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

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Missouri Senate to debate Right to Work on Monday

JEFFERSON CITY, MO (MISSOURI DIGITAL NEWS) - One of the most divisive issues between businesses and labor groups will be up for debate on Missouri Senate floor Monday.

The Missouri Senate will debate a bill Monday barring employers from forcing workers to pay union fees or dues.

National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation president Mark Mix says letting workers opt out of unions will bring jobs to the state.

"First and foremost it's an individual freedom issue. But secondly, I think it can be demonstrated almost without any argument that freedom in the workplace can translate into a better economic environment," Fix said.

But critics, such as St. Louis Democratic Senator Robin Wright-Jones, say "Right to Work" is actually the "Right to Work for Less," saying the measure would bring lower wages for all workers.

"There's nobody to come to the front of the worker to say this is what we need. There's no bargaining. There's no sit down at the table. And that's how everything is done through compromise. And we've just taken that away," Wright-Jones said.

Wright-Jones says losing those fees would make unions weaker.

She says that cuts their bargaining power and would lead to lower wages.

Elizabeth Hagedorn, Missouri Digital News

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