National union fight comes to Minn. Capitol
Published 11:00 am Monday, March 12, 2012
ST. PAUL — A political battle that has consumed other states over the last year is coming to the Capitol, as a state Senate committee prepares to review a proposal that could make Minnesota a “right to work” state.
The Senate Judiciary Committee holds a hearing Monday morning on a proposal to ask voters in November whether Minnesota’s Constitution should be amended to make private and public union membership voluntary. Republican backers want to go the amendment route in order to bypass Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton, who would be certain to veto such a measure.
State unions are mobilizing members to attend. Capitol security officers are preparing for large crowds — even on Friday afternoon, barricades were set up around the hearing room and overflow seating was prepared nearby.