JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Republican Gov. Phil Bryant has signed three bills to limit labor union activities in Mississippi.
The signings came Wednesday at a Capitol ceremony attended by a U.S. Chamber of Commerce representative. Bryant says he hopes the restrictions strengthen Mississippi's reputation as a state where unions have little influence. They become law July 1.
Mississippi AFL-CIO president Robert Shaffer says the laws will hurt low-wage workers.
Senate Bill 2473 makes it illegal to coerce a business into staying neutral in a union drive.
Senate Bill 2653 says picketing is legal as long as it is nonviolent and doesn't block entrances.
Senate Bill 2797 says if any state or local government entity wants to use unionized labor on a project, it would have to get permission from the Legislature.
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