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Beginning Jan. 1, the Labor Disputes Act limits the amount of
monetary damages an employer can recover stemming from a labor
dispute, and also imposes a fine of at least $500 for anyone to
place an object that would obstruct a picket line or other
demonstration. That includes placing objects in the public way.
The bill’s sponsor, state Sen. Ram Villivalam, D-Chicago, said
it is about the safety of the picketers.
“House Bill 3396 deals with the ongoing increasingly dangerous
issue facing those who are lawfully engaging in picketing,” said
Villivalam. “Obstructing the public right of way is a safety
hazard.”
The
law also grants picketers and protestors the right to use the
public right of way to publicize their labor dispute.
Opponents of the measure argued the law could have a negative
impact on businesses in Illinois and ultimately cause them to
pack up and leave the state.
State Rep. Dan Ugaste, R-Geneva, said during debate that the
legislation goes overboard.
“I understand as far as wanting to be able to picket and
exercise their right as union members, but I believe this goes a
bit far and is creating a criminal penalty where none is
needed,” said Ugaste.
Illinois has seen a rash of striking workers hitting the picket
line in 2023, including the United Auto Workers, numerous
Illinois state colleges and universities, and health care
workers. There have been no reported serious issues with any
picket line or demonstration this year.
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