In the wake of the November elections, many new state legislators are looking to curb the power of unions. Plans include reducing collective bargaining rights, limiting the ability to strike or even pushing right-to-work laws. Some states are also considering changes that would effect organizing in the private sector. Lawmakers say that the states cannot afford to pay union wages and benefits, and that public employees should not get so much while private employees do not receive the same. Union leaders say that they feel the attacks are a result of both the economic situation and the unions' efforts in the 2010 elections.
See "Strained States Turning to Laws to Curb Labor Unions", Steven Greenhouse, The New York Times, January 3, 2011