Gov. Rauner accused of politicizing Janus union dues case

Just days before U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments in a key labor relations case emanating from Illinois, the head of an organization representing the plaintiff is asking Gov. Bruce Rauner quit “falsely” taking credit for the case, and to quit making it a political issue.

A Rauner spokesman said that to accuse the governor of not being involved in the case is to rewrite history.

The case is that of Mark Janus, an Illinois state worker from Springfield who said it violates his free speech rights to be forced to pay dues to the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees when he doesn’t think AFSCME represents his interests. Arguments in the case are set for Monday in Washington, D.C.

AFSCME argues that what are called “fair share” dues pay for union protections to all employees in a bargaining unit.

“I am writing to request that you immediately stop misrepresenting the case and your role in it in public appearances and in the media,” wrote Patrick Hughes of Hinsdale, president of the Liberty Justice Center, in a letter to Rauner.

Read more: http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180220/gov-rauner-accused-of-politicizing-janus-union-dues-case