GOP presidential candidates debate over labor unions

GOP presidential candidates debate over labor unions

Associated Press

CONCORD, N.H.

At a debate in New Hampshire this morning, Republican presidential candidates defended some contributions labor unions make but say they should have less power.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry says labor union rights are a federal issue because of a law that requires states to take action to become right-to-work states. He says he is “not anti-union” but is “pro-job.”

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney says he believes union training programs can help make American workers more competitive. But he says public sector unions are hurting economic growth and says their pay should be tied to private sector salaries. Former Sen. Rick Santorum, who is from heavily unionized Pennsylvania, says he worked with unions in Philadelphia and elsewhere to improve communities.

The candidates were speaking at a Republican presidential debate hosted by NBC’s “Meet the Press” this morning.