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* Kurt Erickson writes about a meeting between some Downstate lawmakers and Gov. Bruce Rauner last week…
According to accounts from Democratic lawmakers who met privately with the Republican businessman, the governor suggested that if his policies are adopted by the Legislature, union membership will be eliminated in Illinois within the next four years. […]
During last week’s meeting with lawmakers, Rauner was told that he is wasting a lot of time and energy on an issue that likely isn’t going to go anywhere. Democrats, after all, still control the General Assembly. […]
“We ought to be talking more about the budget. Instead of traveling around, he ought to be meeting with people about the budget,” said state Sen. John Sullivan, D-Rushville.
State Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, also was in the meeting when Rauner predicted the eventual eradication of union membership in Illinois. He also said Rauner needs to focus on the state’s budget problems. […]
“Actions speak louder than words. His actions have indicated that he’s not pro-union,” Sullivan said. “I came away from the meeting believing that he believes in what he’s saying.”
*** UPDATE *** An administration source with knowledge of the meeting pushed back hard…
He never said that. It is 100% false.
I talked to a Senator who was at the meeting. “Did Rauner really say union membership would be eliminated in four years?” His response, via text…
SENATOR: Not exactly, he said it has gone from a high of 30 to 40% down to 6% currently and soon it will be zero. At least that’s how I recall the conversation going.
ME: Ok.
SENATOR: We came to talk about the budget, he spent 90% of the time talking to someone who has a 100% labor voting record about how bad labor is.
ME: So he was saying u were on the wrong side of history?
SENATOR: Lol. Yes. This is what’s amazing about this to me: there is nothing he’s going to say to me or do to me that is going to change my mind about collective bargaining and the rights of workers.
Somebody in that shop has to start realizing that’s the sentiment of a whole lot of legislators. D’s and R’s both.
* It’s little wonder why he he was booed at the South Side Irish Parade yesterday…
Union ties are strong in the Morgan Park and Beverly neighborhoods, where the parade ran down Western Avenue — and this year, it featured at least eight union floats and the Irish-American Labor Council, a committee of the AFL-CIO, as its grand marshal.
Rauner, who has made creation of union-weakening “right to work” zones in specific parts of the state a priority in his first few months in office, waved with a smile as people standing on the curb shouted, “No right to work!” and “You’re no good!”
At one point, Rauner picked up the pace to a jog — and yells of “Keep running!” followed.
Brendan Nolan, a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 399, clapped as people nearby booed the governor.
Asked about the booing, Catherine Kelly, a spokeswoman for Rauner said in an emailed statement: “While the protectors of the failed status quo will always make noise, Bruce heard from more people this weekend expressing support for his empowerment agenda.”
…Adding… A friend who was at the parade (I didn’t make it this year) sent me an e-mail today with the subject line “Rauner booed”…
Was he ever - sometimes it was union guys following him around shouting “No right to work!” Other times it was just spontaneous booing — near constant the two times I passed him. It was painful watching him walk up to groups of people trying to get them to shake hands. People are polite so sometimes they would, but so many people just looked away and tried to avoid eye contact.
There was most definitely an organized response to Rauner, but that part of the world has a whole lot of union members in it. So, much of the booing was quite spontaneous, according to other friends who were there.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 8:47 am
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“Bruce heard from more people this weekend expressing support for his empowerment agenda”
Yeah, sure he did. Probably during his afternoon tea with Rahm and the Civic Club.
Also, I thought “union bosses” were the “failed protectors of the status quo”? Now it extends to parade goers and rank-and-file union workers?
Comment by Old and Tired Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 8:54 am
“Bruce heard from more people” Add two to his list of people he’s heard from.
Comment by Skeptic Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 8:56 am
Dear Unions,
You had your 2 chances, you blew it.
Doesn’t matter if he actually CAN or not, the Unions absolutely blew this, and elections have consequences.
Every single Union member that voted for Rauner, you were duped, congratulations.
“I’m on a Union and I can’t stand Pat Quinn, I’m voting for Rauner!”
Voting against your better self… that has consequences.
Absolutely zero sympathy from me. None.
Rauner may not be able to destroy and eliminate Unions, but the unions better be in their toes 24/7/365
Rauner doesn’t want Unions around. I’m not saying that. Rauner is.
Rauner thinks workers make too much in Illinois. I’m not saying that, Rauner is.
“If we had 2-3 more weeks with Dillard…”
Nope. Unions blew it. Many people warned them, Unions waited, and waited…and waited.
Unions refused to educate at the appropriate level what a Rauner Administration would mean to the rank and file…
Rauner isn’t your friend, Unions. Ask him. He’ll tell you.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 8:56 am
Protectors of the status quo meet the protector of the wealthy.
Comment by Norseman Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 8:57 am
“suggested that if his policies are adopted by the Legislature, union membership will be eliminated in Illinois within the next four years”
And if Rauner keeps this up, I predict the elimination of his political career in four years.
