Institute in Rockford Register Star: Could Wisconsin’s Labor Rights ‘Ruckus’ Happen in Illinois?
Illinois Policy Institute's Collin Hitt was quoted in a story in the Rockford Register Star about whether the union battles in Wisconsin could occur in Illinois.
By Sean F. Driscoll
The sudden shift in Wisconsin’s political power following the 2010 elections set the stage for the throngs of protesters that have descended on the state’s capital this week.
But it wouldn’t take such a dramatic upheaval to cause a similar scene in Illinois, labor experts say. The state’s dire financial situation could force a confrontation even with Democrats in both the governor’s mansion and the legislature.
“I don’t think anyone should be absolutely confident that such a ruckus couldn’t happen here,” said Bob Bruno, a professor and director of the Labor Education Program at the University of Illinois. “It’s not exactly the same environment, but it isn’t inconceivable.”
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s “budget repair bill” proposes limiting collective bargaining powers of many public employees to base pay only, removing the authority to bargain over other compensation issues. The bill also would remove collective bargaining rights for employees of University of Wisconsin hospitals, plus university faculty and academic staff. The bill also mandates increases in employees’ pension and health care contributions.
Although Bruno doesn’t predict a direct challenge to collective bargaining power, he pointed to last year’s pension reform bills, which passed a Democrat-controlled legislature and were signed by Gov. Pat Quinn, as proof that union officials and lawmakers may not always see eye-to-eye.
House Speaker Michael Madigan has hinted more reforms could come for current state employees this year. If the state’s labor leaders aren’t part of the discussions — or if the results don’t follow their agenda — Bruno said he could envision the streets of Springfield looking similar to what’s been seen in Madison.
“Clearly, Illinois has a large union sector base, one that has been very active politically. They could very easily mobilize along the lines of what you see the folks in Wisconsin mobilizing, if certain legislation is pushed,” he said.
Others, however, feel the chances of significant changes to public employee rights are less likely. Collin Hitt, policy director with the Illinois Policy Institute, a conservative think tank, said changes similar to what Walker is proposing are needed but unlikely to happen in Illinois.
“The question in Illinois is whether we see action now or later,” he said. If lawmakers take action now, then the retirements of public employees can be saved and wholesale layoffs of what Wisconsin is facing can be avoided. If it’s later, then it’s going to be a whole lot more painful to public employees and taxpayers alike.”