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* Gov. Rauner was in Charleston yesterday…
“You know people spin this [Janus] ruling or me as being anti-union, I am not anti-union. I want more union jobs, I want more all jobs in the state of Illinois, union, non-union I want more pay for everybody,” Rauner said. “What I’m against is conflicts of interest.”
* I gave you an excerpt yesterday, but let’s return to my Crain’s Chicago Business column…
“Crystal clear, I am not anti-union,” Gov. Bruce Rauner told WBEZ in 2015 when asked about his stance on public employee unions.
The governor repeated the “I am not anti-union” phrase June 27 after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled public employees don’t have to pay unions a dime to receive the benefits from their union-negotiated contracts.
But Rauner’s word is no good on this claim. He has said over and over for years that public employee unions are inherently “corrupt” because they negotiate contracts with politicians and then support or oppose those same politicians during campaigns with contributions he calls “bribes.”
How can he say that and not want to eliminate them?
Rauner decided to run for governor after watching his friend and onetime ally Mayor Rahm Emanuel cave to the Chicago Teachers Union during a 2013 strike. He has repeatedly called AFSCME, the union that represents most state employees, “Afscammy.” One of his first acts as governor was to try to kill off “fair share” fee payments to AFSCME, which were at the heart of the Supreme Court’s Janus v. AFSCME case.
Fair share fees, which are lower than full union membership dues, can only be used to implement a union contract and cannot be used for political campaign purposes. But, Rauner said in February when the Supreme Court was hearing arguments on Janus: “One hundred percent of what a government union does is political by nature.”
* Back to the Daily Eastern story…
“I’m very pro trade union and I want to grow more trade union jobs,” Rauner said.
Trade union leaders were the first to jump aboard JB Pritzker’s campaign last year, so I’m certain they would strongly disagree. Rauner wants to undo prevailing wage laws, is opposed to project labor agreements and backs the creation of local “right to work” zones.
…Adding… Good analysis, but we’ll see if it works or not in November…
To be clear, Rauner's attempt to claim he is "pro-union" should put to bed any question over whether Janus is good for him politically.
Unions are popular in IL, Rauner attacked them via Janus, and he is trying to avoid paying the political price.
— Illinois Working Together (@IllinoisWorking) July 3, 2018
* Related…
* Congressional Democrats strategize with labor leaders to fight Janus impact
* Post-Janus Landscape: Decision will impact union coffers, membership; more litigation on its way, say lawyers
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:38 am
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GovJunk - if his lips are moving . . .
Comment by Mick Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:41 am
The Governor is not as adept at the Jedi Mind Trick as he thinks he is.
Comment by SAP Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:42 am
** Rauner said. “What I’m against is conflicts of interest.” **
Says the guy who spent tens of millions buying the ILGOP, extorting it and this causing the worst-ever damage to Illinois.
Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:43 am
===“I’m very pro trade union and I want to grow more trade union jobs,” Rauner said.===
You 1,000% can’t be pro trades… and be against prevailing wage and collective bargaining.
Impossible.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:43 am
Maybe JB and the Democrats can explain why our neighboring states are growing union jobs faster than we Illinois has had one of he weakest recoveries from the Great Recession and our unemployment is higher
Comment by Lucky Pierre Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:45 am
Just looking for enough of those some of the people , all of the time….
In other words, Rauner is hoping you’re fool enough to believe his lies — again.
Rauner really has no respect whatsoever for the inelligence of the hoi polloi.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:45 am
What a serious lack of self awareness combined with a genuine ignorance of public policy. Takes my breath away.
Comment by GOP Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:46 am
Perfidious Rex
Through lies
And treachery
Is a direct threat
To democracy
Like Trump is there no limit
To what he will say to
Swindle people.
Illinois lies in ruins
Here’s an Italian word for him yo learn
Basta
Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:46 am
Didn’t he make this same speech off his back porch at the mansion?
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:46 am
If he would have *acted* pro-trade union in 2015 he would’ve pretty easily divided the unions, gotten some anti-AFSCME measures passed, and had some real achievements to run on.
Instead, he’s making interns haul toilets around the suburbs.
Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:46 am
===Maybe JB===
Rauner is Governor now.
Any lagging, like with Quinn on his watch, is on the Governor.
Rauner has failed. Rauner is the incumbent.
These 4 years are on him.
Polling shows, Rauner is unlikable. Probably in part that governors own. They always do.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:48 am
Let’s stop being civil about lying
Perfidy is lying with a purpose.
It’s to deceive
Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:48 am
Arsenal, I think that’s the best comment you’ve ever posted and that’s saying something.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:50 am
==You 1,000% can’t be pro trades… and be against prevailing wage==
I asked my pro-union local municipality about the prevailing wage tables. They can’t decipher them either.
Comment by City Zen Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:51 am
===They can’t decipher them either.===
… and yet, it’s agreed to, and that muni is paying.
