SPRINGFIELD — As a union organizer and strong protector of worker’s rights, State Senator Graciela Guzmán is proud to advance legislation that would further protect working Illinoisans, and their right to collective bargaining.

“Laborers in Chicago laid the foundation of the worker’s rights movement nationwide, and are the reason our state has enshrined so many protections to this day,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “This measure builds upon their work, and makes sure that employers are held accountable should they try to deny an employee or a group of workers their rights.”

The Public Labor Relations Act, which went into effect in 1984, establishes many protections for Illinois workers, including the right for employees to approach their employer to negotiate their contracts, health and safety policies, hours, and more. According to the measure, employers must meet with them in good faith before working on an agreement. 

Senate Bill 453 would further protect the right to collectively bargain by establishing consequences for employers who refuse to meet with their employees in good faith to bargain. The measure would require the Public Labor Relations Board to investigate if an employer truly refused to bargain in good faith, and if so, offer interest arbitration and allow parties to enter into impasse arbitration procedures normally reserved for security or public safety employees. These measures will further protect working Illinoisans attempting to unionize and fearing retaliation from their leadership. 

"When working people come together in a union, their wages and benefits, their safety at work and the quality of service they provide all improve. That's the union difference," said Roberta Lynch, executive director of the American Federation State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31. "This bill helps to ensure that, when public service workers organize, an anti-union employer can't prevent them from gaining the benefits of a union contract by delaying or refusing to bargain in good faith."

Senate Bill 453 passed the Senate Labor committee on Tuesday. It now goes to the Senate floor for further discussion.