Republicans prepare for battle with unions in 2015, after midterm gains

[Omaha Steve]

X post in GD & Labor



In this June 14, 2011, file photo, protesters demonstrate against controversial legislation curbing union power in Madison, Wis. (Reuters)

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/12/25/republicans-plan-new-campaign-against-unions-after-midterm-gains/

Republicans in statehouses across the country are plotting a tough new campaign to check the power of labor unions and chip away at their political influence.

The GOP lawmakers, buoyed by sweeping midterm victories at the state level, are weighing so-called "right-to-work" bills in several capitals once new legislative sessions start in January. The measures, already in place in two-dozen states, generally prohibit unions from forcing workers in the private sector to join and pay dues.

"The accumulated gains by Republicans in state legislatures will certainly increase pressure on, and within, the GOP caucuses to expand right-to-work laws," Louis Jacobson, state politics columnist for Governing magazine, told FoxNews.com.

Wisconsin and Ohio are considered among the mostly likely to back the legislation, as Republicans control both chambers of those legislatures and the governorships -- though those governors seem lukewarm to the idea. Colorado, Missouri, New Hampshire and New Mexico also could see battles over union power next year.

FULL story at link.