A legislative attempt to introduce right-to-work policies in Montana failed Saturday, as moderate Republicans sided with Democrats to reject the measure. Senate Bill 376 was defeated twice, initially in committee by GOP senators Jason Ellsworth, Gregg Hunter, and Denley Loge who joined Democrats in opposition. Later, the bill sponsor Sen. Mark Noland tried unsuccessfully to move it to the Senate floor for debate.
During the session, Noland emphasized the need for a public debate but was countered by Sen. Cora Neumann, who argued that Montanans oppose the right-to-work law. Fourteen Republicans aligned with 18 Democrats to halt the motion.
Right-to-work laws, like SB 376, prevent employers from making union membership or payment of union fees a condition of employment. Despite significant public opposition, with over 200 individuals registered to speak against the bill, proponents like John Kalb of the National Right-to-Work Committee and Randy Pope of Montana Citizens for Right-to-Work argued for workers’ choice in financial support for unions.
The bill’s committee hearing saw a large turnout of labor advocates, including a contingent from the Montana Nurses Association, who wore cobalt shirts stating “Nurses want what patients need.” Vicky Byrd, the CEO, emphasized the association’s role in advocating for better working conditions and patient care.
Despite the strong opposition, Noland remained optimistic, referencing his father’s negative experiences with mandatory union membership. With the bill’s defeat, Montana remains outside the list of 27 states with right-to-work laws. The issue won’t be revisited by conservative Republicans until the next legislative session in two years.
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