Republicans, unions brace for fight on right-to-work next year

As Republicans prepare to take power in the N.H. governor’s office and a majority in the state Legislature for the first time since 2004, one goal has risen to the top of the agenda: passing legislation to make New Hampshire a right-to-work state.

It’s a concept that’s been popular with Republicans across the country for decades: prohibiting labor unions from demanding fees from workers who aren’t unionized but may benefit from the union’s activities. The fees, which unions say are necessary and critics call oppressive, are opposed by many Republicans who say such fees discourage companies from moving to the state.

Since 1947, 26 U.S. states have passed the law. But bringing it to New Hampshire has proven tough for Republicans, as lawmakers have taken up the issue many times without success, drawing vetoes from Democratic governors such as John Lynch and Maggie Hassan.

Democrats generally oppose the legislation, arguing it weakens unions by undercutting their ability to collect funding.
Now, with a clean sweep of both the House and Senate in the November election, Republicans are hoping to push the law through next year.

http://www.sentinelsource.com/news/local/republicans-unions-brace-for-fight-on-right-to-work-next/article_131f10e8-cc6d-5cef-b9ac-142fc49c13b6.html