This bill, sponsored by Rep. Lance Yednock and signed into law on April 12, 2019, pre-empts local right to work ordinances and imposes penalties on local governments and elected officials for violating its requirements. It makes clear the regulation of collective bargaining is the responsibility of the state government.

Why it matters to working people.

State “right to work” laws are designed to take away rights from working people. Backers of right to work laws claim that these laws protect workers against being forced to join a union. The reality is that federal law already makes it illegal to force someone to join a union.

The real purpose of right to work laws is to tilt the balance toward big corporations and further rig the system at the expense of working families. These laws make it harder for working people to form unions and collectively bargain for better wages, benefits and working conditions.

What people are saying.

“The Collective Bargaining Freedom Act is common-sense legislation that keeps a level playing field in Illinois for employers and employees. Right to work zones will only create a race to the bottom concerning wages and economic security in our communities. This bill protects middle class families.” —Michael T. Carrigan, president of the Illinois AFL-CIO