The Time Capsule: Let workers choose union involvement

 

A recent editorial in a column that appears on this page takes a stand in opposition to “right-to-work” statutes—those that permit workers to decide whether or not to join the union. The stated premise for a position everyone must join is union contracts benefit all.  

If this was a fact, which I’d argue, there would still be insufficient justification to force a person to join and financially support an organization representing views he or she found objectionable.  Churches strive to benefit all, but we don’t have to join one.             

I gave up arguing with union loyalists 30 years ago.  Nothing is to be gained.  But should there be a reader who has an open mind on right-to-work, pull up a chair.  

I was a rookie in the Department of Public Safety when AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) came around. They promised great things. I joined—but not for long.  

Thanks to Iowa’s right-to-work law, I had a choice.  Because I had a choice I decided to learn more. I attended several union meetings; meetings intended to encourage and solidify membership. The most memorable of these was at a Des Moines hotel. Several speakers took the podium. They told of unjust labor practices, poor benefits, inadequate salary, work-place hazards. Several state employees portrayed themselves as victims. I worked with some of them. They weren’t victims.  

I grew increasingly uncomfortable.  Reality was not being portrayed.  I liked my job. The pay scale and benefits, established well before the union moved in, were fair.  I saw no reason to punish taxpayers.  I took note of a placard on the podium that read “Workers Unite!”  On a hand-out was the heading: “Strength in Unity.”  I began to wonder if we should call each other “comrade.”      

The last two speakers were state legislators.  Both were Democrats and, of course, darlings of the union. They promised to strengthen the union and expected union support.  

As the moderator closed the session he asked if there were any final questions. Lynn Forshee, seated a couple of rows ahead of me, stood.  Forshee was an old-timer who’d seen action during WW ll.  He was trained in radio repair.  He worked in this trade after the war, then got a job as a technician and dispatcher with what was called State Police Radio.  

His question?  “Is there a place in this bunch for a Republican?” The moderator laughed; the audience booed; the session ended, and I un-joined.

I never regretted it.  I didn’t regret it when I was called uncomplimentary things, didn’t regret it when I found that certain benefits wouldn’t come my way, didn’t regret it when told a lucrative option for unused sick leave was for union employees only, didn’t regret it when I saw the discrepancy in disciplinary action.  A non-union employee who committed a transgression was likely to pay a price.  A union member, regardless of the level of incompetence or severity of the offense, was blanketed by a veritable missile shield of union protection.  They do look after their own.  

Give American workers the freedom to choose.  If they opt out because they disagree with the union message or tactics, because they don’t like their union dues spent to elect politicians with whom they disagree, or any other reason that satisfies them, let them go.  If union leaders are right, these workers will soon be headed for the sweat shop.  They’ll be ground to dust under the heel of tyrannical supervisors.  They’ll be grossly underpaid and wretchedly overworked.  

If this day approaches, even seems remotely likely, you won’t need to force them to join your unions—they’ll be standing in line to get in.  

Roy Marshall is a local historian and columnist for the Red Oak Express. He can be contacted at news@redoakexpress.com

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