A Delaware county council has voted against a proposed right-to-work law, following a contentious hearing last week.

News outlets report the proposed ordinance that would have barred compelling workers to join labor unions was defeated in a 4-1 vote by the Sussex County Council on Tuesday.

Councilman I.G. Burton attributed the decision to legal hurdles and litigation costs. He said improving infrastructure and transportation would be a more viable way to attract jobs to the region.

Delaware has not enacted right-to-work laws. Its Department of Justice has said county officials lack the authority to enact their own right-to-work laws, but the proposal's sponsor, Councilman Rob Arlett, said that opinion was just one of many.

The vote was initially postponed after more than 40 people spoke at last week's five-hour hearing.