Mo. Senate takes up "Right to Work"

JEFFERSON CITY, MO (MISSOURI DIGITAL NEWS) - Rowdy union members packed the Senate gallery for debate on their collective bargaining rights.

Union members filled the chamber gallery, occasionally earning a reprimand from the president pro tem. Senators debated a measure that would change the collective bargaining rights for Missouri workers on Monday.

The bill would prohibit employers from requiring their workers to join a union or pay union fees.

The bill's sponsor, Senator Luann Ridgeway, says "right to work" would give employees a chance to decide if they're being represented fairly by a union.

Proponents said passing the bill would be the single most important thing to bring jobs to Missouri.

Democratic Minority Leader Victor Callahan said the bill weakens the collective voice and power of workers across the state.

The bill is awaiting amendments and will hit the floor again at the end of March.

Jamie Hausman, Missouri Digital News

Posted in: Jamie Hausman,labor unions,Luann Ridgeway,Missouri Digital News,Right to Work,Victor Callahan