SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Prepare yourself for a passionate and divisive debate in the upcoming Missouri General Assembly. The only question is, which issue or issues will catch fire with the lawmakers and the public?
As work begins in Jefferson City, one front-runner is the "right to work" issue. Recently several states including Wisconsin and Michigan have had contentious political battles on proposals to change long-standing rules regarding labor.
In Missouri, the 97th General Assembly opened Wednesday, but several bills to alter current Missouri labor law have already been filed. One that would essentially make Missouri a "right to work" state is sponsored by Representative Eric Burlison (R-Springfield). House Bill 77 can be viewed HERE.
“Right now Missouri is a union shop state where employees of businesses with collective bargaining agreements are forced to pay union dues after a certain period in order to maintain employment," Burlison said in a press release. “My legislation would institute the level of workplace fairness and equity that employees deserve. It would ensure workers can maintain their employment even if they choose not to join a union.”
