In possible test of federal labor law, Georgia could make it harder for some workers to join unions

Georgia's ruling Republicans are moving to make it harder for workers at companies that get economic incentives to join labor unions, in what could be a test of current federal law. The state Senate voted 31-23 on Thursday for a bill backed by Gov. Brian Kemp that would bar companies that accept incentives from recognizing unions without a formal secret-ballot election. That would block unions from winning recognition from a company voluntarily after signing up a majority of workers. Union leaders and Democrats argue the bill violates federal law. Georgia’s bill is modeled after a law passed in Tennessee last year. But there could be similar legislation offered in many other states.