Rauner resumes openly discussing “right to work”
Wednesday, Sep 26, 2018 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From the governor’s Crain’s Chicago Business interview…
Of local right-to-work zones, Rauner said he’d like to have “a few areas where’s it labor flexible,” such as some impoverished Chicago neighborhoods or suburbs as well as Downstate. He said African-American lawmakers should back such a move.
“Why does one size have to fit all? Pick 10 counties, and pick them in remote parts of the state, frankly. You watch and five years from now which counties have more jobs, which counties are running surpluses, which counties can fund their schools properly?” Rauner said.
“How about if we pick Harvey, Dolton, Blue Island? Let them do it. I will bring two manufacturing plants right there. You watch the jobs go up and the wages go up. How about it?” he said.
* And then he pushed the topic again later in the day to a group of commercial real estate executives…
“We should be where all the auto plants are coming,” Rauner said, “but you can’t get a new auto plant to come to a forced-union state.” […]
The governor plugged “right-to-work zones,” an idea he’s been championing since at least 2015, as one way to lure new manufacturers. Having failed to get the state’s General Assembly to take up the idea, Rauner said he hopes the U.S. Supreme Court will rule on a pending case over whether states can bar towns from establishing themselves as union-optional zones.
* That rhetoric ought to help this effort…
In what may be a first for unions nationwide, the Illinois State AFL-CIO has drafted – and is getting state legislative candidates to sign – a “Contract with the Middle Class,” pledging support for specific workers’ rights issues.
One recent signing was in Collinsville, Ill., east of St. Louis, the day after Labor Day. Similar ceremonies occurred in Peoria and the Quad Cities, with others scheduled for Chicago and elsewhere, state federation President Michael Carrigan said.
While the AFL-CIO nationally drafted a workers’ rights agenda more than a year ago and asked congressional candidates to sign on as a condition for statewide endorsements, a check of such “contracts” on Google shows the Illinois pact is apparently the first one drafted and offered to state legislative candidates.
- RNUG - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 12:55 pm:
Doubling down on failed policies. Guess Rauner figures he has nothing to lose at this point.
- Grandson of Man - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 12:57 pm:
“some impoverished Chicago neighborhoods or suburbs as well as Downstate. He said African-American lawmakers should back such a move”
That’s exploitation—telling impoverished people the super-wealthy will invest in them if they give up some or a lot of their power and rights, if they weaken themselves. But it’s to be expected from someone who filed a lawsuit against AFSCME on the first day of contract negotiations, and filed the contract impasse on MLK’s birthday.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 12:58 pm:
===I will bring two manufacturing plants right there.===
Reminds me of “If you don’t buy this magazine, we’ll kill this dog.”
- Les Nessman - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 1:00 pm:
No thanks Governor Rauner……The people of Blue Island.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 1:02 pm:
“We should be where all the auto plants are coming,” Rauner said,…”
Curious he hasn’t gotten around yet to checking out the $1 billion expansions at Ford’s South Side plants that the UAW brokered, where they’re making cop-car hybrids and Explorers.
https://www.bizjournals.com/chicago/news/2017/01/05/ford-to-produce-hybrid-police-car-at-south-side.html
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20160212/NEWS05/160219940/ford-and-fiat-chrysler-factories-in-the-chicago-area-turned-in-record-production-in-2015
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 1:04 pm:
===I will bring two manufacturing plants right there.===
… but I won’t… until…
Hostages… always hostages.
Also,
Might as well go “Full-Anti-Labor” now….
Diana Rauner got HB40, Bruce claims the mythology of Janus as his own… Bruce could use the “anti-labor” cred come the speaking circuit time…
… it’s like Rauner is playing to his first post-governor crowds… who are anti-labor… and trying to pretend he (Rauner) is/was the hero they wanted.
- Henry Francis - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 1:04 pm:
===I will bring two manufacturing plants right there.===
We’ve heard such empty boasting for 3 years, and what has he delivered? A pencil manufacturing plant creating 10 jobs (for tax credits)
I did like his line to the commercial real estate folks about wanting them to “be rolling in clover”.
