02/24/2006

DOVER, Del. (AP)- Similar bills pending in the state House and Senate would make Delaware a so-called "right to work" state- where a worker would not have to join the union to work in a union shop.

The law is already on the books in 22 other states.

Republican Senator Colin Bonini says workers should not be forced to pay union dues if they have philosophical differences with the union. Bonini says the proposal also could make Delaware more attractive to out-of-state businesses looking to relocate.

But labor leaders say workers benefiting from union-negotiated wages should be union members. And Senate Democrat Robert Marshall chairs the Senate Labor Committee and says he will not let the proposals reach the Senate floor.