Pennsylvania Freedom Coming Soon?

A group of state legislators proposed a package of bills today that would make Pennsylvania a Right to Work state by ending compulsory unionism and the payment of union dues by non-union members in both the public and private sectors.

“It’s about choices and the fundamental rights of Pennsylvanians,” said Rep. Fred Keller, a Republican representing Union and Snyder counties.

In the main package of bills:

• House Bill 50, sponsored by Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R, Butler County), that would end union membership or dues payment by nonmembers as a condition of employment. 
• House Bill 51, sponsored by Rep. Kathy Rapp (R, Warren, Forest, McKean counties), prohibiting unions from collecting dues from non-union public school employees. 
• House Bill 52, sponsored by Keller, would prohibit unions from collecting dues from non-union state employees. 
• House Bill 53, sponsored by Rep. Jim Cox (R,Berks County), prohibits unions from collecting dues from non-union local government employees.

“It is unconscionable for any government to allow union bosses to leach off of workers,” Rapp said.

Rep. Stephen Bloom of Cumberland County said he’s also proposing House Bill 250, which would repeal a state law known as “maintenance of membership.” The bill would allow dissatisfied union members to quit their organization at any time, as opposed to a 15-day window toward the end of contracts that exists now, he said.

“This will put our employers and workers back on a level playing field,” he said.

Rep. Jerry Knowles, a Republican representing parts of Berks and Schuylkill counties, said he would introduce an umbrella bill similar to Metcalfe’s that would prevent union membership and dues from being a condition of employment in the private sector as well.

If Pennsylvania wants to get working again, they need to pass these reforms.