Rauner’s “right-to-work” plan not welcome in Oswego
Gov. Bruce Rauner’s proposal to let local governments establish “right-to-work” zones fell flat in its first public test on Tuesday, as dozens of union members and retirees let officials in Oswego know they opposed any attack on the rights of working people in their community.
The Oswego Village Board was reviewing a resolution that Rauner and his allies have sent to communities throughout Illinois. The resolution expresses support for the creation of a “right-to-work” zone in the village, meaning workers covered by collective bargaining agreements in those areas would not be required to pay any dues or fees despite benefiting from a union-negotiated contract.
Rauner’s plan is aimed at weakening unions throughout the state by requiring them to represent members who do not contribute toward the union’s costs. It is also illegal – “right-to-work” can only be established on a statewide basis, not in individual counties or municipalities.
The standing-room-only crowd at Tuesday’s Village Board hearing showed that Rauner’s proposal faces strong opposition. The packed room included a number of AFSCME retirees from the Aurora and Joliet sub-chapters.
“To turn Oswego into a right-to-work zone sends a clear message to the working people of this community: your rights do not matter. Your ability to raise your family in a decent house with a decent paycheck doesn’t matter. The ability to pay for health care costs when someone gets sick doesn’t matter. Your future doesn’t matter. Only cheap labor and profit matter,” Brian Fauth, a teacher and member of the Oswego Education Association, said according to OnlyOswego.com.
Opponents of the so-called right-to-work measure received support from several members of the Village Board, along with U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, who attended the meeting. The board ultimately took no action on the resolution – though it could be considered again later.
Similar resolutions supporting “right-to-work” zones are expected to crop up in other villages, cities and counties. AFSCME members should be on alert and ready to take action if the issue is brought up in their community.
