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Holden vetoes legislation that would have allowed workers to opt out of union dues

February 26, 2004
By: Almitra Smith
State Capital Bureau

Missouri's governor vetoed a bill that would have blocked his order that all state employees pay union dues. Almitra Smith has more from Jefferson City.

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Democratic Gov. Bob Holden vetoed a bill that would have blocked his 2001 order requiring all state workers to pay union fees. He says the bill is misguided and reflects the General Assembly's objection to collective bargaining by state workers.

Representative Richard Byrd, a Republican and the bill's sponsor, says the governor is pandering to his union supporters and hurting state workers and their families.

But David Cosgrove, the governor's chief legal council, says the governor is protecting state workers.

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Contents: "The primary reason the governor vetoed the resolution is because the governor feels very strongly that state employees have the same right to be treated fairly and to bargain collectively as any other employee in the state of Missouri."

The legislature could vote to override the governor's veto, but Byrd says it is unlikely. From the state Capitol, I'm Almitra Smith.

Date:2/26/04

By: Almitra Smith

State Capital Bureau

Missouri's governor vetoed a bill that would have blocked his order that all state employees pay union dues. Almitra Smith has more from Jefferson City.

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OutCue: SOC

Governor Bob Holden stands firmly behind his 2001 order that requires all state workers to pay union dues. He vetoed a bill passed by the state legislature that would have allowed state workers to opt out.

Holden says this is a fight for worker's collective bargaining rights and fair treatment for state employees.

But Representative Richard Byrd, the bill's sponsor, says the order is illegal and hurts state employees.

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Contents: "I was disappointed that he was willing to force state employees against their will to take money out of their paychecks, money that might be going to feed their families, and give it instead to the labor unions that are supporting him for his gubernatorial race."

The legislature could vote to override the governor's veto, but Byrd says he thinks that is unlikely.

Date:02/26/04

By: Almitra Smith

State Capital Bureau

Missouri's Democratic governor and Republican secretary of state are squaring off over the legality of the governor's order that all state workers pay union dues. Almitra Smith has more from Jefferson City.

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Democratic Gov. Bob Holden vetoed legislation that would have blocked his order requiring that all state workers pay union dues.

Republican Secretary of State Matt Blunt, who is running for governor, says he will not publish the governor's order, an action necessary to make it law.

Spence Jackson, Communications Director for the secretary of state, says the order violates state law.

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Contents: Well, this has absolutely nothing to do with politics and everything to do with good public policy. What the administration is attempting to do is change state law through the administrive rules process and that cannot be done."

David Cosgrove, the governor's chief legal council, says Blunt has a legal obligation to publish the rule.

From the state Capitol, I'm Almitra Smith.