Idaho’s New Anti-Union Laws Declared Unconstitutional

A federal judge has thrown out Idaho's two newest anti-union laws, saying they violate federal rules and would restrict the free play of economic forces.  The laws, intended to weaken the power of labor organizations in Idaho, were passed during the 2011 legislative session. But two building and construction unions sued, and U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill tossed them out in a ruling late last month. Winmill said Congress set up the parameters in which construction employers and unions could bargain, influenced only by their own economic power and the free play of economic forces. But he said the new Idaho laws upset that balance. The state hasn't said whether it plans to appeal the decision