Bill > SB514

This bill, by adding a new section to Missouri law, prohibits employers from forcing employees to join or not join a labor organization, which is defined as any group or agency that deals with employers on issues like pay, work hours, or other employment conditions. It also prevents employers from requiring employees to pay dues, fees, or similar charges to a labor organization, or to donate an equivalent amount to charity instead. Any agreement between a labor organization and an employer that violates these employee rights is declared void. Violators could face criminal charges as a class C misdemeanor, and individuals harmed by violations can seek court orders to stop them and recover damages, including legal fees. The bill mandates that prosecuting attorneys and the state attorney general investigate and prosecute violations. However, these provisions do not apply to employees covered by the federal Railway Labor Act, federal employees, or situations where federal law preempts state law, nor do they affect agreements made before the bill's effective date, though they will apply to any renewals or new agreements thereafter.