Democrat J.B. Pritzker has had a big support from unions across the state but now, a new report reveals non-union workers took part in the $25 million renovation of his Gold Coast mansion.
The renovation done at the billionaire's home took place 10 years ago, before he was running for governor. However, it was recently revealed that non-union labor from three different trades were hired as part of the yearlong $25 million renovation.
The Chicago Tribune recently revealed that the construction consultant emailed Pritzker's brother-in-law (who was overseeing the project) saying, "we're perfectly legal with our permits, but we do have a non-union mason, demo contractor and roofer working. We are a little concerned that the union (business agents) may come to visit."
These Are the Candidates Running for Illinois Governor
Governor Bruce Rauner reacted to the report saying that "he is not an advocate for working men and women in this state, he is an advocate for himself…and he will do anything that he can to benefit himself over other people."
Rauner, who has pushed for labor reform, says at times he has had non-union labor work done at his own properties.
"I’m not campaigning saying we have to force unionism and that the union endorsement is what it's all about,” he said. “What I want is more jobs, union jobs, non-union jobs, all jobs. That’s what matters in Illinois."
Local
Pritzker’s spokeswoman says Pritzker had minimal involvement in the renovation work and that he has also been a lifelong supporter of unions.
NBC 5 stopped to ask picketing carpenter workers outside a construction site, what they thought about Pritzker turning to non-union labor, but quickly referred us to their bosses who did not respond to a request for comment.
The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations issued a statement that said "the Illinois AFL-CIO is 100% behind J.B. Pritzker and …we can’t wait until he beats Bruce Rauner once and for all on November 6.”
Pritzker did not have a public schedule Monday to respond.
On the other hand, Rauner is currently trailing in the polls by an average of 15 points.
"I wouldn't read too much into polls, I think those polls are dramatically wrong, and polls have been proven to be wrong in the past,” Rauner said.
