Labor leaders say Illinois under attack by Rauner - Quad-Cities Online: Local

 

ROCK ISLAND -- Gov. Bruce Rauner is attacking the middle class and those without a voice, according to labor leaders at a Monday night program.

Dr. Christopher Whitt, chairman of the political science department at Augustana College, moderated the Quad City Federation of Labor program, "Communities Under Attack," at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, 630 9th St., Rock Island.

"We want to have strong communities," Dr. Whitt said. "We're seeing cuts to education, seeing cuts to many other elements of day-to-day life for average Americans."

About 80 people attended the event, including Marshall Douglas, treasurer of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, Rock Island, who said there are serious deficiencies in Illinois' public works and infrastructure -- much of it due to the lack of a state budget.

"It's no joke," he said. "When you drive down the streets, show me a smooth street or highway where you're not taking a beating."

Mr. Douglas said Gov. Rauner's anti-union positions, such as opposing existing prevailing wage laws, would hurt the middle class.

"Without a prevailing wage, it would open up a door for cheap out-of-state workers to come right into our communities like they do in Davenport and Bettendorf right now," Mr. Douglas said. "That means they can pay a minimum wage for a highly-skilled construction worker with at least a four-year apprenticeship and certifications to back up those apprenticeships."

Carlene Erno, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 2615, said Gov. Rauner and the Illinois General Assembly, "are playing games with people's lives through politics. Ms. Erno works for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

"It's really breaking the unions," she said. "I do have to say, for one thing, he's not a lying politician. He's doing exactly what he said he was going to do."

If Illinois continues without a budget, it will have a ripple effect on the state's seniors, said Mike Malmstrom, president of the QC Alliance for Retired Americans.

"I don't think there is a total disconnect with the governor," Mr. Malmstrom said. "I personally believe Mr. Rauner doesn't care."

Labor leaders say Illinois under attack by Rauner - Quad-Cities Online: Local