Right to Work

[gr8fl4porsche]

Missouri is currently debating Right to Work Legislation.

As an owner of a union shop with a contract to only employ union workers, what does a change to RTW actually mean?

Under my agreement, I cannot hire non union members to perform the trade as defined within our contract. I would not think that any newly enacted laws would supersede my current agreements.

If I understand RTW correctly, RTW outlaws the clause that prohibits me from hiring non union tradespersons.

The union contract stipulates all wages, benefits, conditions, etc. as well as union fees and dues.

Under RTW, can I hire non-union workers at non-union wages and benefits to work beside the union members without violating a union contract? Or do the unions typically allow their members to work beside the non-union employees as long as wages and benefits are standardized? Right now, my employees are not allowed to work on a project if non-union tradespersons are also on site without special permissions such as dual-gates.

[black73]

I would think you are still legally bound by the union contract until it expires.

[wdfifteen]

Unless the new law voids all old contracts, logically it would seem they would still be in force. But I'm not a lawyer so what do I know.

[sammyg2]

It means good news for you as an employer if it passes. Eventually.

I believe you have to pay union and non-union workers the same as per the contract, but it weakens the chance of them all ganging up and extorting unreasonable raises and such, and it makes them a whole lot easier to replace if they decide they'd rather carry a picket sign than earn a living.

[Red88Carrera]

This part of the Taft-Hartley Act is already enforced in many states. If that is what they are trying to do, anyone can work, regardless of union affiliation. The union contract won't change that even if it is written within.