“We would never put people’s religious freedom on the ballot, or free speech on the ballot,” Burlison said. “This is a right of association that should not be put to a vote.”

Proponents of right-to-work proposals say states that allow mandatory union dues hamstring economic development. Opponents say the laws restrict the bargaining power of workers, tilting the scales toward management.

Burlison said he could not predict how far his measure would go in the coming session, but he said he has told GOP leadership the bill’s passage is one of his priorities.

“I campaigned on this issue,” Burlison said. It’s a “priority of not just myself, but people in my area.”

Burlison represents Christian County, which was one of about 15 counties that backed right to work in August.

He also represents outlying parts of Greene County, where Springfield is located. Fifty-seven percent of Greene County voters rejected right to work.

The vote margins were not as close in the St. Louis area, where several counties saw more than three-fourths of voters reject right to work.

The legislation is Senate Bill 63.

Daily updates on the latest news in the St. Louis business community. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.