CLEVELAND, Ohio – Legislation has been introduced for a second time that would allow Ohio to join the growing ranks of states limiting union membership and collective bargaining. The measure was placed before state lawmakers Monday.
If passed, Ohio would become the 29th state to pass a law making it a “right-to-work” state.
Rep. John Becker, a Clermont County Republican, introduced House Bill 53 Monday, which would allow public sector employees to opt out of joining a union and paying dues. Unions can, also, opt out of representing employees who don’t join.
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In an article Monday, cleveland.com reporter Jackie Borchardt quoted the bill’s sponsor saying, “the question is no longer if Ohio joins the chorus of right to work states, but when.”
Borchardt also wrote that “state legislators in the GOP-controlled General Assembly have been cool to enacting restrictions on labor unions” since 2011 – the year Gov. John Kasich signed Senate Bill 5, which greatly restricted collective bargaining rights for public union employees.
Ohio voters overwhelmingly repealed the law.
Legislative leaders from both parties have questioned the need for the legislation, since it lowers union membership and wages and doesn’t lead to job growth, as promised.
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