House Workforce Committee hears HJR 6.
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House Workforce Committee hears HJR 6.

Date: February 14, 2011
By: Megan McGinnis
State Capitol Bureau

Intro: 
A joint resolution would propose a constitutional amendment which would guarantee union workers the right to vote in secrecy.  The House Committee on Workforce Development and Workplace Safety held a hearing on the bill.
RunTime:  0:32
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Bill sponsor Republican Representative Mike Cierpiot says this resolution is necessary to protect the rights of workers.

However, House Democrat Sylvester Taylor says time should not be wasted on this proposal, because most unions already vote in secrecy. 

Actuality:  TAYLOR2.WAV
Run Time:  00:06
Description: "If we're talking about the welfare of the people, I just don't think we should pass laws on 'if'."
 

Taylor says he's also concerned about the cost of this resolution even though, Cierpiot says putting the proposal on the November ballot would be free.

From Jefferson City, I'm Megan McGinnis.

Intro: 
The House Committee on Workforce Development and Workplace Safety heard a joint resolution which would require all union votes to be taken in secrecy.
RunTime:  0:40
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: The joint resolution, sponsored by Lee's Summit Representative Mike Cierpoit, would guarantee the right of union members to vote by secret ballot.

Secretary and treasurer of the Missouri AFL-CIO, Herb Johnson, says unions already conduct all of their votes in secret.

Actuality:  JOHNSON1.WAV
Run Time:  00:06
Description: "We can't have any elections, or any votes, ratifications, or do anything if it isn't by secret ballot."

Johnson added that the election would need to be repeated if there was any doubt of secrecy.  He also says hearing the bill will cost the state of Missouri valuable time and money.

Cierpiot says this resolution is needed to guarantee employees privacy when choosing union representation.

From Jefferson City, I'm Megan McGinnis.

 

 

 

Intro: 
In Jefferson City the House Committee on Workforce development and Workplace Safety is hearing a bill which would guarantee that all union votes be secret.
RunTime:  0:48
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: The resolution, sponsored by Lee's Summit Representative Mike Cierpiot, would create a constitutional amendment allowing Union members the right to vote by secret ballot.  However, some people say that unions already have secret voting.

The president of Associated Builders and Contractors,Jim Kistler, says the amendment is necessary and would protect employees.

Actuality:  KISTLER1.WAV
Run Time:  00:06
Description: "It was implemented because of coercion and intimidation, I don't think we want to go back in history."

Secretary and Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, Herb Johnson, says unions already conduct all their votes in secret, and if secrecy is questioned the election must be repeated.

Cierpiot says it will cost no money to get the issue on the ballot, if its included in the November general election, even though others have claimed differently.

From Jefferson City, I'm Megan McGinnis.