Charleston, SC - The big fish in the aerospace pond, Boeing reeled into the Lowcountry thanks to a major incentive deal and the fact South Carolina is a right to work state, meaning workers are not required to a join a Union.

“That to me was the lynchpin that brought Boeing to South Carolina, certainly the incentive package that we put together was a wonderful thing,” said Scott.

House Rep. Tim Scott is hoping more companies will follow. He is putting together the South Carolina Supplier Initiative, a resolution that will allow local and state governments to push the right to work status as a recruiting tool for new business.

“When you look at 12 percent unemployment, whatever attracts your larger companies to our state and it’s based on the cost of labor is an incredible advantage,” said Scott.

With little Union presence in South Carolina, who will watch out for employee rights? The other issue is wages. Reports show the Boeing workers in Washington state make more money then the current work force in North Charleston. Scott believes companies will reward local workers, when production speed and quality hit a certain mark.

“If you compete internally and producing a better product faster, you ought to be rewarded for that and if its not there I think you will see the Union presence come back,” said Scott.

Scott expects some opposition. Just last year, Sen. Robert Ford tried to eliminate South Carolina's right to work laws, but his effort did not succeed. Scott plans to file his resolution on Dec. 15, the issue likely to be addressed during the next legislative session.

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