Right To Work Debated In Missouri

Supporters and opponents of legislation that would make Missouri a right-to-work state crowded into a hearing room Wednesday at the State Capitol. 

The bill would forbid workers from being forced to join unions or pay union dues as a condition of employment. 

Greg Hoberock, national chair of Associated Builders and Contractors, testified in favor of the measure.

“I don’t think this bill excludes union membership, I think it give the employee the right to make their own choice to further (their) income and to have a job and to do what they want to do,” said Hoberock.

Mike Lewis with the state chapter of the AFL-CIO spoke against the bill. 

“It destroys the best job security protection that exists, a union contract.  Meanwhile, it allows some workers to pay nothing and receive all the benefits paid for by union membership,” said Lewis.

The House committee on Workforce Development will vote on the bill at a later date.