Coming off Labor Day here in the States, so what better time to talk about the always-spicy topic of Unions in America?
Full disclosure for those of you who are under 60 years of age. The granting of Labor Day as a national holiday is the result of a strong union lobby in the states in the 1800's. While unions have an important place in the history of America, they are increasingly ineffective today. Additionally, due to the decreased effectiveness and decline in market share, Unions are actively working to reduce employee choice - instead looking to remove the right of employees to vote for/against representation in secret elections through proposed legislation like the EFCA.
Another defensive item in the Union arsenal is the concept of Right-to-Work, which introduces the concept of Union Shop and Open Shop. Where allowed by individual states, a Union Shop means that all employees, including new hires, must be members of a recognized Union at the employer in question and have union dues subtracted from their pay. In states that have Right-to-Work laws, such Union shops are outlawed and all employees must be provided a choice whether they want to be represented by a Union and can choose not to have union dues withdrawn from their pay.
The latest state currently looking at the passage of a Right to Work law? Indiana - see the pro Right-to-Work site here. Additionally, take a look at the pro-union, anti Right-to-Work commercial running in Indiana below (Thanks to Guerilla HR for the tip)
Unbelievable spot. Did they really say "Maggie wants a puppy"? Additionally, Maggie wants to be a nurse. Maggie is also concerned about disparity in pay issues.
Maggie sounds like a sharp girl, a thinker beyond her years. Wouldn't she also want to right to independently choose/vote whether belonging to a Union is in her best interests?
