Legislators clash over 'right-to-work' bills
Maine legislators are again clashing over a proposal to outlaw mandatory union contributions for public employees and workers operating under union contracts.
The Bangor Daily News reported that the Legislature's Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development Committee held public hearings Monday on two bills that would make Maine a "right-to-work" state by reducing the ability of employee unions to collect dues from all employees in certain situations.
Supporters say the change will help Maine attract more businesses and that states with right-to-work legislation are emerging slightly faster from the recession than others.
Opponents of the bills — LD 786 and LD 831 — say the change would ultimately depress wages and send more workplace disputes to court rather than arbitration or grievance processes.
John Butera, senior economic adviser for Gov. Paul LePage, who supports right-to-work legislation, told legislators Monday that in his career as a site location consultant, he heard many CEOs say they would only expand their businesses to right-to-work states.
Both bills are scheduled for work sessions Friday.
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