Haley, Republicans Toughen Anti-Union Laws

Gov. Nikki Haley and Republican lawmakers are toughening the state's anti-union laws. 

At a press conference Tuesday, Haley announced a bill filed in the House that would increase penalties for unions that break laws, according to a report in The State newspaper.  

The bill would also allow union workers to end their membership at any time and require unions to file financial information with the state in additon to what they already file at the federal level. 

“Unions are not needed, wanted or welcome in South Carolina,” Haley said at the press conference with Rep. Bill Sandifer, R-Oconee. 

Haley also signed an executive order that stops workers on strike from getting unemployment benefits, according to the Associated Press. 

Striking workers are already prohibited from receiving unemployment benefits, according to state law. Haley's order is to make sure that companies don't have to fight a claim for benefits.