State & Local Government Policy, Business and Technology

‘Paycheck protection’ labor reform faces court challenge from seven Missouri unions

The Kansas City Star: A sweeping labor reform bill that added restrictions to most public-sector unions violates the Missouri Constitution by constraining free speech for some unions and giving preferential treatment to others, a coalition of unions argues in a lawsuit filed Monday.

Seven unions representing teachers, maintenance workers, patient care professionals and some public safety employees filed suit in St. Louis County circuit court to challenge Missouri’s new “paycheck protection” law passed this year by the General Assembly and signed by then-Gov. Eric Greitens. The bill imposes new requirements for unions to get certified to represent workers, withhold dues and fees and negotiate contracts. It also prohibits union members from picketing.

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