By: Makenzie Huber,
SD Searchlight
A bill proposing to strengthen South Dakota’s “right-to-work” laws — described by critics as anti-union laws — will head to the House floor, despite hesitancy among legislative committee members who endorsed the legislation Monday at the Capitol in Pierre.
Twenty-eight states, including South Dakota, have “right-to-work” laws stipulating that workers can’t be forced to join or pay dues to a labor union, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
House Bill 1166, introduced by Rapid City Republican Rep. Tony Randolph, would expand South Dakota’s “right-to-work” laws by requiring labor union representatives to get permission from an owner or employer to enter worksites before they collect dues, solicit membership or organize a strike. It also increases penalties for violating some “right-to-work” laws from a misdemeanor to a felony.
Union representatives opposed the legislation, saying references to the penalized activity are too vague, as is the definition for who qualifies as an “employer” to grant permission for entering a worksite. They also said the bill violates federal law and would disrupt standardization for companies operating in several states.
“If we have union members on job sites, we represent them. We have a legal right and need to communicate with them,” said Kory Rawstern, representing the South Dakota State Federation of Labor.
The National Right to Work Committee and the South Dakota Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors spoke in support of the bill. Association Vice President Kristie Brunick said members are frustrated with union officials recruiting on private construction sites.
Rep. Steve Duffy, R-Rapid City, voted in favor of the bill, though he and other committee members were skeptical of the bill’s language because of concerns raised by opponents.
“I’m not a pro-union person, but the bill looks like a mess, to be honest with you,” Duffy said during the hearing. “I’m probably going to support it either way. But it does not look like it’s been done right.”
The bill passed with a 10-2 vote and heads to the House floor next.
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