Right to work plan sidetracked again

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- By a slim margin, Republicans failed again on Tuesday to force a vote on the divisive right-to-work issue. <br><br>The vote was 24-23 against reconsidering a procedural vote that

Tuesday, April 11th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- By a slim margin, Republicans failed again on Tuesday to force a vote on the divisive right-to-work issue.

The vote was 24-23 against reconsidering a procedural vote that derailed the right-to-work amendment a week ago. The first vote led to GOP Lt. Gov. Mary Fallin presiding over the Democrat-dominated Senate to try and force another.

"I know that right-to-work supporters are probably disappointed they lost, but if they truly believe in their issue, I would encourage them to launch an initiative petition drive," said Senate President Pro Tempore, Stratton Taylor, D-Claremore.

Republicans, however, said the vote gave them hope a right-to-work question can be referred to the people this year without the necessity of an initiative petition.

"This 24-to-23 vote, the closest ever, gives me and the supporters of right to work more hope than ever that the people will soon be able to decide the issue," said Fallin, who watched the proceedings from the gallery, which was packed by union members.

The Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce has said 10 identified Democrats would vote for right to work, based on surveys by local chambers.

"Majority rule was exercised in the state Senate and the majority decided it did not want to advance right to work," Taylor said of Tuesday's vote.

"I don't think anyone can complain with any validity that this wasn't a fair process," he said.

Last week, Republicans sought the help of Fallin after complaining that Taylor had cut off debate with a quick gavel.

Democrats have accused Republicans of pushing right to work in an effort to have a campaign issue for the fall elections.

Sen. Larry Dickerson, D-Poteau, said GOP Gov. Frank Keating could have easily advanced right to work through the initiative petition process at the height of his popularity.

"They didn't want this issue to pass," Dickerson said. "They wanted this kind of divisiveness."

But Republicans said they were pushing the plan because it would improve the state economically.

"Right now our state ranks 46th in median income," Fallin said. "Major corporations across this nation tell me time and time again that they will only bring their companies to Oklahoma when we pass right to work."

Democrats cited statistics showing that residents of states without right to work have higher incomes than states with the law.

A right-to-work law prohibits security clauses in contracts between management and unions that require all employees of a company to pay union dues, even if they are not union members.

Minority Leader Mark Snyder said it was the kind of issue that should go to a vote.

"If Oklahomans don't want right to work, let them decide fo rthemselves," he said.

On Monday, a showdown between Fallin and Taylor ended quickly as Democrats won a procedural vote keeping them in control of the agenda of the 48-member body.

All 32 Democrats present supported a challenge to Fallin by Majority Leader Billy Mickle, D-Durant, who contended Senate rules gave him the authority to set the agenda. Mickle had placed the right-to-work issue on Monday's agenda.