Labor unions are going on the road to make their case against Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner’s pro-business agenda. The latest in a series of events took place in Springfield. IPR's Brian Mackey has more.
For months, Rauner has been pushing proposals he says would improve Illinois’ economy - such as by lowering the cost of workers’ compensation insurance and restricting lawsuits. But the governor is also pushing to weaken labor unions - like by creating right-to-work zones. Several union leaders and members held an event at a Springfield church to voice their concerns. Andrew Fuchs has been a union plumber for 19 years.
“The unions are not the problem with the economy in this state. … I have a hard time believing anybody that’s a working person would not support unions."
For his part, Rauner says Illinois cannot afford to maintain its social safety net without making the state more attractive to business.