Montana Legislature considers right-to-work laws
MISSOULA, Mont. — Multiple bills are going through the Montana State Legislature this session that would make Montana a right-to-work state if passed, by making it difficult for labor unions to collect fees.
House Bill 251 would forbid Montana employers from making union membership a condition of employment. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Caleb Hinkle (R-Belgrade).
Opponents argue that right-to-work states have lower wages, fewer benefits and eroding workplace safety.
“These bills, they’re wrong for Montana, they’re wrong for all of our families,” said Leslie Shepherd with the Montana Nurses Association. “I really think lawmakers need to focus on protecting our workers, protecting our communities, not hurting them for the sake of out-of-state lobbyists.”
Backers argue the bill wouldn’t hurt unions that offer good representation and benefits. They say right-to-work states have better economies and more disposable income for workers.
Montana would be the 28th state with right-to-work laws if passed.
Other related bills include HB 168, which would require organized public employees to certify their union membership annually and force employers to tell their employees about their rights to leave the union annually, and SB 228, which would let a public employee withdraw from a bargaining unit and create a timeline for payment of dues to stop.