Comment by State employee Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 8:58 am
Rauner is delusional, and the senators are correct. He shouldn’t be wandering the state advocating for the wet dreams of right wing ideologues when there’s a state budget to be negotiated, and a 2015 spending agreement to be hammered out.
That’s the real work governor. Get to it.
Comment by PublicServant Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 8:59 am
4 years - the length of his term.
At least he got a lot of fair-share freeriders to upgrade to full-share.
Comment by Anon Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 8:59 am
I thought it was “baloney” that Rauner was anti-union?
Comment by chi Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 9:01 am
The governor has done a wonderful job of uniting private and public sector unions.
Comment by IAFF Mike Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 9:01 am
I think the pro-union people are celebrating too soon. Self-generated victory hype may well be the eventual outcome, but don’t spike the ball just yet.
I’m not convinced the union hand is as strong as they think.
Comment by Cassiopeia Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 9:10 am
I thought the Governor was fine with people joining unions if they wanted.
The guy doesn’t like working class people. It’s just that simple. I’d love for you Rauner defenders to defend this type of crap. Come on. Twist yourselves in knots. It will be enjoyable to watch you try.
Comment by Demoralized Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 9:11 am
There’s going to be a lot of good faith negotiations going on with AFSCME this year. (S/)
Comment by Norseman Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 9:14 am
=I’m not convinced the union hand is as strong as they think.=
I don’t know why anyone thinks the unions have a strong hand. Everyone knew that Rauner was anti-union, and he won easily.
Comment by Snucka Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 9:15 am
the Gov does like the working class….in India and China.
Comment by northshore cynic Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 9:15 am
“The Unions absolutely blew this”
But they sure taught ol’ Pat Quinn a lesson, huh?
Yeesh…
– MrJM
Comment by MrJM Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 9:16 am
If people are booing him not even 70 days into office… who does everyone have as the GOP nominee in 2018?
I get that Beverly probably isn’t the friendliest crowd for Rauner, but out right boos and jeers already? Yikes.
Comment by From the 'Dale to HP Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 9:18 am
I’ve heard Rauner say on more than a few occasions that he’s not anti Union. He’s not anti Union, he just wants to eliminate them entirely. At last the truth comes out and the truth is what most of us on here had already figured out anyway.
Comment by The Dude Abides Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 9:22 am
I don’t know many “pro-union” folks who are celebrating. They know the fight has only just begun.
Comment by Demise Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 9:23 am
“I’m not convinced the union hand is as strong as they think.”
Depends on the issue. I think Rauner has an edge in contract negotiations, as I just see him having more paths to what he wants. On anything needing legislation, though, they’re in good shape. Too many Dems are too dependent on labor foot soldiers, and whatever consideration they gave the proposals is obviously over. When Sullivan and Manar are publicly against it, you know it’s pretty much the consensus.
Comment by Arsenal Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 9:25 am
Don’t blame the unions for Bruce Rauner,blame Pat Quinn. He made a majority of voters believe that nothing could be worse.Now they know that’s not the case.
Quinn was an albatross about the necks of Democrats. Now Rauner is increasingly playing that role for Republicans. When will the downstaters start distancing themselves from the Guv, or will they sink with him?
When will Jim Edgar and the moderate Republicans speak out against this tyrant?
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 9:31 am
I’m guessing the NLRB is going to be very busy for the next four years. Union contributions to Pols will have to skyrocket while Rauner will try to “bankrupt you in court”.
Comment by Casual Observer Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 9:34 am
=I don’t know why anyone thinks the unions have a strong hand. Everyone knew that Rauner was anti-union, and he won easily.=
No, everyone knew that he wasn’t Pat Quinn.
Comment by CharlieKratos Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 9:34 am
– empowerment agenda–
Such creepy Orwellian language. Oh, I forgot, it’s all about the First Amendment.
What makes a dude who made a fortune shuffling papers such a misanthrope? Much of his fortune was made skimming off of union employee pension funds. Yet he’s bitter about it.
Some of the lucky, fabulously wealthy, when they reach their Third Act, devote themselves to causes such as eliminating AIDS or measles or cancer.
This guy just wants to lower everyone’s standard of living, return to the “empowerment” of the Robber Baron era. What a thing to get up in the morning for.
Comment by Wordslinger Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 9:34 am
Dems will end up proposing and passing revenue increases, with Republican votes. Funding will be restored while Rauner will keep national right-wing credentials and seek higher office.
He will, however, start flipping Illinois state seats and grind away support for unions. It’s a long ride. Unions in this state have shown they have a short attention span for analyzing candidates.
Comment by state worker Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 9:35 am
They’re saying “Boo-urns”
Comment by Sun Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 9:35 am
I’ve been attending the south side St. Pat’s parade for 30 years and always pay attention to the reaction politicians get. I expected Rahm to get a rough ride this year given the high number of teachers, cops and other city workers who live in the neighborhood. But Rahm might as well have been the first Irish pope compared to the reception Rauner got. The people marching with Rauner had to resort to chanting “Bruuuuuuuce” as he walked by to drowned out the boos.
