MSNBC: Union-busting efforts move forward in Mississippi, Michigan

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/union-busting-efforts-move-forward




In this July 31, 2012 file photo, an employee at the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tenn., works on a Passat sedan. Erik Schelzig/AP Photo

04/01/14 11:01 AM—UPDATED 04/01/14 11:28 AM

By Steve Benen

One of the reasons anti-labor forces fought so hard to prevail in February’s fight in Chattanooga was that they wanted to send a message: conservatives are prepared to fight against unionization wherever and whenever they can.

About a month later, the focus shifted from Tennessee to Mississippi, where an organizing drive has been underway at a Nissan plant, and where state policymakers acted quickly to advance a union-busting agenda.
Four bills that would restrict union organizing and protest and prevent local governments adopting union-friendly regulations in Mississippi are now headed to the governor. […]

Supporters said Mississippi needs new laws to pre-empt organized labor strong-arm tactics seen in other states that they say would hinder economic development. Opponents said Mississippi is one of the least unionized states and the laws are red herrings that are either already covered by federal law or would run afoul of it.

FULL story at link.

[DBoon]

1. "hinder economic development"?

The poorest states are also the most anti-union. This is not an accident.

I would say that decades of creating a servile, impoverished workforce is what hindered economic development.