- Michelle Flaherty - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 1:19 pm:
His commitment to moderation lasted what? 24 hours?
- Reality Check - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 1:22 pm:
@Michelle he’s always been clear that he only claims to be moderate on abortion, gays and guns. On economic justice issues (union rights, minimum wage, care for injured workers, health insurance, prevailing rate, etc etc etc) he’s as extreme anti as they come.
- Earnest - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 1:31 pm:
>I will bring two manufacturing plants right there
I know, it’s just a small phrase for me to pick it out after others have commented on. I would like to thank Rauner for not using the phrase “I’ve talked to” or “dozens of” or “hundreds of.” Still doesn’t make him sound credible.
- City Zen - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 1:34 pm:
“just negotiate incremental changes yourself” - Rich Miller 9/25/18
Isn’t a right-to-work zone incremental change? A small, low risk, temporary change that could either be expanded or reversed depending on the results?
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 1:37 pm:
===Isn’t a right-to-work zone incremental change? A small, low risk, temporary change that could either be expanded or reversed depending on the results?===
(Sigh)
Find 60/30 for it.
Rauner knee he couldn’t… hostages… budget standoff…
I’ve seen this movie before.
It’s a non-starter. Get 60/30… get back to me
- Rabid - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 1:38 pm:
Impoverished neighborhoods allowed to keep their tax money, not send it downstate. Make them keep your tax zones
- City Zen - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 1:44 pm:
==Find 60/30 for it.==
So 60/30 are against incremental change?
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 1:45 pm:
===So 60/30 are against incremental change?===
No.
A governor wanting that change needs to find 60/30
Oh… same as it ever was.
- Scamp640 - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 1:50 pm:
I wonder what the relationship is between poverty rate and “right to work” status? According to Rauner, there is an inverse relationship. Right to work status creates jobs and reduces poverty. I wonder what actual data says:
https://www.census.gov/library/visualizations/2017/comm/poverty-map.html
- A Jack - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 2:01 pm:
Well look at that, Minnesota not a right to work state, yet has one of the lowest rates of poverty. No wonder Rauner hates Minnesota.
- Annonin' - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 2:01 pm:
So GovJunk withholds plants from poor areas??? Very smart. Whar happened to Rev.Meeks?
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 2:03 pm:
===So GovJunk withholds plants from poor areas???===
Hostage takers, amirite?
“I’ll hurt you until I can really hurt you.” - Fake Bruce Rauner
- Honeybear - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 2:07 pm:
I truly believe
Afscme impasse decision
from the 4th District Appelate
With immediate implementation
Of the 120% health insurance increase
Is Rauners
October Surprise.
- Michelle Flaherty - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 2:08 pm:
OK, gov, name the companies.
Which 2 manufacturing plants are ready to set up shop if you get your way?
I’ll hang up and listen.
- Just asking - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 2:14 pm:
How is Illinois a forced union state? Plenty of plants here are non-union.
- Lester Holt’s Mustache - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 2:14 pm:
===I will bring two manufacturing plants right there.===
This doesn’t jive with every other statement he’s ever made about relocating businesses to Illinois. Say he gets this opportunity - wouldn’t Harvey and Blue Island still have very high property taxes? There still wouldn’t be term limits on legislative leaders, either. He has said, on multiple occasions, that both of those are reasons that businesses won’t relocate here.
Try to keep your lies at least somewhat straight while you’re headed out the door, you putz.
- Lucky Pierre - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 2:19 pm:
Aren’t the workers at a Toyota plant middle class?
Why wouldn’t Democrats support a change in approach in impoverished areas especially on the border of more business friendly states.
Because they care more about their agenda than what is in the best interests of the middle class and those that are striving to be middle class that live in these impoverished areas.
- btowntruth from forgottonia - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 2:22 pm:
Just asking - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 2:14 pm:
How is Illinois a forced union state? Plenty of plants here are non-union
=================================================
Beat me to it.
“forced-union”….he’s lying again.
- Lt. Turmoil - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 2:30 pm:
City Zen -
Isn’t a right-to-work zone incremental change? A small, low risk, temporary change that could either be expanded or reversed depending on the results?