Comment by South Sider Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 9:40 am
You’re both dead on. The unions cut off their nose (PQ) to spite their face (their solvency). Will be a long time, if ever, before they live this down. Any union member who went votin’ for Rauner thinking she personally did herself a favor to spite Squeezy….well, you might as well just turn in your union card now and get it over with. 2014 was Civics 101 why elections matter.
Comment by PO'd Millennial Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 9:44 am
Re: Beverly
Rauner got 7600 votes in the 19th ward, his fourth best in the city after 41 42 & 43.
And he had 20,000 votes (49%) in Worth Townshipm which is probably just as relevant
Comment by vibes Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 9:49 am
===Don’t blame the unions for Bruce Rauner,blame Pat Quinn. He made a majority of voters believe that nothing could be worse.Now they know that’s not the case.===
Nope.
The Unions, by “backing” Dillard, albeit way, way too late, own the Primary loss of influence. No sympathy.
Nope.
The unions, by not educating from April thru November, the rank and file, they own the high percentage of “I’m in a Union and I’m for Rauner!” voters that, up to early October, only heard the Rauner message. Zero sympathy.
===When will the downstaters start distancing themselves from the Guv, or will they sink with him?
When will Jim Edgar and the moderate Republicans speak out against this tyrant?====
Rauner owns the ILGOP GA now, along with the ILGOP. Jim Edgar, the last week of the campaign and told me, “Rauner is a good man.” Edgar told the voters that too, Union or not.
This is a Raunerite Agenda, disguised as a ILGOP agenda, because Rauner “bought the brand and shell company.”
And he owns the Owls like Ron Sandack too.
There aren’t any ILGOP ondependent voices. The $20 million made that so, ask Ron Sandack.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 9:49 am
Are we sure he said, or meant, “all unions” and not just public employee unions? I can easily picture him saying that he will get ride of all state employee unions in the next four years, but literally ALL UNIONS seems a bit over the top even for him.
Comment by Secret Square Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 9:55 am
Will the Rauner camp claim this as another standing ovation like when he went to state agencies to talk to employees?
Comment by BMAN Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 9:55 am
Sun….”Boo-urns” Awesome comment
Comment by john Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 9:59 am
It’s too bad that either voters weren’t clear about how Rauner felt about Unions or were unable to read between the lines of what he was saying all along.
To me, his plan was obvious. If I was in a Union, I would vote Dem no matter what my opinions about social issues like guns and crime. I realize that many police prefer to consider themselves GOP but wouldn’t your benefits and the stability of the Union rise above your other concerns? I guess not.
Or is it too difficult to take responsibility for your own vote?
Comment by Belle Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 10:03 am
“Don’t blame the unions for Bruce Rauner, blame Pat Quinn.”
How much longer will the problems of Illinois unions be Pat Quinn’s fault? Two more months? A year?
This “there ain’t none of this none of my fault” nonsense is childish when it comes from Rauner’s camp — and it’s just as irresponsible coming from the unions.
After the GOP primary, did the unions’ political strategists really believe that “nothing could be worse” than Pat Quinn? If that’s true, they are fools. If it’s not true, they are incompetent.
Union workers in Illinois are now threatened from all sides. But until unions face facts and do a serious examination of what they did and didn’t do in the last election, and address the mistakes made, one of the most serious threats will continue to be on the inside.
– MrJM
Comment by MrJM Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 10:04 am
Empowerment agenda…..if that’s true, then Rauner must also be the Easter Bunny.
Comment by Jorge Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 10:12 am
==Every single Union member that voted for Rauner, you were duped, congratulations.==
Maybe some were duped, but the 40% of union households that voted for Rauner shows a real disconnect between union leaders and rank and file. Just because you belong to the union, doesn’t mean you like paying your dues or supporting leftist SEIU like “progressive” agendas.
Union leaders making well over 6 figure salaries with multiple pensions is not representative of most members. To paraphrase Orwell, All animals are equal, except some more equal than others.
Comment by ABC Lawyer Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 10:15 am
To the Update,
===He (Rauner) never said that. It is 100% false.===
Ok…
===Not exactly, he said it has gone from a high of 30 to 40% down to 6% currently and soon it will be zero. At least that’s how I recall the conversation going.===
Is this like Gov.-Elect Rauner talking with Speaker Madigan and President Cullerton again?
This time, Rauner and Crew deny the words, “100%”, but Rauner chides the legislators on the evils of Unions, as Rauner sees Unions reaching 0%…
Rauner Crew,
Is the Governor still in favor of people making up their own minds on Unions, or does the Governor want Unions eliminated, through his own proposals?
Think on that.
OW
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 10:19 am
Rauner is right. Unions can be eliminated in four years. IF and only if, the GA adopts all of his agenda, all local governments follow suit, unions roll over and play dead, and the public is silent. Not gonna happen.
What’s the deadline for bill introduction? Get that empowerment bill out there, so we can see the lineup of co sponsors, and elected local govt leaders supporting it. I am anxious for Act II, let’s get on with it.
