Labor Organizers Rally Against ‘Right to Work’ Bill at State House

Labor activists collected at the State House Wednesday, to express their unfavorable thoughts about the proposed total amount to do with the “right to work” story. They claim the legislation would undermine unions, below wages, and decrease employees’ collective bargaining electricity.

Prospective federal legislation at the center of controversy aims to block forced union fund payments by non-members, even if the benefits of union representation would still help them, benefit. Supporters of the bill say it ensures the freedom for workers to decide for themselves to join a union rather than have union membership automatically assured for them through a workplace representation system.

“‘Right to work’ laws undermine the sense of solidarity that is the foundation of the labor movement. Unions thrive on the principle that we are stronger together. But these laws sow division by pitting workers against one another and creating an environment where collective action is harder to sustain,” said IAMAW Local 6 President and Chairman of the IAM Transportation Conference, Chris Williams. This is a simple truth that is always true, namely, we are stronger together. But these laws and laws divide the workers one by one making a favorable environment for collective action difficult to maintain.

Critics say that relaxing restrictions to allow for the compulsory association to require more specific dissent from the benefits conferred would undermine the union. Without sufficient money, they claim, unions could not do more to get higher pay and safer workplaces; that would lead to worker losses all across the board.

But Rep. Josh Morris (R-Turner), the bill’s sponsor, argues that the proposal is an attempt to give more choices to workers. ” I believe I’m leaving them the choice of having the liberty of an association,” Morris said. “An employee who believes that his union does not represent him should not be forced to finance it.”

The battle on the bill is not over yet, with statements of labor activists promising to block its passage while supporters say it gives the workers more freedom. The outcome of the political fight will have a lasting impact on unions and workers throughout the state.

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