn a fair wage, ensure safe working conditions, and the ability to receive benefits like paid time off, sick leave, and retirement income,” Walsh said. “I am urging my fellow legislators to override the governor’s veto and stand up for the working men and women of our state.”

CHICAGO – Standing up for working families, state Rep. Jaime Andrade, D-Chicago, helped pass legislation that protects the rights of working men and women across Illinois.

“Working men and women are facing unprecedented attacks from Bruce Rauner and his extreme right-wing allies,” Andrade said. “Our state is driven by the middle class, yet Bruce Rauner continues to double down on his efforts to reduce wages and benefits for working families so he can give out huge tax cuts to his billionaire and millionaire friends.”

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.

“With the Rauner administration in chaos amidst a staff shakeup and hard-right turn on policy, I expect the attacks on working families to get even worse,” Andrade said. “My proposal ensures that working men and women in Illinois will continue to have access to good-paying jobs that provide a bridge to the middle-class.”

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

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Legislation sponsored by state Rep. Marty Moylan, D-Des Plaines, to protect the rights of working men and women in Illinois recently passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support.

“As a proud union electrician, I know how important it is for hardworking men and women to have the ability to collectively bargain,” Moylan said. “My legislation allows all Illinois workers to continue having the freedom to bargain for a fair wage, safe working conditions, and be able to provide for their families.”

Senate Bill 1905 would protect against local governments 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.

“Historically, unions were responsible for our country having a vibrant middle class, and unions continue playing an important role in lifting up middle-class families,” Moylan said. “I will continue fighting to preserve the rights of Illinois workers.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Working men and women who are members of a union would have greater protections from anti-union agendas under legislation being backed by state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea.

“Over the last few years, Governor Rauner has launched unprecedented attacks on labor and the hard-working men and women in our state,” Hoffman said. “His corporate agenda will reduce wages and benefits for middle-class families, all so he can provide a handout to his millionaire friends”

Senate Bill 1905 would protect against local governments 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, strengthening 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.

“Right-to-work is nothing more than the right-to-work for less,” Hoffman said. “The middle-class is the driving force in our state’s economy, and by lifting up working families we will boost the state’s economy, creating jobs along the way.”

BELLEVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, will continue to lead the House Labor and Commerce Committee during the 100th General Assembly while serving on a number of committees that will give Metro East residents a strong voice on critical issues facing the region.

”With working families under constant attack by corporate CEOs that are trying to increase their bottom line, now more than ever it is important that we have strong voices advocating for labor,” Hoffman said. “Right-to-work is nothing more than the right to work for less, so billionaires can earn a few more bucks, and I will do everything I can to protect the hard-working families that live in the Metro East and across Illinois.”

In addition to the chairing the Labor and Commerce Committee, Hoffman is the vice-chair of the Appropriations-Public Safety Committee, and will be serving on Judiciary-Civil Committee and the Public Utilities Committee.

“It has been an honor to fight for the residents of the 113th district,” Hoffman said. “I remain committed to working with both sides of the aisle to support economic reforms that will strengthen the middle-class.”