House lawmakers today reopened hearings on a bill that would make NH a so-called right to work state. The measure would affect non-union workers employed at union workplaces.
Under the proposed bill, unions would be prohibited from charging non-union workers for the costs of negotiating labor contracts or legal disputes. Lead sponsor, Kingston State Senator Russell Prescott, says the measure is about worker freedom.
“Individual rights is a good platform to stand on. And I would not want to take someone’s individual rights. However I would gladly freely give up my rights for the greater good. I would not want someone to say that you must……this is what this bill does.”
Supports of the bill say state such as OK have seen a rapid increase in the number of jobs after passing right to work legislation. Critics, however, say the bill, and its sponsor are misguided. David Lamarre-Vincent of the New Hampshire Council of Churches told lawmakers that Prescott bill is reprehensible to the core.
“A so-called right to work does not provide anyone any rights. Does not provide anyone any work. The purpose is to deny workers and their employers the right to agree. And secondly, and I think is the important point. Is that right to work laws are hurtful.”
Other opponents backed up Lamarre-Vincent, citing the shortcomings of the 22 states with right to work laws. They say data show those states have lower average incomes……higher rates of uninsured …..fewer high school graduates……higher crime and poverty rates….than do states without such laws.
If this bill were to become law, NH would be the first New England state to exempt non-union workers. Governor Craig Benson has said he is taking no position right now. And plans to wait to see what happens to the legislation.
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