Some Georgia workers would find it harder to become union members under a new bill

Georgia lawmakers have made it harder for workers at companies receiving state economic incentives to unionize, which could be a violation of federal law.

The state House voted 96 to 78 Wednesday for Senate Bill 362, which would bar companies that accept state incentives from recognizing unions without a formal secret ballot election. The measure, which Gov. Brian Kemp has backed, now goes to the Republican governor for his signature.

The bill would block unions from winning recognition directly from a company — without the additional step of a secret ballot — after signing up most workers in what is usually known as a card check.