Catherwood LibraryILR School

Conservative activists in Ohio announced they will push for an "Right-to-Work" amendment to the state constitution, only days after state legislation severely limiting public employees' ability to collectively bargain was soundly defeated in Tuesday's vote. Under the proposed measure, workers could opt out of joining unions and paying union dues, even if their jobs are covered by union contracts. Proponents, many affiliated with the state's various tea party groups, claim the amendment is about the freedom for workers' employment not to be contingent on union membership, while labor leaders argue the proposal would strike a blow against worker rights by diminishing unions' ability to negotiate on employees' behalf.