2 lawmakers want secret ballot on labor unions

AUSTIN (AP) — Two Republican lawmakers want to require workers to cast a secret ballot in order to organize a union.

The bill was introduced Wednesday by Amarillo Sen. Kel Seliger and Waco Rep. Doc Anderson. Current Texas law makes it illegal to force someone to join a union, but allows labor organizers to collect signature cards to unionize a workplace.

The bill would require a secret ballot before a union could begin representing workers.

Critics say the measure is designed to make it more difficult for workers to organize into a union workplace. Seliger and Anderson say the legislation will protect worker rights.

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott also voiced support the bill. He also announced an optional notice for businesses to post that informs workers that Texas is a right-to-work state.