DECATUR, Ill. (AP) — Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner says one of his priorities for his first year in office will be creating so-called “right to work zones” in the traditionally union-friendly state.

The Winnetka Republican spoke to students Tuesday at Richland Community College in Decatur. He says the speech previews some policies he’ll propose in his State of the State speech on Feb. 4.

Rauner supports creating “employee empowerment zones” where local communities could decide whether workers must join a union as a condition of employment. He says the zones would help improve both competition and job growth.

But Rauner says he’s not advocating statewide right to work legislation like other GOP governors he’s admired.

The plan is likely to draw heavy opposition from Democrats as well as unions.

 

 

 

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