——————————————————————————
Problem is those “incremental changes” are illegal under current judicial precedent. In fact, last year he Northen District of IL struck down Lincolnshire’s RTW zone ordinance last year. So, because he can’t push it statewide, Gov. Rauner is once again telling counties to pass ordinances that are illegal under Federal labor law.
- Lt. Turmoil - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 2:31 pm:
^ sorry for doubling up on “last year” in the above comment.
- Anon221 - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 2:32 pm:
Rauner still can’t spell R-I-V-I-A-N.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 2:37 pm:
===Why wouldn’t Democrats support a change in approach in impoverished areas especially on the border of more business friendly states.
Because they care more about their agenda than what is in the best interests of the middle class and those that are striving to be middle class that live in these impoverished areas.===
You’d think an “in charge” governor could find 60/30
I guess you’re saying Rauner is a failure.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 2:43 pm:
===Problem is those “incremental changes” are illegal under current judicial precedent. In fact, last year he Northen District of IL struck down Lincolnshire’s RTW zone ordinance last year. So, because he can’t push it statewide, Gov. Rauner is once again telling counties to pass ordinances that are illegal under Federal labor law.===
1) well said
2) you’re “ruining” some fun
:)
- Demoralized - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 2:49 pm:
The Governor just gave a speech where he said he’s grown in office, has changed and has learned. Apparently he hasn’t learned a lot if he’s bringing this up again. This is why he has failed as a Governor. He has never focused on what is doable. He’s telegraphing that his second term won’t be any different than his first. He’ll continue to push ideas that aren’t going anywhere. He can’t govern.
- Demoralized - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 2:51 pm:
==Why wouldn’t Democrats support a change in approach==
What isn’t you don’t get? The Democrats will never support any changes that weaken unions. You really don’t understand how this governing thing works any better than the Governor. You’re content with whining rather than accomplishing anything.
- Nick Name - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 2:53 pm:
Rauner also apparently has not yet directed the comptroller’s office to adjust payrolls to reflect the restored step increases. That is supposed to be in effect as of Monday.
- Demoralized - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 2:56 pm:
Nick Name
They wouldn’t have been directed because it’s not their job. Agencies adjust payroll. That being said, the October 1 date is going to come and go and there will not be any adjustments (at least as of right now).
- kitty - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 2:57 pm:
The intent of Rauner, the IPI and their wealthy constituency in terms of RTWFL and prevailing wage laws is clearly stated here: “ One battle the Confederate flag is still winning” https://www-m.cnn.com/2015/07/10/us/conderate-flag-southern-economics/index.html?r=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F
- Lucky Pierre - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 3:12 pm:
Democrats already support policies that weaken unions.
Our neighboring states are growing union jobs much faster than Illinois is.
- ajjacksson - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 3:23 pm:
The idea that so-called “right-to-work” zones will be better for the middle class is misguided, to say the least.
- Nick Name - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 3:26 pm:
===They wouldn’t have been directed because it’s not their job. Agencies adjust payroll.===
Not if the GO doesn’t want them to. That’s why I named Rauner, not the agencies.
- Fixer - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 3:27 pm:
LP, source for your claim other than campaigning?
- Texas Red - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 3:29 pm:
“workers’ rights” - I guess they mean 10th amendment.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 3:31 pm:
===Democrats already support policies that weaken unions.===
LOL, that’s why Rauner is such a miserable failure.
Rauner coulda cut a deal, got MJM to take on public sector labor with him (Rauner) and worked on things like, oh, a budget.
Rauner wanted it all. Rauner gambled. Rauner is 16 points down, with labor, all of labor focused on his (Rauner’s) defeat.
Decatur comes back to haunt again.
===Democrats already support policies that weaken unions.===
Rauner wants total destruction. That’s why you are failing to grasp the politics here.
