TARGET: WORKING FAMILIES Right-To-Work Hurts ALL Workers, Families

VOLUME 78 No. 51 Thursday, July 30 - August 5, 2015

78 YEARS

SPECIAL REPORT TARGET: WORKING FAMILIES Right-to-work hurts ALL workers, families

What you need to How you can help, know Inside NOW Pages 4, 15

Periodicals Publication Follow Us RTW COUPON $ labortribune.com 5,759 OFF facebook.com/labortribune

twitter.com/STLLaborTribune YOUR WAGES! (Average of $7,222 per Household in RTW vs. non-RTW states) linkedin.com/company/st-louis- southern-illinois-labor-tribune Text MISSOURI to 235246 News: (314) 535-9660 to uphold Gov. Nixon’s veto of HB116 2 • LABOR TRIBUNE • Thursday, July 30 - August 5, 2015

Call to action: Answers for Legislators, ALL workers, RTW is at our doorstep. about right-to-work without the BS What will you do to stop it? ‘Forced/compulsory unionism,’ ‘forced to pay Why would legislators Gov. Jay Nixon vetoed a right- union dues to get a job’ are to-work measure on June 4 that would have made Missouri the 26th only a few of the false efforts want to force discrimination? to promote this anti-worker RTW state, calling the bill (HB 116) A key point for our legislators law to represent all its constituents a threat to unionized workers and law. Let’s clear the air to consider: without the individuals having to pay wages and Missouri’s economy. Any legislator who truly wants • If you’re a lawyer and want to the organization’s dues! “For generations, the ability Missouri to grow should under- practice law, you must belong to None exist. of workers to join together and stand the real issues about the the Bar Association and must first Then why should unions be the bargain collectively for fair wages, right-to-work law that is mired in pay their dues. only group in the United States and training has lifted the living distortions, outright lies and nega- • If you’re a business and want forced to provide services without standards of families everywhere tive stereotypes. services and representation from their members being required to both union and non-union,” Nixon your children is at stake. We challenge legislative RTW sup- the Chamber of Commerce you pay dues or, at least a fair share said. “House Bill 116 is a war on your Call and write your senator porters to at least read this page so must first pay their dues. fee, in order to get their services, pay check. It cannot become law!” and representative today and urge you’ll know if you’ve been duped or if A challenge to all who so fervently which by the way are mandated Rightwing proponents are not them to uphold the veto Sept. 16. A you really want to destroy Missouri’s support RTW: name a single profes- by federal law? giving up. They’re putting heavy list of legislators and their contact working class and with it, wreck the sional organization in the United If this isn’t forced discrimination, pressure on worker-friendly Repub- information is provided on Pages 4 state’s economy. States that is required by federal what is? licans, and working hard to muster and 5 of this Special Report. enough support in the Republican- If you don’t know who your legis- FOR ALL WORKERS led Legislature to override the lators are, you can find out by visit- Q. Does this affect workers who are throughout this Special Report. eral law to represent all workers and Governor’s veto. ing www.house.mo.gov/member. not union members? ABOUT CREATING bargain a contract that benefits all workers, whether or not they actually The Senate passed HB 116 by a aspx to find your representative or A: Absolutely. RTW is not strictly a NEW JOBS vote of 21-13. It passed by 92-66 in the www.senate.mo.gov/15info/sen- union issue. Rather, it’s an issue that become members. House. To override the Governor’s Q: RTW is supposed to promote If a non-member is fired illegally, ateroster.htm to find your senator impacts ALL workers. While RTW new industries and economic veto, the Republican-controlled laws are designed to reduce the wages the union must use its members’ Legislature would need 23 votes NEED MORE HELP? development? Does it? money to defend the worker, even and working conditions of union A: No. Companies move around in the Senate and 109 in the House. If you need more help, or want workers, as union wages decline, so through a costly lawsuit. Without to know how you can take action for many reasons but RTW laws are paying any dues or a “fair share” HERE’S WHAT will those of ALL workers. It will be not key. A survey of business site se- in your neighborhood or legislative a race to the bottom. equivalent of dues but taking advan- YOU CAN DO district, contact the Missouri AFL- lection experts (see Page 7) shows that tage of the union’s services is called Your future, and the future of CIO by texting MISSOURI to 235246. Q: Can workers be forced to join a key factors are availability of skilled “freeloading.” union in order to get a job? workers, transportation, closeness to Q. I’m hearing that RTW helps to A: No. Federal law says no one can markets and materials, quality of life increase union membership? be forced to join a union in order to and proximity to research universi- A. Absolutely not. Yet another lie get a job. ties and good schools. to try and “sell” this phony law to Yes, there are companies who like to Q: About “compulsory” unionism, everyone. The data in this Special locate in RTW states because of lower do all workers have to be union Report shows that union membership workers’ wages and benefits; that’s PUBLISHED WEEKLY (EVERY THURSDAY) members? declines after enactment of RTW. Under the auspices of the Greater St. Louis Labor Council and the Central Labor more money to THEIR bottom line. A: No. “Compulsory” unionism is And that is the entire reason for Councils in Southern Illinois and the Unions of the Greater St. Louis and Southern Illinois areas. However, enacting laws to lower an intentional bogeyman. Under Fed- this law! LABOR TRIBUNE PUBLISHING COMPANY wages and benefits for all workers in eral law, workers can never be forced RTW has little to do with a con- ISSN 0885-6869 order to lure low-paying jobs is not a to join a union even in WORKER cern for a state’s economics, but Office: 505 S. Ewing, St. Louis, Mo. 63103 sound economic plan for Missouri Office/News Department: Telephone (314) 535-9660 • FAX (314) 531-6131 Web Site: www.labortribune.com FRIENDLY states where there is no everything to do with weakening Noon Friday for the next week’s issue. [email protected] or Illinois. News Deadline: E-Mail: RTW law. a union’s ability to represent its Advertising Deadline: 10 a.m. Wednesday for the next week’s issue. E-Mail: [email protected] Legislators should have a sound 12 noon Friday for the next week’s issue. members, negotiate fair contracts, Classified Advertising: Q: Can workers be “forced” to sup- economic plan that includes provid- CHANGE OF ADDRESS protect its members from unfair port union political activities they ing high wage jobs with good benefits Mail: Send address label on front of paper, along with new address, to Labor Tribune, 505 S. Ewing Ave., St. Louis, MO 63103 treatment. (314) 535-3300 (Ex. 125). (1) State and spell your name; (2) provide old address and ZIP; (3) provide new don’t believe in? Phone: for working families. RTW is a management law that address and ZIP; (4) Union affiliation A: No. Federal law says workers Q: Does RTW improve a state’s allows Special Interests to reap the can never be forced to pay dues for overall business climate? benefits to their bottom line from LABOR TRIBUNE STAFF union political activities. There is A: No. It has the opposite eect. being able to pay lower wages and a separate dues/fee structure for Creating situations where busi- fewer, if any, benefits. those not wanting to participate in nesses increase profits because of the union’s political eorts. Q. What’s the impact on workers? lower wages is not good for the state’s A. Read the stories on Page 6 from ABOUT GETTING/ economy or its workers’ paychecks. workers who actually worked in KEEPING A JOB When wages fall, state revenues RTW states and you’ll have a better fall as well. Q: Does a so-called “right-to-work” understanding of the simple fact: That means the state has far less law guarantee me a job or the this is NOT a worker’s law, it’s a funding available to finance educa- Ed Finkelstein Tim Rowden Carl Green “right” to a job? Big Business law. tion, transportation, infrastructure Publisher Editor Illinois Correspondent A: No. It has nothing to do with and other programs that are vital to RTW SUPPORTERS (314) 256-4138 [email protected] creating or providing jobs. attracting new industries and busi- AREN’T YOU Rose Jonas, Associate Publisher Q: Does a so-called “right-to-work” nesses. It is a death spiral for a state’s Q: Who is behind all this RTW stuff? Marvin Naftolin, General Manager Jeff Warfield Production Manager law protect me from losing my Bob Whitehead, Editor OutdoorSports Dan Braun, Marketing Director economy and its workers. A: The National Right-to-Work job? Committee, a well funded, Rightwing, A: No. Missouri and Illinois are IT’S A BAD LAW “A local newspaper is more than an organ for delivering news and information. radically anti-union, out-of-state It’s a habit, a watering hole, a local landmark. It’s a unifying force … both “at-will” employment states. This FOR COMPANIES TOO group based in Virginia. And a new It’s the hub that connects many people to their community …” means you can be fired for any reason, Q. Does this law impact companies — C. Eisendrath, Knight-Wallace Foundation, University of Michigan player: ALEC, the American Legisla- at any time, for no reason at all. as well? tive Exchange Council, funded by the Subscription Rates: Unions — 83¢ per member per issue; subscriptions paid from member dues. Only a union contract (a) can A. Yes. A RTW law restricts the same Rightwing extremists, whose Individuals — $75 per year (52 issues). protect you from being fired unfairly right of businesses to freely negoti- Companies — $150 per year (52 issues). “model” law is almost to the letter, the without cause, (b) includes a guaran- ate with their employees. Employers Subscribing Unions: Awning Tent & Decorators Local 39 • Boilermakers Local 27 law passed in Missouri that Governor teed way to ensure fair treatment on • Boilermakers Local 363 • Bricklayers Local 1 • Cement Masons Local 527 and employees should be working Nixon vetoed and we’ll be fighting to • Elevator Constructors Local 3 • Glaziers’ Local 513 • Hoisting Engineers Local 513 the job – it’s called a grievance pro- together to create good jobs and safe • IBEW Local 1 • IBEW Local 309 • IBEW Local 649 • Insulators and Asbestos Workers 1 preserve his veto on Sept. 16. cess and (c) guarantees your wages, • Iron Workers Local 396 • Iron Workers Local 392• Laborers’ Local 42 work places instead of the govern- Both groups, and others, whose • Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen Division 48 • Machinists’ District 9 • Machinists’ Lodge 41 benefits, training, and safety. ment trying to tell them what to do. • Machinists’ Lodge 313 • Machinists’ Lodge 660 • Machinists’ Lodge 688 • Machinists’ Lodge 777 donations are hidden, have outdated, • Machinists’ Lodge 822 • Machinists’ Lodge 1345 • Machinists’ Lodge 1745 ABOUT PAYCHECKS With all the talk about “less govern- partisan, anti-union, anti-worker • Machinists’ Lodge 2782 • Mailers Local 3 • Meat Cutters Local 88 ment” why a law that allows govern- agendas that raise a lot of money • Newspaper Guild/CWA Local 36047 • Operating Engineers Local 399 • Painters’ District Council #2 Q: Does RTW affect wages and ment to tell employers what they • Plumbers & Fitters Local 101 • Plumbers & Gas Fitters Local 360 benefits? from businesses to promote their • Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 160 • Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 562 • Plumbers Local 553 can/can’t do and directly interferes web of lies. • Roofers Local 2 • Sheet Metal Workers Local 36 • Sheet Metal Workers Local 268 A: Yes. The real data in the Special with the free collective bargaining • Sprinkler Fitters & Apprentices Local 268 • St. Louis Theatrical Local 6 Report shows that once RTW laws • Steamfitters Local 439 • UFCW Local 655 • United Steelworkers Local 9014 process? IN SUMMARY are enacted, they lower wages and • USW Steelworkers 1899 • Utility Workers of America Local 335 • RTW is politics at its worst. Our benefits for all workers. IMPACT ON UNIONS Member: International Labor Communications Association state legislatures should focus on Midwest Labor Press Association The simple truth: workers in RTW AND MEMBERS balancing the budget, creating jobs Illinois State Labor Press Association states have lower wages, higher Q. What’s this I hear about ‘freeload- and improving schools, not engaging Periodicals Postage Paid at St. Louis, Missouri 63155 poverty levels, less access to health Postmaster: Send change of address to ers’ taking advantage of their in political paybacks against workers, care and poorer education for their St. Louis/Southern Illinois Labor Tribune co-workers? telling a businesses what it can’t do 505 S. Ewing, St. Louis, Mo. 63103 children. The details are found A. Unions are required by Fed- when dealing with its employees. LABOR TRIBUNE • Thursday, July 30 - August 5, 2015 • 3 An open letter to our Missouri legislators There are many, many out- 3. Federal law requires unions to less, they are spending less in your police and fire protection, less for ents, concerned about the future right lies, half-truths and rumors fairly represent all workers covered communities; common sense says health care. Our state is already of Missouri’s families, concerned about right-to-work that have by a contact, regardless of their they are paying less in taxes and hurting, why would anyone want about the future of our economy, been circulated by groups push- union membership. There is no that results in less income for the to make it worse? you’ll vote to sustain the veto. ing you hard to override. We other organization in America re- state to provide vital services. That 6. As for the implication that the We appreciate the pressure you understand that pressure. quired to provide services without means less for education, less for state’s economy will improve be- are under from the Business Lobby So before you vote, we ask that payment of appropriate cause companies want and out-of-state Special Interest you carefully review this Special fees. Why then should to move to right-to-work groups. Millions have been poured Report of the Labor Tribune that unions – who only rep- states, it’s not true. Pro- into our state to influence your presents the cold, hard facts resent about 8% of Mis- fessional site selection vote. We expect subtle threats of re- about the real impact of right-to- souri’s workers – be firms don’t even list right- taliation in your next election will work – facts clearly documented. singled out to do so? to-work in the top 10 soon follow to pressure your vote. A few simple truths about 4. It will hurt all workers, reasons companies make This is a critical decision for right-to-work: not just union members. re-location decisions! (See Missouri. We urge you to make 1. It injects government into the Unions help establish a story on Page 7) your decision based on what is business of business. It is govern- floor for wages and ben- A vote to override Gov. really best for Missouri, ALL ment interference in the private efits. Destroy the floor Nixon’s veto of HB 116 Missouri. sector, by restricting the right of and everyone falls. The will weaken unions, if Sincerely, businesses to negotiate with their facts support that when that is your choice, and employees. union wages decline, in so doing weaken the MIKE LOUIS 2. It’s unnecessary because the the wages of all workers entire economic fabric President U.S. Supreme Court has already decline. of Missouri. Missouri AFL-CIO ruled, and it’s the law of the land, 5. It will dramatically hurt If you are truly con- PAT WHITE that no one can be forced to join Missouri’s economy. If cerned about the welfare President a union. workers are earning MISSOURI STATE CAPITOL of ALL your constitu- St. Louis Labor Council Missouri faith, community leaders urge UPHOLDING HB 116 veto Call on Missouri legislators to consider ‘common good over political maneuvering’ by voting ‘NO’ on Sept. 16 override effort

