Springfield, Illinois - Illinois voters on Tuesday appeared to approve a ballot measure that would add critical protections for workers to the state constitution, delivering a huge victory for labor unions.

Advocates declared victory on Wednesday in the fight to pass the ballot initiative, dubbed the Workers Rights Amendment. The measure would essentially ban right-to-work laws in Illinois and guarantee protections on collective bargaining rights.

Right-to-work laws allow workers to opt out of paying union dues while still enjoying the benefits of the union. Looking past their misleading name, these laws are notorious for cutting union membership and discouraging workplace organizing, making it harder for employees to negotiate better wages, benefits, and working conditions.

The Workers Rights Amendment would defend workers against anti-union laws proposed by future state leaders. It would also protect their right to bargain for more than just wages and benefits, including working conditions, scheduling, safety measures, and more.

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These protections were seen as necessary after former Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner attempted to impose right-to-work zones in the state. When current Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker took office, he signed the Collective Bargaining Freedom Act to ban municipalities from adopting such laws. Now, voters were given the chance to weigh in on banning right to work once and for all.

The AFL-CIO and other Illinois unions launched the Vote Yes for Workers' Rights campaign to encourage residents of the state to support the amendment, and their efforts seem to have paid off. Though the official result has not been called, polling results from Wednesday indicate that the amendment is likely to overcome the 60% threshold needed to pass.

If the amendment passes, Illinois will become the first US state to make right-to-work laws illegal.