Chicago suburb settles 2 of 3 right-to-work suits with union

LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. (AP) - Officials in Lincolnshire say the Chicago suburb has settled two of the three lawsuits it faces regarding a right-to-work ordinance.

Under the deal approved Monday the nonprofit Liberty Justice Center will pay $10,000 on behalf of the city to the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150. Officials say in exchange the union has agreed to drop two state court lawsuits. A third lawsuit challenging the right-to-work law is pending in federal court.

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner has encouraged municipalities to pass local right-to-work ordinances as part of his "turnaround agenda," which includes efforts to curb the power of unions.

Union officials confirmed the settlement Wednesday.

Lincolnshire officials approved the law last December. It's meant to bar private employers from requiring workers to join unions or pay dues.