Ideally, the relationship between employer and employee is Missouri. This bill would lower wages, squeeze Middle-Class one marked by honesty, trust, and mutual respect. families, and subject businesses to criminal and unlimited civil Historically, however, that has not been the reality; the rela- liability and should NOT become law in the State of Missouri. tionship has—more often than not—been marked by an imbal- SUPPORT THE COMMON GOOD ance of power in favor of the employer. It has been necessary, and even desirable, for employees to join together to restore a As Missouri faith and/or community leaders, we implore the balance of power and fairness between employer and employee members of the Missouri House of Representatives and Missouri in the negotiation of rights and responsibilities as they relate Senate who may be considering supporting corporate-funded to the workplace. eorts to erode the political power of workers to consider instead At a time in this country and in Missouri when income inequal- the common good over political maneuvering and to stand with ity is rising rapidly and the Middle Class is being systematically Governor Jay Nixon in his veto of HB 116. dismantled by policies that favor the rights of the employer over As our faith and/or community traditions dictates, we believe the employee, it is the obligation of good government to ensure that workers and the organizations that represent them protect a the common good by restoring the balance of power between respectful and just workplace, for the good of workers and their employer and employee. THOMAS HART BENTON MURAL in the Missouri State Capitol families, and to the betterment of the entire society. The undersigned, as Missouri faith and community leaders, RIGHT-TO-WORK IS ‘EXTREME’ LAW worker fatalities. are calling on people of faith and good will to stand up and join As a Missouri faith and/or community leader, we stand with These attacks on workers are taking place with the increasing the eort to sustain the Governor’s veto of HB 116 and protect Missouri workers whose rights at work are being attacked and support of some leaders in government, in sharp contrast to the all of the workers of Missouri. undermined by an extreme legislative agenda including so-called moral imperative for governing bodies to protect the common We see this as part of the legacy that people of faith have played “right-to-work” legislation. good and care for the least among us. in standing up to strengthen the civil and constitutional rights In addition to a negative impact on wages and benefits, these Therefore, we stand with Governor Jay Nixon whose veto of of all people, especially in their eorts to build a better life for bills also make for less-safe workplaces, including increased House Bill 116 supports workers, their families and the state of themselves, their children, and our communities. FAITH LEADERS Theology • Professor Allan MacNeil, Webster University • COMMUNITY LEADERS Rev. Mary Albert, Epiphany United Church of Christ • Rabbi Rev. Marybeth McBryan, Roman Catholic Women Priests Ellen Alper, National Council of Jewish Women • Em- Doug Alpert, Congregation Kol Ami • Rev Linda Anderson- • Rev. Dr. Clint McCann, Eden Theological Seminary • Rev ily Andrews, Community Leader/Volunteer • Mrs. Letty Baker, Little, Minister, St. Louis • Rev. Dr. Heather Arcovitch, First Susan McCann, Grace Episcopal Church, Communities Northland Voices • Jennifer Bernstein, Director of Advocacy, Congregational Church of STL, United Church of Christ Creating Opportunity • Rev. Donna McDaniel, United Central Reform Congregation • Joan Beuckman, Workers • Pastor Emmett Baker, Missouri Faith Voices • Ken Bauer, Methodist Church • Sister Mary Ann McGivern, Sisters of Rights Board, Missouri Jobs with Justice • Danielle Blocker, Gethsemane Lutheran Church • The Rev. Rick Behrens, Loretto • Rev. Jeanie McGowan, Missouri Faith Voices • Rev Leadership Team, Missouri Jobs with Justice • Crystal Brig- Pastor • Rev. Paul A. Beins, Evangelical Lutheran Church Elsie McGrath, Therese of Divine Peace • Alan Meyer, Lu- man, Community Leader/Volunteer • Danielle Brower, George in America • Rabbi James Bennett, Congregation Shaare theran Church Missouri Synod, Retired • Brother Edmund Warren Brown School of Social Work • Carlotta Burton, New Emeth • Rev. Dr. John Bennett, Missouri Faith Voices • Elder Mundwiller, Franciscan Friars • Bishop Fritz Mutti, United Northside Family Life Center - New Northside Conference Kristian Blackmon, St John’s United Church of Christ • Rev. Methodist Church • Rev. Susan Nanny, Espiscopal priest • Center • Cheryl Clay, President NAACP Springfield Branch • Emily Bowen-Marler, Associate Minister, Brentwood Chris- Bishop Howard Nelson, Community and Interfaith Leader Vanessa Crawford Aragon, Missouri Immigrant and Refugee tian Church • Rev Rodney O. Bozeman. Sr., Senior Pastor, • Angie O’Gorman, Epiphany United Church of Christ • Advocates • W.T. Edmonson, Missouri Faith Voices • Jim Faul, Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church • Rev. Mark R. Miller, Rev. Margaret L. Pride, Memorial Boulevard Christian Hartnett Gladney Hetterman, L.L.C. • Tom Flanagan, PNHP • Westminster Presbyterian Church Stl. • Minister Roosevelt Church • Deacon Frank Prideaux, Catholic Church • Rev. Sherman George, St. Louis Workers Rights Board, Missouri Jobs Broadnax, Workers United, St. Louis Retirees Chapter • Dr. Martin J. Rafanan, Missouri Jobs with Justice • Rev. with Justice • Lara Granich, Missouri Jobs with Justice • Beth Rev. Charles Brown, Mt. Airy Missionary Baptist Church • Rebecca Ragland, Episcopal Church • Rev. Dr. Paul T. Reiter, Gri±n, Advocacy Engagement, Eliot Chapel • Christine Guin- Pastor Rodrick Burton, New Northside Missionary Baptist Honorably Retired, Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. • Father ther, Community Volunteer, St. Charles County • Bill Guinther, Church • Rev. Roy Christell, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mike Roach, St. James Catholic Church • Father Steve Community Leader/Volunteer • Trudy Guinther, Community America • The Rev. Kenneth L. Chumbley, Pastor • Rev, Judith Robeson, Pastor in the Florissant Community • The Rev. Leader/Volunteer • Cynthia Holmes, Attorney at Law, St Louis Conoyer, ELCA Lutheran Clergy • Rev. Paula V. Cooper, Curby Dr. Penny Ross-Corona, The Christian Church (Disciples of Workers Rights Board Steering Committee • Michael Hoy, Ph.D., Memorial Presbyterian Church • Father Richard Creason, Christ) • The Rev.El Dr Stan Runnels, St. Paul’s Episcopal Gethsemane Lutheran Church • Andrew Irwin, Community Roman Catholic Church • The Rev. Teresa Mithen Danieley, St. Church • Rev. Tex Sample, St. Paul School of Theology Volunteer • Pat Jones, A Phillip Randolph Institute • Ed Kail, John’s, Tower Grove • Rev. Maureen Dickman, Rock Bridge • Minister Sherrie Saunders, Washington Metropolitan Methodist, Retired • Dr. Brian Kaylor, Author • Deacon Michael Christian Church • W.T. Edmonson, Missouri Faith Voices African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church • Rev. Keith Lewis, Workers Rights Board, Missouri Jobs with Justice • • Rabbi Randy Fleisher, Central Reform Congregation • Rev. Scarborough, The Word at Shaw • Rev. Tom Schoenherr, Professor Allan MacNeil, Webster University • Elaine McConahay, Rodney Francis, Washington Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Retired Pastor • Linda Schroeder, Evangelical Lutheran Community Leader/Volunteer • Sister Barbara McCracken, OSB, Church • Rabbi Andrea Goldstein, Shaare Emeth Congrega- Church in America • Rev. Ted Schroeder, Evangelical Lu- Keeler Women’s Center • Angela Miller, Community Leader • Dr. tion • Rev. Dr. Cassandra Gould, Missouri Faith Voices • Rev. theran Church in America, Retired • Rev. Jenn Simmons, Robert Minor, Fairness Project • Susan Niederberger, Community Allen Grothe, Retired Senior Pastor Pilgrim Congregational National Avenue Christian Church • Rev. Donna Simon, St. Leader/Volunteer • Meg Olson, St. Margaret of Scotland; Catho- UCC • The Rev. Dr. Anita Hendrix, Giddings-Lovejoy Presby- Mark Hope and Peace Lutheran Church • Rev. Susan Sneed, lic Labor Network • Judith Parker, Missouri Alliance for Retired tery, Presbyterian Church, USA • Rev. Jim Hill, Executive United Methodist Church • Rev. Carleton Stock, Presbytery Americans • Barbara Paulus, Women’s Voices Raised for Social Director, Churchnet • The Reverend Audrey Hollis, Jobs with of Giddings-Lovejoy, Retired • Dr. Carla Mae Streeter, OP, Justice • Dr. Gerda Ray, Associate Professor History, University Justice St. Louis Workers Rights Board • Pastor Brian Aquinas Institute of Theology • Rev. C. Jessel Strong, Afri- of Missouri St. Louis • Kris Remus, Community Leader • Amos Jackson, First Baptist Elmwood • Rev. Linda James, Sacred can Methodist Episcopal Church, St. Louis Metropolitan Roth, Community Volunteer • Kim Roth, Community Volunteer Hoop • Ed Kail, Methodist, Retired • Rev. Gerald Kleba, St. Clergy Coalition • Rev. Rebecca Turner, Faith Aloud • Rev. • M. Leticia Seitz , Latinos En Axión St. Louis • Cheryl Shoemaker, Cronan’s Church, St. Louis • The Rev. Mark Kozielec, St. John Rogers Vien, St. Pius V Catholic Church • Rev. Samuel Missouri Jobs with Justice • Montague Simmons, Organization Mark’s Episcopal Church St. Louis • Evan Krauss, St. Louis Voth Schrag, St. Louis Mennonite Fellowship • Rev. Emery for Black Struggle • Lauren Verseman, Washington University Mennonite Fellowship • Rev. Jerey Lindgren, Gethsemane Washington, The Church of the Holy Communion • Rev. School of Law • Terri Vincent, Countryside Community Church Lutheran Church • Marian F. Love, Aquinas Institute of Lois Yatzeck, Epiphany United Church of Christ • Rabbi • Roseann Weiss, Arts Administrator, Regional Arts Commission Jonah Zinn, Congregation Shaare Emeth. • Tobias Winright, PhD, Saint Louis University. 4 • LABOR TRIBUNE • Thursday, July 30 - August 5, 2015 How your Missouri Senators and Representatives voted on RTW It’s important that union members know which of their Missouri legislators stood with them – and Take Action NOW who stood against them – on this session’s right-to-work vote. Every union member should take the time to thank their legislators who stayed strong for working families and voted “No” on so-called right- to-work, and urge those who voted in favor of this anti-worker, anti-family measure to change their mind and vote “No” on a veto override. On Pages 4 and 5 are the names and contact information of every senator and representative who cast a vote on HB 116. Please take IGNORING UNION MEMBERS who filled the House Gallery in protest, the Missouri the time to write a letter and make House of Representatives voted to approve right-to-work legislation. a phone call. If you don’t think you have time now, think about HOUSE SENATE how much time you’ll have if RTW • Yes – 92 (All Republicans) • Yes – 21 (All Republicans) becomes law. • No – 66 (43 Democrats, 22 Repub- • No – 13 (9 Democrats and 4 Re- This is how the vote went down: licans, 1 Independent) publicans) To stop RTW, make it personal. Senate and 109 in the House. Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon vetoed Senators and representatives House votes AGAINST right-to-work the anti-worker, wage lowering who stood with the working people right-to-work bill (HB 116) on June of Missouri and voted against the If you’re representative is on this Ron Hicks (R-St. Peters) Phone: Genise Montecillo (D-St. Louis) 4, but he will need the support of measure – particularly Republi- 573-751-1470, Email: Ron. Phone: 573-751-9472, Email: Ge- list, regardless of party a±liation, union members to withstand an cans who are now under pressure they are a friend of working fami- [email protected] [email protected] anticipated veto override attempt to change their votes – need to hear lies. If your representative is not on Galen Higdon (R-St. Joseph) Judy Morgan (D-Kansas City) this list (see Page 5), they are not a Phone: 573-751-3643, Email: Phone: 573-751-4485, Email: come September 16. from workers and families. friend of working families, and they [email protected] [email protected] House Minority Leader Jake Hum- MAKE IT PERSONAL Dave Hinson (R-St. Clair) Phone: mel (D-St. Louis), secretary-treasurer do not represent your interests. Jim Neely (R-Cameron) Phone: Hummel made it clear that the 573-751-0549, Email: Dave.Hin- 573-751-0246, Email: Jim.Neely@ of the Missouri AFL-CIO and a mem- Joe Adams (D-University City) [email protected] future of HB 116 is now in the hands house.mo.gov ber of IBEW Local 1, urges members Phone: 573-751-4265, Email: Joe. Penny Hubbard (D-St. Louis) Stacey Newman (D-St. Louis) of working families. [email protected] Phone: 573-751-2383, Email: to support the override by writing Phone: 573-751-0100, Email: “Write a letter that says ‘This is Ira Anders (D-Independence) [email protected] personal letters to their senators and [email protected] what right-to-work means to me Phone: 573-751-5701, Email: Ira. state representatives. Jake Hummel (D-St. Louis) and my household.’ ” [email protected] Phone: 573-751-0438, Email: Mary Nichols (D-Maryland Heights) Letters are important, Hummel Lauren Arthur (D-Kansas City) [email protected] Phone: 573-751-1832, Email: Mary. [email protected] said, because they give legislators DON’T KNOW? Phone: 573-751-2199, Email: Kip Kendrick (D-Columbia) the hard evidence they need about HERE’S HOW [email protected] Phone: 573-751-4189, Email: Kip. Charlie Norr (D-Springfield) where their constituents stand. If you don’t know who your Linda Black (R-Park Hills) [email protected] Phone: 573-751-3795, Email: [email protected] “Everybody has got to contact representative is, go to: Phone: 573-751-2317,Email: Bill E. Kidd (R-Jackson) Phone: • For House – www.house. [email protected] 573-751-3674, Email: Bill.Kidd@ Bill Otto (D-Maryland Heights) their state representatives and state mo.gov/member.aspx Bob Burns (D-Lemay) Phone: house.mo.gov Phone: 573-751-4163, Email: Bill. senators,” Hummel said. “They don’t • For Senate – www.senate. 573-751-0211, Email: Bob. Nick King (R-Liberty) Phone: [email protected] want a form letter or a phone call. mo.gov/15info/senateroster.htm [email protected] 573-751-1218, Email: Nick.King@ Sharon Pace (D-St. Louis) Phone: They want a personal letter that Then insert you ZIP code in the Michael Butler (D-St. Louis) house.mo.gov 573-751-4726, Email: Sharon. they can take with them that says box in the left column “Who is Your [email protected] Phone: 573-751-6800, Email: Jeanne Kirkton (D-Webster Groves) what right-to-work means to you Representative?” hit “GO” and their [email protected] Phone: 573-751-1285, Email: Jeanne. Josh Peters (D-St. Louis) Phone: and your family.” names will appear. Jon Carpenter (D-Gladstone) [email protected] 573-751-7605, Email: Joshua. Phone: 573-751-4787, Email: Jon. Bart Korman (R-High Hill) Phone: [email protected] BY THE NUMBERS NEED MORE HELP? [email protected] 573-751-2689, Email: Bart.Kor- Tommie Pierson (D-St. Louis) [email protected] The Senate passed the right-to- If you need more help, or want Kathie Conway (R-St. Charles Phone: 573-751-6845, Email: work measure (HB 116) by a vote to know how you can take action Phone: 573-751-2250, Email: Michelle Kratky (D-St. Louis) [email protected] Phone: 573-751-4220, Email: 21-13. It passed by a vote of 92-66 in your neighborhood or legisla- [email protected] Randy Pietzman (R-Troy) Phone: [email protected] tive district, you can contact the Pat Conway (D-St. Joseph) 573-751-9459, Email: Randy. in the House. Phone: 573-751-9755, Email: Pat. Jeremy LaFaver (D-Kansas City) [email protected] To override the Governor’s veto, Missouri AFL-CIO by texting MIS- [email protected] Phone: 573-751-2437, Email: the Republican-controlled Legis- SOURI to 235246. [email protected] John Rizzo (D-Kansas City) Kevin Corlew (R-Kansas City) Phone: 573-751-3310, Email: lature would need 23 votes in the Deb Lavener (D-Kirkwood) Phone: 573-751-3618, Email: [email protected] [email protected] Phone: 573-751-4069, Email: Deb. [email protected] Shane Roden (R-Cedar Hill) Robert Cornejo (R-St. Peters) Karla May (D-St. Louis) Phone: Phone: 573-751-4567, Email: Phone: 573-751-1484, Email: [email protected] [email protected] 573-751-2198, Email: Karla. [email protected] Joe Runions (D-Grandview) YOUR JOB Randy Dunn (D-Kansas City) RTW’S IMPACT: John McCaherty (R-High Ridge) Phone: 573-751-0238, Email: Joe. Phone: 573-751-0538, Email: Phone: 573-751-3751, Email: John. [email protected] [email protected] • In RTW states, the preponderance of jobs are low-wage, where a [email protected] Becky Ruth (R-Festus) Phone: Brandon Ellington (D-Kansas worker’s median income is below the poverty line ($23,850) for a Gail McCann Beatty (D-Kansas 573-751-4451, Email: Becky. City) Phone: 573-751-3129, Email: family of four. The preponderance of low-wage jobs puts downward City) Phone: 573-751-2124, Email: [email protected] [email protected] pressure on existing wages for ALL JOBS. (See page 10.) [email protected] Dan Shaul (R-Imperial) Phone: Kevin Engler (R-Farmington) Tracy McCreery (D-St. Louis) 573-751-2504, Email: Dan. • In terms of average pay, 14 of the 20 WORST states (70 percent) Phone: 573-751-3455, Email: Phone: 573-751-7535, Email: [email protected] are RTW states. [email protected] [email protected] Clem Smith (D-Velda Village • Unemployment is higher in RTW states (5.7 %) than in worker friendly Keith English (I-Florissant) Phone: 573- Tom McDonald (D-Raytown) 751-9628, Email: Keith.English@ Hills) Phone: 573-751-4468, Email: states. Phone: 573-751-9851, Email: [email protected] house.mo.gov [email protected] Sheila Solon (R-Blue Springs) Paul Fitzwater (R-Potosi) Phone: Kevin McManus (D-Kansas City) RTW COUPON 573-751-2112, Email: Paul.Fitzwa- Phone: 573-751-8636, Email: Phone: 573-751-9469, Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Chrissy Sommer (R-St. Charles) Elaine Gannon (R-DeSoto) Margo McNeil (D-Florissant) Phone: 573-751-1452, Email: A LOWER-PAYING JOB! Phone: 573-751-7735, Email: Phone: 573-751-5365, Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] (More than one-fourth of jobs in RTW states Rochelle Walton Gray (D-Black Kim Gardner (D-St. Louis) Phone: Sue Meredith (D-St. Louis) are low-wage jobs where a worker’s 573-751-1400, Email: Kimberly. Phone: 573-751-4183, Email: Jack) Phone: 573-751-5538, Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] median income is below the poverty line – Alan Green (D-Florissant) Phone: Bonnaye Mims (D-Kansas City) Stephen Webber (D-Columbia) $23,850 – for a family of four) 573-751-2135, Email: Alan. Phone: 573-751-7639, Email: Phone: 573-751-9753, Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Text MISSOURI to 235246 Ben Harris (D-Hillsboro) Phone: Gina Mitten (D-St. Louis) Phone: Anne Zerr (R-St. Charles) Phone: to uphold Gov. Nixon’s veto of HB116 573-751-2398, Email: Ben.Har- 573-751-2883, Email: Gina.Mit- 573-751-3717, Email: Anne.Zerr@ [email protected] [email protected] house.mo.gov LABOR TRIBUNE • Thursday, July 30 - August 5, 2015 • 5 House votes FOR right-to-work These are the members of the Steve Cookson (R-Poplar Bluff) Jim Hansen (R-Frankford) Phone: Steve Lynch (R-Waynesville) Shawn Rhoads (R-West Plains) Missouri House who voted “FOR” Phone: 573-751-1066, Email: 573-751-4028, Email: Jim.Han- Phone: 573-751-1446, Email: Phone: 573-751-1455, Email: right-to-work, saying “Yes” to out- [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] of-state corporate special interests, Sandy Crawford (R-Buffalo) Justin Hill (R-Lake St. Louis) Nick Marshall (R-Parkville) Todd Richardson (R-Poplar Bluff) and against working Missourians Phone:573-751-1167, Email: San- Phone: 573-751-3572, Email: Phone: 573-751-6593,Email: Nick. Phone: 573-751-4039, Email: and their families. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Gary L. Cross (R-Lee’s Summit) Denny Hoskins (R-Warrensburg) Kirk Mathews (R-Pacific) Phone: Rebecca Roeber (R-Lee’s Sum- Justin Alferman (R-Hermann) Phone: 573-751-1459, Email: Phone: 573-751-4302, Email: 573-751-0562,Email: Kirk. mit) Phone: 573-751-1456, Email: Phone: 573-751-6668, Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Paul Curtman (R-Union) Phone: Lincoln Hough (R-Springfield) Andrew McDaniel (R-Deering) Don Rone (R-Portageville) Sue Allen (R-Town and Country) 573-751-3776, Email: Paul.Curt- Phone: 573-751-9809, Email: Phone: 573-751-3629, Email: An- Phone: 573-751-4085, Email: Phone: 573-751-9765, Email: Sue. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Charlie Davis (R-Webb City) Jay Houghton (R-Martinsburg) Joe Don McGaugh (R-Carrollton) Robert Ross (R-Yukon) Phone: Sonya Anderson (R-Springfield) Phone: 573-751-7082, Email: Phone: 573-751-3649, Email: Jay. Phone: 573-751-1468, Email: Jo- 573-751-1490, Email: Robert. Phone: 573-751-2948, Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Shamed Dogan (R-Ballwin) Tila Hubrecht (R-Dexter) Jeffrey Messenger (R-Republic) Caleb Rowden (R-Columbia) Allen Andrews (R-Grant City) Phone: 573-751-4392, Email: Phone:573-751-1494 Email: Phone: 573-751-2381, Email: Jeff. Phone: 573-751-1169, Email: Phone: 573-751-9465, Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Dean Dohrman (R-La Monte) Tom Hurst (R-Meta) Phone: 573- Rocky Miller (R-Lake Ozark) Lyle Rowland (R-Cedarcreek) Kevin Austin (R-Springfield) Phone: 573-751-2204, Email: 751-1344, Email: Tom.Hurst@ Phone: 573-751-3604, Email: Phone: 573-751-2042, Email: Lyle. Phone: 573-751-0232, Email: [email protected] house.mo.gov [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Tony Dugger (R-Hartville) Phone: Delus Johnson (R-St. Joseph) Mike Moon (R-Ash Grove) Noel Shull (R-Kansas City) Kurt Bahr (R-St. Charles) Phone: 573-751-2205, Toll-Free: 417-259-1915, Phone: 573-751-3666, Email: Phone: 573-751-4077, Email: Phone: 573-751-9458, Email: 573-751-9768, Email: Kurt.Bahr@ Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] house.mo.gov J. Eggleston (R-Maysville) Caleb Jones (R-Columbia) Lynn Morris (R-Nixa) Phone: Lindell Shumake (R-Hannibal) Jay Barnes (R-Jefferson City) Phone: 573-751-4285, Email: Phone: 573-751-2134, Email: 573-751-2565, Email: Lynn.Mor- Phone: 573-751-3613, Email: Phone: 573-751-2412, Email: Jay. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Sue Enlicher (R-Bolivar) Phone: Jeffery Justus (R-Branson) Dave Muntzel (R-Boonville) Bryan Spencer (R-Wentzville) Chuck Basye (R-Rocheport) 573-751-1347, Email: Sue.Entli- Phone: 573-751-1309, Email: Jef- Phone: 573-751-0169, Email: Phone: 573-751-1460, Email: Phone: 573-751-1501, Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Scott Fitzpatrick (R-Schell Knob) Shelley Keeney (R-Marble Hill) Mark Parkinson (R-St. Charles) Kathryn Swan (R-Cape Girardeau) Nathan Beard (R-Sedalia) Phone: Phone: 573-751-1488, Email: Phone: 573-751-5912, Email: Phone: 573-751-2949, Email: Phone: 573-751-1443, Email: Kath- 573-751-9774, Email: Nathan. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Travis Fitzwater (R-Holts Sum- Mike Kelley (R-Lamar) Phone: Donna Pfautsch (R-Harrison- Jered Taylor (R-Nixa) Phone: Mike Bernskoetter (R-Jefferson mit) Phone: 573-751-5226, Email: 573-751-2165, Email: Mike.Kel- ville) Phone: 573-751-9766, Email: 573-751-3833, Email: Jered. City) Phone: 573-751-0665, Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Tom Flanigan (R-Carthage) Andrew Koenig (R-Manchester) Don Phillips (R-Kimberling City) Rob Vescovo (R-Arnold) Phone: Jack Bondon (R-Belton) Phone: Phone: 573-751-5458, Email: Phone: 573-751-5568, Email: Phone: 573-751-3851, Email: 573-751-3607, Email: Rob.Vesco- 573-751-2175, Email: Jack.Bon- [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Lyndall Fraker (R-Marshfield) Glen Kolkmeyer (R-Odessa) Patricia Pike (R-Adrian) Phone: Nate Walker (R-Kirksville) Phone: Rick Brattin (R-Harrisonville) Phone: 573-751-3819, Email: Phone: 573-751-1462, Email: 573-751-5388, Email: Patricia. 573-751-3647, Email: Nate.Walk- Phone: 573-751-3783, Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Diane Franklin (R-Camdenton) Mike Lair (R-Chillicothe) Phone: Jeff Pogue (R-Salem) Phone: Bill White (R-Joplin) Phone: Cloria Brown (R-St. Louis) Phone: 573-751-1119, Email: 573-751-2917, Email: Mike.Lair@ 573-751-2264, Email: Jeff. 573-751-3791, Email: Bill.White@ Phone: 573-751-3719 Email: Clo- [email protected] house.mo.gov [email protected] house.mo.gov [email protected] Keith Frederick (R-Rolla) Phone: Bill Lant (R-Pineville) Phone: Craig Redmon (R-Canton) John Wieman (R-O’Fallon) Wanda Brown (R-Lincoln) Phone: 573-751-3834, Email: Keith.Fred- 573-751-9801, Email: Bill.Lant@ Phone: 573-751-3644, Email: Phone: 573-751-2176, Email: 573-751-3971, Email: Wanda. [email protected] house.mo.gov [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Don Gosen (R-Ballwin) Phone: Mike Leara (R-St. Louis) Phone: Holly Rehder (R-Sikeston) Keith Wilson (R-Smithville) Eric Burlison (R-Springfield) 573-751-1247, Email: Don.Gos- 573-751-2150, Email: Mike. Phone: 573-751-5471, Email: Phone: 573-751-9760, Email: Ken. Phone: 573-751-0136, Email: Eric. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Elijah Haahr (R-Springfield) Donna Lichtenegger (R-Jackson) Bill Reiboldt (R-Neosho) Phone: David Wood (R-Versailles) Jason Chipman (R-Steelville) Phone: 573-751-2210, Email: Phone: 573-751-6662, Email: Don- 573-751-9781, Email: Bill. Phone: 573-751-2077 Email: Da- Phone: 573-751-1688, Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Marsha Haefner (R-St. Louis) Warren Love (R-Osceola) Phone: Tim Remole (R-Excello) Phone: Mike Cierpiot (R-Lee’s Summit) Phone: 573-751-3762, Email: 573-751-4065, Email: Warren. 