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Union Leader: Local Right-to-Work Measures Unlawful

Warren County Fiscal Court is expected to give final approval to a local right-to- work law on Friday.  The measure passed by a 5-1 vote on first reading last week. 

One of the main critics is Eldon Renaud who heads the local United Autoworkers Union.   

"It forces unions to negotiate and handle grievances for people who don't even pay dues," said Renaud, president of the UAW Local 2164.  They're free riders."

Renaud maintains right-to-work laws only weaken unions, but supporters argue they spur economic development.  Simpson and Fulton counties have also recently given preliminary approval to right-to-work measures allowing private sector workers to choose whether to join a union and pay dues.  "What right does someone have to come in and tell people they don't have to pay dues.  Where is that fair and what's that got to do with attracting jobs?  It's a smoke screen," Renaud added.  "What they're really trying to do is cut the legs out from under unions because if they can't afford to function they will go out of existence."

Renaud thinks the local ordinances are against state law and only the legislature has the authority to pass right-to-work laws.  An opinion is expected in the coming days from the attorney general’s office.

Lisa is a Scottsville native and WKU alum. She has worked in radio as a news reporter and anchor for 18 years. Prior to joining WKU Public Radio, she most recently worked at WHAS in Louisville and WLAC in Nashville. She has received numerous awards from the Associated Press, including Best Reporter in Kentucky. Many of her stories have been heard on NPR.