Rep. Mike Smiddy
Rep. Mike Smiddy
A union-backed bill Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed last fall saying it would cost taxpayers billions has been resurrected by Democrats in the General Assembly.
House Bill 580 is similar to Senate Bill 1229 that failed to overcome Rauner’s veto by only a few House votes. If passed, it would treat the members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31 like law enforcement or firefighters in that they would not be off the job in the event of an impasse in contract negotiations.
Instead of a strike or lockout, negotiations would be handed over to an arbitrator to rule in favor of one side.
Rauner in a release called the bill “a second bite at the failed attempt to pass SB 1229 last fall.”
He called last year’s bill the worst he had ever seen.
The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Mike Smiddy (D-Hillsdale) tells Illinois News Network the ultimate goal is to avoid a strike or lockout.
Glen Carbon Republican Dwight Kay says this bill takes the taxpayer out of the negotiation.
AFSCME workers have been without a contract since July 1, but have continued on good-faith tolling agreements struck with the governor.
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