Boone leaders pass right-to-work ordinance

BURLINGTON – After Boone County Fiscal Court members unanimously approved a controversial right-to-work ordinance, members of the audience booed and yelled they were going to move to Kenton County, where a similar ordinance was recently tabled.

The right-to-work ordinance, which went into effect immediately, is an attempt to promote economic development by not requiring employees to pay union dues. Current union contracts are not affected, but when the contracts are next renegotiated, they will have to take the new rules into account.

Speakers opposing the ordinance, many of whom represent local unions, claimed right-to-work states lose union jobs and force wages lower.

An audience member challenged Fiscal Court members to use their iPads to see how many union members have been lost in right-to-work states like Indiana and Michigan.

Commissioner Charlie Walton actually searched those terms and quoted several search results that indicated the number of union jobs had increased and wages raised.

Walton read that unions in right-to-work states gained 39,000 members and non-right-to-work states lost 390,000 members between 2011-2012, according to the US. Department of Labor Statistics. He also said union membership increased throughout 22 right-to-work states, not including Indiana, because they passed right-to-work legislation in 2012.

"We're here to do what's best for the citizens of Boone County and we're looking at all the information. You may or may not agree with myself or any other commissioner here," Walton said. "We're wanting to make what decision will be best for Boone County, Kentucky."

"It's getting harder and harder for us to get the good projects," said Commissioner Charlie Kenner. "Right to work is the deal breaker."

Boone County Judge-executive Gary Moore complimented members from both sides of the issue for their mutual consideration and respect during the discussion.

"I know it's a very passionate issue for you. It's your life and your livelihood and something you believe in to the depths of your heart. You live it," said Moore. "In looking at the data, I truly believe that what's best for the entire community is to pass this tonight and become a right-to-work county. I believe what we're looking for is the new opportunities that we're missing today."

Moore said he worked with a business touring Boone County for potential relocation, and they chose another location because Boone did not have right-to-work legislation.

"It's not to break or to damage the unions that are here today. I truly believe. from the data we've seen, that union membership can grow," he said.

Moore said that the county is marketed as part of REDI, the Regional Economic Development Initiative for Greater Cincinnati, and being the only right-to-work county in the partnership "will be a huge advantage."

Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce President Trey Grayson and Northern Kentucky Tri-ED President Dan Tobergte spoke in favor of the ordinance, but most of the audience members opposed the legislation.

Many urged Fiscal Court members to table the ordinance until a federal lawsuit opposing right-to-work legislation in Hardin County has been decided.

Gary Marsh and George T. McDaniel of United Steel Workers Local 18, asked them to table the decision in order to do more research.

"You've got to do what you've got to do, but do right for Boone County," said McDaniel. "We don't need no right to work in Boone County."

"I'd appreciate it if you'd table this," said Marsh. "This is flat-out union busting."

Want to continue the conversation? Tweet @AmyScalfNky