HARRISBURG - Legislation to overturn some long-standing practices related to labor unions is creating a rift in the state capital. The debate is so fierce that the two sides so far can't even agree what to call the hot-button legislation.
Sparks flew this week during a hearing by the House Labor and Industry Committee on legislation to overturn state law that allows labor contracts to have a provision requiring all workers who receive the benefits of a collective bargaining agreement to pay dues.
Republican lawmakers pushing for change call their bills right-to-work and the open workforce initiative. Labor officials call it worker fairness and the fair share fee.
The package of bills sponsored by GOP lawmakers declares that employment cannot be made conditional to membership in a public and private sector union and the payment of union dues.
The exchanges between bill supporters and opponents at the hearing carried echoes of more intense debates over Wisconsin's new law to sharply curtail collective-bargaining rights for public employees.
Rep. Kevin Murphy, D-113, Scranton, sits on the committee. He said the bill is anti-union and an effort by Republicans to help big business at the expense of the middle class.
"I see this as an attempt to undo collective bargaining in a more subtle manner than Wisconsin," added Murphy.
The sponsor of one bill, Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, R-12, Butler, said his bill would foster individual liberty.
"Regardless of occupation, hard-working taxpayers should never be forced to pay union dues in exchange for the right to work," said Metcalfe.
Right to work supporters say passage will help Pennsylvania's economy.
"Right to work states have a much lower cost of doing business and are thus more likely to attract jobs," said Susan Staub, president of Pennsylvanians for Right to Work. "A Right to Work law for Pennsylvania is an economic stimulus bill that would bring businesses and jobs to our commonwealth without costing the taxpayers one cent."
Opponents say the bills threaten the concept of majority rule in workplaces.
"A majority of workers is required for contract ratification," said Rick Bloomingdale, president of the Pennsylvania AFL-CI0. "Once ratified, the contracts benefit all workers. Contract negotiations and contract enforcement involve costs. It is central to the American character and spirit that all individuals who receive the same benefits should pay their fair share of the costs of these benefits."
It's uncertain whether right to work bills will be on the House voting agenda this fall, said Stephen Miskin, spokesman for House Majority Leader Mike Turzai, R-28, Pittsburgh.