Missouri Governor Vetoes Right-to-Work Legislation
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., June 4 (UPI) — Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon on Thursday vetoed right-to-work legislation that would have banned contracts that require even non-union employees to pay union fees.
The veto keeps Missouri from becoming the 26th right-to-work state.
Nixon has long been an opponent of the legislation, saying it is a “big-government overreach.”
“This extreme measure would take our state backward, squeeze the middle class, lower wages for Missouri families, and subject businesses to criminal and unlimited civil liability,” he said in a statement. “Right to work is wrong for Missouri, it’s wrong for the middle class, and it must never become the law of the Show-Me State.”
Under the proposed law, violators would face misdemeanor charges punishable by up to 15 days in jail and a fine of up to $300.
Proponents of the legislation said would help attract new businesses and cause economic growth. They say the lack of a right-to-work law in Missouri will only encourage businesses to move to neighboring states with the law.
Supporters also say the law would prevented unions from unfairly forcing workers who don’t support unions to help pay for them.
Missouri lawmakers are considering a vote in September to override Nixon’s veto.