573-751-6566, Email: Tim.Re- Phone: 573-751-0907, Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Missouri Senate passed RTW 21-13 The Missouri Senate passed the Brian Munzlinger (R-William- Eric Schmitt (R-Glendale) Phone: Gary Romine (R-Farmington) Ryan Silvey (R-Kansas City) anti-union, anti-worker right-to- stown) Phone: (573) 751-7985, (573) 751-2853, Email: eschmitt@ Phone: (573) 751-4008, Email: Phone: (573) 751-5282, Email: work legislation by a vote of 21-13. Email: Not listed senate.mo.gov Not listed [email protected] Here is how the vote broke down. Bob Onder (R-Lake St. Louis) Wayne Wallingford (R-Cape Gi- Jill Schupp (D-Creve Coeur) Gina Walsh (D-Bellefontaine Phone: (573) 751-1282, Email: rardeau) Phone: (573) 751-2459, Phone: (573) 751-9762, Email: Jill. Neighbors) Phone: (573) 751- SENATORS VOTING FOR [email protected] Email: Not listed [email protected] 2420, Email: www.senate.mo.gov/ (TO PASS) RTW Mike Parson (R-Boliver) Phone: Jay Wasson (R-Nixa) Phone: (573) Scott Sifton (D-Affton) Phone: D13WebApps/Contact.aspx Dan Brown (R-Rolla) Phone: (573) 751-8793, Email: mparson@ 751-1503 / Toll-Free: 866-242- (573) 751-0220 / Toll Free: (866) Paul Wieland (R-Imperial) Phone: (573) 751-5713, Email: Dan. senate.mo.gov 0810, Email: www.senate.mo.gov/ 342-4905, Email: www.senate. (573) 751-1492, Email: Paul. [email protected] David Pearce (R-Warrensburg) D20WebApps/Contact.aspx mo.gov/D01WebApps/Contact.aspx [email protected] Mike Cunningham (R-Rogersville) Phone: (573) 751-2272, Email: www.senate.mo.gov/D21We- SENATORS VOTING Phone: (573) 751-1882, Email: Mike. AGAINST (TO DEFEAT) RTW [email protected] bApps/Contact.aspx How you can help Maria Chappelle-Nadal (D-St. Bob Dixon (R-Springfield) Phone: Ron Richard (R-Joplin) Phone: Louis) Phone: (573) 751-4106, (573) 751-2583, Email: Bob. (573) 751-2173, Email: www. Email: Maria.ChappelleNadal@ sustain the veto of RTW [email protected] senate.mo.gov/D32WebApps/ Contact.aspx senate.mo.gov Ed Emery (R-Lamar) Phone: (573) To sustain Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon’s veto of HB116 (the right-to-work bill), S. Kiki Curls (D-Kansas City) Phone: 751-2108, Email: www.senate. Jeanie Riddle (R-Mokane) your legislators need to hear from you. (573) 751-3158, Email: www.senate. mo.gov/D31WebApps/Contact.aspx Phone: (573) 751-2757, Email: Write a letter, send an email and make your voice heard. Not listed mo.gov/D09WebApps/Contact.aspx Dan Hegeman (R-Cosby) Phone: Tom Dempsey (R-St. Charles) FIND YOUR LEGISLATORS (573) 751-1415, Email: www.senate. David Sater (R-Cassville) Phone: Phone: (573) 751-1141, Email: mo.gov/D12WebApps/Contact.aspx (573) 751-1480, Email: Not listed The phone numbers and email addresses of Missouri’s legislators are listed [email protected] here. But what if you don’t know who your senator or representative is? Mike Kehoe (R-Jefferson City) Jason Holsman (D-Kansas City) Phone: (573) 751-2076, Email: www. Rob Schaaf (R-St. Joseph) DON’T KNOW? HERE’S HOW TO FIND OUT Phone: (573) 751-6607, Email: senate.mo.gov/D06WebApps/ Phone: (573) 751-2183, Email: www.senate.mo.gov/D34We- Not listed If you don’t know who your representative is, go to: Contact.aspx • For House – www.house.mo.gov/member.aspx bApps/Contact.aspx Joe Keaveny (D-St. Louis) Phone: Will Kraus (R-Lee’s Summit) • For Senate – www.senate.mo.gov/15info/senateroster.htm (573) 751-3599 / Toll-Free: 866-783- Phone: (573) 751-1464 / Toll Free: Kurt Schaefer (R-Columbia) Then insert you ZIP code in the box in the left column “Who is Your Repre- 1534, Email: www.senate.mo.gov/ 888-711-9278, Email: www.sen- Phone: (573) 751-3931, Email: sentative?” hit “GO” and their names will appear. Contact information listed in D04WebApps/Contact.aspx ate.mo.gov/D08WebApps/Contact.aspx www.senate.mo.gov/D19We- these pages. bApps/Contact.aspx Paul LeVota (D-Independence) Doug Libla (R-Poplar Bluff) Phone: (573) 751-3074, Email: TEXT TO GET STARTED Phone: (573) 751-4843, Email: Dave Schatz (R-Sullivan) Phone: [email protected] www.senate.mo.gov/D25We- (573) 751-3678, Email: Not listed If you need more help, or want to know how you can take action in your bApps/Contact.aspx Jamilah Nasheed (D-St. Louis) neighborhood or legislative district, you can contact the Missouri AFL-CIO by Phone: (573) 751-4415, Email: texting MISSOURI to 235246. [email protected] 6 • LABOR TRIBUNE • Thursday, July 30 - August 5, 2015 Here’s what it’s like to work under right-to-work: personal perspectives from those who have been there A revealing contrast in RTW vs. worker-friendly The truth about RTW states from his/her perspectives A first-person account of life cut in the power cord, no doors and, under Louisiana’s RTW law due to a broken water drain, I was Her story: Living in poverty, His story: RTW workers standing in almost three inches of people still fear unions ‘replaceable, expendable’ Editor’s Note: A londer version stagnant water for most of my work of this story was originally pub- shift every day. By MITZI HOFFMAN By SHANE PELLERIN lished in the Feb. 13, 2014 edition In 1999 I moved from St. Louis to South Caro- Carpenters Local 97 of the Labor Tribune. NO DEPARTMENT WORK RULES lina for a job. I was born and raised the daughter I’ve worked in the construction field for By KYLE NORRIS of a union pipefitter (and granddaughter of over 30 years, starting back in 1984. Most UFCW Local 88 With no union rules to govern union workers and great granddaughter of of my time in the trades has been spent in your work shift, I was working split This past March union workers) and had little knowledge of SHANE & MITZI right-to-work states. I moved to Missouri shifts on some days and 10-hour unions in other states. from a right-to-work state several years ago. I moved to the great shifts with mandatory two-hour For this reason, I was very confused to find that the When I joined the Carpenters Union here in St. Louis, state of Louisiana for breaks in the middle on others. word “union,” in South Carolina, was said in hushed and I was completely blown away by the change. a short while and I The store was open on Easter NORRIS suspicious tones when said at all. When I pressed anyone, As a union member I was given the opportunity to have finally realized just Sunday and due to my newness with in attempts to understand the negative connotation, the insurance (health and dental), vacation and pension, the what right-to-work means. the company I got the pleasure of conversation would usually abruptly end. chance to go to school and advance my knowledge and I have been a meat cutter for 13 working all 14 hours that the store The man I’ve been with since 2001 is a carpenter I met career. I never thought of being a carpenter as a career years and a department manager was open. while I was living in the south. I was shocked at both his until I took an oath and joined a local. for eight of those years so getting a Also there was no department- job was a fairly quick process. I was wages and his hostility toward the concept of unions. SCRAPING BY WEEK-TO-WEEK based anything. The explanations I provided him regarding collective hired within an hour of looking for a If you worked in the store you bargaining and the stories I told him of my own family’s Under right-to-work laws, being a carpenter or trades- job as a meat cutter at a large chain were eligible to work anywhere in experience went right over his head. man was merely a way to scrape by week-to-week. of stores and immediately learned the store. So, if you were cutting I did witness some level of understanding start to creep Worst of all, in a trade with so many perils, if I was my first lesson in not having the meat and they needed help checking in when we visited my family in St. Louis. The trades have hurt or injured, I was on my own. I heard the phrase “If support of a union. you went and checked or got carts, a level of respect in our area that would be considered you fall, you’re fired before you hit the ground” many LOW PAY, NO BENEFITS which might seem like a nice break, completely foreign in his hometown. times over the years. but the truth is after getting carts in Even if said in jest, this is how the workforce is viewed My starting wage with 13 years WAGES ‘STARK’ of experience was $10 an hour and the pouring rain and then standing in these states: replaceable and expendable. under a meat room cooling fan I The wage dierence between the two areas was stark. That is no way to build pride and self-worth in the all benefits were to be paid for by me at a cost of almost $92 per week for quickly realized just how miserable In South Carolina, a good carpenter was very lucky people who build, customize and make structures hab- work can be. to make $14 per hour, and this was during a very good itable and profitable places for businesses and homes. health care. That is a very long way o from what I was used to being a WORKER INJURED: economy, before the tech bubble busted, before the mort- NOT A CAREER gage bubble burst. union member and, sadly, isn’t even COMPANY DOES NOTHING This $14 per hour that a good carpenter might make was Wages constantly hover between $10/ hour, with little enough to survive on. The final nail in the co±n came generally cash under the table. The majority of carpentry room for advancement. This was hardly my idea of a UNSAFE WORK CONDITIONS a day after a grocery clerk was se- career. However I’ve always loved the carpentry trade jobs were cash jobs (and paid less than $14 per hour) and On my first day of work I got my verely burned on his legs and feet there is also little recourse for the carpenter should the and take pride in a job well done and putting out the best by the crawfish boiling pot falling product possible. second and most important lesson contractor not provide the payment agreed upon (and in the eects of not having a union over on him. The meat manager this isn’t as unusual as you might think). When I moved to Missouri and was presented with an and I found ourselves in the same opportunity to become a union member I did not know to protect me in the work place. INJURED? YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN I arrived at my work station to position, luckily there were two of what to expect: us and we were able to save the The concepts of health insurance or vacations are vir- I was amazed by the world class training facilities, ex- find out the meat saw I was to oper- ate didn’t have any doors on it. The situation from a repeat incident tually non-existent. That means that if the carpenter fell tensive safety programs, and the emphasis on being the but I had seen enough. o a building and got hurt, he was fired and any medical best of the best. speed of the spinning wheels and blade were fully exposed and when What had happened was the leg expenses were the responsibility of the injured carpenter. I feel the pride and care I have always had in my work broke on the table that the large 50 Unless one attends a vocational school for a trade at is finally rewarded and respected. I was cutting they were throwing meat dust directly into my face. gallon boiling pot sat on the day their own expense, there are no organized trade education I’m proud to put on my hard hat and carpenter’s whites before and fell on the grocery clerk. or safety outlets. Because large portions of carpenters and know I’m going to the highest quality and best-run job I called the manager over to inform him that I felt this was a major safety Instead of the company fixing it they make less than $14 an hour, and they have no training sites in the world. just put some wood under it and said or safety possibilities, there is a large portion of trades’ issue. He chuckled at me and informed UNION MEMBER me that this is how they do things go back to using it as it is. people who live in poverty. After seeing just how reckless a Poverty breeds desperation and the people of the COMPLACENCY around here. As long as it runs and I also feel there is complacency among union members does what it’s supposed to they will company could be I decided I had trades do not enjoy the level of respect that I witnessed to make the best decision I could growing up in St. Louis. that these better, safer working conditions and living wages not pay to fix it. He then informed me are the norm. I was free to call OSHA, but if I did I for myself and I moved back to And in the south, that cycle continues because even St. Louis. those in poverty fear unions. But as someone who has experienced both sides, I know would no longer be employed with they are not. this company. NO IDEA HOW BAD AN ‘AWAKENING’ The union is the only defense we as workers have In the vicinity of where I was liv- THINGS COULD BE Despite the labor climate, I adored South Carolina and against the conditions I have described, and I do not ing this was the only store around so Until this move down south, I I still do. But, seven years ago my southern carpenter and wish to return. it’s not like I could just quit and go had no idea how bad things could I moved to St. Louis. to a dierent company, so I sucked be in the grocery business and how He enjoyed slightly higher wages until he joined the it up and tried my best to work with lucky I was to work under the safety St. Louis carpenters union. He almost immediately he tries to explain how dierent the labor situation is what I was given. of a union. converted to what he previously couldn’t comprehend. in right-to-work states he runs into questions that show Over the next few weeks the The safety, a fair working wage, In his words “If it doesn’t exist where you are, you how little union states know about right- to-work states. safety aspect of the job really started and the protection of our jobs, are can’t understand it.” Or, as Thomas Paine said, “A They will ask, “What is scale in South Carolina?” or to get to me. something I will never take for mind once enlightened cannot again become dark.” “What type of vacation pay did you get there?” It’s all I was working on a saw that had a granted again. He has paid his dues (literally and figuratively) the he can do, not to shout “There IS NO SCALE in South last five years and considers joining a union the most Carolina! There is NO VACATION there!” life changing thing he’s done in his adult life. But just like they cannot grasp those concepts, neither RTW will increase workplace discrimination Knowing that he can count on wage increases, health could my boyfriend understand the concept of unions By ERIC BUENEMAN one job in Georgia within a month, insurance, vacation pay, free education and training, while living in the south. the second one in six months, and life insurance and the many, many, many other benefits The one thing the last one in five months. has transformed him and his opinion of unions. WOW, $10 AN HOUR I’m most concerned Those workers who got shoved out The possibility of obtaining all of these things while A closing perspective: about, when it comes were usually adults with disabilities working in labor in the south is so minimal that it is His father called him last week from the south very to “right-to-work” or high school students. reserved for very, very, very few. excited about a new Volvo plant that was coming to their laws, is that such I believe that joining a union I love that he has been able to enjoy these benefits – town. He was proud to deliver the news “This plant is