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House Bill 3369 seeks to amend the Labor Dispute Act to make it
a Class A misdemeanor with a minimum fine of $500 for such
interference. The measure passed the House Wednesday and arrived
in the Senate Thursday.
The bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, said the
bill also would make it illegal to place objects in the public
way.
“Unscrupulous employers, or people that are part of the strike,
will fill up the public right-of-way with debris in order to
keep us from being there,” Yednock said.
Yednock said he knew of one instance last summer where an
employer filled the right-of-way with rocks and horse manure to
impede picketers.
State Rep. Dan Ugaste, R-Geneva, said the legislation is too
vague and could result in consequences for someone who simply
talks with a protestor.
“I understand what he’s saying as far as wanting to be able to
picket and exercise their rights as union members, but I believe
this goes a bit far and is creating a criminal penalty where
none is needed,” Ugaste said.
During debate, state Rep. Patrick Windhorst, R-Harrisburg,
wanted to know why this penalty enhancement legislation was
being brought up for a vote, but GOP measures enhancing
penalties in other instances didn't make it to the floor,
including penalties for striking a doctor or a DCFS worker.
“If we’re not going to allow penalty enhancements, let’s not
allow them,” Windhorst said. “I instead believe if we are going
to have penalty enhancements for one side, our side should be
able to put those forward, allow for debate and discussion in
committee, and allow for votes. That is the proper way to do
this.”
Kevin Bessler reports on statewide issues in
Illinois for the Center Square. He has over 30 years of
experience in radio news reporting throughout the Midwest.
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