Mo. Representatives propose a controversial 'right to work' bill

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Intro:	Missouri's Chamber of Commerce expressed its support for a measure that would give workers the right to choose to join a union and pay union dues.
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Wrap: The Republican-led House Workforce Committee heard testimony on the bill in a packed committee room.

Many union members testified in opposition to the measure, and among them was Robert Soutier, President of the Greater St. Louis Labor Council.

He said right-to-work is not only bad for workers, but bad for Missouri.

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Description: "Okay I'm here to urge, don't take that right away from the six percent of us that think that we need some help."

But, a lobbyist for the Missouri Chamber of Commerce said the bill promotes economic growth in the Show-Me-State.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Shannon O'Brien.

Intro:	Democrats and union workers spoke passionately against legislation that would make it illegal for employers to require employees to join a union.
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Wrap: The House Workforce Committee heard emotional testimonies Monday in opposition of a right-to-work bill.

Some of the opposing testimony came from Columbia Democratic Representative Stephen Webber.

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Description: "But, let's not pretend that we're giving people the right then. Let's not pretend that we're giving them the right to bargain their own wages, when we're clearly saying that no you're going to be a price taker. You're not going to be negotiating for the price."

But, on the other side Representative Eric Burlison said this choice is fundamental to our freedom.

A lobbyist for the Missouri Chamber of Commerce said he thinks it's smart to work under contract, but workers should not be forced to do so.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Shannon O'Brien.

Intro:	Union members crowded in a House Workforce Committee hearing Monday to testify against a right-to-work measure.
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Wrap: The plan would make it illegal for Missouri employers to require their workers to enter into a union contract or pay union dues.

Mike Louis from a Missouri labor organization opposed the bill.

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Description: "Why should the state discriminate against an employer who wants to have an union shop? They don't meddle in the business of employers who are not union. They don't say you got to be union."

Bill sponsor Representative Eric Burlison said the right to choose is essential in the workplace if we are going to uphold the freedoms of every hardworking Missourian.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Shannon O'Brien.