Judge dismisses lawsuit challenging right-to-work law

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – In a legal victory for Kentucky’s Republican governor, a judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by organized labor leaders who challenged the state’s right-to-work law.

Franklin County Circuit Judge Thomas Wingate rejected organized labor’s arguments that the 2017 law violates the state’s Constitution.

The right-to-work law – which sailed through the GOP-led legislature in the first week of last year’s session – bans mandatory union fees in workplaces.

Bevin said Wednesday that the judge’s ruling confirms the right-to-work law is on solid legal ground.

He says the legal challenge was “appropriately smacked down.” An organized labor leader did not immediately return a call seeking comment. Right-to-work supporters say such laws create jobs. Opponents say the laws weaken labor unions, leading to lower wages and unsafe working conditions.

(Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
1/24/2018 11:06:48 AM (GMT -5:00)