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Breaking: National Right to Work Legislation Proposed


Earlier today, House Republicans introduced a bill that would institute right to work in cities and states across the country.  Readers might recall that several states have been proactive about passing right to work legislation over the past few months (such as West Virginia, Kentucky, Missouri, and New Hampshire...to name a few), but a national right to work bill would have a much larger impact.

The bill, sponsored by Representatives Joe Wilson (South Carolina) and Steve King (Iowa), would amend the National Labor Relations Act and the Railway Labor Act and prohibit provisions in employment agreements that would require all employees to join a union (or pay union dues) as a condition of employment.  Although a similar bill filed in the 114th Legislative Session failed to gain traction, this bill *might* prove differently.  In this Legislative Session, Republicans control both houses of Congress and have a Republican President who has indicated his support for right to work laws in the past.

Of course, Republicans do not have a "filibuster proof" majority, should Democrats seek to block the legislation.  I would fully expect labor unions, labor union supporters, and a strong majority of Democrats to vehemently oppose this legislation.  At this point, unless Republicans can convince enough Democrats to support this bill (I would not hold my breath) or overcome a filibuster (possible, but again, still difficult), this bill might end up being little more than a dream for the time being.

As with many upcoming fights expected to play out in Congress (such as the nomination of Andy Puzder for Labor Secretary), something tells me this will turn into a protracted and drawn out fight.


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