victory by big corporations and wealthy individuals whose main goal is depriving human beings of their rights. Of course, they won’t tell you that. But it’s clear if you just look.Simply, “Right to Work” legislation, which I’m putting in quotes because they have nothing to do with guaranteeing anyone with employment, makes it illegal for labor unions to mandate dues. They say it’s a “Right to Work” because the legislation removes the authority of unions. Anyone can work.
That might sound fair: “Anyone can work.” Except, what they’re actually doing is taking away a union’s ability to stand up for its members. Unions aren’t extorting their members by asking for dues; they are charging for a very real service, which is standing up on behalf of their members. Dues pay for the benefits unions provide.
What benefits have unions provided? Let’s see… How about the weekend? You wouldn’t have that without unions. And then, there’s fair wages, health care for employees, and medical leave. You can also thank unions for safer working conditions, a decent working day, and the move away from child labor. The list goes on and on. You don’t have to be a union member to enjoy all of these benefits, either. Some of them have become ubiquitous because of unions.
When you take away the strength of unions, you take away all of that. Already, states with “Right to Work” laws are seeing a reduction in wages and benefits and a move backwards with regards to workers’ rights. Corporations tell you this is necessary because of a global economy, as if the only way anyone could possibly compete would be to climb into a hole. The way to compete with cheap labor is not to cheapen ourselves but to bring everyone up. The way to compete against nations with no worker protection is not to remove our own protection but to improve others.
“Right to Work” legislation has now passed in nearly half of the United States. And the forces behind them, behind stripping you of your rights, think they have won. They believe that once the unions are out of the way, once they’ve destroyed one of the strongest voices for worker’s rights (and, therefore, human rights), they can begin tearing away all of the rights we have come to enjoy. That includes worker safety, fair pay, humane benefits… and that’s just the beginning.
I have to believe these laws will come before the courts and I have to believe they will be defeated. They are all based upon the Taft-Hartley Act of 1947, which restricts so-called “closed shops” (shops that require union membership). But I see another way of winning this battle, because it is basically un-American to forbid anyone from charging for a service rendered. My argument against “Right to Work” laws is simple: Labor Unions perform a service, which is the service of defending workers. As a fee for this service, unions have the right to charge dues, just as any other organization has.
Unions must win in the end because the American story, the story of humanity, has always moved in the direction of progress. From the issue of civil rights to the issue of environmental rights, we have always moved towards providing rights, rather than taking them away. Restricting workers from having a voice is the same as declaring their rights illegal. And I cannot believe this will be allowed to stand.
It is up to all of us to see to it that “Right to Work” is exposed for the lie that it is.
About the Author
Ken La Salle is an author and playwright out of Anaheim, California. His passion is intense humor, meaningful drama, and finding answers to the questions that define our lives. You can find his books on Amazon and Smashwords and all major etailers. His philosophical memoir, Climbing Maya, is available in ebook and paperback. His audiobook, The Worth of Dreams The Value of Dreamers, is available on iTunes, Audible, and all major etailers. You can follow Ken’s writing career on his website at www.kenlasalle.com.