Fact Check: Illinois Democrats Challenge Darren Bailey’s Labor Record (Chicago, IL) – Illinois Democrats are pushing back against recent comments by Republican figure Darren Bailey, arguing that his public statements on labor issues are inconsistent with his legislative record.
At a press conference Friday, Bailey said he is “by no means … anti-union,” a claim disputed in a statement released by the Illinois Democratic Party. The party cited a series of past votes and policy positions they say demonstrate opposition to worker protections and union priorities.
According to the statement, Bailey voted against raising Illinois’ minimum wage to $15 per hour and opposed legislation providing paid leave for workers. He also backed a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at removing pension protections for public employees, a longstanding issue in state politics.
Democrats further pointed to Bailey’s opposition to the workers’ rights amendment and efforts to increase the minimum salary for teachers. Additional votes highlighted in the release include opposition to cost-of-living adjustments for retired firefighters and disability-related benefits for first responders.
The party also noted Bailey’s stance on union-related measures, including votes against allowing electronic authorization for union formation, expanding collective bargaining rights, and ensuring labor representation on state boards and commissions. They argued these positions contributed to a low rating from the Illinois AFL-CIO, a major labor organization.
The statement contrasted Bailey’s record with policies supported by Governor J.B. Pritzker and Democratic lawmakers, who they say have focused on expanding worker protections and addressing cost-of-living concerns in Illinois.
Bailey, a former state senator and past gubernatorial candidate, has previously defended his positions as aligned with broader economic and fiscal priorities.
Fact Check: Illinois Democrats Challenge Darren Bailey’s Labor Record
