Construction Issue: So-Called “Right to Work”

The So-Called “Right to Work” movement was created by the supporters of anti-labor interests, and it attempts to put a positive spin on an otherwise damaging statute. On the surface, So-Called “Right to Work” laws prohibit worker security agreements between labor unions and their employers. In reality, these laws strip workers of the protections afforded by unions by lowering wages and endangering worker safety and health. So-Called “Right to Work” laws make it optional for workers protected by a union contract to help pay for the expenses that a union incurs while guaranteeing the rights of all employees. It restricts freedom of association by prohibiting workers and employers from agreeing to contracts that include fair share fees, which forces dues-paying union members to subsidize services to non-union employees. States that adopt So-Called “Right to Work” laws are giving workers the “Right to Work, for Less.” Typically, wages are at least 3.2% lower in these states, and also feature much lower rates of employer-sponsored health insurance and pensions. Historically, quality of life is worse in states with right to work laws. Wages are always lower, people are less likely to have health insurance and poverty levels are higher as are workplace fatality rates. In these areas, quality education is also limited. According to the AFL-CIO:

Federal law already prohibits any American from being forced to join a union, meaning So-Called “Right to Work” laws do not grant any rights, and only weaken unions and the protection of workers they give their members.

What does this mean for Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 94?

Right now, the state of Ohio has not passed any legislation enacting So-Called “Right to Work” laws.

But we have to keep it that way!

By endorsing and voting for elected officials who support labor and our initiatives to thrive in Ohio, like keeping So-Called “Right to Work” laws off the books – we can continue to thrive as a Local and as an industry.