(FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, September 17, 2015)

SEIU Healthcare Missouri members celebrate the defeat of “right to work” legislation at the State Capitol, Sept. 16, 2015.

CHICAGO – As Bruce Rauner continues to hold Illinois hostage by demanding anti-union measures be part of passing a budget, an anti-union piece of legislation has failed in Missouri.

The Missouri Legislature failed to override the governor’s veto of so-called “Right-to-Work” legislation, similar to the kind sought by Rauner in Illinois.

Following is the statement of SEIU Healthcare Illinois President Keith Kelleher in response:

“It’s welcome news that the people of Missouri have been spared, for the moment, from this corporate attack on workers.

“It’s unwelcome news that the people of Illinois continue to be held hostage here by a governor who believes in, funds and is harming so many of our vulnerable sisters and brothers in service of this dangerous anti-union ideology.

“In Illinois, we know that “Right-to-Work” really means “Right-to-Work-For-Less.” It’s well past time that Bruce Rauner abandon this billionaire’s agenda and come to the table to pass a budget.”