But this year, with Republicans firmly in control of the Legislature and the governor’s office for the first time in almost two decades, right-to-work supporters and foes of unions are hoping for a different outcome.
“Right to work, as a whole, has not been in the conversation at the Legislature since 2009, and I want to bring that conversation back,” says Rep. Caleb Hinkle, R-Belgrade, sponsor of the bill to make Montana a right-to-work state.
Hinkle’s House Bill 251 isn’t the only such bill before the 2021 Legislature. Two others would restrict how unions representing public employees collect dues or manage their membership, and another bill affecting unions representing health-care workers is being drafted.
Amanda Curtis, president of the state’s largest labor union – the Montana Federation of Public Employees – told MTN News the bills are an attempt to undermine unions, particularly those representing government workers.
“They’re mad at us because we’re strong,” she said. “I think there’s a more extreme faction of the Republican Party that has a philosophy of smaller government, under any circumstances. … We represent government to them.”
None of the bills has been debated or voted yet on the floor of the Senate or House, although one has been emerged from committee.
Republicans hold big majorities at the Legislature this year – 67-33 in the House and 31-19 in the state Senate, and every right-to-work-related bill is sponsored by a Republican.
Curtis and other union officials said they may be able to defeat the bills, with a coalition of Democrats and moderate Republicans. But, if that fails, they no longer have a Democratic governor as a backstop – and wonder out loud what Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte will do if the bills reach his desk.
“He’s been unwilling to go on record in support, or not, of unions and Montana workers and has always skirted the question,” Curtis said.
When asked where he stood on the issue, Gianforte’s office told MTN News that right-to-work bills are “not one of his priorities,” but declined to elaborate.
The right-to-work and related bills restricting unions this session include:
· HB251, from Hinkle, which says no worker in Montana can be required to belong to or financially support a union, as a condition of employment.
Hinkle’s bill would make Montana a right-to-work state, essentially saying unions cannot collect fees from any non-members – even if the union has collectively bargained for that workers’ pay and benefits.
That prohibition already exists for unions representing public employees; Hinkle’s bill would extend it to the private sector. The bill is scheduled for a hearing on Feb. 16.
· Senate Bill 89, which would prohibit government employers from having a payroll checkoff to collect dues from employees who are union members. The practice is widespread in Montana now.
Sen. Keith Regier, R-Kalispell is the sponsor. It was approved by a Senate committee last week.
· HB168, which says public-employee union members must give their consent, every year, to have dues taken from their paycheck, and can opt out at any time. Sponsored by Rep. Bill Mercer, R-Billings, the bill remains in committee.
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Montana Legislature considers 'right to work,' anti-union bills - Missoula Current
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