GOP-led W.Va. Senate OKs right-to-work legislation

Associated Press

CHARLESTON, W.Va.

West Virginia’s Republican-led Senate passed right-to-work legislation Thursday as throngs of angry union employees watched in the crowd.

Thursday’s debate drew boos, grumbling, commentary and applause from the crowds, but still ended with an anticipated 17-16 party-line vote.

The bill’s thin-margin passage with one seat vacant ships it to a House of Delegates with a wider Republican majority. At this point, though, the push to make West Virginia the 26th right-to-work state is hardly a given. Both parties are eagerly awaiting a Supreme Court ruling over whether and empty Senate seat will be filled by a Republican or a Democrat.

A favorable court ruling for Democrats would knot the Senate at 17-17 and stymie the GOP’s ability to override a likely veto by Democratic Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin. A simple majority is needed in each chamber for a veto override.

During Thursday’s debate, Republicans contended that a new path is needed for an impoverished state that is hemorrhaging population. They said the bill would attract businesses and give workers freedom by prohibiting companies from requiring employees to pay union dues as a condition of employment.

Unions are still required to represent every worker.

“It’s been said over and over and over. What we are doing now does not work,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch Carmichael, R-Jackson.