Democratic officials, unions speak against union-fees bill

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Some of Missouri's top Democrats slammed a vetoed bill that would require public employees to give annual written consent before union dues could be withheld from their paychecks, saying during a rally Wednesday at the Capitol it would hurt unions and add unnecessary regulations.

Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon vetoed the measure earlier this month, but the GOP-led Legislature could try to override him to enact the bill into law before the session ends May 13.

"This is just another attempt to erode the hard-fought rights that form the foundation of the American middle class," Nixon said to a crowd of hundreds gathered on the Capitol lawn. He was joined by Attorney General Chris Koster, who is running to replace term-limited Nixon, and U.S. Senate candidate and Secretary of State Jason Kander, both Democrats.

Republican supporters describe the measure as "paycheck protection" and intended to make unions more responsive to the needs and concerns of members, but Democrats say it would weaken unions and add burdensome regulations.

GOP House Speaker Todd Richardson has said Nixon's veto stands in the way of "worker freedom and worker choice" and the House will seriously consider attempting to overturn the governor's action.

Nixon twice before vetoed legislation to change the rules for unions, which represent about 257,000 workers or nearly 10 percent of the state workforce, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That figure does not give a breakdown for how many workers are at private companies versus public entities.

Lawmakers failed to override a veto by Nixon of similar legislation in 2013 and last year's right-to-work bill that would have barred private-sector unions from requiring workers to pay fees.

While the measure barely passed both the House and Senate with the two-thirds majority needed to override Nixon this year, it's unclear whether lawmakers will stick to their votes if it comes up again.

Bill is HB 1891.

Online:

House: http://www.house.mo.gov

Governor: http://governor.mo.gov