With less than a month until the Aug. 7 primary elections, business groups and labor unions are squaring up for their battle over Missouri’s “right-to-work” law.
The measure, which then-Gov. Eric Greitens signed into law last year, said workers could not be compelled, as a condition of employment, to join or to pay dues to a labor union.
Labor unions blocked the law from going into effect by collecting enough signatures to demand the issue be put to a vote on November’s ballot. Republican lawmakers later voted to move the issue to the state’s August ballot. Now, both business and labor groups are revving up their campaigns with television ads, yard signs and door-to-door canvassing.
Dan Mehan, executive director of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which supports right to work, said that groups are preparing for an advertising blitz.
“You’re going to see a lot popping soon. There are a lot of people interested in keeping right to work the law of the land,” Mehan said.
Right to work will appear as Proposition A on the primary ballot. A “no” vote would prevent the law from going into place. A “yes” vote supports the law.
If Missouri votes yes, it will become the 28th state with laws mandating that employees be given a choice when it comes to union membership. Labor unions are still allowed to operate in those states, but workers cannot be compelled to become members as a requirement of their jobs.
Read More: St. Louis Post Dispatch
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