Corbett: Pa. lacks will to pass ‘right-to-work’

Gov. Tom Corbett says he doesn’t see a strong will to make Pennsylvania a “right-to-work” state, a key issue for conservatives as fellow industrial state Michigan is poised to become the 24th state to pass such a law.

The Republican governor told a radio interviewer Monday the lack of momentum has to do with local and state politics, but he didn’t elaborate or say whether he’d support such legislation.

 

Right-to-work bills prohibit requirements that employees join a union or pay union dues as a condition of employment.

Such legislation languished in the Republican-controlled Legislature without a vote during the recently-completed two-year session.

Supporters say it’s about freedom of association for workers and improving the business climate. Critics contend the real intent is to bleed unions of money and bargaining power.