Hearing On Right-To-Work Bill Draws Hundreds To Mo. Capitol [View all]

[Sherman A1]

Supporters and opponents of legislation that would make Missouri a right-to-work state crowded into a hearing room today at the State Capitol.

House Bill 77 would forbid workers from being forced to join unions or pay union dues as a condition of employment. Greg Hoberock, national chair of Associated Builders and Contractors, testified in favor of the measure.

“I think you need a balance," Hoberock said. "I don’t think this bill excludes union membership -- I think it give the employee(s) the right to make their own choice to further (their) income and to have a job and to do what they want to do.”

Mike Lewis, Secretary-Treasurer of the Missouri chapter of the AFL-CIO, spoke against the bill. He says becoming a right-to-work state would allow “freeloaders” to enjoy union benefits without paying for them.

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