List of Right-to-Work States Grows

Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens (R) has signed legislation that will allow workers to opt out of joining a union, the latest victory for business groups in their nationwide battle with labor unions.

Greitens, who was inaugurated January 9, signed the so-called right-to-work bill at an abandoned warehouse in Springfield, Mo.

“The states that have passed (rightto-work laws) in the last few years have shown unemployment drop considerably, so I think this is a big deal for all Missouri working families,” said state Rep. Holly Rehder (R), the bill’s lead sponsor. “I think that it’s not a silver bullet, but it’s definitely a tool in our tool box now, and we can move on to some other things to make Missouri even more business-friendly.”

Union groups plan to use a ballot measure to reverse the new law. The state’s AFL-CIO filed several petitions with the secretary of state’s office in December for a possible amendment to the state constitution that would allow unions to require workers to pay dues.

The measure makes Missouri the 28th right-to-work state in the nation. Kentucky legislators passed a similar law earlier this year, and legislators in New Hampshire are working on their own version.

Source: The Hill