Amendment One Would Codify “Right to Work” Law into State Constitution

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) — For many, Labor Day is a chance to relax.

Some gather at barbecues or stroll through parks, taking a day off as summer comes to a close.

But for others, Labor Day is just another Monday — you get up early, punch the clock, and get to work.

The holiday is rooted in turn of the century labor activism, and the Hamilton County Democratic Party is acknowledging it by drawing attention to Amendment One, which would enshrine right-to-work laws in Tennessee’s Constitution.

“Amendment One would enshrine right to work laws in our state constitution, which would inevitably make more difficult for people to join in unions, to form a union, and to do things like collective bargaining and negotiating their health care benefits and things like that,” said Rachel Campbell, Chair of the Hamilton County Democratic Party.

It’s already illegal to mandate union membership in Tennessee, but supporters say right-to-work laws are protections against union-based workplace discrimination, something they feel is important enough to be in the state’s foundational document.

Some opponents, however, feel the amendment is effectively a waste of time, designed to score political points with corporate interests.

“Really, there’s no need to even put it in our constitution. We’re already a right to work state.”

Representatives in Tennessee’s House and Senate have cast votes that fall almost perfectly along party lines.

The people will get to cast their votes on November eighth.