NEWS RELEASE:
Law Attacking Missouri's Public Workers is Overturned

From the Missouri National Education Association
1810 E. Elm St., Jefferson City, MO 65101

For further information: 
Erin Schrimpf
(816) 863-3970

St. Louis County Circuit Court
rules HB 1413 unconstitutional

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MISSOURI - Yesterday, St. Louis County Circuit Judge Joseph Walsh ruled that the anti-union law known as HB 1413 is unconstitutional in its entirety. The ruling was made in a lawsuit brought by a coalition of unions that represent Missouri public employees. The Court issued a permanent injunction prohibiting the State of Missouri and other defendants from enforcing any part of HB 1413.

It is a decisive win for public employees and unions elected to represent them. As the decision recognized, HB 1413 made collective bargaining essentially meaningless and therefore violated Article I, Section 29 of the Missouri Constitution. In his decision, Judge Walsh observed that HB 1413 does "not even give an illusion of collective bargaining." Missouri is one of only four states that expressly protects the right of collective bargaining in its state constitution.

"HB 1413 was an attempt by politicians to attack the rights of teachers, nurses, and first responders who choose to advocate for better learning conditions, safety, and fair wages," said Phil Murray, a teacher from Poplar Bluff, and president of the Missouri National Education Association. "Instead of supporting dedicated teachers and public workers, the Missouri legislature attacked it with unconstitutional legislation. Today's decision reaffirmed Missouri's workers' constitutional right to speak up for the students, veterans, and people we serve."

The decision is final and takes effect immediately, allowing public employees to have a voice in their workplaces once again.


Summary Judgment by Circuit Court of St. Louis County >>