GOP state lawmakers confident ‘Right to Work’ will pass in 2017

A controversial labor reform bill will be considered again by the Missouri Legislature in 2017.

Rep. Holly Rehder, R-Sikeston and Rep. Bill White, R-Joplin prefiled similar “right to work” bills Wednesday.

The proposed law states, “A person cannot be required to become or refrain from becoming a member of or paying dues to a labor organization as a condition or continuation of employment.”

Several Republican lawmakers said the election of Eric Greitens to the governorship is a reason to expect a form of the bill to pass in 2017.

“The people of Missouri have spoken,” said Rehder. “Gov.-elect Greitens campaigned on passing right to work and I think it’s obvious the people of Missouri are ready for this and we have the numbers to pass it.”

Many Democratic lawmakers disagree with the labor reform bill, calling it a dangerous shift in the balance of power between employers and employees.

“Providing every Missourian the opportunity for full economic participation is essential to a growing and prosperous economy and should be the No. 1 mission of every elected official,” said House Minority Leader Gail McCann Beatty, D-Kansas City. “Instead, Republican leaders are obsessed with so-called ‘right-to-work’ legislation that, despite its deceptive name, would weaken worker rights and suppress wages.”

If Missouri adopts “Right to Work,” it would be the the 27th state to do so.