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In 2018, public-sector labor unions suffered what was seen at the time as a crippling blow: The Supreme Court ruled that they could no longer require non-members to pay collective bargaining costs. 

By Ben Weingarten, RealClearInvestigationsDecember 8, 2022In 2018, public-sector labor unions suffered what was seen at the time as a crippling blow: The Supreme Court ruled that they could no longer

Labor lawyers and others say the effect of the collective bargaining rights amendment passed by Illinois voters is likely to be determined by courts and at the bargaining table.

The outcome of a vote on a state constitutional amendment that would solidify labor rights in Illinois was still unclear Wednesday.

If passed, the impact of the so-called “Workers Rights Amendment” would be twofold: The change would codify Illinois workers’ right to organize and bargain collectively, while simultaneously prohibiting any law from being passed that would interfere with those rights.

To pass, the amendment needs either 60% support among those voting directly on the question or more than 50% support of those voting in the election.

If approved, the amendment to the Illinois Constitution could chart a new direction for organized labor not only in the state but across the country.

To pass, the amendment needs either 60% support among those voting directly on the question or more than 50% support of those voting in the election.

The so-called “Workers’ Rights Amendment” aims to codify in the state constitution the right to form a union and collectively bargain over a host of issues. It would effectively prohibit any future anti-union legislation, like right-to-work laws.

Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth was in south suburban Will County Friday afternoon, urging support for a proposed amendment to the state constitution that's at the top of the fall ballot. It's the so-called Workers’ Rights Amendment that would prohibit the passage of anti-union, right-to-work laws.