AUGUSTA, Maine - Legislation that would make Maine a so-called "right-to-work" state drew support and plenty of opposition at a hearing before the Legislature’s Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic
Development Committee.
Republican Rep. Larry Lockman, of Amherst, said workers should not be forced to join a union. “Let’s set Maine workers free from the shackles of compulsory unionism and make our great state the first in New England to become a magnet for entrepreneurs and good paying jobs.”
The bill drew a lot of opposition from union members, who said the real aim of the legislation is to break up unions.
“Because we stand together as a union and negotiate our contract, for the first time in my adult life, I have health insurance for my family, a future with being able to retire, a decent raise with working 40 hours
a week," said Josh Hartford, a union member from Canaan.
It’s likely the committee will split on the legislation. That would result in the bill going to the full Legislature for consideration later this month.
Josh Hartford, union
member from Cannan “ Because we stand together as a union and negotiate our
contract, for the first time in my adult life, I have held insurance for my
family, a future with being able to retire a decent raise with working 40 hours
a week
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