State representative Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) released the following statement regarding workplace protections in response to the Chicago Tribune article about former representative Harry Benton and the lack of accountability in the district offices of representatives in the IL House.
“The Illinois House has begun another review of policies in response to the allegations involving Rep. Harry Benton. I am concerned with this pattern that is affecting women, such as the individuals impacted by the alleged behavior. In the past, we have seen similar situations which resulted in similar reviews of policies. This is nothing new nor do I believe any adjustment in policies or the law will bring about the meaningful change that is needed. Every employee deserves to work in an environment free from harassment, intimidation, or fear of retaliation.
The question before us is not how we respond after workplace harassment occurs. The question is why do legislative and district office employees continue to lack the workplace protections we believe all workers in the state of Illinois deserve.
Legislative staff are at-will employees. When someone’s livelihood depends on those in positions of power, reporting misconduct can feel like risking a career. No employee should ever have to choose between personal safety and a paycheck. This dynamic again unfolding now is far too common.
I have always supported the right of our staff to organize and have introduced legislation in the past to allow legislative staff to organize and collectively bargain, including House Bills 4587 and 646 in the 101st and 102nd General Assemblies and HB 4148 in the 103rd General Assembly. I believe they deserve the same workplace protections as other Illinois workers. Unfortunately, the efforts to unionize ultimately did not become law and we are again seeing why this vital legislation needs to be passed and lift the anti-union law that is preventing it.
During a recent discussion with the Speaker and members of the Illinois Legislative Women’s Caucus, one point became clear: we cannot wait until someone has been harmed before addressing the conditions that allow misconduct to persist and no amount of legislative action will prevent future occurrences except allowing workers the right to join a Union.
Collective bargaining is about more than wages and benefits. It creates independent grievance procedures, clear workplace standards, due process, and a protected pathway for employees to report misconduct without fear of retaliation.
Policies alone cannot change workplace culture. Lasting change requires enforceable protections. If we are serious about preventing workplace harassment, we must give legislative and district office staff the right to organize and collectively bargain. They deserve the same dignity, protections, and voice that we expect for workers throughout Illinois.”
For more information, please contact Representative Kifowit at 630-585-1308 or email stephanie.kifowit@att.net.
—Office of State representative Stephanie Kifowit