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Supporters say Amendment 1 aims to codify collective bargaining
rights in Illinois for wages, work conditions, and other issues.
Opponents say that the amendment would lead to higher property taxes
for residents.
The Illinois Municipal League argues against the measure, saying if
approved, it could lead to strikes among emergency workers.
"Voter approval of the constitutional amendment would preclude any
future or meaningful reform of existing laws, restrict the passage
of new laws impacting collective bargaining, and may lead public
safety labor unions to attempt to reclaim a right to strike," the
group said in a statement.
Ted Dabrowski of Wirepoints said this could change how local
governments negotiate with police unions.
"Under current law, police and fire only have the right to force
arbitration if they do not like the contract," Dabrowski told The
Center Square. "Under Amendment 1, it seems very likely that police
or fire could negotiate for the right to strike."
Dabrowski also said police would need approval from city leaders
before a strike could happen but warned that this could harm
Illinoisans if approved.
"I do not know if a city would ever agree to that, but it is
conceivable that it could happen," Dabrowski said. "It certainly
would be a very, very, bad thing for the public if the police unions
could strike."
The measure will be on the ballot for the Nov. 8th election. The
question requires either three-fifths approval of those voting on
the question or a simple majority of all votes cast in the election
to be enacted.
Andrew Hensel has years of experience as a reporter
and pre-game host for the Joliet Slammers, and as a producer for the
Windy City Bulls. A graduate of Iowa Wesleyan University and
Illinois Media School, Andrew lives in the south suburbs of Chicago.
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