Comment by Langhorne Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 10:21 am
OW- You are right we, the unions, did screw up. But in our defence, we aren’t a political party, with AFSCME it’s hard to hold the diversity of DOC officers (which are generally conservative) with DHS caseworkers (liberals generally). When Quinn gave us such a hard time with the last contract, support for him was next to nil. I didn’t like it, but I went house to house for him (Quinn)holding my nose the whole time. You’re right, we didn’t advocate for Dillard strongly enough. However, we can’t be criticized harshly for not being political enough on one hand and be bashed like crazy on the other for being too political on the other. WE AREN’T A POLITICAL ORGANIZATION! We’re workers who have families and struggles just keeping our heads above water. Most people in my office can’t spare a few hours to help a candidate get elected. Yes, elections have consequences. But missing work or dropping the ball in life have more immediate consequences. It’s not an excuse. I made different choices. I am very engaged. I however have privilege that most around me don’t. That needs to be factored in. The agency of “union foot soldiers” is not what people might think. Rauner may be right. We may go down in 4 years, but not by his hand, by our own.
Comment by Honeybear Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 10:22 am
===Union leaders making well over 6 figure salaries with multiple pensions is not representative of most members.===
When Rauner goes after collective bargaining, and wants wages reduced for workers, that nose that’s missibg to spite the face makes everyone sleep better.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 10:22 am
==Rauner goes after collective bargaining, and wants wages reduced for workers,==
When working dues go as high as 4 to 5 % of your gross wages for some unions, that is a pay increase. Some of the money subsidizes certain union leaders who spend more time on the golf course than representing interests of their members.
Comment by ABC Lawyer Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 10:26 am
“After the GOP primary, did the unions’ political strategists really believe that “nothing could be worse” than Pat Quinn?”
From what I’ve heard (which ain’t much), the leadership knew right away that Rauner was bad news for them, and quickly got right with PQ.
The problem was, they’d spent the previous few years actively fighting him, and communicating to their rank-and-file- who already had little cultural affinity for Quinn- that he was bad news. It is extremely hard to turn that around in 6 months.
Comment by Arsenal Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 10:31 am
I think he means public unions? Either way, he is clearly on a mission…. You can’t say he’s not doing something I guess? There has got to be some poll data that suggests this works. I am grasping at straws to understand. Can anybody be so silly to think ALL unions will be eliminated in Illinois? Not just public sector? It does seem a bit odd that public sectors have unions if you look at it objectively. Your dues help pay for the politicians that give you the jobs? Private sector unions… More power too you… But public, not so sure he would be pushing so hard if they don’t think there is a win someplace. He get’s this and Madigan get’s a tax increase? Is there any chance of that?
Comment by Walter Mitty Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 10:32 am
@ABC Lawyer,
Names please.
Comment by #5 Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 10:32 am
This is obviously part of something larger. Rauner won’t say what it is, but it probably has to do with contract negotiations and the 2016 elections.
Is his plan to simply not renew the contract once it expires with AFSCME? To force collective bargaining to a standstill by simply not agreeing to a new contract? Without a contract, I assume Rauner can then do whatever he wants to do: implement a specific wage scale, implement specific work hours, you name it. I assume that’s when he’ll force all state workers into the 401K, too. He’ll kill the union by ignoring it.
I assume this is the long game?
Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 10:35 am
My mother always told me, “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.” It is obvious Rauner has not learned that lesson yet. Rauner made lots of money from managing the state workers pensions for years - thanks to the unions. Many union members supported him in his first election - it will not happen again.
Comment by Mama Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 10:36 am
- Honeybear -
Thank you for an extremely thoughtful rebuttal to my thoughts. You have made a smart argument, and made the case inside what was going on, and showed how the herding of cats within isn’t easy.
Much respect.
To my points,
At some point, and it’s here, elections have consequences, and those vocal saying “I’m in a union, and I’m for Rauner!”, those members, refused to understand, or were willfully ignorant, to the realities of the choices. My Party of Thompson and Edgar and Topinka Unber stood Illinois in the governing. Rauner is willing to turn on Unions, and take the Owls with him, at the cost of $20 million…
…and Union members who voted…wear the jacket too.
“What are Unions prepared to do?”
Rauner is more than willing to lose GOP seats over this. Rauner owns them. It’s worth it to him. What are the Inions prepared to do?
That’s where we are, and Union members who voted against their better selves need to own, and Union leadership let the collective down too.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 10:36 am
“WE AREN’T A POLITICAL ORGANIZATION! We’re workers who have families and struggles just keeping our heads above water.”
It seems that the second sentence should invalidate the first.
– MrJM
Comment by MrJM Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 10:39 am
Wonderful clarification. Rauner didn’t say unions would be eliminated. They can continue with participation of a robust zero percent of the work force.
Comment by Langhorne Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 10:40 am
Frenchie… I really think you are saying what I couldn’t… If he gets a “win” against public unions… That has nothing to do with the other unions… The undecideds or even many non union taxpayers will support those efforts..
