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Ohio Senate Leader Rethinks Need for Right to Work Law Following Supreme Court Decision

photo of Senate President Larry Obhof
KAREN KASLER
/
STATEHOUSE NEWS BUREAU
Senate President Larry Obhof (R-Medina)

The U.S. Supreme Court ruling on union laws caused a national stir and sent a shock wave to labor groups in Ohio.

Some Republican lawmakers have been trying to pass bills around unions and collective bargaining for years. According to the top Senate leader, now they no longer have to.

Several so-called “Right to Work” bills have been proposed since a collective bargaining reform law was overturned in 2011.

These are measures that would make it illegal to require an employee to pay union dues in order to work.

As Republican Senate President Larry Obhof sees it, with the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on the Janus v. AFSCME case, he believes “Right to Work” might be a done issue. He said “Based on what my understanding of it is, there really isn’t a need for legislation that that’s a constitutional question that’s been decided.”

Senate Minority Leader Kenny Yuko shot back against the ruling, calling it a threat to the middle class.

He said it’s time for lawmakers to act in finding ways to protect unions. That’s an uphill battle with Republicans having a super majority in the General Assembly.

Andy Chow is a general assignment state government reporter who focuses on environmental, energy, agriculture, and education-related issues. He started his journalism career as an associate producer with ABC 6/FOX 28 in Columbus before becoming a producer with WBNS 10TV.