Incoming Republican leadership facing opposition to "Right to Work" legislation

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Intro:	Opposition is emerging from organized labor about incoming Republican leaders' plans. Michael Langenberg has more from Jefferson City.
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Wrap: "Right to Work" legislation would allow Missouri employees to work at a business without being part of a labor union.

It's got the support of businesses, but not unions.

John Creller, who's a field representative for the Missouri Brick Layers and Allied Craft Workers Union, says it won't work.

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Description: "I don't understand why people can't see it. It's already happened in state after state after state, and the only people that want to see right to work legislation passed are greedy business owners."

Creller says workers in states with right to work laws earn lower wages and fewer benefits.

Supporters say states with "Right to Work" legislation are enjoying more economic growth.

From the state Capitol, I'm Michael Langenberg.

Intro:	Organized labor is raising objections to a "Right to Work" plan being promoted by new Republican leaders of the Missouri legislature. Michael Langenberg has more from Jefferson City.
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Wrap: Missouri's Republican-controlled legislature has made passing "Right to Work" legislation a priority for next year.

If it passes, a business couldn't require a worker to join a union.

John Creller, who's a field representative for the Missouri Brick Layers and Allied Craft Workers Union, says it could attract illegal foreigners.

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Description: "When there's no enforcement of any kind of wage, living wage, the illegal immigrants flood to that state."

Creller says that increase in illegal workers sap taxpayer dollars for health care and social programs.

Proponents say easing requirements for union membership would promote economic growth in the state.

From the state Capitol, I'm Michael Langenberg.

Intro:	Missouri's largest labor organization says the Republicans' priority "Right to Work" legislation is a political attack. Michael Langenberg has more from Jefferson City.
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Wrap: "Right to Work" legislation would let Missouri workers take any job even if they're not in a labor union.

Herb Johnson, AFL-CIO treasurer, says it's another GOP effort to undermine unions.

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Description: "Long term attack on organized labor and satisifes the desires of those who would like to see us go away and no longer exist."

Johnson says workers in states with right to work laws have wages that are about 25 percent less.

And the Bureau of Labor Statistics says those workers make about five thousand dollars less a year.

On the other side, proponents say right to work states are attracting business growth.

From the state Capitol, I'm Michael Langenberg.