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Kentucky Right to Work Case in Heads to Federal Court
By: Associated Press
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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) – A federal judge will hear arguments on Tuesday about whether a Kentucky local government can stop employers from making workers join labor unions.
At least 12 counties in Kentucky have passed so-called “right to work” ordinances, the only such ordinances in the country. Labor leaders sued Hardin County after it passed its ordinance. Advocates say the ordinances help the counties attract jobs while labor leaders say it would hurt their negotiation power and could lead to lower wages.
It has become an issue in Kentucky’s race for governor. Democratic nominee Jack Conway is also the state attorney general. His office put out an opinion last year saying local governments do not have the authority to pass such laws. Republican nominee Matt Bevin supports the laws saying it is the only way to keep Kentucky competitive.