By BOB OKON - bokon@shawmedia.com
JOLIET – Mayor-elect Bob O'Dekirk criticized Gov. Bruce Rauner's proposal for so-called right-to-work zones, saying it would hurt Joliet and Will County.
O'Dekirk said Wednesday that because of the area's strong union tradition, it would likely be hurt if other communities could put into place right-to-work zones.
"Will County and Joliet is a strong union community,"
O'Dekirk said. "I would see Will County and Joliet put at a disadvantage, given the history of unions in this area."
O'Dekirk said Illinois communities that establish right-to-work zones could use them to draw companies and jobs away from those who do not.
Rauner's proposal is to let local communities opt for "Right to Work" laws that bar unions from negotiating contracts that require all employees in a workplace to join a union.
The governor was in Joliet in March making his case for local right-to-work zones.
On Wednesday, Rauner's office issued a statement saying local communities should decide the issue and, "If Joliet voters want to allow unions, the governor has not issue with that. He just wants them to have a choice."
O'Dekirk's comments came after he issued a statement Tuesday that said Rauner's proposal is "anti-worker" and dividing Illinois.
"I will be glad to join Gov. Bruce Rauner in any economic development efforts that recognize the rights of labor unions to operate and so would labor union members who want more job opportunities, but Rauner needs to stop the anti-worker rhetoric that is dividing our efforts to revitalize the state and local economy," O'Dekirk said in the statement.
He also said Rauner had "toned down his anti-union rhetoric to get elected" and said the governor's comments since the election show "he would prefer that Illinois workers have no right to organize."
O'Dekirk was elected April 7 and takes office May 4.
Bob O'Dekirk blasts Gov. Bruce Rauner on right-to-work zones | The Herald-News
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