After many counties in the state passed local right-to-work ordinances to allow workers to choose whether or not they want to be a member of a union in the absence of a statewide law, the 6th Circuit Court today reversed a February decision from the U.S. District Court and upheld the Hardin County right-to-work ordinance. This decision means that Kentucky counties are now free to pass their own right-to-work laws on a local level.
More than a dozen Kentucky counties passed right-to-work ordinances since Warren County was the first to take up the issue in December 2014. The local laws quickly prompted union groups to file a lawsuit in federal court challenging the Hardin County right-to-work measure.
The Chamber has long supported right-to-work legislation to allow workers to choose whether or not they want to be a member of a union and believes the measures help the state become more competitive and attracts businesses.
With the new Republican majority in the House, it is likely that a statewide right-to-work law could see passage in the upcoming 2017 General Assembly. The state Senate has passed the measure for many years, but it always stalled in the then-Democratic controlled House. Currently, 26 states have right-to-work laws.
The full decision can be seen here.
Add Comment