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Obhof: SCOTUS Ruling Seems To Decide "Right To Work"

Karen Kasler
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, in regards to the public sector.

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.

“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," says Obhof, pointing out that the ruling referred to the public sector.

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.

Contact Andy at achow@statehousenews.org.
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