Mo. Representative's right-to-work bill brings in large crowd of union workers

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2/15/2011: Radio Story - A Missouri Senate committee passed 'right-to-work' legislation to prohibit workers from being forced to pay union service fees.

Intro:	The proposed right-to-work bill stirred up strong controversy from union workers and employers Wednesday.
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Wrap: Supporters and opponents of the bill overflowed the hearing room.

If passed, the bill would not make union dues a condition of employment.

Republican Springfield Representative Eric Burlison says the bill is important in protecting workers rights.

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Description: “It does not deny any individual the right to join a union, nor does it deny any individual to bargain collectively, nor does it deny any individual to pay union dues, if they want to.”

An opponent of the bill says it destroys the job security.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Christine Roto.

Intro:	A large crowd of workers and employers gathered at the capitol Wednesday to hear about the controversial right-to-work bill.
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Wrap: The bill would allow workers the choice to pay union dues.

Democratic St. Louis Representative Karla May says the bill would severly hurt unions.

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Description: "And it seems to me that it's here to create a third-world condition for people. Because as people's wages are going down, the cost of living is not going down and so we're decreasing the buying power of the poor and the middle class."

Supporters of the bill disagree, and say companies are often less interested starting a business where there is not a right-to-work law.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Christine Roto

Intro:	Missouri's proposed "right-to-work" bill attracts a large crowd to the Missouri Capitol.
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Wrap: Republican Springfield Representative Eric Burlison says he sponsored the bill to protect workers rights.

Opponents say the "right-to-work" legislation would not improve Missourian's lives.

Jared Rodriguez came from Michigan, a state where "right-to-work" is currently law and says workers in Missouri should have the freedom to chose to join a private union.

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Description: "Unions should fight for their members, and the key point is earn their support."

Two Democratic representatives thanked the out-of-staters, but criticezed them for quote, "telling Missouri taxpayers how to spend their money."

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Christine Roto.

Intro:	The proposed right-to-work bill faced opposition and support in Jefferson City Wednesday.
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Wrap: Republican Springfield Representative Eric Burlison says he sponsored the bill to give workers the right to choose to pay union dues.

Democratic St. Louis Representative Karla May says she is a part of a union.

May questioned a supporter of the bill about the rights of the workers who want to organize.

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Description: "See the unions only come about because the majority of the workers want to negotiate with the employer."

May and other democratic representatives say they are concerned about a quote free-rider risk the bill poses.

They say they are concerned that workers who chose not to join a union will still benefit from the union.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Christine Roto.