Comment by Walter Mitty Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 10:40 am
===When working dues go as high as 4 to 5 % of your gross wages for some unions, that is a pay increase. Some of the money subsidizes certain union leaders who spend more time on the golf course than representing interests of their members.===
Welp, when Rauner comes after 10% of your wages to “increase employment”, his will tat play, lol
“Hurray! Hurray! We got the 4-5% back. Rauner is cutting out wages 10%, but…hurray!”
Good luck with all that.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 10:40 am
Oswego Willy and Honeybear - I totally agree with the unions falling asleep at the wheel. We were late to the party in every step of the process in the past 12 months. Instead of being on offense, we are playing a prevent D in hopes of running out the clock on Rauner (4 years is a long time to play a prevent D).
Comment by Runbikeswim1 Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 10:44 am
I do know a union organizer in Chicago whose job it was to convince downstaters to support Pat Quinn last November … and every time I asked him how it was going, he just kind of sighed and rolled his eyes. He didn’t like Quinn either, though he understood the stakes perfectly. It’s tough to sell a candidate when “he’s way less bad than the other guy” is your honest selling point. It can be done, but it’s tough work.
Comment by ZC Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 10:48 am
===So he was saying you were on the wrong side of history?==
Very astute question. If that is what Rauner believes, and he also believes that no union membership is a good outcome for the economy, then there’s no working with him on the issue.
Rauner’s a lost cause, or worse, on unions. Anti-unionism may trump his concerns for operating the state well. The Dem’s criticism that he should be working harder on balancing the budget, an spend less time speechifying around the state against unions, is valid.
Comment by walker Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 10:55 am
=== “the governor suggested that if his policies are adopted by the Legislature, union membership will be eliminated in Illinois within the next four years.”===
Later clarified by a State Senator at the same meeting as “not really” said that way?
Somebody owes someone a retraction Mr. Erickson.
Comment by Louis G Atsaves Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 10:58 am
== Vibes == said: “Rauner got 7,600 votes in the 19th Ward…”
Yeah, and Quinn got almost 15,000 votes there. Rauner lost nearly 2 to 1. The fact that it was Rauner’s 4th highest Chicago ward vote total means little. Turnout is off the charts in the 19th. Believe it or not, both Rahm AND Chuy each got their largest vote totals from the 19th Ward.
Comment by South Sider Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 11:02 am
to the posters who think there is some distinction to be made between public and private unions and Bruce’s intentions, look at Scott walkers agenda in Wisconsin. Because the same national ambition, ideology and money behind walker is behind baron von carhartt
Comment by hisgirlfriday Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 11:03 am
BTW — if union membership has indeed dropped from 40% to 6% (of what? all unions? public unions?) — then why not let it peter out on its own.
In other words, Bruce, it’s doing what you want it to do. Move on. Fix the real problems. Let unions die out by themselves. Why spend time harping on the dwindling 6%?
BTW — surely that’s not 6% membership in public unions in Illinois — so it must be some nationwide number. Which is probably as meaningless for Rauner as Rauner’s continued harping about it.
Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 11:03 am
South Sider is right, as a % of the vote it was decent, top 10, but it wasn’t a top 5 ward for Rauner in Chicago. He got 33%, not at all bad for a Republican, way above his citywide average, but it was not the Loop or the 43rd, say.
Comment by ZC Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 11:04 am
===The guy doesn’t like working class people.===
Didn’t the BLS report recently that 4 out of every 5 workers in IL is non-union? Maybe if the public union guy spent less time attempting to trademark “working man” all for himself and looked around and saw the 4 private sector folks working just as hard next to him, he might garner more support from the population in general.
Comment by nixit71 Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 11:07 am
“Without a contract, I assume Rauner can then do whatever he wants to do:” I’m no lawyer, but I’ve just been reading (5 ILCS 315/) Illinois Public Labor Relations Act. From what I gather, it’s not as simple as just running out the clock (logically, that has to be the case or else it would have been done long ago.) The current unions (AFSCME, Teamsters, SEIU, et al) are designated by the Labor Relations Board as exclusive representatives of a set of employees, and from what I think I read, that exclusivity does not expire with the contract. Further, there’s a clause that says either side can terminate the contract, but only on the condition of negotiating a new one without a strike or lockout. (Section 7, #3). Someone please correct me if I’m wrong.
Comment by Skeptic Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 11:08 am
=Rauner owns the ILGOP GA now, along with the ILGOP. Jim Edgar, the last week of the campaign and told me, “Rauner is a good man.” Edgar told the voters that too, Union or not.==
Yea, exactly. When is the GOP going to “stand up” to the man who just ended 12 years of Democratic administrations? How about never? Rauner and his wealthy donors are now in charge of the state GOP. There is no other Illinois Republican with any kind of following who is going to “stand up to” the Governor.
Comment by Snucka Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 11:10 am
Where is Henry Bayer when we need him?
Comment by Ranknfile Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 11:10 am
” Some of the money subsidizes certain union leaders who spend more time on the golf course than representing interests of their members.”
