LABOR DISPUTE-PICKETING

Amends the Labor Dispute Act. Contains findings and a declaration. Provides that persons engaged in picketing in labor disputes may use public rights of way to apprise the public of the existence of a dispute for: "the purposes of picketing"; erection of temporary signs announcing their dispute; parking at least one vehicle on the public right of way; and erection of tents or other temporary shelter for the health, welfare, personal safety, and well-being of picketers. Provides that a sign, tent, or temporary shelter may not be erected or maintained so as to obscure or otherwise physically interfere with an official traffic sign, signal, or device or to obstruct or physically interfere with the driver's view of approaching, merging, or intersecting traffic. Provides that "the burden of proof shall rest on the unit of local government making such a claim". Provides that tents or other temporary shelter covered by the new provisions shall not be larger than 300 square feet. Provides that signs, tents, or temporary shelters shall be removed at the end of each day when the picketing has ceased but that signs, tents, or temporary shelters may be maintained while individuals participating in the labor dispute are present. Prohibits blocking of fire hydrants. Requires water mains, sewers and other utilities to be accessible for maintenance and emergency repair work. Requires picketers to ensure that a reasonable walkway exists for pedestrians and others to pass by the picketing activities and make reasonable attempts to keep the area free from garbage and significant damage. Provides that the new provisions do not allow the erection of a tent or shelter on the right of way of any Class I highway. Provides that if a court determines that a sign, tent, or temporary shelter does not obscure or otherwise physically interfere with an official traffic sign, signal or device or to obstruct or physically interfere with the driver's view of approaching, merging or intersecting traffic, the unit of local government shall be liable for all costs and attorney's fees. Provides that an ordinance or resolution adopted before, on, or after the effective date of the new provisions by a unit of local government that imposes restrictions or limitations on the picketing of an employer in a manner inconsistent with this Act is invalid, and that a home rule unit may not regulate picketing.