SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Democratic lawmakers in New Mexico are supporting a measure that would prohibit local governments from enacting so-called "right-to-work" ordinances, arguing that the state should have exclusive jurisdiction over the issue.
After an hours-long hearing Tuesday, a House panel voted 6-3 along party lines to advance the legislation .
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled last year that government workers can't be forced to contribute to labor unions that represent them in collective bargaining. The ruling involved an Illinois state worker who argued that everything unions do, including bargaining with the state, is political and employees shouldn't be forced to pay for it.
In New Mexico, several counties have approved ordinances that prevent any employees from being required to join a union or pay union fees.
Union leaders contend the ordinances create confusion and are undermining the labor groups.