South Carolina does not need anymore labor unions, Gov. Henry McMaster said Wednesday, telling legislators he plans to fight an ongoing dispute with dock workers on the state's coast.
"Our aerospace, vehicle and tire manufacturers are no longer the sole targets for labor organizers. Our thriving hospitality and tourism industry along our coast now finds itself a target," McMaster said. "It seems that no business or employee in South Carolina is safe from the disingenuous campaigns and destructive impacts of union infiltration."
McMaster delivered his annual State of the State address Wednesday, outlining policy and spending priorities he would like the Republican-controlled Legislature to tackle this year.
In his remarks, McMaster reupped his ask to lawmakers that the governor appoint judicial candidates, followed by state Senate confirmation. Currently, the Legislature vets and elects most judges in the state.
He also reiterated his executive budget requests that asks for more money for higher education, law enforcement and a speed up to the state's the phased-in income tax cuts.
Some of his strongest remarks Wednesday centered on an ongoing dispute on the coast.
This summer, the 4th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals handed a win to a union representing dock workers at the port of Charleston after the International Longshoremen's Association and the S.C. Ports Authority battled over who gets to operate cranes at the Leatherman Terminal.
"We have taken the fight all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which I believe will understand the dire implications of this conduct, uphold the law and rule in our favor," McMaster said.
"We will fight," he continued. "All the way to the gates of hell. And we will win."
McMaster's remarks came the same day that President Joe Biden was endorsed by the United Auto Workers union.
This is a developing story. It will be updated.
