SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Chris Welch, D-Hillside, issued the following statement in response to Gov. Rauner’s veto of House Bill 580, which would require interest arbitration between the governor and public employee unions to resolve collective bargaining impasses:
“I am disappointed, yet not surprised, that Gov. Rauner turned his back on thousands of state employees by vetoing this measure to prevent a potential government shutdown. After walking away from negotiations with state employee unions months ago, it’s clear that the governor is more focused on trying to weaken unions rather than negotiate with them on a fair, responsible contract.
“This measure is a fair compromise that would require interest arbitration, which is a well-respected, fair process that has worked in past disputes and, most importantly, would prevent a disruption in critical state services that many families rely on.
“I promise to continue fighting for the hardworking public employees – including correctional officers, firefighters, and police officers – who perform essential work to ensure that they are paid a fair wage and receive adequate job protections, and that’s why I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand with me in overriding this veto.”
Welch represents the 7th District which includes all or portion of Bellwood, Berkeley, Broadview, Forest Park, Hillside, La Grange Park, Maywood, River Forest and Westchester.