- Lucky Pierre - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 3:35 pm:
Might want to turn down the hyperbole meter OW
I am sure a lot of hard working union workers could handle the “total destruction” going on in our neighboring states that are growing union jobs faster than Illinois is
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 3:38 pm:
===I am sure a lot of hard working union workers could handle the “total destruction” going on in our neighboring states that are growing union jobs faster than Illinois is===
… and yet, Labor is in lock step opposed to Rauner… and untied… trades and public sector… unlike any recent time.
Hyperbole? You go with that.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 3:44 pm:
===I am sure a lot of hard working union workers could handle the “total destruction” going on in our neighboring states that are growing union jobs faster than Illinois is===
After ending prevailing wage and collective bargaining, what’s left? That’s not total destruction?
lol
- RNUG - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 3:46 pm:
Rauner covered experimental RTW counties as part of his presentation to RSEA today. Claimed we would already have a Honda plant here if RTW existed, along with a GE plant. And I don’t remember him laughing when saying it.
Rich also got a mention for his $11B estimate of new spending by JB.
FWIW, Rauner wore a sport coat but no tie. He also sounded quite moderate and reasonable on almost everything. Only mentioned MJM by name 4 times in about 40 minutes, although he did get in a few more references to the Chicago machine, corruption, and property taxes.I didn’t do any real-time fact checking, but I know he had a few questionable claims and statements on various issues. He even claimed he supported unions and union bargaining (banned punctuation).
Heck, he was moderate enough sounding I might have even been persuaded to vote for him if I didn’t know his record from the past 3 years.
- City Zen - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 3:51 pm:
==Well look at that, Minnesota not a right to work state, yet has one of the lowest rates of poverty.==
Minnesota is also of the least diverse states. What exactly are you implying?
- Tired Teacher - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 3:53 pm:
Name one right to work state where wages actually went up with good jobs. Right to work = right to pay workers as little as possible to gain profits for business elites. No wonder Rauner likes it.
- A Jack - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 4:52 pm:
I am implying that Rauner’s claim that RTW reduces poverty is false. What exactly are you implying?
- Lucky Pierre - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 4:58 pm:
Name one right to work state where wages actually went up with good jobs. Right to work = right to pay workers as little as possible to gain profits for business elites. No wonder Rauner likes it.
Every state is listed, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa and Kentucky all saw higher wage growth than Illinois
Fascinating how growing economies create upward pressure on the cost of labor
https://www.ncci.com/Articles/Pages/II_Insights_QEB_Employment-Wage-Growth-Q4-2017.aspx
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 5:05 pm:
“Lucky Pierre”
… and yet, Labor is in lock step opposed to Rauner… and untied… trades and public sector… unlike any recent time.
Why can’t Rauner get 60/30?
Rauner not in charge?
What would be different in a second term?
Rauner’s failure with labor was Decatur. What a waste.
- ajjacksson - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 5:06 pm:
You can talk about “wage growth” if you want. I have relatives in Indiana. There’s no way their wages are as good as Illinois. No way.
- Chicago 20 - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 5:12 pm:
Indy Star
Why a report calls Indiana a ‘Southern state’ after examining certain economic indicators
https://amp.indystar.com/amp/1139061002
- Demoralized - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 5:13 pm:
LP
Right to work isn’t happening here. What is it about that you and the Governor don’t get. You seem to think if you yell it loud enough it’s going to change anything.
You just don’t get it.
- Chicago 20 - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 5:17 pm:
Study finds Indiana common construction wage repeal reduced worker pay, didn’t save money on public works projects
https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/study-finds-indiana-common-construction-wage-repeal-reduced-worker-pay/article_e6769190-7574-5fa8-8bcb-f89c8f109cd2.amp.html
- Chicago 20 - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 5:25 pm:
Analyst Finds Gov. Scott Walker May Have Cost Wisconsin 80,000 Jobs
http://www.wuwm.com/post/analyst-finds-gov-scott-walker-may-have-cost-wisconsin-80000-jobs#stream/0
- Chicago 20 - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 5:58 pm:
Another reason Rauner is a failed Governor and Snake Oil Huckster.
Rauner is again re-hashing failed policy programs.
Rauner continues to push failed labor policies for the sole purpose of reducing workers wages which Rauner hopes in turn will defund political donations to elected officials who fight for people who actually work for a living.
