The television show “The Office” often found humor in workplace settings. But sometimes there can be pressure or coercion, something a proposed state law would work to address.
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We have all heard of the infamous “union busting” campaigns used by anti-union consultants and attorneys to coerce, intimidate and scare workers out of a union drive. What if we told you these meetings are not just restricted to unions but impact all workers?
Even in worker-friendly Illinois, employers have tremendous power and can discipline employees for declining to participate in non-work-related meetings that discuss politics or religion.
Particularly vulnerable to such coercion are Black, Brown, disabled, formerly incarcerated, LGBTQ+ and other groups of workers who have historically faced discrimination and unequal treatment in the labor market.
Illinois workers have recounted frightful examples from gender-affirming health care being withdrawn to hotel room attendants cornered by management, and immigrant workers being told their documentation status would be revealed if they organized.
Illinois is at a turning point with the Worker Freedom of Speech Act. The Illinois General Assembly can do the right thing and stand up to corporate interests. We can value our workers and working families by joining Connecticut, Maine, Minnesota, New York, Oregon and Washington — all of which have signed nearly identical measures into law.
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Illinoisans, ask yourself: Which side are you on? Suppose we fail to pass the Worker Freedom of Speech Act. In that case, Illinois will be no different than neighboring states like Wisconsin, which looked the other way when Starbucks workers were subjected to required meetings in which management illegally claimed workers would be stripped of their women’s reproductive health travel benefits if they voted for a union.
Advocates like Planned Parenthood, Equality Illinois, the Shriver Center on Poverty Law and Women Employed all agree the Illinois Worker Freedom of Speech Act is a bill for all workers.
Attorneys General William Tong and Keith Ellison issued formal opinions in support of their states’ legislation in Connecticut and Minnesota, respectively. With a diverse and widespread coalition, we are ready to see Illinois follow the lead of these other states.
In Illinois, no one should have to choose between their livelihood or their values. Workers are paid to work, not to be indoctrinated. The enactment of the Worker Freedom of Speech Act will ensure that all workplace interactions are based on mutual consent, not coercion.
Cherita Ellens, president and CEO, Women Employed
Brian C. Johnson, CEO, Equality Illinois
$6 billion for a Bears stadium?
I read the readers’ letters the other day in “Don’t give away taxpayer money for a new Bears stadium.” Now it’s up to an estimated $6 billion?
If my all-time favorite linebacker Dick Butkus were still around, upon hearing that padded figure he’d grab a few dozen buddies and they’d build the new stadium themselves. And no fancy dome.
Adam Silbert, New York
Don’t knock public pensioners
In a recent letter, Dan McGovern called public sector retirees’ pension benefits “generous.” I would like to remind him that most of these retirees worked for far less than comparable workers in the private sector throughout their careers, often getting raises that were far less than what people get in the private sector.
Also, some like me made a substantial contribution to retirement accounts. In other words, we worked for less, with the promise of a comfortable pension upon retirement. One additional fact: Many are not eligible for Social Security. I will not apologize for my career or my pension. If Mr. McGovern is jealous of our pensions, perhaps he should have chosen a different career.
Paul Breit, Tinley Park