Unions Blame Gov. Rauner, Claims He Wants To “Destroy” Them
The Illinois Tollway board voted 6-3 Thursday to end an agreement that required contractors to use union labor on construction projects in exchange for assurances from labor organizers that they would not disrupt projects. The Multi-Project Labor Agreement had been in place since the 1994 and required contractors to have collective bargaining agreements with their employers as a prerequisite of being hired for projects. Union bosses were quick to blame Gov. Bruce Rauner (R), who recently said such agreements prevented state agencies from engaging in what he called “true competitive bidding.” James Sweeney, President of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, slammed the Governor and predicted labor unrest. “This is the governor’s obsession with hatred of unions,” said Sweeney, who is also a member of the Tollway board. “The tollway has now exposed itself, in the midst of its largest capital project ever, to labor actions, strikes and shutdowns.” A spokesman for Rauner said the Governor did not order the move but “believes the Tollway made the correct decision which will save tollway users money.”
What Happens Next
The end of the Multi-Project Labor Agreement means Tollway projects will no longer require union labor, effective May 1. However, the board may choose to implement union labor requirements on a case-by-case basis, which is how the Illinois Department of Transportation handles contracting.
What This Means For Small Business
Independent businesses may see more opportunities for contracting work from the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, offering opportunities that were previously restricted to union companies. With the agency in the midst of a $12 billion program that is scheduled to last 15 years, any cost savings and efficiency improvements are also good for taxpayers and road users.
Additional Reading
Other news media outlets covering the vote include the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Daily Herald.
