A lawsuit to determine whether Kentucky counties are allowed to pass local right-to-work laws is due for a ruling from a federal judge in the coming weeks.
Supporters of such laws expect a swell of counties to pass local right-to-work policies if the ruling comes in their favor. Jim Waters, president of conservative think tank the Bluegrass Institute, says 50 counties have requested a copy of a model right-to-work law.
“There’s just too many opportunities for counties, especially along the borders with right-to-work states like Tennessee and Indiana," adds Waters. "There’s too many opportunities that are being lost."
In December, Warren County passed a right-to-work law, which prohibits unions from forcing workers to pay union dues as a condition of employment in a unionized company. Another 11 counties passed similar laws.
Democratic Attorney General Jack Conway issued an opinion against Warren County’s policy, saying that local governments lacked the authority to pass right-to-work legislation. Supporters argue that the policies are valid because Kentucky’s “home rule” law allows counties to pass their own economic policies.
