Yellowstone Public Radio
Union members gather on the front steps of the Montana Capitol to celebrate the defeat of House Bill 251 on March 2, 2021.
On the heels of voting down other labor-related bills, Montana lawmakers decisively rejected a so-called right-to-work bill for private unions today.
Opposition to House Bill 251 drew applause from union members packing the House gallery and passionate debate from lawmakers who repeatedly referenced Montana’s storied labor history.
“You can’t think of anything that these people don’t do for you and the citizens of Montana,” said Butte Democratic Rep. Jim Keane.
HB 251 would’ve prohibited private union membership as a condition of employment and barred unions from requiring non-members covered by collective bargaining to pay dues.