What do they put on a check, question marks?
LOL
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:53 am
==Maybe JB and the Democrats can explain why our neighboring states are growing union jobs faster than we Illinois has had one of he weakest recoveries from the Great Recession and our unemployment is higher==
Pretty sure the explanation is, “Rauner Failed.”
Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:56 am
Not just false, but Pants On Fire false narrative from Rauner.
Comment by Anon221 Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:58 am
Where did Quinnochio go? Pritzker should hire him and rename him.
Comment by Keyrock Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:58 am
==and yet, it’s agreed to, and that muni is paying.==
They really have no say in the matter. The county tells them. At least that’s what they told me.
Since you’re the SME on such things, maybe you can explain why pension costs are so high on the prevailing wage tables?
Comment by City Zen Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 9:59 am
How? Even trying to play devil’s advocate, trying to see how he could actually believe this himself, is hard here, because to my knowledge he’s done nothing except push for things that would -obviously, blatantly, purposefully- hurt the trades. I really don’t think this is just a difference of opinion or perspective, it has to be an outright lie.
Comment by Perrid Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:00 am
How is it that Rauner’s nose is still the same length as it was before he ran for governor?
Comment by JoanP Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:02 am
===They really have no say in the matter. The county tells them. At least that’s what they told me.===
It’s agreed to. It’s not that they have say, it’s already agreed to.
===maybe you can explain why pension costs are so high on the prevailing wage tables?===
Now it’s back to pensions with you, again.
I thought it was wage that confused you, lol
Like - Arizona Bob -, one note hymnal.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:03 am
This guy must believe that every Union man or woman in Illinois is a chump.
Comment by Stones Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:06 am
==It’s agreed to. It’s not that they have say, it’s already agreed to.==
Reminds me of the Seinfeld episode with Kramer and Jerry debate how mail fraud works. “You don’t even know what a write-off is.” “No, I don’t. But they do. And they’re the ones writing it off.”
==Now it’s back to pensions with you, again.==
A simple “I don’t know” would suffice. It’s OK not to know.
Comment by City Zen Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:13 am
==This guy must believe that every Union man or woman in Illinois is a chump.==
No, only the 2 out of 5 that voted for him last time.
Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:14 am
I believe Rauner’s grandfather was in a union before emigrating to America.
Comment by Jocko Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:15 am
From Radical Candor:
–Madigan saying he’s “very pro term limits” would be more believable.–
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:15 am
Rauner, pro union. Ha. Not buying it dude.
Comment by Generic Drone Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:15 am
===A simple “I don’t know” would suffice.===
You don’t provide any table to look at, what trade are we talking about, what does this job entail, what level of trade skill is needed…
You don’t like pensions. We get it, lol
===It’s OK not to know.===
Am I Car-Nac? And what specifically “troubles” you? The amount? The percentage? How it was agreed to?
See why I compared you here to - Arizona Bob -, you’re one note.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:18 am
Is he really trying to sell the idea that this is about conflicts of interest?!?!?
How about the fact that he essentially funds the campaigns of Republican candidates as long as those candidates agree with anything Rauner wants, instead of representatives representing the interests of the voters them are SUPPOSED to represent. When Republican candidates disagree with Rauner’s views, Rauner then goes out of his way (fiscally) to make it as difficult as possible for that Republican to get re-elected, even though they were representing the interests of the voters who a candidate represents (McCann supporting unions). Rauner uses money to control Republicans and he doesn’t think that’s conflict of interest… Really?!?!?
Comment by Concerned Citizen Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:19 am
Do you think he realizes yet that the Janus decision came during an election year?
Comment by Nick Name Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:20 am
These excretable lies are coming from the incumbent who carries a toilet to his campaign stops - that’s the only public service he’s ever performed, btw.
Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:21 am
Of course illinois bond values have bounced around made a bundle for Citadel, but taking tens of millions from Ken Griffin is no conflict?
Comment by Al Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:27 am
Whatever became of Arizona Bob?
Comment by Gantt Chart Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:28 am
== Maybe JB and the Democrats can explain why our neighboring states are growing union jobs faster than we Illinois has had one of he weakest recoveries from the Great Recession and our unemployment is higher ==
As a person that worked for and supported Rauner before abandoning him, I think no one can argue with my simple one word answer: “Rauner”
As to the post, I am having a real hard time finding when Rauner is completely, 100% honest about anything anymore. Seriously. When was the last time?
Comment by I Miss Bentohs Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:30 am
I’m pro-union, pro, pro-social service, pro-Madigan pro-Italy….you have all just taken me out of context all these years.
Comment by Flynn's Mom Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:34 am
===One hundred percent of what–this governor–does is political by nature.===
The governor is 100% pro union, as long as union membership has no more authority or power than a cute badge worn on his vest.
