Gov. Bruce Rauner (R) took his first step toward curbing the power of unions yesterday by announcing an executive order that would them from requiring all state workers to pay the equivalent of dues, the New York Times reported today. Rauner, who faces a Democratic-controlled legislature with strong ties to labor, took the unilateral step saying that he believed those fees violate the U.S. Constitution. “Forced union dues are a critical cog in the corrupt bargain that is crushing taxpayers,” Rauner said. “An employee who is forced to pay unfair share dues is being forced to fund political activity with which they disagree. That is a clear violation of First Amendment rights — and something that, as governor, I am duty bound to correct.”
