Labor Issues

The backbone of a strong economy is a strong workforce. Labor is an issue that connects every community within our state. I have long said that unemployment numbers mean nothing if folks are working two or three jobs to make ends meet. I present to you my comprehensive labor agenda that I will fight for in Springfield.

1. Statewide Fair Work Week Ordinance – For non-salaried employees in the non-emergency sector (emergency sector includes – medical, fire, law enforcement) who work for industries with more than 100 employees, a schedule must be given 14 days prior. Often in industries with fluctuating schedules workers are asked to plan their lives at the drop of the hat. This ordinance would change that. Employers would be required to disclose an employee’s schedule 14 days in advance, giving workers two full weeks to plan their lives accordingly.
2. Trades – We need to push trade jobs in the same capacity that we push college education. I am an advocate for the trades and recommend that they are present for career days.
3. Cold Clause – During many winter months, our Governors have declared a state of emergency, while employers still push their workers to come in. I am pushing for a state-wide cold clause. If the Governor deems that it is safer for citizens to stay home, they should stay home without any fear of losing their jobs.
4. Manufacturing Jobs – Illinois has the talent and capacity to be at the forefront of manufacturing jobs. I will push to give manufacturing companies that pay their employees 1.6% above minimum wage, offer onsite training, and provide a healthcare plan to their employees to receive an incentive for moving their business to Illinois or for keeping their business in Illinois This will grow both jobs and bring in new industry.
5. Portable Funds – This would benefit workers who are not classified as employees who work for the public (e.g. Lyftand Uber drivers, Grub Hub deliverers, errand-runners, etc.). Companies would have to pay a fee of (5%) of the total monies collected from consumers, or $1 per hour, whichever is less, and pay that money into a benefits fund for health insurance and paid vacation.
6. Unions – I support Unions and collective bargaining. I will work with Unions to make sure that legislation being passed helps keep them strong.
7. Bringing In New Jobs – We need to grow the economy. I am an advocate for providing companies that hire over 100 Illinois residents (at an hourly rate over 3.5% above the minimum wage) a tax incentive. The tax incentive would range between 2%-3%. This will insure that we are bringing new companies to Illinois and that our citizens are being paid well.