After voices heard, councilmembers defer vote on right to work

In Georgetown, many braved the cold to make their voices heard. 

The topic, a right to work ordinance being considered in Sussex County and Tuesday County Council held an open dialogue in order to hear from constituents. 

The circle in Georgetown even looking a little different than your typical Tuesday morning as it was riddled with union workers and signs denouncing right to work.

The community came out in numbers something Councilman Rob Arlett, who introduced the ordinance, says is the best way to gage how the public feels about the ordinance.

"It's great because we're hearing from the community and that's really what this is all about today. The message that we've heard is that people want good paying jobs, they want opportunities for their families. That's really what this is about and we need to hear from the community on what's the best avenue to do that," explains Councilman Arlett.

The circle wasn't the only place packed in Georgetown, it was a packed house inside council chambers so much so that they had to overflow into the lobby. 

At least a hundred or so people filed in and around council chambers for a public hearing that lasted more than six long hours.

At just around 4 p.m. after a number of people voiced their opinions on right to work the council unanimously passed a motion to defer from voting. 

The hearing, starting off with a show of hands for and against right to work.

This was an unusual way to start a public hearing, but for elected officials it was a necessary one with the overwhelming number of community members in attendance. 

Arlett saying"As an elected official I should keep an open mind and look at all options to ensure that we're doing that and being responsible and really, if you would, caring for the community to attract those communities and those wages that they need." 

But determining how those fair wages are made in the local community is generating some buzz. 

As it stands right now, when a workplace unionizes all of its workers become a part of it even those who may have voted against it are required to pay a fee to the union. 

But this right to work ordinance would change that and those for it believe it's the best way to bring businesses to Sussex County. 

"The fact is a lot of businesses that want to look to do business in Delaware are not going to do business here the reason why is we don't have a right to work ordinance in place," explains Ted Kittila, an attorney at Caesar Rodney Institute. 

Those against it say the ordinance is anti-union.

"I am against the ordinance that would destroy unions and take away some very important benefits and rights of workers," says Joanne Cabry, a Sussex County resident. 

Others say it gives employees an option that will benefit unions. 

"We believe it's the right to chose. We believe it's the right to contribute and pay dues. If you believe that they actually are doing something for you, the dues are actually being spent on the local people and not being sent out of state," explains Kittila. 

Those against believe otherwise. 

This isn't the first time the community has come out in numbers to give their thoughts on right to work. A number of people spoke in October for public comment. 

County council hasn't scheduled a time yet to vote.