A southeast Missouri lawmaker plans to pre-file right-to-work legislation Thursday in Jefferson City.

Representative Holly Rehder (photo courtesy; Tim Bommel, Missouri House Communications)

Representative Holly Rehder (photo courtesy; Tim Bommel, Missouri House Communications)

State Rep. Holly Rehder (R-Sikeston) tells Missourinet she will travel to the Capitol Thursday to file right-to-work, which is expected to be a controversial issue in 2017.

Right-to-work says that a person cannot be required to join or refrain from joining a labor organization, as a condition of employment.

GOP Governor-Elect Eric Greitens and House Speaker Todd Richardson (R-Poplar Bluff) back right-to-work, saying it will boost jobs in the Show-Me State. However, Democrats and labor unions are strongly opposed. Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster (D), who lost to Greitens in the gubernatorial race, said during the campaign that states that have passed right-to-work have lower wages and fewer benefits.

Rehder, who chairs the Missouri House Select Committee on Labor and Industrial Relations, says states that have passed right-to-work have seen increased employment, including more union jobs.

The 2017 session begins January 4.