Missouri becomes 28th right-to-work state

By Joy Waltemath

Missouri Governor Eric Greitens signed Senate Bill 19 on February 6, 2017, making Missouri the 28th right-to-work state. Under the law, employers are barred from requiring employees to become, remain, or refrain from becoming a member of a labor organization, or to pay dues or other charges required of labor organization members, including any payments to charities or third parties in lieu of such dues or other charges, as a condition of employment or continued employment. The law will not apply to existing contracts between unions and employers until they are changed or expire.

Violation of the law is a Class C misdemeanor. Aggrieved employees will be able to seek injunctive relief, and remedies include recovery of all damages plus costs and attorney fees. Prosecuting attorneys, circuit attorneys, and the state attorney general will have authority to investigate complaints or violations of the law.

Senate Bill 19 becomes effective on August 28, 2017.

Meanwhile, various media outlets are reporting that the Missouri AFL-CIO and Missouri NAACP have filed a petition for referendum with the Missouri Secretary of State. According to an article in the Kansas City Star, “citizens may call a referendum on a measure approved by the General Assembly and not vetoed by the governor as long as they collect signatures totaling 5 percent of the voters from two-thirds of the state’s congressional districts.” In order to do so, the unions must obtain sufficient signatures to get the law placed on the ballot by the law’s effective date. “If they succeed,” says the article, “right to work won’t take effect until Missourians get the chance to have their say in 2018.”

Source:: Missouri becomes 28th right-to-work state