Illinois still has secret collective bargaining: Bill fails to get to floor

In Illinois, elected officials and government unions negotiate their contracts completely hidden from the eyes of taxpayers. This means taxpayers end up paying for increases in government workers’ salaries, benefits and other expenses – but aren’t even allowed to see what they’re paying for until it’s too late. Unfortunately, about two weeks ago a bill...

In Illinois, elected officials and government unions negotiate their contracts completely hidden from the eyes of taxpayers. This means taxpayers end up paying for increases in government workers’ salaries, benefits and other expenses – but aren’t even allowed to see what they’re paying for until it’s too late.

Unfortunately, about two weeks ago a bill aimed at shining a minimal amount light on these negotiations (House Bill 4268) failed to reach the floor. The bill would have allowed the public to see a contract posted online for 14 days and voice their opinion in a public forum once negotiations were complete.

The bill was debated in the Government Administration Committee, which ultimately failed to move it to the floor after it was voted down, 8-12. Click here for committee vote results.

Letting the public know where their money is going – before it’s signed into law – is the least lawmakers can do.

Other states provide taxpayers with much more transparency. Illinois is one of only 11 states that still have completely secret collective bargaining.

Source: Goldwater Institute

Other states have realized secret negotiations with government unions often lead to negative outcomes – in both bloated compensation and poorly written contract language.

It’s not fair to leave Illinoisans in the dark any longer.

Illinois taxpayers need transparency in government union negotiations. It’s the taxpayers’ money with which they’re negotiating.