The Project for Middle Class Renewal (PMCR), based at the University of Illinois’ Labor Education Program, is dedicated to improving conditions for the working class. Our mission is to enhance public understanding of economic and worker issues through research, analysis, and education. We aim to develop policies that tackle poverty, ensure fair representation for all […]
In 2022 Illinois became the fifth state to pass a Constitutional Amendment protecting the rights of workers. Unlike other states, however, Illinois voters passed a ballot measure to create what is arguably the strongest constitutional provisions protecting collective bargaining in the country. PMCR presents two thought pieces on the Amendment. The first paper, by Professor […]
In November 2022, Illinois voters approved the Workers’ Rights Amendment, guaranteeing the fundamental right of workers to unionize and bargain collectively. The Amendment passed with 2.2 million votes, receiving 59 percent approval on the question and 53 percent yes votes among all ballots cast.In the summer of 2023, the Project for Middle Class Renewal at […]
In November 2022, a majority of Illinois voters approved the Workers’ Rights Amendment, which guarantees the fundamental right of workers to unionize and bargain collectively. The Amendment passed with 2.2 million votes. Of all the ballots cast, the vote was 53.4 percent yes to 37.6 percent no, with 9.0 percent not voting. The Workers’ Rights […]
In November 2022, voters will have the chance to vote on the Workers’ Rights Amendment to the Illinois Constitution, which would guarantee the fundamental right of workers to unionize and collectively bargain. The Workers’ Rights Amendment would prevent the passage of a state law or local ordinance “that interferes with, negates, or diminishes the right […]
In the winter and spring of 2012, the Labor Education Program of the School of Labor and Employment Relations at the University of Illinois conducted surveys of 204 employees at 57 car washes in Chicago. Surveys captured detailed information about wage and hour violations, occupational health and safety violations, and overall working conditions in the […]