Miss. House passes bills meant to restrict unions

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.clarionledger.com/viewart/20140305/NEWS010504/140305018/Miss-House-passes-bills-meant-restrict-unions

Mar. 5, 2014 5:53 PM

Mississippi lawmakers are moving ahead with a package of bills to restrict some union organizing and picketing practices, as well as to restrict local laws that might benefit workers.

The House passed a package of five bills Wednesday. Senate Bill 2689, which would stop local governments from restricting employer background checks, would go to Gov. Phil Bryant for his consideration if House members don't reconsider it.

The four other bills will return to the Senate for more work because they were amended by the House. The bills would attempt to restrict picketing and restrict unions' ability to pressure employers into remaining neutral when unions try to organize workers, among other things.

Opponents of the bills question whether some are legal under federal law and whether others would have practical effect.