Two anti-union bills were introduced this morning in the Senate State Affairs Committee, both seeking to strengthen Idaho's "Right to Work" act that already bans requiring union membership as a condition of employment. One, from Sen. Monty Pearce, R-New Plymouth, is dubbed the "Fairness in Contracting Act;" it would impose misdemeanor penalties and fines of up to $100,000 for unions or contractors who make deals to subsidize wages to help a particular contractor win a job. The other, sponsored by Sen. John Goedde, R-Coeur d'Alene, but presented to the committee by lobbyist Jane Wittmeyer on behalf of Associated Builders & Contractors Inc. Inland Pacific Chapter, dubbed the "Open Access to Work Act," would forbid any local or state government public works contract signed after July 1, 2010 from requiring any particular wages or benefits for workers on the project.

The committee voted to introduce both bills, clearing the way for hearings.

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