THE ILLINOIS SENATE IS JOINING THE HOUSE IN PASSAGE OF A HOTLY DISPUTED UNION ARBITRATION BILL.

THE LEGISLATION SENDS STALLED CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS TO BINDING ARBITRATION AND IS HEAVILY BACKED BY THE STATE’S LARGEST EMPLOYEE UNION, AFSCME. AFSCME WORKERS HAVE BEEN WITHOUT A CONTRACT SINCE JULY FIRST. SENATOR DON HARMON OF OAK PARK IS SPONSORING THE LATEST ATTEMPT, EVEN THOUGH HE KNOWS IT MIGHT BE FUTILE.

SENATOR MATT MURPHY OF PALATINE SAYS THIS TAKES AWAY THE GOVERNOR’S POWER TO NEGOTIATE A FAIR DEAL LIKE HE HAS WITH OTHER GROUPS.

THE GOVERNOR HAS ALREADY VETOED AN IDENTICAL BILL AND HAS EXPRESSED HIS OPPOSITION TO THIS LATEST VERSION.