Controversial Illinois Governor Blames Big Labor For Many Of State’s Problems
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner (R) is taking a strong stance against powerful labor interests that he says are holding back the economic potential of the Land of Lincoln. The first-term governor, who recently marked 100 days in office, recently alluded to Detroit’s calamitous financial situation in a warning to constituents: “We’re slowly, slowly starting to become southeast Michigan.” He decried the fact that, in his words, “the unions control everything.” Referring to the state’s budget deficit before an NFIB gathering in mid-April, Rauner colorfully warned, “Chicago is in deep, deep yogurt.” Rauner’s so-called “Turnaround Agenda” has several pro-business elements, including the creation of right-to-work zones where employees would be free to choose if they want to pay for formal labor representation.
What Happens Next
Rauner’s proposals have received stiff resistance from union aficionados, who have traditionally wielded substantial power in Illinois that they are not going to relinquish without a fight. The lessons from a previous battle elsewhere in the Upper Midwest could be instructive. Rauner’s activism for free enterprise has drawn comparisons to Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker (R), who survived a 2012 recall election orchestrated by unions. The labor movement was still agitating against Walker in his successful 2014 reelection campaign. As Lee Saunders, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, told reporters at the time, “We have a score to settle with Scott Walker.”
In addition to state-level policy initiatives, Rauner is focusing efforts on local governments across Illinois, urging city councils to support his plan for local right-to-work zones and reminding the most financially troubled towns that they can get out of collective bargaining agreements when they declare bankruptcy. His efforts to speak directly to states could give his ideas more traction than he is able to achieve in Springfield.
What This Means For Small Business
The strong union presence in Chicago and across the state creates friction for independent business owners. Efforts to oppose mandatory union dues and other strong-arm methods employed by big labor are laudable, but Rauner’s plans have yet to yield results.
Additional Reading
Other media outlets covering Rauner’s labor pains include Bloomberg Politics, WBBM-TV, and Crain’s Chicago Business.
