In a continuation of the coordinated attack on working families and their right to bargain collectively, Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC), along with seven other GOP members of the U.S. Senate, introduced national “right-to-work” legislation. Original co-sponsors include Senators Tom Coburn (R-OK), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Mike Lee (R-UT), Rand Paul (R-KY), James Risch (R-ID), Pat Toomey (R-PA) and David Vitter (R-LA).
Supporters of the National Right-to-Work Act say the bill aims to “reduce workplace discrimination by protecting the free choice of individuals to form, join, or assist labor organizations, or to refrain from such activities.”
“The recent move by federal legislators to strip working families of their right to bargain for better wages, benefits and retirement is the latest attempt on the GOP’s long list of tricks to aid the ‘haves’ and disable the ‘have-nots,’” said IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger. “From Wisconsin to Indiana, and from Ohio to Washington, DC, we will fight for our jobs, our families, our communities and the right to bargain for a better life.”
Sat. June 11, 2011
Right to work states suck.I happen to live in one. You wanna talk about having to fight for your rights on adaily basis. What realy sucks is you not only have to fight managment but also anti-union coworkers. The sad part is when the company screws them over the first place they go is to the union for help and we\\\'re obligated to do so. Then they turn around and stab you in the back the next day.Wed. April 13, 2011
To the pro right to workers who left their comments, I say shame on you! You don\'t deserve a union. And I would conclude with this simple comment, Why did you apply for a job at a union facility in the first place? It was because wages and benefits were favorable to other facilities and also because the facility was healthy and hiring. Both because of collective bargaining. Finally, if either of you don\'t want to pay your union dues, its a free country, don\'t let the door hit your mamby pamby backsides, go find a non union jobs. There are plenty of them out there. Maybe if you work for half the money and bebefits for a while it will wake you up. Workers supporting right to work is a lot like chickens supporting Col. Sanders.Sat. April 09, 2011
These Republican Senators are right. Freedom of association goes both ways...to associate or not associate. I personally do not like my union dues being used for any purpose other than collective bargaining. When the union financially support political candidates (of any party) they overstep their authority. When they support candidates who are anti-family, ie; pro-abortion, pro gay rights, and anti-parental rights, the union is using ny money against me.Fri. April 01, 2011
This is what we get when legislators are elected that are bought and paid for by corporate dollars. If those GOP legislators were really patriotic they would be introducing legislation to create jobs by investment in Americas infrastructure, education, and energy independence. Instead they want to introduce laws to allow freeloaders to ride the coat tales of workers that fight to make American life better. That brings everyone down. What happened to the GOP campaign claims that they would introduce legislation to create jobs? History shows that you have to invest before you profit. Massive blind cuts to our budget will lead toward a downward economic spiral, and freeloaders cost everyone.Wed. March 23, 2011
I read the comment above about and individuals support for the National RTW bill. This person stated that \"Fair is Fair\" whether to pay union dues or not. Here is my take on \"FAIRNESS\"... If the union negotiates a better wage for me, a better pension plan for me, a better insurance coverage for me and my family, better working conditions for safety and health and a fair and equitable grievance procedure in my contract, I think it is worth every cent my union dues goes for. If an individual does not want to pay their fair share of union dues for these benefits, they should be made to forfeit all of those negotiated benefits. \"FAIR IS FAIR\" These same benefits negotiated by the unions have been enjoyed by non-union members all across this great nation of ours. Unions have always been the trail-blazers for prosperity to the average middle class workers. Robert Bishop (Retired Proud \"IAM\" Union Member)Sun. March 20, 2011
I stand with the R-Senators! No one should be forced to pay Union dues--Private or Public! I am sure the union will stand behind me on this one. Fair is Fair!!Sat. March 19, 2011
As a former union man, the union has given me and my wife the ability to have a decent lifestyle in our so called golden years. I also was able to buy a modest home and we raised 4 children together. I feel that without the union our economic situation would be so much worse. Thank You Union. I also feel that all workers must do their part to help those folks in Wisconsin, Ohio and elsewhere who are under attack by the extremesists Fashists Governors who only care about the most wealthiest millionaires and billionaires and Corporations. Instead of asking corporations to pay their fair share of taxes they have reduced taxes on the wealthiest and corporations on the backs of what is left of the middle class and poor.Ther Right Wing Zealots are trying to destroy the SOCIAL SAFETY NET like Social Security, medicare and other vital programs. The would turn the clock back 100 years!!Sat. March 19, 2011
what these foolish republicans don\'t realize is when they kill unions they will kill the middle class thus destroying the tax base. their rich buddies don\'t carry the load, working people do. as union wages and benefits go so do all wages and benefits. it will add to recipiants of food stamps and other social services. talk about killing the goose that laid the golden egg!!Wed. March 16, 2011
This bunch of Senators...are just like Gov Scott Walker of WI... and do not care about middle class workers. I think they each should cut there pay by %50...and there pension and healthcare. Then maybe we could talk to them.