The Right To Work Movement has been gaining strength in the U.S. over the last couple of years with some very large battles going on between Union/Democrats and Republicans. There are, I believe some 22 or 23 states that have this legislation and there are quite a few more looking to have a vote on it. It was brought up in the Republican Presidential Debate last night asking if they would introduce Right To Work on the federal level. Everyone on stage suggested that this should be a State issue and that is would be better off in their hands. I tend to agree, even though I think it is a given right, for you as a worker, to choose whether to join a union or not.
Right To Work legislation allows for each and every worker to enter a workplace and decide if they want to join the union or not. Most, they are finding, do not want to join the union and are allowed to keep their dues, which can amount to over $1,000/year. Texas was one of the first States to introduce this law and in the period between 2008-2010 over 37% of all jobs created in the U.S. were in that great state. Does this prove anything? Maybe, maybe not. I think it does, the costs of hiring is dramatically lower as there is less defined benefits paid out and lets face it, which employer would want to hire a union member when they can hire a non-union member and deal with a lot less stress and paperwork? Makes sense doesn't it? As you can imagine the unions do not like this legislation as it takes away from their membership and further deteriorates the unions power to push their agendas.
This movement needs to gain traction in Canada, we are very union friendly and because of it, we as a nation, have become much less productive and because of unions there are huge budge shortfalls when it comes to pension and benefits. These shortfalls will be handed over to our children and grandchildren, all because we didn't want to do the right thing now and fix these problems before they get too bad.
Could you imagine right here in Saskatchewan, how well things would be if we were able to bust the unions? Our productivity would go up dramatically, big business would be more apt to moving into the province and employees would generally be much happier. Problem is(and I have said this before) is that unions look out for themselves, they do not care how much it costs the employer or the tax base. Some simple economics would show their membership that we cannot afford the long term liabilities that we are being saddled with. We are simply writing cheques that we hope will never get cashed. "Let the next generation deal with it" seems to be the flavour of the day, but is it fair that the next generation has to pay for our mistakes? We need a fix and we need it now, it is time to get tough with organized labour and clean up our own mess. Right To Work legislation would be a great start, but is there a politician out there with the kahonies to bring it forward?
Right To Work legislation allows for each and every worker to enter a workplace and decide if they want to join the union or not. Most, they are finding, do not want to join the union and are allowed to keep their dues, which can amount to over $1,000/year. Texas was one of the first States to introduce this law and in the period between 2008-2010 over 37% of all jobs created in the U.S. were in that great state. Does this prove anything? Maybe, maybe not. I think it does, the costs of hiring is dramatically lower as there is less defined benefits paid out and lets face it, which employer would want to hire a union member when they can hire a non-union member and deal with a lot less stress and paperwork? Makes sense doesn't it? As you can imagine the unions do not like this legislation as it takes away from their membership and further deteriorates the unions power to push their agendas.
This movement needs to gain traction in Canada, we are very union friendly and because of it, we as a nation, have become much less productive and because of unions there are huge budge shortfalls when it comes to pension and benefits. These shortfalls will be handed over to our children and grandchildren, all because we didn't want to do the right thing now and fix these problems before they get too bad.
Could you imagine right here in Saskatchewan, how well things would be if we were able to bust the unions? Our productivity would go up dramatically, big business would be more apt to moving into the province and employees would generally be much happier. Problem is(and I have said this before) is that unions look out for themselves, they do not care how much it costs the employer or the tax base. Some simple economics would show their membership that we cannot afford the long term liabilities that we are being saddled with. We are simply writing cheques that we hope will never get cashed. "Let the next generation deal with it" seems to be the flavour of the day, but is it fair that the next generation has to pay for our mistakes? We need a fix and we need it now, it is time to get tough with organized labour and clean up our own mess. Right To Work legislation would be a great start, but is there a politician out there with the kahonies to bring it forward?
I so agree with this! We've been saying this for months! My husband and I moved our family here last fall from Alberta and have come up against one obstacle after another: all union related. I'm tired of it. This province would flourish under right-to-work legislation!
ReplyDeleteI think slowly the unions are losing their grip on power in the province. That is why there is such a wide gap between labour and gov't right now in bargaining, they are fighting for their existence. Another majority gov't this fall may bring about big changes. The unions want to hold us back but I am afraid it is too late, we have tasted success and will not settle for less.
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