SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, issued the following statement regarding the failed override of House Bill 580, which would require arbitration between the governor and public employee unions to solve collective bargaining impasses and prevent a potential government shutdown:
“Since taking office, Gov. Rauner has sought to weaken unions and drive down the wages of hardworking middle-class families. This measure represents a fair compromise that would require arbitration, a fair and time tested process, to resolve contract disputes. I am disappointed with my colleagues who sided with the governor on this critical issue. Despite this, I will continue to fight for working families and public servants, and help them continue to serve our most vulnerable neighbors.
“Without a fair and just negotiating process, state employees are put in a difficult situation. Especially with the ongoing budget impasse, the last thing our state needs is a disruption of state services or a government shutdown. I will continue to fight and support our state employee unions and I urge my colleagues to do the same.”
(submitted by Paul Ferrero)
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