Very specific charge. Can you name names, please?
Comment by Shark Sandwich Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 11:13 am
Might have been a little uncomfortable to be out of the right wing echo chamber …
Comment by The Way I See It Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 11:21 am
=South Sider is right, as a % of the vote it was decent, top 10, but it wasn’t a top 5 ward for Rauner in Chicago. He got 33%, not at all bad for a Republican, way above his citywide average, but it was not the Loop or the 43rd, say.=
The 19th Ward really is two different areas. The Beverly area has a lot of Rahm signs and no Chuy signs. The Mount Greenwood area is the reverse. People who work downtown and take advantage of the good Metra service to live out a bit from city center, tended to vote Rauner quite a bit more than the cops, teachers, and firemen to their west.
Comment by Carhartt Representative Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 11:21 am
“Anti-unionism may trump his concerns for operating the state well.”
Looks like it already is.
Comment by Arsenal Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 11:25 am
=I do know a union organizer in Chicago whose job it was to convince downstaters to support Pat Quinn last November … and every time I asked him how it was going, he just kind of sighed and rolled his eyes. He didn’t like Quinn either, though he understood the stakes perfectly. It’s tough to sell a candidate when “he’s way less bad than the other guy” is your honest selling point. It can be done, but it’s tough work.=
Exactly, I could barely convince my own wife to vote for Quinn for that very reason and she’s a public school teacher.
Comment by Carhartt Representative Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 11:25 am
I held my nose and voted for Quinn (rather, I voted against BR).
Comment by CharlieKratos Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 11:30 am
++ - Ranknfile - Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 11:10 am: Where is Henry Bayer when we need him? ++
I thought Henry retired.
Comment by Mama Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 11:31 am
=Maybe if the public union guy spent less time attempting to trademark “working man” all for himself and looked around and saw the 4 private sector folks working just as hard next to him, he might garner more support from the population in general.=
What a nonsensical statement. This isn’t an either/or proposition, union density is directly correlated with middle class income. Meaning, the stronger unions are the better everyone does.
There was no decree that some workplaces unionize and some don’t. If you want the pay raises, benefits and respect that comes with being in a union, you can start one.
Once those “4 of out of 5″ private sector folks realize that they should expend the blood, sweat and tears it takes to organize their own union, then they shouldn’t denigrate workers who did put the effort forth to get a union (and who consequently advocate for better working conditions for ALL workers).
Comment by Old and Tired Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 11:35 am
when you want to become the national poster boy for right wing republicans nationwide, these are the things you say.. did we really elect ANOTHER gov who can’t count votes on the 3rd floor????
Comment by Not Rich Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 11:42 am
++Union membership has gone from a high of 30 to 40% down to 6% and soon to be zero.++ Rich, do you think Rauner’s “union membership decline” numbers are due to the fact many baby boomers retired in the past few years without replacements?
Comment by Mama Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 11:54 am
Old and Tired - That’s all fine n dandy, but you really didn’t address the main point, meaning the public sector’s argument of “attack on working class”, when said working class under attack comprises less than 20% of the working population, doesn’t constitute a full blown attack on the entire working class.
A stronger AFSCME or SEIU doesn’t benefit anyone beyond members of the AFSCME or SEIU. There is zero correlation between their raises and mine other than I pay more in taxes without the freedom of choices to obtain those services elsewhere.
The fact that you subscribe to an antiquated point of view doesn’t make it right. I expend my blood, sweat, and tears in my job and life, not in the establishment of a self-interest group that you deem is necessary to perform a job task. And, apparently, neither does the 80%.
Comment by nixit71 Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 11:54 am
I pay more in taxes without the freedom of choices to obtain those services elsewhere
Well, I guess there are 49 other states to choose from, and 140+ countries if one is so inclined.
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 11:56 am
nixit71-
“Antiquated view?” I’d say the most antiquated view in human history is: “If I do everything my boss says maybe he’ll give me a raise/give me some food/lay off the whip for a few hours.
What would constitute a “full blown attack on the working class” in your mind? How about restricting your access to the courts if you’re employer illegally harms you? How about rolling back protections for workers injured on the job? How about defunding the labor board so they can’t resolve complaints in a timely fashion? All of these things have been proposed by Rauner.
At a bare minimum, paying working class people more money absolutely helps your local economy. Increase in demand and all that.
Here’s some light reading, since you seem so sure of your opinion: http://www.epi.org/publication/briefingpapers_bp143/
Comment by Old and Tired Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 12:02 pm
Old and Tired
Couldn’t agree with you more.
As far as Rauner’s legislation, it will be telling when the committee votes are in on Wednesday on HB2453. If it goes down, he will lose one of his chances of throwing a wrench in contract negotiations. (it will also give a hint as to how ‘labor friendly’ the Dems actually are.)
On another note regarding the contract, doesn’t the Governor have to give a 60 day notice to the union if he intends to terminate the contract? Or perhaps I misunderstand what I’ve read in an old contract agreement. Explanations are welcome.