Comment by Langhorne Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:38 am
Rauner is not a conflict of interest, Rauner is a CONFLICT. Conflict to everything except Rauner.
Comment by Just Saying Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:38 am
In all such conversations/arguments, it would help if everybody would distinguish private sector and public sector unions.
Comment by Harry Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:38 am
Bruce is a proud member of the ABHFM
“Amalgamated Brotherhood of Hedge Fund Managers”
Comment by Accounter Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:42 am
If one feels the need to declare something about themselves over and over and over again, it’s usually not true.
Comment by Happy Retiree Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:45 am
“What I’m against is conflicts of interest.” ….particularly if those ideas conflict with my interests.
Comment by zatoichi Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 10:54 am
==As to the post, I am having a real hard time finding when Rauner is completely, 100% honest about anything anymore. Seriously. When was the last time?–
There was one?
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 11:07 am
==I’m not anti-union==
The mountain of evidence indicates otherwise.
==I want more pay for everybody==
Says the guy who has vetoed any pay increase bill that’s come across his desk.
Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 11:41 am
So the Speaker would have passed anti AFSCME reforms that are financially responsible?
Please show your work
Comment by Lucky Pierre Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 11:42 am
Tell us another story, Uncle Bruce.
Comment by Cheryl44 Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 11:47 am
I think the governor get his idea of how a proper “union” acts from visiting the Chinese ones.
Comment by a drop in Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 11:50 am
JB’s oppo researchers should be belly deep in the clover investigating all of the Rauner administration’s conflicts of interest.
Comment by Vole Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 11:52 am
You are only pro-union if you support and buy union built products and services. 100%. No exceptions.
Comment by BlueDogDem Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 11:59 am
“Very pro trade union”. Coffee spray. Can hardly believe he had the nerve to say that.
Comment by DuPage Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 12:06 pm
LP, for someone who constantly blames the years and decades before Rauner, you have a complete ignorance of history during those years.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 12:20 pm
===So the Speaker would have passed anti AFSCME reforms that are financially responsible?==
Asked and answered.
Also, why are observers still amazed at Madigan and AFSCME?
Madigan has a dubious past with labor. Use to google, read this site for comprehension.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 12:22 pm
Rauner to Pencil Pushers: “Drop Dead”
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 12:27 pm
,,,and with his statements, Rauner’s nose grew and grew, until it was so long that he needed the BTIA to help carry it for him.
Credibility=none.
Comment by revvedup Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 12:30 pm
He will also be remembered as pro local control — he will tell what to control locally and how to control it.
Some will remember his gambit to get new contract deals with the trades. He got that done, but went on to the right to work zones and whoosh trades and public employees both get hosed and plan GovJunk exit interview.
Comment by Annonin' Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 12:34 pm
==So the Speaker would have passed anti AFSCME reforms that are financially responsible?==
You should look up what he did on pension reform before Rauner got in office.
Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 12:38 pm
===pension reform before Rauner===
Or his attempts to stick his nose into AFSCME contract negotiations as far back as Jim Thompson, who he thought was giving away the store.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 12:44 pm
It’s incredible how clumsy Rauner is at this game. Scott Walker made sure to make no move against private sector unions until after he had (a) gutted the public sector unions and (b) been re-elected. Rauner’s already tipped his hand and people aren’t going to buy his lies.
Comment by Nacho Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 1:04 pm
“LP, for someone who constantly blames the years and decades before Rauner, you have a complete ignorance of history during those years.”
So for the past 3 1/2 years the Speaker can rest on the laurels of the failed 2013 pension bill and just obstruct and take his ball and go home and ignore the State’s problems?
that is exactly what he has done
Comment by Lucky Pierre Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 1:17 pm
Always the lies. I’ve come to the point that whenever Rauner makes a statement about any position, he means the exact opposite.
Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 1:30 pm
“The truth sets you free”: as long as you are lying, you are dancing on the strings of others, but once you are brave enough to speak your mind—rather than worry about what others would have you say and do—you can be authentic.
Comment by PlayK8 Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 1:45 pm
==that is exactly what he has done==
You really are clueless.
Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 1:51 pm
===So for the past 3 1/2 years the Speaker can rest on the laurels of the failed 2013 pension bill and just obstruct and take his ball and go home and ignore the State’s problems?==
So Rauner isn’t in charge?
What would be different in a second term?
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 1:53 pm
==So Rauner isn’t in charge?==
I don’t think you can be a victim and be in charge at the same time can you?
Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 1:57 pm
===I don’t think you can be a victim and be in charge at the same time can you?===
Depends on what audience you’re talking to and what costumes are available.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 2:00 pm
The Decatur PowerPoint haunts Rauner to this very day.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 2:02 pm
Lincolnshire
Comment by Rabid Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 2:17 pm
Was BVR wearing a chameleon costume when he said that?
Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Tuesday, Jul 3, 18 @ 2:27 pm