Joined yesterday by Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens signed a labor reform bill into law at Earth City-based remanufacturer Automation Service.
Senate Bill 182 eliminates advantages for unions when negotiating government construction contracts. It also gives private contractors a better chance at winning bids for such projects, according to a news release.
Walker signed a similar bill into law last month in Wisconsin.
"Our top priority is more jobs for the people. We're eliminating this sweetheart deal for special interests, protecting taxpayers and creating more opportunity for all workers in Missouri,” Greitens sad in the release.
Before the bill was signed, state law required bidders on Missouri government contracts to sign collective bargaining agreements with unions if over half of the project was funded by public money. This bill removes the 50 percent funding requirement and gives contractors the choice whether to enter such labor agreements.
“Tax money isn’t their money. It’s your money. This bill levels the playing field,” Greitens said in a
Facebook post yesterday.
Following the bill signing, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry issued its support.
“Missouri is fortunate to have a strong construction industry with experienced private contractors who know how to get the job done right. We don’t need laws that bind these private companies with extra costs and hurdles relating to how they hire their workforce for public projects,” chamber President and CEO Dan Mehan said in a news release.