Comment by Minnow Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 12:11 pm
Remember, Rauner stopped with all the anti-union rhetoric the second the Repubican primary ended — in other words, at the precise moment a lot of union members, particularly in the Chicago area, started paying attention to him.
I have a feeling that some of the folks who booed or refused to shake Rauner’s hand at the parade yesterday voted for him last November because they were sick of Pat Quinn (who backed pension reform) and they wanted to “shake up Springfield,” no matter who the change candidate was.
Now that some of them are hearing Rauner’s union bashing for the first time, they have buyer’s remorse.
Comment by PTR Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 12:15 pm
““union membership decline” numbers are due to the fact many baby boomers retired” I’d be inclined to suggest that it’s more the shift from manufacturing to services that’s the cause.
Comment by Skeptic Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 12:18 pm
When the contract expires, I believe terms of the last contract stay in place until a new one is reached. If state refuses any new contract, I believe mediators are brought in at state level. If that fails national mediators are next. You can’t bust a union if a certain percentage of those affected workers want the union. Someone jump in and correct me if I’m wrong
Comment by Former Merit Comp Slave Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 12:20 pm
“There is zero correlation between their raises and mine other than I pay more in taxes without the freedom of choices to obtain those services elsewhere.”
And that if you get to pay *less* in taxes, it’ll come out of *their* paychecks. Funny how that part never gets discussed.
Also, “freedom of choice” is a meaningless term when it comes to government services. You both get to vote for the government AND can hire outside vendors to provide something if you don’t like how the government does it.
Comment by Arsenal Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 12:22 pm
“A stronger AFSCME or SEIU doesn’t benefit anyone beyond members of the AFSCME or SEIU.”
I love how unions aren’t supposed to fight for their own self-interest. The whole point of democracy is to let everyone fight for what’s best for them. And if you really thought that were so bad, you wouldn’t keep whining about your tax bill.
Comment by Arsenal Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 12:25 pm
“You had your 2 chances, you blew it.”
I don’t think it’s fair to pin Quinn’s loss entirely on unions. Many union members were among the few out there trying to get people to vote for Quinn. This is not to absolve unions of any blame they deserve. Where were the rest of the voters?
At least some or many union members and their families crossed over and pulled a Republican gubernatorial primary ballot–some for the first time in their lives. Where was the help from Republicans who hated Rauner? How many crossed over and voted for Quinn–or was that too big of a fence to scale? Who wouldn’t cross over to vote because of party or ideological purity issues? I ask with due respect.
I don’t think it helps anymore to play the blame game. We are here now and have to move forward. What Rauner is doing is part of a bigger plan that’s playing out in other states. It’s a bigger war than just one battle. As Dr. King said, the moral arc is long.
Rauner demonizes and scapegoats unions, and now he wants to try to cripple them or kill them outright. That’s what people like Rauner do–assign a disproportionate share of blame to one group and paint them as evil and corrupt so as to eliminate them. Where have we seen this before?
Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 12:31 pm
Nixit71, good argument but I would respectfully disagree with you. What happens to public sector unions has a tremendous correlation to private sector workers, unionized or not. If Rauner destroys the public unions he will have destroyed really the only pro worker organization standing in his way. Public sector unions are organized (okay, I’ll grant you sometimes that’s a stretch) and financially still able to do battle. If he wins nothing will stop him and his forces from creating sweatshops, environmental disasters, lowering wages to wage-slavery levels, making crappy, unsafe products overseas. You think I’m being dramatic but think about it. Without opposition nothing would stop the greedy from having their way. I guarentee you, I understand your “blood, sweat and tears in your job and life”. Well we may be different, but I think I understand your blood, sweat and tears in your job and life because I sure expend my blood, sweat and tears in my state job and the life it provides me. I’m not overpaid. I’m fairly paid. Even then, I can’t afford a full subscription to this site. I can’t afford to send my kids to college. (They HAVE to get a ROTC scholarship), I depend on their mother-in-law to help us afford “extras” like music lessons and summer camp. Buddie, maybe we’re different but I bet you I understand better than a man who has however many houses Rauner has, is a member of a wine club that costs thousands and who formally dismantled companies, thus destroying hundreds if not thousands of lives when he took their jobs. No my fellow worker, I think I get you and have your interests more at heart than Rauner. Trust who you will. Support who you will, but I stand by the union that has fought for me. Good luck to you when Rauners “freedom, choices, and empowerment” destroy the economic foundations of your life.
Comment by Honeybear Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 12:36 pm
And Quinn was a “pal” to labor? Workers, retirees voted for Rauner because of the demonizing and pain Quin inflicted on this group. Some such as I must have thought you don’t reward that, period. Good for them. Unions should have sat the governor’s race out. Giving all you money to one guy has consequences too..
Comment by Mouthy Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 1:04 pm
Quinn demonized public workers…..Rauner is doing the same. I was happy to read in this weekend’s paper that teacher enrollments are down and schools are having trouble finding subs. Fewer people want to do this work. I am glad people are wising up. The demonizing of helping people is turning people off from helping anymore. A natural consequence.
