We have all heard about right to work (RTW) lately, yet many people are still a bit uncertain of what it is and how it will impact Hoosiers. What I have come to realize is that the issue of RTW is not as simple as black and white. It’s actually a bit gray and fuzzy with the bottom line being all about the green (m-o-n-e- y).
In essence, RTW would do away with forcing people to join unions. Currently, if you work at a company that has unions and you are not in management, it is a condition of your employment to join that particular union.
Proponents of the measure say that RTW will stimulate Indiana’s economy because more businesses will set up shop in our state. Proponents also say that Indiana’s workers will have more money in their pockets because they will no longer be forced to join unions or pay dues.
Opponents say RTW will result in decreased benefits, wages and safety procedures.
I agree with the opponents.
While unions can certainly be a hassle to deal with and some union employees take total advantage of member rights; overall unions are better for the greater community. Because Indiana has been a free-bargaining (non right to work) state for so long, some people may forget or possibly take for granted the benefits of union membership.
For starters, unions have helped Hoosiers in general and Blacks in particular advance from lower-income levels to middle class. Of course with that middle class status, came a middle class lifestyle that enhanced Indiana’s economy because more people were buying homes and automobiles.
When opponents argue that RTW will result in decreased benefits and wages they are correct. Unions are a watchdog of sorts because they hold businesses accountable. Who else will speak up for the underserved? Who will make sure that everyone is being treated fairly? What other organization has the strength to challenge a large company? If unions didn’t exist, what entity would go the extra mile to make sure that employees are working in safe environments. How will employees at the bottom of the totem pole ensure that they are being compensated fairly?
Unions are a voice for the voiceless. Because there is strength in numbers and unions have large membership bases, they have the capacity to fight in a way that an individual can’t. Unions simply make sense for Americans.
The confusing thing about RTW is that it wouldn’t eliminate unions completely; it would just not mandate that a person be a member. Membership into unions would still be an option, but rather than having the fees automatically deducted from a paycheck, members would have to actually pay out of pocket.
This could potentially be a problem for many people.
I equate my reasoning to accident insurance. We all should have accident insurance; it protects us in the event of unforeseen occurrences…it’s a safeguard. However, there are millions of Americans who don’t have accident insurance. Some plan to get supplemental insurance, but life gets in the way and the effort is always delayed. So, when an unfortunate happenstance occurs, individuals find themselves in tense situations.
I fear if RTW passes, the same will happen. People will “plan” to pay their union dues, but may never get around to actually doing it. Then when a challenge occurs at work, they don’t know where to turn and lack sufficient funds for an attorney. That’s where unions come in handy.
In my introduction, I mentioned that RTW is ultimately about money. Opponents of the measure want to keep money in your pocket, while supporters want to take it away.
It’s up to you to determine whether you support or oppose right to work. Once you make that determination, you must then inform your state representative so that their vote is weighed on constituent concern and not partisan politics.
You can email comments to Shannon Williams at shannonw@indyrecorder.com.
