Cupich stands up for trade unions and opposes reform on dues

The Archbishop of Chicago, Blase Cupich, has emphasised the Church’s traditional support for workers and their right to organise, and called for a “consistent ethic of solidarity”, writes Michael Sean Winters.

In an impassioned speech to union members in Chicago, Archbishop Cupich said the Church’s commitment to solidarity with workers is rooted in “our commitment to solidarity with all”.

His audience included the Governor of Illinois, Bruce Rauner, who is attempting to introduce so-called right-to work laws that would allow public sector workers to avoid paying union dues as a condition of employment. Archbishop Cupich spoke against the proposals.