Sunday, March 5, 2017

In West Virginia there is a political battle of 'Right To Work'.
This battle has been fought in many states. Right To Work, in a simplified view, is that a worker does not need to be a union member or pay union dues to remain an employee. The unions fight that because it will weaken their positions in negotiations with corporate management.

It is legitimate and factual that unions have improved employee working conditions, wages, protections against crony or favoritism, as well as many other wrongs delivered on employees. Over the years many of the wrongs inflicted on the employees have been codified against by States and the Federal government.  Even blood has been shed to improve conditions and rights of employees. The good conditions wage and protections earned by the unions have given our citizens a society with many benefits and preserved rights. Liberals have long supported the rights of working people.

The apposite side of the coin is the wrongs unions have visited upon fellow members and society. Many conservatives will support the theory that a worker should not be required to a union member. Some of the problems are; forced payment of dues, dues used to support political campaigns, dues spent on causes that are beyond the desire or belief of the member employees.

Conservatives appreciate the society improvement brought on by union efforts.The major concern, by many Conservatives, is that union dues, working conditions, benefit costs, are passed along as taxes. In our pressure to control Municipal, County, Federal taxation  we get dragged into anti-union positions. The seven year old Affordable Care Act (Obama Care)  joined the view when health care premiums escalated.  Negotiations by public employees and their objection to mandatory contributions to their health care premiums. Another focus are the retirement plans which are a burden to State Budgets. 

Conservatives must recognize Working Condition Improvements beyond the 'sweat shop days.  Union employees need to recognize that increased taxation to citizens beyond their collegium are bearing the taxation burdens.

When do actions by Town Councils, County Freeholder Boards, State and Federal Legislatures march beyond protection of the citizenry and their ability to support violate reason?

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