Comment by AnonymousOne Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 1:16 pm
It seems like his math is reversed for state workers. The fair share number he threw out was 6,500 workers which is about 10% of employees as paying fair share. Perhaps he expects fair share membership to dwindle to zero as workers wake up to his agenda and become full share. Or perhaps he just didn’t do that well in math in prep school.
Comment by A Jack Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 1:19 pm
“Then, when they came for me…there was no one left to speak for me….”
Keep thinking this is all of this is about “the other guy” it wouldn’t be the first time anyone ever thought that.
Comment by Johnnie F. Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 1:23 pm
@ Honeybear, 10:22: To paraphrase someone or other, you may not be interested in politics, but politics is interested in you. (I think it was Trotsky on war, but it’s attributed to various people.)
I voted for Quinn and held my nose; now I think I should have been proud of that vote, in spite of the pension stuff.
Comment by UIC Guy Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 1:30 pm
Rauner is wasting his political capital on the unions. He has no chance of passing RTW legislation here.
Comment by siriusly Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 1:33 pm
Former Merit Comp Slave @ 12:20 pm: Again, I’m no expert but that’s how I read it too. But my guess is that our undertanding and $2.00 will buy you part of a cup of coffee.
Comment by Skeptic Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 1:39 pm
Don’t forget Quinn pulled a Netsch by actively pursuing a tax increase during an election…….
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 1:45 pm
We are learning what it would be like to be governed by the Civic Committee–Rauner embodies their attitudes and prejudices almost perfectly. Including, maybe most of all, their blind spots and hubris.
They have something to offer—the State can only do what it can afford, and it can only afford what it can collect in taxes, and some people need to be reminded of that from time to time. But there is a lot more to governing than being an accountant. They have and deserve a seat at the table, but Rauner is proving that they only merit one seat.
Comment by Harry Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 1:49 pm
@ AnonymousOne - You may be partially correct. Enrollment in teacher education and principal/admin prep programs is down and I think you hit the nail on the head as to the reason for the teacher program decline. The requirements for the principal licensure changed a few years ago and there was an immediate, substantial, decline in new enrollment. I believe two programs actually closed. The substitute issue has been a problem for 6 or seven years now due to increased background checks and license requirements. I am sure lack of respect for the profession has made an impact as well.
Comment by JS Mill Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 2:21 pm
Skeptic and Former Merit Comp slave: yes that is true that the former contract terms remain in place and negotiations may be sent to arbitration. That has happened under I think both Quinn and Blagojevich. While negotiations continue, strikes are forbidden under the contract, unless one of the parties decides to end negotiations, then a strike is possible after being put to a vote by membership.
Comment by A Jack Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 2:51 pm
When Quinn approved SB1 he guaranteed the next governor would be a Republican. What Rauner has guaranteed is an increase in the supermajority numbers in the House and Senate come the next elections; his $20M will not be as effective as many now think.
Comment by Buzzie Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 3:32 pm
What is HB2453?
Comment by dlnw Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 3:43 pm
dlnw, ever heard of a GA website?
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 3:45 pm
Sounds like his parade name is Bruce Runner.
Comment by Anon Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 6:28 pm
I can’t wait to see Bruce parading on September 7th. That should give him enough time to grow a mustache like Rich Uncle Pennybags from Monopoly
Comment by Jocko Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 6:42 pm
He’ll call in sick on September 7th.
Comment by AnonymousOne Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 6:44 pm
It’s been a long time, but I think it only goes to arbitration if both sides agree. There may be something in the contract about mandatory mediation, but again, it’s been a long time.
Comment by steve schnorf Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 6:55 pm
Bill Status of HB2453 99th General Assembly
Synopsis As Introduced:
Amends the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act. Provides that arbitration panels hearing security employee, peace officer, firefighter, and paramedic disputes must not take into consideration the ability of a unit of government to raise taxes or impose new taxes when determining the financial ability of that unit of government to pay the costs associated with those employees’ wages and other conditions of employment. Effective immediately.
Comment by Mama Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 7:45 pm
++- steve schnorf - Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 6:55 pm: it only goes to arbitration if both sides agree. ++ Both sides have to agree to arbitration before it can go forth.
Comment by Mama Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 7:51 pm
Re: 19th ward follow-up comments- yes, agree on all points. But 30+% for Rauner in a high turnout ward is exactly how he carried enough of the City (and 50% in adjacent Cook) to win. My point was that he’s undermining some areas where he could be increasing his margin by focusing simply on budget and taxes.
Comment by vibes Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 7:56 pm
== Where was the help from Republicans who hated Rauner? ==
Some of us held our nose and voted for Quinn … I personally cast my first D vote for Gov in about 40 years.
Comment by RNUG Monday, Mar 16, 15 @ 9:26 pm
Booce runner has compelled my trade union to take some prevailing wage and start there own PAC thanks Bruce.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 8:28 am