- A Jack - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 6:05 pm:
Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama have been right to work for more than fifty years, yet are decades behind Illinois as far as poverty rates go.
I bet Rauner hates when actual statistics prove him wrong.
- RNUG - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 6:09 pm:
Rauner was clear today he wouldn’t come after existing retirees (if you believe him).
But Rauner also spoke to pensions for current workers. He wants to freeze what is already earned to date and change things going forward using a consideration model. Didn’t get the opportunity to ask;for details (all questions had to be submitted and screened in advance) but it was vague if it would be voluntary.
- Steve Polite - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 6:33 pm:
Honey Bear,
With all due respect, I listened to the oral arguments of the impasse case.
https://tinyurl.com/y9mgosw8
(Oral Arguments audio)
Most importantly either side can appeal the court’s decision to the supreme court.
I think the administration is going to lose this case. However, even if the court issues its decision that we are at impasse, AFSCME will immediately appeal to the supreme court delaying implementation. Rauner’s LBFO will not be implemented in October. In fact because of the timing, it probably won’t be implemented this year even if he were to eventually win in court.
- Yu2 - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 7:01 pm:
Race to the bottom
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 8:11 pm:
Rauner’s lack of respect for African Americans is not racist; he has contempt for all working people.
- Chicago 20 - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 8:43 pm:
- “ which counties can fund their schools properly?” Rauner said.”
Rauner needs to read the State of Illinois Constitution on whose responsibility it is to properly fund Illinois schools.
“The State shall provide for an efficient system of high quality public educational institutions and services. … There may be such other free education as the General Assembly provides by law. The State has the primary responsibility for financing the system of public education.” (Source: Illinois Constitution.)
Illinois Constitution - Article X - Illinois General …
ILGA.gov › commission › lrb › con10
- Anon - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 9:08 pm:
I’ll be glad when that bum is out of office
- Honeybear - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 11:03 pm:
Steve Polite- thanks for responding. I was in the courtroom in St. Clair Co. the day AFSCME got a stay to stop Rauner implementing the contract. Rauner pounded us for two weeks because the ILRB didn’t issue the written ruling. Thus we had nothing to appeal with.
My fear is that the same tactic will be used. I fear the insurance change is locked and loaded, ready to go. He has only to get the ruling at it’s done and implemented.
Rauner already disregards the courts and the law. Our Steps are the perfect example. He is already in contempt. 3 courts affirmed the wage theft. He doesn’t care about the law.
I have every belief that we will win because
we were not at impasse.
I hope to God I’m wrong. But I think it might be what he has up his sleeve.
I hope you’re right.
Rauners perfidy know no bounds
- regnaD kciN - Wednesday, Sep 26, 18 @ 11:27 pm:
If I remember correctly, when there were 177 members of the House and George Ryan was Speaker, Cal Skinner pushed to vote on right to work legislation. It got two yea votes. As others have noted before, there is no way right to work will pass in this state. If they couldn’t pass it then when they had more cover, they couldn’t pass it now.
- Ian R - Thursday, Sep 27, 18 @ 5:46 am:
The above mentions a pending case to the Supreme Court on a state’s right to prohibit “union optional zones.” Anyone know the cases name?
- Rabid - Thursday, Sep 27, 18 @ 8:16 am:
Koch prodigy thought term limits kept job creators away, but he was wrong it’s unions
- Da Big Bad Wolf - Thursday, Sep 27, 18 @ 9:54 am:
==”We should be where all the auto plants are coming,” Rauner said, “but you can’t get a new auto plant to come to a forced-union state.”==
Why “forced union state”? People have the right to vote on being represented by collective bargaining anywhere in the U.S. That’s called democracy.
If I want collective bargaining at my job and I vote and don’t win, I am being forced to not have collective bargaining.
- Chappy - Friday, Sep 28, 18 @ 1:27 pm:
Rauner is another GOP elitist who wants nothing more than to exploit everyday working folks (like Trump) and grow his treasure and that of his elitist friends. Unions are the last thing that stands up for workers and that’s a road block for him.