Illinois governor unilaterally weakens public sector unions

Gov. Bruce Rauner (R) takes on public employee unions — (Image credit: John Gress/Getty Images)

On Monday, newly inaugurated Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner (R) signed an executive order banning public employee unions from requiring state workers to pay the equivalent of dues. Rauner is the latest Republican governor in the Midwest to try to weaken public service unions, but he's unlikely to get any lasting legislation through the Democratic-controlled legislature.

The executive order, which takes effect immediately, will prevent non-union public employees from having to pay "fair share" contributions to unions that negotiate for their pay and benefits. The dues will be put in escrow for now, pending an expected court challenge. In Illinois, about 42,000 state employees are represented by unions, while about 6,500 of them have opted not to join.

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.