A.K.A.
"Spud Wars, Episode IV: A New Beginning."
For those of you who may not know, Idaho has been a "Right to Work" state since 1985. From fairwage.org: A "Right to work" state is one where unions and management can't negotiate a union security clause in their collective bargaining agreement. A union security clause states that a worker covered by the agreement must at least pay a fee for the services they receive from the union.
The "right to work" provision was never meant to make sure a person could keep a job. It was designed to weaken and destroy the principle of collective bargaining. It represents a state-sanctioned policy of worker suppression. Passed as political payback when labor's enemies took over the Congress in 1947, it was described by one supporter as recognizing and dealing "with the dangerous expansion of unionism..."
Supporters claim that "right to work" is good for the state's economic development and that we should tout it as an attraction to business. In fact, "right to work" is the opposite of cooperative economic policy. Data from the U.S. Department of Labor shows that annual pay for workers in "right to work" states ranks consistently below the national average. Sound economic development and job creation strategies should be based on such things as public investment in infrastructure and education that will attract stable businesses that pay decent wages and treat their workforce with dignity and fairness.
It's no coincidence that some employer groups, Big Business and ultraconservative lawmakers back "right to work" laws because such laws weaken unions and in turn depress wages. Studies show that workers in "right to Work" states earn significantly less, while workers in non-"right to work" states earn significantly more. A primary reason is that workers with a union contract earn higher pay --- weakening unions lowers average pay. Workers of color and women workers who are union members make significantly higher wages.
Here's the letter I sent out to Idahoans today, and put up on my weblog, Idaho for Dean. (Yeah, yeah I know -- we'll change the name soon.)
- - - - - - - - - -
I would like to introduce you to a new web site: www.rightiswrong.org.
"So?" Well, please give me a second of your time.
In the heart of every progressive, liberal, or Democrat in Idaho is a deep concern about the direction this state is headed. Under Republican control, Idaho neglects our young, our working class and our elderly. We live in what just might be the most beautiful part of this great country, yet we say "environmentalist" with the same disdain once reserved for "communist." We under-fund any program that benefits people, and give tax breaks to those who don't need them. Sound familiar?
The solution is simple: Fewer Republicans in Boise and a greater number of elected officials who think like we do. Ah, but the devil is in the details.
We need your help changing one of those details. Please take a look at www.rightiswrong.org. If you agree with us that repealing the so-called "right to work" law is a major step in tipping the balance of power in Idaho, then volunteer your time, donate some cash, pass the web site on to someone else, or just make sure you seek-out one of our signature gatherers and sign our petition to get the repeal of "right to work" on the November ballot.
Even if you think Right To Work laws are the greatest thing since sliced bread, sign a petition anyway. Once the initiative is on the ballot, you can always vote against it in the fall. Democracy works when ideas are given a fair hearing and a rigorous debate.
Thanks for your time.
- - - - - - - - - -
In order to get this on the ballot this November, we have to turn in over 40,000 signatures of registered Idaho voters by May 1, 2004. Republican politician, like weeds, have grown over and interred this issue for almost 20 years. It's time to tear 'em out by the roots, and bring back true and fair Union representation. And here's what puts fear in the oily little hearts of right-wing whackjobs everywhere: If the so-called "Right to Work" law can be repealed in Idaho, what's to prevent its repeal elsewhere throughout the country?
Wish us luck!