Local right-to-work idea being tested in Kentucky

[Omaha Steve]

FILE - In this Jan. 29, 2015 file photo, union protesters raise their fists as a passing car honks outside a hotel in Champaign, Ill., where Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner was speaking to the County Chamber of Commerce. Rauner has made the idea of local right-to-work zones a key piece of his speeches on economic revival since he took office. His ideas have stirred union workers and drawn the attention of outside groups that back right-to-work laws. (John Dixon, AP / The News-Gazette)


http://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Local-right-to-work-idea-being-tested-in-Kentucky-6177517.php

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Since he took office, Gov. Bruce Rauner has said repeatedly he wants to let Illinois voters decide whether to set up their own local right-to-work zones, areas where union membership and dues would be voluntary.

The Republican also has circulated a memo through the Illinois Municipal League encouraging towns to give the idea consideration, which at least two communities outside of Chicago — Oswego and East Dundee — have discussed in the last week.

Rauner has pitched the right-to-work zones as part of a plan to build up the state's economy, an angle union leaders say is misleading. Attorney General Lisa Madigan has said the zones would violate federal labor laws, as right-to-work can only be enacted on a statewide basis like in Wisconsin and Indiana, as well as state laws.

Some counties in Kentucky have created the zones and now find themselves in a legal battle similar to what Madigan warns of, being driven in part by out-of-state anti-union interests who say they're keeping an eye on Illinois, too. A closer look at Kentucky's newly found position on the front lines of right-to-work laws shows what might happen if Illinois, which has one of the country's most heavily unionized workforces, follows suit.

FULL story at link.