laws will increase should be a fundamental right. All the same benefits that allowed my siblings and I to going to pay their workers $10 an hour! Isn’t that great? workplace discrimi- BUENEMAN unions should come with the job, enjoy a really comfortable upbringing. I love that he AND the state is going to let Volvo o the hook for taxes nation employment like the UFCW (United Food & Com- is vocal about unions, echoing the same sentiments for the next decade! I’m so happy the state was able to prospects of people with disabilities. mercial Workers). I was in UFCW to his relatives back in the south that I used to try to make that deal and the people will get those jobs.” I lived in a “right-to-work” state Local 1063 in Atlanta when I worked convince him of so long ago. My union boyfriend’s response: “Dad, do you realize (Georgia) for four years, and saw that if Volvo could have found a state willing to pay how badly employers treated their for Grand Union and Kroger. LESSONS TO BE LEARNED their workers less, Volvo would have moved there?” employees. I believe people with disabilities Two quick anecdotes relating to that last sentence: All these years later, he truly understands and is pas- I’ve seen employers shove workers will benefit greatly by having greater During his training classes at the Carpenter’s school sionate about workers’ rights . . . and unions.. that they consider “undesirable” out access to union membership. he is often 10-20 years older than his classmates. When within six months. I got shoved out of (As posted on Pro-Union St. Louis!) LABOR TRIBUNE • Thursday, July 30 - August 5, 2015 • 7 Where in America is an RTW is NOT a key issue say plant organization forced to location consultants Contrary to RTW claims, “having support non-members? a RTW state” is NOT a key factor in locating new business. It ties at 11th RTW’s goal: destroy all the benefits of the union contract in the top 10 location factors. without having to pay a fair share When Area Development Online workers’ ability to band of those costs – you realize that the surveyed site selection business together in a union true intent of RTW laws is to first executives asking them how they weaken, then bust the unions. select states to either locate new Question: Where in America is In so doing, destroy the abil- facilities or expand operations, an organization forced to support ity of workers to band together to they cited the factors noted in chart non-members? stand up for their rights against a at right. Answer: in right-to-work states. much more powerful, well funded, To the ultimate dismay of RTW Consider: management. supporters, the data shows that • If you are a business and want RTW was not even in the top 10 services from the local Chamber NO ONE reasons for site selection. RTW of Commerce, you pay the Cham- FORCED TO JOIN is not the critical reason for at- ber’s dues. What’s overlooked in this fracas tracting business to a state that • If you are a lawyer and you want is a simple fact: no one has to join RTW proponents would have you to belong to the American Bar As- the union! If they don’t want to be believe. sociation, you pay dues. a member, so be it. But in WORKER Site Selection Factors & Level of Importance 2014 • As an American citizen, you pay VALUE VS CHEAP FRIENDLY states, they are required Total: Very + taxes to support bridges, schools, Competitive businesses are not Factor to pay a fee of some sort to pay for Somewhat Important fire departments, etc. even though the union’s costs to represent them. attracted to the cheapest locations you may never use their services. In RTW states, they don’t have to but to the highest-value locations 1. Availability of Skilled Labor 95.1% But all this is turned upside down pay anything, but the union must — places where there is availability 2. Highway Accessibility 93.5% as a result of RTW laws. How is that still provide them services. of skilled (#1 reason), highway 3. Labor Costs 90.8% possible? Where is the fairness here? accessibility (#2 reason), as well 4. Occupancy or construction costs 87.4% FIRST, federal law requires the as other important factors such 5. Availability of advanced Internet/Communications Technology 84.6% union to represent and support all WEAKEN, as high quality of life, innovation THEN DESTROY 6. Available buildings 83.3% workers covered by the contract, assets such as world-class univer- 7. Corporate tax rate 82.4% members and non-members alike. RTW laws take advantage of a sities, ability to transport goods, 8. State and local incentives 81.9% SECOND, a RTW law prevents the human frailty: if you can get some- reasonable labor costs, and the 9. Low union profile 81.4% union from charging non-members thing for nothing, why not? availability of abundance energy 10. Energy availability and costs 80.8% a fee for services provided even When examining union mem- and its cost. though those non-members (that’s bership, the impact of RTW laws Add to that Missouri has the 11.(tie) Tax exemptions 80.6% right, no one is forced to join a union becomes clear: to decrease union fourth LOWEST corporate tax 11.(tie) RIGHT-TO-WORK STATE 80.6% to hold a job!) have all the benefits membership, thus weakening the structure in the U.S., and it’s clear Source: http://www.areadevelopment.com/Corporate-Consultants-survey-Results/Q1-2014/28th-Corporate-Executive-RE- and protections negotiated by the financial ability of unions to bring that Missouri is a good state for survey-results-6574981.shtml?Page=2 union. They are allowed to become workers together as a united front businesses to consider. legal freeloaders. for themselves and their families at Businesses have learned, to their You only have to note the number makes sense to go for the “best cost,” RTW’S the negotiating table. regret, the harsh lesson of going for of businesses now returning from you can pay a pretty high premium And anyone who denies that the cheapest and least-skilled labor. overseas to understand that while it if you go for the “lowest cost.” TRUE INTENT intent: weaken first, then destroy, When you realize what RTW laws look at the chart below. do – allow legal freeloaders to have MUST SEE VIDEO: Cartoon-like Union Membership, 2014 Avg. Unionization Rates characters entertain, educate WORKER FRIENDLY states 13.5% Meet Jenny and Penny, and have some fun. RTW states 7.5% Both are cartoon characters in an Impact 6% LOWER entertaining three and a half minute web video who are part of an effort to help viewers understand what Right-to-Work (for less) really is and how it works. It’s entertaining and informative for adults and children. The video is the brainchild of RTW’S IMPACT: WAGES Preserve Middle Class Missouri. The cleverly animated illustrated • 17 of the 25 RTW states (68%) have household incomes video “Get the Facts” introduces a LOWER than the national average number of key issues about RTW and contrasts the life of Jenny (living • Minimum wages are lower in RTW states. Seven of 25 RTW in RTW Oklahoma) with Penny (a states (28%) have NO MINIMUM wage law, though they must Missourian). meet the low threshold of the federal standard. Of worker See the video at: middleclassmo. friendly states, 22 (79%) are above the federal minimum. org/get-the-facts. The video is part of a broad in- • The pay gap between men and women is greater in RTW formation campaign sponsored by states. When it comes to the gender pay gap, 13 of the WORST two groups: Preserve Middle Class 20 states (65%) are RTW states Missouri, and Protect MO Families, both grassroots coalitions of citizens and organizations advocating for RTW COUPON better wages, working conditions and employment opportunities for $ Middle Class families. “We are committed to defending 5,759 OFF the gains in wages and worker protections that have made the Middle Class the foundation of America’s YOUR WAGES! strong economy,” say their web sites. (Average of $7,222 per Household In another video produced by in RTW vs. non-RTW states) ProtectMOFamilies, 13 workers and small business leaders from around Text MISSOURI to 235246 Missouri talk about the impact this to uphold Gov. Nixon’s veto of HB116 law would have on their lives, their businesses. Check it out at protectmofamilies.com/protect_video. SCREEN CAPTURES from Preseve Middle Class MO video 10 • LABOR TRIBUNE • Thursday, July 30 - August 5, 2015 Families in RTW states take home $7,222 LESS per year RTW negatively impacts household income for Missouri in 2014 was $49,403 which is lower than household incomes; the national median of $51,939, and families suffer lower than the average of WORKER When comparing household in- FRIENDLY states ($55,982) but comes between RTW and WORKER slightly higher than the median FRIENDLY (non-RTW) states, there household income for RTW states is a startling dierence in what a ($48,760). worker takes home. THREE REASONS WHY Since so many of us live pay- Missouri falls behind for several check-to-paycheck, this makes a very distinct reasons: big dierence. 1. The loss of manufacturing WAGES jobs overseas which were once a • Households in WORKER FRIENDLY mainstay of Missouri’s economy. States earned, on average, $7,222 2. The pervasive impact of the MORE per year than families in recent recession. RTW states. 3. The constant squabbling in In 2014, among all workers 16 the Missouri General Assembly, and older, the average weekly wage where too many legislators insist on for union member was $970, as focusing on too many non-existent RTW states have more contrasted to $763 per week for a or minor problems and are often non-union member. For non-union INCOMES pursuing their own agendas, rather than encouraging Republicans and low-paying jobs workers that translates into: • 17 of the 24 RTW states (71 percent) Democrats to work together to pass 3 $207 a week LESS had household incomes LOWER In right-to-work states, the pre- WORKER FRIENDLY states (85%). legislation that could improve the 3 $41.44 a day LESS than the national average. ponderance of jobs are low wage • Only three of those 20 states are economic prospects of Missouri and 3 $5.18 an hour LESS • Of the 20 states with the LOWEST jobs with workers’ median income RTW states (15%). all its workers. household incomes, 14 (70%) are falling below the poverty line for a Shockingly, only three RTW Bringing RTW to Missouri will Median Household Income 2014 RTW states. family of four ($23,850). states are above the national aver- negatively impact workers’ take • Of the 20 states with the HIGHEST On average, more than one-third age ranking of states by the percent- RTW states $48,760 home pay and make a bad situation incomes, only 6 (30%) are RTW of the jobs available in RTW states age of low-wage jobs. WORKER FRIENDLY in Missouri even worse! $55,982 states. would leave a worker in poverty, states Is that want we want for Missouri? NOT QUALITY JOBS Unfortunately, the median even if they were to work the job full-time. You’ll note that when RTW pro- The data for the percentage of ponents talk about increasing jobs, low-wage jobs by state is startling: they never talk about the quality Bring on RTW, bring on more POVERTY of those jobs. HIGHEST PERCENTAGE NATIONAL In RTW states, on average, 29% Lower wages Poverty Rates 2014 OF LOW-WAGE JOBS: of the jobs are low-wage jobs. Only COMPARISONS is the culprit State Poverty • 14 of the 20 worst states are RTW 21.6% of the jobs are low-wage jobs Compared to the national aver- Rate states (70%). in WORKER FRIENDLY states. age: Dist. of Columbia 20.7% • Only six of the worst 20 states are More low-wage jobs are not Mississippi 20.1% • Worse than the national average: Louisiana 18.3% WORKER FRIENDLY states (30%). what Missouri needs. With the loss of manufacturing jobs already a 11 are RTW states (44%); only 7 are New Mexico 17.9% LOWEST PERCENTAGE WORKER FRIENDLY states (40%). critical issue in Missouri, the state Alabama 16.7% OF LOW-WAGE JOBS • Better than the national average: Texas 16.2% legislature should be focused on • 17 of the 20 states with the FEWEST only 13 are RTW states (52%); 18 are Arkansas 15.9% efforts to promote good paying Oklahoma 15.6% number of low-wage jobs are job growth. WORKER FRIENDLY states (69%). West Virginia 15.4% LEGISLATORS Arizona 15.2% Tennessee 15.0% CEO vs. Worker Pay Scale between 1978-2014 TAKE NOTE South Carolina 15.0% When legislators are considering Kentucky 14.8% Average pay: CEO* Worker Ratio Union Members % of Workforce their vote in the upcoming Sept. New York 14.5% 16 veto session, given the wealth Georgia 14.4% 1978 $1.5 million $48,600 26 to 1 19.7% of data in this issue proving that Montana 13.8% California 13.2% 2014 $16.3 million $53,200 303 to 1 11.3% RTW results in lower wages, some North Carolina 13.1% essential points to take into con- National Average 12.6% % Increase 997% 9.0% - 8.4% sideration: Indiana 12.6% * CEOs of America’s top 350 firms; includes pay and the value of stock options. • POVERTY UP: When wages are Maine 12.6% Source: http://www.epi.org/publication/top-ceos-make.300-times-more-than-workers-pay-growth-surpasses-market-gains- lower, poverty levels are higher. Kansas 12.5% and-the-rest-of-the-0-1-percent Ohio 12.3% • ESSENTIAL SERVICES HURT: Rhode Island 12.1% Lower incomes means less tax Michigan 12.0% revenues are available for state- Oregon 11.8% provided services such as edu- South Dakota 11.8% Missouri 11.6% POVERTY cation, health care, roads and Illinois 11.5% RTW’S IMPACT: bridges, etc. Colorado 11.4% Iowa 11.3% • Households in worker-friendly states earn, on average, $7,222 more Although poverty exists • MORE DEPENDENCY: Higher poverty rates means more citizens will North Dakota 11.2% per year than families in worker-friendly states. throughout the country, it’s logi- Pennsylvania 11.2% cal to conclude that where wages depending on local governments for Florida 11.1% • The minimum wage is higher in worker-friendly states. In one out of are lower you can expect a much more essential services. Nevada 10.6% four RTW states, there would be no minimum wage if it were not for higher numbers of people living • TAXPAYERS SCREWED: With Wyoming 10.6% federal law. in poverty. more people earning less money, Washington 10.2% • Tipped employees in RTW states have the most difficulty earning Wisconsin 10.2% That expectation bears truth in the tax burden falls more heavily Massachusetts 10.1% a living wage. On average, they make 50 percent less than tipped right-to-work states. on working taxpayers. Alaska 10.0% employees in worker-friendly states. And because it’s a fact, the cost to We’ll know by their vote Sept. 16 Idaho 9.9% taxpayers is greater in RTW states to either sustain or override Gov. Connecticut 9.7% RTW COUPON to support the needs of those living Nixon’s veto of the “wrong-for- Maryland 9.7% in poverty. Missouri” right-to-work bill what Nebraska 9.5% The facts clearly demonstrate direction specific legislators want Delaware 9.2% Utah 9.2% that the direct correlation between to take Missouri. MORE POVERTY! Virginia 9.2% (Because wages are lower in RTW states, RTW policies and poverty rates is Hawaii 8.6% strong: Minnesota 8.1% RTW states have a much higher level of poverty. • Worst: Of the 20 states with the Avg. Poverty Rates 2014 Vermont 7.6% Of the 20 states with the highest New Jersey 6.8% HIGHEST poverty levels, 12 are WORKER FRIENDLY New Hampshire 5.6% poverty levels, 60% are RTW states.) RTW states (60%). 