Lawmakers talk about renewing efforts on right to work issue

Leaders at the state Capitol in Jefferson City are talking about renewing efforts on the controversial right to work issue.

The topic is expected to reach the Missouri House floor as early as Wednesday.

Critics said the movement hurts employees by weakening the power of their unions and making them work for less.

Supporters think it will attract more companies to come to the state.

ABC 17 News talked to House Speaker John Diehl Tuesday, who agrees with the idea.

“There is a whole class of manufacturing and employers that will not even put Missouri on the list to consider for expansion and relocation because we are not a right to work state, and I want us to compete for as many jobs and employers as we can,” said Diehl.

A similar right to work measure failed in the state legislature last April.

It fell short in the Missouri House by 4 votes.

Governor Nixon also promised to kill the plans even if they passed.