Here’s how I feel about right-to-work (RTW). I am pro-union. I am not pro any policies that keep undeserving people working. Unions have a bad reputation for protecting folks that aren’t worth it. However, unions shouldn’t have to protect free riding people who don’t pay dues. I have seen many a non-union teacher call for the union rep. That needs to stop. If unions can’t force folks to join, no more protecting those who don’t pay dues.
RTW is a hype machine. Will it create jobs? I doubt it.
Is it a magic bullet the Republicans that wrote it are using to get reelected? Yes.
Is it terrible that it’s being discussed while most of our state and most of Indianapolis is focused on the Super Bowl? Yes.
It should be up for referendum but lawmakers supporting it don’t like the people enough to do that.
I don’t think people should have to pay dues of they don’t want to. But they shouldn’t get any benefits of union membership whatsoever.
I think RTW is a catchy term that will make people say, “Yeah I have a right to work! Give me a job now!” Fact is, it really a right to work?
I hope I’m wrong. I hope RTW creates jobs for everyone. But I’m not convinced. It’s hype. We will see. I hope we don’t end up having to fix this AFTER Mitch Daniels and his buddies are long gone from office.
This isn’t the answer to our unemployment problem. It’s not the answer to the problems that come with unions. This is about weakening unions’ financial base which will impact what campaigns can be supported and how much can be given. I can’t say it will lower wages but with less collective bargaining muscle (remember last the legislation last year) that’s a possible outcome.
All I ask is that the people who this will impact most be allowed more time to discuss this. And not during the first Super Bowl our state has ever seen!