11.4% states WORKER FRIENDLY State (no RTW Law) • Best: Of the 20 states with the Text MISSOURI to 235246 RTW State LOWEST poverty rates, only 8 are RTW states 12.5% to uphold Gov. Nixon’s veto of HB116 Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_ RTW states (40%). of_U.S._states_by_poverty_rate LABOR TRIBUNE • Thursday, July 30 - August 5, 2015 • 11 Building trades unions pump $311.2 From segregationist beginnings, RTW has morphed into Billion annually into Missouri’s economy THE major corporate tool for ‘de-unionizing’ America Another powerful economic While right-to-work laws started out with a segre- anti-union, anti-worker groups, popped up. engine jeopardized by RTW gationist motivation (see accompanying story), the First, in 1968 there was the National Right To Work There are three additional “hid- implementation of the law by eight states by 1955 brought Legal Foundation designed to support lawsuits against den” benefits the unions bring to the a realization to companies wanting to keep wages low the unions by disgruntled members. Missouri economy, benefits not read- and unemployment high (to ensure there would be an Building on its successes, a fourth right-wing group ily visible but nonetheless vital to our ample source of cheap labor) that the Taft-Hartley law was formed in 1973 – American Legislative Exchange state’s economy because of the direct legitimizing states eort to create the phony right-to- Council, ALEC was formed to provide legislators with benefits they provide. If right-to-work work law (RTW) was a incredible tool for fighting unions “model” anti-union laws to take back to their states for passes Sept. 16, a great deal of this will who wanted to disturb their playpen by organizing and introduction and implementation. This is done via a be lost forever: improving wages and conditions for working people. constant series of national meetings legislators from • UNION TRAINING: The St. Louis After all, the only thing that stood in the way of total around the nation – Missouri and Illinois included – are Building trades unions alone spend on domination by the corporations as was the case in previ- wined and dined. average $40 million annually on train- ous decades were the “nasty” unions. Today’s RTW law in Missouri is almost word-for-word ing both apprentices and upgrading claims that go into local community Thus, in 1955 the National Right To Work Committee the ALEC model RTW bill. the skills of journeymen. The Sheet hospitals, doctors, pharmacies and (NRTWC) was created to formalize the eort to get more Funded by the infamous right-wing Koch brothers Metal Workers, Painters, Plumbers other health care providers. states to pass the RTW law. Since then, it has been the leader and a host of major corporations, the groups have spent and Pipefitters and Carpenters have all • PENSIONS: Again based on the 2005 in the eort to destroy public and private sector unions. hundreds of millions of dollars to destroy unions. Or, as built new training facilities to ensure survey with a modest one percent in- With the corporations now tasting a process for de- one writer put it, “to de-unionize America.” the latest in equipment and techniques. crease in benefits paid out each year, unionizing, new support groups, funded by the same Their success if evident. In addition all the union training building trades unions across Mis- schools are constantly changing souri pay out $299 million annually to The ugly racial history of right-to-work their curriculum to meet the chang- retirees, money that almost instantly By RICHARD KAHLENBERG As the CIO began Operation ing construction landscape with flows back into the economies of local & MOSHE MARVIT Dixie, southern Democrats joined equipment, materials and processes. communities across Missouri. As states consider right-to-work northern Republicans in voting for In 2005, statewide, unions spent $78 • PENSION INVESTMENTS: Using the 1947 Taft-Hartley legislation to million in Missouri on training. Today, union pension funds, four national legislation, it is important to re- member the ugly racial history of cripple union organizing, in part by that has at least doubled. union investment groups have pro- authorizing states to adopt right-to- This is money the state of Missouri vided to date $1.54 BILLION to build 62 right-to-work legislation. Northern and Midwestern parts of A key driver of the right-to-work the United States, but racial animus work statutes. does not have to spend but brings back housing projects, industrial buildings Historian Tami Friedman writes, huge dividends in terms of having and apartments in the Greater St. Louis movement beginning in the 1930s in the South proved a key impediment was Texas businessman and white to union organizing. “While the (Taft-Hartley) measure is a skilled, and far more productive, area. That’s money that flowed directly often seen as the work of a Republi- workforce, one of the critical criteria into the local economy providing em- supremacist Vance Muse, who hated It was very threatening to southern unions in part because they pro- segregationists, therefore, when the can-dominated Congress, southern firms look at when consider new loca- ployment, tax income for the state and Democrats were instrumental in tions to expand. local communities and growth. moted the brotherhood of workers Congress of Industrial Organizations across racial lines. (CIO) launched “Operation Dixie” its passage; in both houses, over • HEALTH CARE: Based on a direct On the basis that a dollar turns 80 percent of southern Democrats survey of building trades unions over three times once it’s spent, As author Mark Ames notes, in the 1940s to organize the South, Muse bluntly outlined the thinking because the CIO’s agenda included backed the bill. After President throughout Missouri in 2005, looking at union pension funds have gener- Truman vetoed the legislation, 90 a conservative eight percent annual in- ated an additional $4.62 BILLION behind “right-to-work,” declaring, eorts to reduce discrimination. “From now on, white women and Southern conservatives feared percent of southern Democrats in crease in health care since then, build- in economic activity! the House of Representatives and ing trades unions throughout Missouri In conservative calculations, Mis- white men will be forced into orga- that if unions united working-class nizations with black African apes whites and blacks, they could upend over 77 percent of those in the Senate pay out $311 BILLION in health care souri building trades unions pump helped override his action.” $311.4 BILLION into the Missouri whom they will have to call ‘brother’ the politics of the South, where Jim economy annually. Consider most or lose their jobs.” Crow laws helped keep white and STATE RTW LAWS black workers on opposite sides of of that GONE if right-to-work comes Indeed, unions have a powerful Southern segregationists followed the political fence. They argued that to Missouri. interest in reducing racial discrimi- up their support for Taft-Hartley with unions could bring “black domina- RTW would provide yet another nation and animus because racial an array of state-based right-to-work tion in the South.” economic blow to our state’s econo- hostility inhibits worker solidarity laws. To this day, the states most resis- my. Is political dogma more impor- and union organizing. Southern SEGREGATIONISTS tant to unions are those in the former tant to our Republican legislators segregationists knew this, which is RAMP UP Confederacy and the Jim Crow South. why they eagerly signed on to right- than their constituents being able With President Truman also begin- Of the 17 states that had le- to earn a living? We’ll know Sept. to-work eorts to weaken unions in gally required segregation prior to the middle part of the 20th Century. ning to move forward on civil rights, 16 after the veto override session of southern segregationists ramped up Brown v. Board of Education, 12 are the Missouri legislature. In the 1930s and 1940s, organized today right-to-work states. labor made great strides in the their anti-union eorts. Long-term job creation is driven by innovation, not cheap wages No surprise: RTW Like every other indicator, RTW education, export of manufacturing • WORKER FRIENDLY states - INNOVATION BACKWATERS states fall behind, again is no friend to innovation. and services, fast-growing firms, 10.7; 17 WORKER FRIENDLY states Of the 20 states with the WORST INDEX RANKING patents, entrepreneurial activity, scored above the national average. innovation index: Innovation will be the instrument use of alternative energy, availabil- • RTW states - 8.4; only 6 RTW states The Information Technology & • 14 were RTW states (70%). for tomorrow’s growth industries, ity of venture capital, and others. scored above the national average. Innovation Foundation (ITIF) cre- • 6 were WORKER FRIENDLY not cheap wages. ated a unique index ranking states KEY FINDINGS INNOVATION WINNERS states (30%). Given that truth, an innovative for innovation. Their report discovered some Of the 20 states with the GREAT- Innovation will drive the future; way to look at WORKER FRIENDLY The 50 states were scored by a rather interesting things in an o- EST innovation index: it’s the WORKER FRIENDLY states states and RTW states is to determine variety of diverse variables, in- beat way. • 15 were WORKER FRIENDLY that provide the greatest potential how well they foster innovation. cluding IT jobs, overall workforce The average innovation scores: states (75%). for new innovation. Missouri, Illi- • 5 were RTW states (25%). nois leaders please take note. BIG Lie exposed: workers DO NOT have to join a union Innovation in the States 2. Join the union and only pay a “fair share” fee to cover collective Innovation Innovation Innovation ‘Fair share’ results from a fair process State Score State Score State Score bargaining and contract services. Washington 19.3 New York 10.7 Kansas 8.2 An overlooked critical point about tions, the fair share requirement must 3. NOT join the union but pay a the “fair share” fee issue: a non-member be approved by a majority of the work- Massachusetts 19.3 Illinois 10.7 Indiana 8.0 “fair share” fee to cover collective paying a fair share fee is not automatic ers in a secret ballot vote before it can California 18.6 Pennsylvania 10.6 Nebraska 7.2 in WORKER FRIENDLY states. There be put into effect. bargaining and contract services. Delaware 16.1 Rhode Island 10.4 Alaska 7.1 is a two-step democratic process that A RTW law takes away the free- • IN RTW STATES, workers also Maryland 16.1 North Carolina 10.1 Maine 7.1 Virginia 15.1 Vermont 10.1 Tennessee 7.0 must take place: dom of management and labor and have three choices: Colorado 14.8 National Average 10.0 Wyoming 6.6 First, the requirement must be the workers to make this decision; 1. Join the Union as a member and New Jersey 13.4 Texas 9.5 Hawaii 6.2 negotiated between the company and it is clearly an intervention by state pay dues for services. Michigan 13.2 Georgia 9.4 Kentucky 5.9 the union. Both sides must agree to it. government into the free collective 2. Join the union and only pay that New Hampshire 13.2 Alabama 9.0 South Dakota 5.6 Second, once agreed in negotia- bargaining process. portion of dues that covers col- Connecticut 12.7 Ohio 8.9 North Dakota 5.5 lective bargaining and contract Utah 12.0 Wisconsin 8.8 Oklahoma 5.4 The major charge of right-to- the issue. services. Minnesota 11.9 Missouri 8.6 Arkansas 4.8 3. NOT join the union and pay Oregon 11.9 Nevada 8.5 West Virginia 4.5 work supporters is that workers The truth is that workers do have Idaho 11.7 Florida 8.4 Louisiana 4.3 have no free choice and are forced choices: NOTHING while having all the New Mexico 11.5 South Carolina 8.4 Mississippi 4.0 to join a union. • IN WORKER FRIENDLY STATES, union’s services paid for by union Arizona 11.4 Montana 8.3 That’s not only not true, it’s a workers have three choices: members. Webster’s Dictionary deliberate lie to evoke raw emotions 1. Join the union and pay dues for describes this kind of person as WORKER FRIENDLY State (no RTW Law) RTW State of anyone who doesn’t understand services. a “freeloader” or “sponger.” Source: http://www2.itif.org/2014-state-new-economy-index.pdf 12 • LABOR TRIBUNE • Thursday, July 30 - August 5, 2015 RTW states lead in lack of health insurance In their own words, RTW supporters This creates huge unemployed have to be provided national average of those without admit it will LOWER WAGES through hospital emergency rooms. social service burdens health care: If there is any doubt in anyone’s As yet another indictment of • Worse than the national average: mind that right-to-work will lower for taxpayers why Missouri doesn’t want a right- 16 are RTW states (73%) as com- wages, let’s put it to rest forever! to-work law, look at the ability for pared to 6 WORKER FRIENDLY Republicans supporting the bill the population to aord health care states (27%). spoke out hoping few workers would insurance before the Aordable • Better than the national average: hear them. But thanks to Progress Care Act became law: only 9 RTW states (32%) as com- Missouri, they were around to re- • Worst: 15 of the top 20 states (75%) pared to 19 WORKER FRIENDLY cord these memorable – damning with the HIGHEST levels of unin- states (68%). – statements. sured are RTW states. Lack of health care, lack of edu- Whose side do you think they • Best: of those same 20 states, only 5 cational support, lack of quality are on? Senator Ed Emery (R-Lamar) (25%) are WORKER FRIENDLY states. jobs, this is the legacy of RTW. Is Here, in their own words: (An ALEC co-chairman) Comparing all states to the this what Missouri wants? “One of the things that will be advocated by the unions is look at all Percentage of Population Without Health Insurance 2014 these right-to-work states, average wages all go down. Sure they go % W/O Health % W/O Health State State down… But you won’t find in any Insurance Insurance of those states that those workers Texas 24.0% North Dakota 13.0% who were employed, unionized, Mississippi 20.6% Wyoming 12.8% that their wages have gone down…” Georgia 20.2% Arkansas 12.4% 2014 Avg. Rate w/o Health insurance Florida 18.9% New Hampshire 12.4% RTW states 15.80% Louisiana 18.4% Illinois 12.3% Montana 17.9% Kentucky 11.9% Rep. Bill Lant (R-Pineville) WORKER FRIENDLY states 11.25% Kansas 17.6% West Virginia 11.9% Having little reservation about Oklahoma 17.5% Michigan 11.9% Health care is one of the most being a champion of corporate important components for quality Arizona 17.2% New Jersey 11.8% South Carolina 16.8% Ohio 11.5% bill mill, the American Legislative of life considerations. North Carolina 16.7% South Dakota 11.3% Exchange Council (ALEC), Rep. Measures of poverty that only Idaho 16.6% Colorado 11.0% Lant has filed multiple word-for- include monetary income miss an California 16.3% Washington 10.7% word matches of ALEC “model” important component of modern Alaska 16.2% Iowa 10.3% anti-worker bills. Just before the compensation: health care insurance. Nevada 16.0% New York 10.3% 2015 legislative session, Lant admit- Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Springfield) Adequate health care is critical Utah 15.6% Pennsylvania 10.1% ted to Missouri Digital News that his “If a company hires new em- to ensure that children are born New Mexico 15.2% Wisconsin 9.6% ALEC proposals may drop wages ployees under right-to-work, they healthy, that illnesses are caught Alabama 15.1% Rhode Island 9.3% “two to three dollars an hour.” are probably bringing someone in quickly and are more likely to be Missouri 15.1% Minnesota 8.8% at an entry level, and those people cured. Lack of health care coverage: Indiana 15.0% Vermont 8.5% (Editor’s note: It’s clear from the aren’t going to be paid what the • Causes significantly higher levels of Tennessee 14.4% Maryland 8.4% data in the Special Report that lower long-time union workers are mak- stress, leading to poorer overall health. Oregon 14.0% Connecticut 7.4% wages DO NOT lead to more job ing, so yes, the average wage might • Delays early treatment of illnesses, National Average 13.9% Hawaii 6.9% creation, only more low wages jobs. be going down, but there are now allowing them to advance to more Nebraska 13.4% Massachusetts 4.9% Claims of economic development and more people in the workforce, and critical stages. Virginia 13.4% Delaware 3.3% job creation are just propaganda put an individual has the right to do These both lead to higher costs, Maine 13.3% out by RTW forces to hoodwink the whatever is in their self interest when it comes to work.” and potentially to even greater WORKER FRIENDLY State (no RTW Law) RTW State uninformed.) financial burdens on taxpayers Note: Data is unavailable for the District of Columbia when the services to the poor and Source: http://www.gallup.com/poll/172490/arkansas-kentucky-report-sharpest-drops-uninsured-rate.aspx ALL wages and benefits Women, earning less than men, are reduced under RTW earn even less in RTW states The sad, unfair, national fact is CONCLUSION Missouri and Illinois, both at women are paid less than men for In RTW states, women are at an 79% are slightly above the national the same work. even greater pay disadvantage. average of 78%. According to the American As- sociation of University Women the national average pay gap for women Pay Gap between Men and Women 2014 in 2014 was 78%, meaning women Ratio of Pay Ratio of Pay State State earn on average 78 cents for every (women/men) (women/men) $1 earned by men for the same work. Washington D.C. 0.91 Wisconsin 0.79 But it’s even worse in RTW states: New York 0.86 Texas 0.79 • Women, on average, earn 80% of Maryland 0.85 National Avg. 0.78 the wages of male counterparts in Florida 0.84 New Hampshire 0.78 WORKER FRIENDLY states, but California 0.84 Connecticut 0.78 only 77% in in RTW states. Arizona 0.84 South Carolina 0.78 • 13 of the WORST 20 states (65%) for Hawaii 0.83 Kentucky 0.78 pay gaps between men and women Nevada 0.83 Iowa 0.78 are RTW states. Vermont 0.83 Ohio 0.77 • 14 of the 20 states (70%) with the North Carolina 0.83 Arkansas 0.77 SMALLEST pay gaps are WORKER Georgia 0.83 Mississippi 0.77 FRIENDLY states. Tennessee 0.83 Pennsylvania 0.76 Delaware 0.83 Alaska 0.76 Pay gap between Rhode Island 0.82 Idaho 0.76 women & men New Mexico 0.82 Alabama 0.76 Massachusetts 0.82 Michigan 0.75 Red Gamache, of Sheet Metal It’s an important message for is larger in RTW states Maine 0.81 South Dakota 0.75 Workers (SMART) Local 36, made the public-at-large to keep in mind Oregon 0.80 Oklahoma 0.75 $ this sign to inform his neighbors during the next election, as voters ¢ Minnesota 0.80 Nebraska 0.74 1 in Sullivan, MO, the real threat to select candidates whose actions 77 New Jersey 0.80 Indiana 0.74 ALL working families under right- can directly aect their standard Washington 0.80 Montana 0.74 to-work. of living. Colorado 0.80 North Dakota 0.70 Since World War II, every state “Right-to-work is a gift to corpo- Virginia 0.79 Utah 0.70 that has adopted right-to-work leg- rations’ balance sheets, a gain to Missouri 0.79 West Virginia 0.69 islation has seen various changes share with the stock holders and a Illinois 0.79 Wyoming 0.69 to its demographics. But on thing burden on all working people and Kansas 0.79 Louisiana 0.66 remains constant: the wages and families,” Gamache said. “Corpo- benefits in all RTW states have rations have been slowly passing WORKER FRIENDLY State (no RTW Law) RTW State been reduced. on their costs to working families Source: American Association of University Women website: http://www.aauw.org/resource/gender- “That is the common thread in for decades now. This law is just National average for women – 78¢ pay-gap-by-state-and-congressional-disrict/ RTW states,” Gamache said. another tool to do just that.” LABOR TRIBUNE • Thursday, July 30 - August 5, 2015 • 13 DEATH on the job: RTW wins Education takes a back seat on the High RTW death • Worse: When you realize that the national average is 3.4 deaths per knowledge bus in RTW states rates: Putting profits 100,000, with death rates much Missouri is bad before people? higher in RTW states it begs the ques- Schools are essential in tion, profits before workers’ safety? enough; RTW would DEATHS WORSE THAN make it worse plant location decisions NATIONAL AVERAGES Every parent wants his or her Additionally, under separate “Qual- This lack of concern for the children to have a good education. ity of Life” criteria in the same surveys, safety of their citizens is further It’s the stepping-stone into a better the quality of public schools is also among the top concerns. future. emphasized when you dig a bit The two go hand-in-hand because: deeper into the data: That future is far less bright for • They relate directly to the ability • When comparing the 21 states children in right-to-work states of the state’s educational systems to whose concerns for workers safety because there is a much lesser In industry site selection criteria provide a trainable, skilled work force. has kept death rates LOWER than emphasis on education when mea- surveys, the availability of skilled labor • They provide an effective tool When someone goes to work, the national average: sured by the amount of resources is consistently one of the top five most for recruiting top-flight executives, they shouldn’t have to worry 3 Only 5 are RTW states (25%) spent per pupil on education. important factors considered when one of whose top concerns is what’s about whether or not they will be compared to Here are the sad facts: companies look to re-locate or expand the quality of the schools they would returning home that evening to 3 16 of the 21 are WORKER • Kid concerned: WORKER FRIEND- existing facilities. enroll their kids in? their family. FRIENDLY states (75%) LY states outspend RTW states, on And while accidents, and worse, • When looking at the 30 states average, by $3,492 per pupil. States MISSOURI: NOT The only small “bright spot” if death on the job happens all the where worker death rates are spending more resources, kids get TOO PROUD you can call it that: 15 of the 24 RTW time, the tragic truth is they happen HIGHER than the national average: better educations. When legislators promote RTW states (63%) rank below Missouri. more frequently in right-to-work 3 Only 10 of the 30 (33%) are • Best: Only 4 of the top 20 states in Missouri, they obviously are not That’s going from “bad” to “worse!” states than in states without that WORKER FRIENDLY states while (20%) in terms of per pupil spend- thinking of Missouri’s children. Af- By shortchanging educational anti-worker law. 3 20 of the 30 (67%) are RTW ing were RTW states. 16 of the 20 ter all, most of the RTW supporters quality even more as a potential The facts bear that out: states. were WORKER FRIENDLY states have enough money to send their kids RTW state, Missouri lawmakers are • Death rates in RTW states, on aver- The issue of life and death on the (80%) to private schools or aord tutors. not only diminishing the business age, are 5.2 per 100,000 workers. In job is yet another issue that clearly • Worst: 15 of the WORST 20 states The sad fact is that Missouri climate for generations to come WORKER FRIENDLY states, the aver- demonstrates that RTW is wrong (75%) were RTW states. already ranks 32nd in educational – and making Missouri a far less age is 3.5 deaths per 100,000 workers. for workers. The tragic fact is that RTW states spending and 28th in education attractive state for relocating com- provide less in terms of educational outcomes! Now there is something panies – they are seriously handi- On-the-job deaths 2012 support for their children. our legislators can be proud of ! capping our children’s futures. Deaths per State Deaths per State 100,000 workers 100,000 workers Educational Spending by State 2012 Massachusetts 1.4 Vermont 3.5 Per Pupil Spend. Per Pupil Spend. Per Pupil Spend. Rhode Island 1.7 North Carolina 3.5 State State State Connecticut 2.1 South Carolina 3.5 on Education $ on Education $ on Education $ New Hampshire 2.2 Dist. of Columbia 3.6 New York 19,552 West Virginia 11,445 Kentucky 9,391 Dist. of Columbia 17,468 Louisiana 11,379 Georgia 9,247 Washington 2.2 Nevada 3.6 Alaska 17,390 Nebraska 11,275 California 9,183 Tennessee 3.8 Arizona 2.3 New Jersey 17,266 Ohio 11,204 South Carolina 9,147 California 2.3 Virginia 3.8 Connecticut 16,274 Michigan 10,855 New Mexico 8,899 New Jersey 2.4 Wisconsin 4 Vermont 16,040 Minnesota 10,796 Alabama 8,562 New York 2.4 Indiana 4.2 Wyoming 15,897 Virginia 10,656 Colorado 8,548 Illinois 2.5 Alabama 4.3 Massachusetts 14,142 National Average 10,608 South Dakota 8,446 Georgia 2.5 New Mexico 4.8 Rhode Island 14,005 Montana 10,464 Florida 8,372 Oregon 2.6 Texas 4.8 Delaware 13,865 Wisconsin 10,042 Tennessee 8,294 Maryland 2.6 Kentucky 4.9 Maryland 13,609 Iowa 10,038 Texas 8,261 Minnesota 2.6 Nebraska 5.2 New Hampshire 13,593 Kansas 9,748 Nevada 8,223 Florida 2.7 Arkansas 5.4 Pennsylvania 13,340 Indiana 9,719 North Carolina 8,200 Idaho 2.7 Mississippi 5.5 Maine 12,189 Washington 9,637 Mississippi 8,164 Hawaii 12,054 Oregon 9,490 Arizona 7,559 Utah 3 Kansas 5.7 Illinois 12,015 Missouri 9,436 Oklahoma 7,466 Oklahoma 6.1 Ohio 3.1 North Dakota 11,679 Arkansas 9,411 Idaho 6,659 Delaware 3.1 Louisiana 6.4 Utah 6,206 Maine 3.2 Iowa 6.6 WORKER FRIENDLY State (no RTW Law) RTW State Missouri 3.3 South Dakota 6.7 Source: http://www2.census.gov/govs/school/12f33pub.pdf National Average 3.4 West Virginia 6.9 Montana 7.3 Hawaii 3.4 ‘F’ for RTW Per-Pupil Educational Spending 2012 Pennsylvania 3.4 Alaska 8.9 educational outcomes Michigan 3.4 Wyoming 12.2 Average Per-Pupil Spending North Dakota 17.7 Colorado 3.5 When you send your children to WORKER FRIENDLY States $12,054 WORKER FRIENDLY State (no RTW Law) RTW State school, you hope, you expect, that they RTW states $8,562 Note: Data is unavailable for the District of Columbia will do well. After all, education is an National Average $10,608 Source: “Deaths on the Job” pp. 112-114: http://www.aflcio.org/content/down- essential key to their future. load/126621/3464561/DOTJ2014.pdf One measure of a state’s educational system are its rankings in the “Edu- cational Outcomes” guide developed by Education Week. These outcomes QUALITY OF LIFE & DEATH are determined as an Education Score RTW’S IMPACT: which is a composite of a variety of RTW’S IMPACT: EDUCATION • There are 5.2 deaths per 100,000 workers in RTW states, compared indicators including overall test results, • RTW states provide less in terms of education. Worker friendly states with 3.5 in worker-friendly states. school finance, accountability, teaching outspend RTW states on average by $3,492 per student. standards and equity among school • When looking at the 21 states whose worker death rates are LOWER districts. • Worker friendly states have better educational outcomes. Of the 20 than the national average, only five are RTW states, compared to As a guide to the concern states worst states in the nation, 75% are RTW states. Missouri ranks 28th. 16 worker-friendly states. have for their childrens’ education: • Among businesses considering relocating, the availability of skilled • When looking at 30 states whose death rates are HIGHER than the • Best: Of the 20 BEST states for edu- labor and quality schools are among the top considerations. Quality national average, 20 are RTW states. cational outcomes, only 7 (35%) were schools are an effective recruiting tool for top-flight executives who RTW states while 13 are WORKER want to know what type of schools their children will attend. FRIENDLY states (65%). RTW COUPON • Worst: 15 of the 20 WORST states RTW COUPON (75%) are RTW states; while only 5 are WORKER FRIENDLY states (25%). DEATH ON MISSOURI ‘SCORES’ AGAIN LESS Missouri ranks 28th in its Educa- THE JOB! tional Outcomes for our children. EDUCATION! That’s obvious when you consider (Worker friendly states have better education outcomes (Workers’ death rates in RTW states are higher than in our state already ranks 32nd in total than RTW states. Of the 20 worst states in the nation, worker friendly states – 4.2 per 100,000 workers to 3.1.) spending for education. 