Burlison prefiles right-to-work bill

State Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Springfield, has prefiled a bill in the Missouri House commonly referred to as right-to-work legislation.

The bill would prohibit employment based on the condition that workers join and support a union, according to a news release.

“Right now, Missouri is a union shop state where employees of businesses with collective bargaining agreements are forced to pay union dues after a certain period in order to maintain employment. Union members have no choice in the matter and no say in how their dues are utilized,” Burlison said in the release. "As we look for ways to promote economic development and job growth, we need to realize our state is discouraging a large number of employers from locating here because of our union shop status.

“We need to remove the obstacles that prevent Missouri from reaching its potential as an ideal location for businesses that offer good-paying, family-supporting jobs."

Burlison said more than 20 states have adopted right-to-work legislation, saying his bill would not prohibit unions from operating in Missouri, but would protect the rights of the state's workers.

The first session for the 97th General Assembly begins Jan. 9.