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Illinois Governor Is On the Ropes In His Fight to Allow Right to Work Zones


I have previously referenced Republican Governor Bruce Rauner's attempts to allow local governments in Illinois to establish right to work zones.  A somewhat controversial proposal, given the Democratic make up and pro-labor history in the state, Governor Rauner has pushed for this to become a reality in the state.  This past September, Democrats sent Governor Rauner a bill that would prevent local governments from setting up right to work zones and instead give only the General Assembly the ability to create right to work policies.  Unsurprisingly, Governor Rauner vetoed that bill.  As has been mentioned before, this right to work zone dispute arose after the Lake County village of Lincolnshire approved a right to work ordinance in 2015 (that was subsequently struck down in federal court.)  Currently, that case is being appealed with Governor Rauner backing an appeal all the way to the United States Supreme Court.

Last Wednesday, Democrats sought to override the Governor's veto.  While the Senate had the votes to override the veto, the House fell one vote short.  What does that mean?  At this moment, the Governor's veto stands.  Of course that does not mean that right to work zones are now allowed in the state.  Instead, this simply means that the General Assembly has not been vested with the sole authority to create right to work policies in the state.  Could Democrats try again?  Certainly.  In fact, they are already planning another vote sometime in November.

Stay tuned.  I think it is certainly likely that Democrats will find the votes to override the Governor's veto.  If that occurs, I think you will see an increased interest among pro-employer groups to try and get this case before the Supreme Court.  At that point, it might be their only hope to blunt or at least minimize the impact of this proposed law.



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