75% are RTW states. Missouri ranks 28th.) Do we really want to drag our Text MISSOURI to 235246 state even lower by imposing a RTW Text MISSOURI to 235246 to uphold Gov. Nixon’s veto of HB116 law that will lower incomes and to uphold Gov. Nixon’s veto of HB116 provide even less opportunity for our children? 14 • LABOR TRIBUNE • Thursday, July 30 - August 5, 2015 Looking at Missouri’s neighbors it’s clear why we do not want to be a right-to-work state Of the eight states that border tion, and social programs that make a contracts. Missouri, our six right-to-work state a desirable place to live and work. Not only is the unionization rate neighbors all follow the larger And, more pressure on existing in RTW border states lower, the ra- trends of all RTW states, demon- taxpayers to pick up the slack. tio of dues-paying union members strating poor scores for employ- • Worker Safety: All six RTW border to non-union workers covered by ment and income, quality of life, states have higher than average union contracts is getting smaller. value placed on education, quality rates of on-the-job deaths. Okla- For example, in Nebraska and jobs and union membership. Is this homa and Iowa’s death rates are Kansas, there are only four dues- what Missouri wants to emulate? nearly double the national average. paying union members for every Missouri RTW neighbors are Low wage jobs with fewer safety non-member and Iowa and Okla- Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Okla- regulations do not benefit workers homa have only five members for homa, Arkansas, and Tennessee. and families. every non-member, compared to the Here are some not-so-surprising • Poverty: Half of the RTW border national average of nine-to-one. This testimonials for why Missouri does states have poverty rates signifi- puts incredible strain on the union not want to be a right-to-work state. cantly higher than the national to provide the services it is required • Income and Wages: Four have average and the average of other to provide to members and non- annual household incomes LOWER RTW states. members alike under federal law. than the national average Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Ten- • Missouri’s RTW neighbors: If state • Low wage jobs: All six have more nessee are three of the 10 states with legislators really want to under- people employed in low-wage jobs the most severe poverty levels in the stand the impact of RTW on a state, than the national average. For in- country – all exceeding 15 percent Nebraska spends more on educa- for social services and taxpayers they need to read the accompanying stance, 36.6 percent of Arkansas’ of the population living in poverty. tion per student than the national to make up the slack. in-depth article on RTW neighbor employment opportunities are low- The 2014 federal poverty guide- average. • Union Membership: All six RTW Oklahoma, the nearest RTW that wage jobs – more than 15 percent lines include families making Oklahoma is the third worst border states have lower than aver- has enough years as a RTW state to higher than the average of all states. less the $23,850 per year, couples state for educational spending and, age union membership, and that’s accumulate hard data on the law’s • Minimum wage: Only two have making less than $15,730 per year, along with Arkansas, is ranked in the ultimate goal of the anti-worker impact. It’s devastating reading. state minimum wages higher than and individuals making less than the bottom 10 states for educational special interests funding the RTW • Summary: Unfortunately, these the federal minimum wage ($7.25) $11,670 per year. outcomes. drive in Missouri, Illinois and around numbers are not surprising when and both are only higher by $0.75 • Health Insurance: Oklahoma, Ten- • Women’s pay gap: Four of our the nation. you consider how many jobs in these or less. Tennessee does not have a nessee, and Kansas have notably bordering RTW states have a larger Tennessee and Arkansas’ union- states are low-paying and how little state minimum wage at all. higher than average levels of their gap between women and men’s ization rates are less than half that these state governments invest in Lower wages in the RTW border populations living without health salaries (for the same work) that’s of the United States as a whole and their people. states means these states have access insurance. worse than the national average. three of the RTW border states have Protecting workers and investing to less revenue, putting additional • Children’s education: Of Mis- All of these factors put excessive some of the highest levels of non- in their futures are not priorities pressure on infrastructure, educa- souri’s RTW border states, only demands on limited state funding union members covered by union under RTW. RTW in Oklahoma gets failing grade Company leaving Wisconsin Oklahoma’s right-to-work law Senate • The rate of new manufacturing and because of new RTW law has had no benefit whatsoever to the passed a service firms choosing to locate in Hoffman Con- state’s economy, and in some cases, so-called the state decreased. In the 2001 RTW struction, a major it’s actually had a negative impact RTW mea- debate, advocates argued that one of road building and on job growth. sure (HB the primary advantages of the law was mining company That according to a 2011 study 116). Gov. that it would significantly increase the in Wisconsin, is conducted by the Economic Policy Jay Nixon number of out-of-state firms choosing being wooed away Institute (EPI), a nonprofit, nonparti- vetoed the to open plants in the state. One law to Minnesota – ex- san think tank that conducts research bill, call- backer even went to far as to say that actly the opposite and analysis on the economic status ing it a the number of outside companies of what was sup- of working America. threat to choosing to locate in Oklahoma would posed to happen Oklahoma’s RTW law went into workers increase by “8 to 10 times” if it passed. under union-bust- eect in 2001. The study focused on and wages. However, a group of Re- However, that prediction didn’t ing right-to-work. state employment statistics from 1990 publican legislators and their out-of- pan out. Not only was there no dra- Company owner through 2010. state corporate backers are working matic increase in the number of new James Hoffman “No matter how we analyzed the to override the governor’s decision firms moving to the state, the rate of told the Duluth data, the result was always the same: in a Sept. 16 veto override session. new arrivals actually decreased after News Tribune he The adoption of right-to-work in The issue for legislators: do you the law was adopted. believes Wiscon- Oklahoma had no significant impact want Missouri to be like Oklahoma? MANUFACTURERS LEFT sin’s new right-to- whatsoever on employment,” the work (RTW) law NUMBERS DON’T LIE In the decade before RTW, Okla- reports states. will ultimately cost his company would be an “unproductive distrac- Here are some of the key find- homa welcomed on average of 48 new money, and he sees Minnesota’s tion for our company.” SIGNIFICANCE OF ings from the study. After RTW was firms each year creating nearly 6,500 proposal to increase transporta- On March 9, after Walker signed OKLAHOMA STUDY adopted in Oklahoma: new jobs each year. tion funding as oering greater the legislation, Homan told the • Manufacturing employment declined Oklahoma is the most recent state Not only did RTW fail to bring business opportunities. News Tribune the law will make sharply. In the 10-year period prior to to have adopted RTW with enough manufacturers into the state, it Homan, who has o±ces in Black it more di±cult for him to gain RTW, manufacturing employment time elapsed to see the true impact failed to keep them there, according River Falls, WI, and Lakeville, MN, skilled workers, which he depends grew at a steady rate from 155,000 of this anti-worker, anti-union law,. to the study. said his current plans are to more on when calculating productivity jobs in 1990 to nearly 177,000 in 2000. In May, the Missouri House and Since the state adopted RTW, more than double the size of his Lakeville in his bids. After RTW was than 160 Oklahoma employers an- o±ce by the end of the year. “If I don’t get as productive a adopted, employ- nounced mass layos and more than The company, which has expand- worker, it will ultimately cost me ment in the man- 100 facilities have closed in the wake ed more than 50 percent over the more,” Homan told the newspaper. Cash – lots of it – brought ufacturing sector of lower-wage competition abroad. past year, adding 200 workers, cur- “In my opinion, there will be no sav- dropped signifi- firms to Oklahoma, not RTW NO EVIDENCE OF rently does 45 percent of its business ings to the owner, and no savings to cantly and never with the Wisconsin Department the [Department of Transportation] “To the extent that Oklahoma has attracted new compa- regained its pre- JOB CREATION of Transportation, and 15 percent in the long run.” nies over the past 20 years (including the past 10 under its RTW level. Researchers concluded in the right-to-work regime), it does not appear to reflect the impact with the Minnesota Department of • Unemployment study that there is no evidence that INVITATION of right-to-work…. Newsweek magazine reports that ‘the RTW has increased job opportunities Transportation. secret to the shift’ was not labor law but something much rates increased. TO MOVE for Oklahomans. simpler – cash. In 2000, the un- ‘UNPRODUCTIVE Minnesota State Rep. Pat Garo- In the early 1990s, Oklahoma adopted a unique policy employment rate Additionally, with the decline in DISTRACTION’ falo (R-Farmington) called Wiscon- of rebating 5 percent of payroll costs – in cash, no strings in Oklahoma was manufacturing, the slowdown in Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker sin’s RTW measure “heavy-handed attached – to employers who created new jobs. In 2009, just over 3 per- firms moving into the state and the ac- signed RTW into law March 9. and wrong” and said it would hurt the state established a double incentive – 10 percent cash cent. By the end celeration of companies abandoning Homan, whose company works business owners who want to work back on payrolls for companies that create high-paying jobs. of 2010, it rose the state for Mexico or China, Okla- with the International Union of with unions. Boeing’s decision to move 550 jobs from California to to 6.86 percent, homa provides no evidence-based Oklahoma, for instance, was driven not by labor law but by Operating Engineers Locals 139 He invited two Wisconsin com- proving RTW did model for economic regeneration. and 49, testified before the Wiscon- panies that had spoken out against these incentive payments.” For more information or to re- - Excerpt, Economic Policy Institute Briefing Paper: “Does not lead to lower sin Legislature against the bill in the bill to come to Minnesota, and view the study in its entirety, visit Right-to-Work Create Jobs: Answers from Oklahoma” unemployment February, saying it would create oered to help them make the move. rates. epi.org. tension among his employees and One of them was Homan. LABOR TRIBUNE •Thursday, July 30 - August 5, 2015 • 15 When you’re talking to friends, neighbors, talk about RTW A few points to help has declined as a percentage of the als, quality of life and proximity overall workforce, the wages of ALL to research universities are what them understand how it Middle Class workers have declined companies use to make location will hurt you and them in tandem. decisions. (See chart on Page 7.) 3 Right-to-work does not guaran- 3 RTW is government interference Every union member is critical tee a job, and it does not protect in the private sector. in the fights in Missouri and Illinois against unfair firing. A RTW law would allow the gov- on the issue of right-to-work. RTW creates a loophole in our ernment to interfere unfairly in the Here are a few pointers to help labor laws that allows workers who freedoms of private businesses and educate your friends, neighbors and decide not to be a part of a union to employees and restrict the right of co-workers who don’t understand receive all the advantages of union businesses to negotiate with their or don’t belong to a union. representation without having to employees. Employers should be pay for it. RTW does not protect your free to negotiate contracts without job, or guarantee anyone a job, nor government intrusion. Employers does it protect anyone from being and employees should be working fired. Only a written union contract together to create good jobs and safe can protect your job and guarantee work places instead of the govern- the wages, benefits, training, safety ment trying to tell them what to do. and protection from unfair disci- 3 RTW is politics at its worst. pline of all workers. Our state legislature should 3 Workers in states with RTW laws focus on balancing the budget, have a lower quality of life than creating jobs and improving schools in other states. not engaging in political paybacks According to data from the U.S. against workers. Department of Labor and the U.S. 3 RTW laws are unnecessary. Census Bureau, RTW states have The U.S. Supreme Court has Unions are required by federal requires going through a costly, lower wages, higher poverty, less ruled that no one can be forced law to represent all workers and time-consuming lawsuit. That’s 3 It’s not just a union issue. RTW access to health care and poorer to join a union or to pay fees not bargain a contract that benefits not fair to their co-workers who effects anyone who works for a education for children. directly related to the cost of all workers, whether or not he/ play by the rules and pay their living. 3 A RTW law will not persuade representing them. Federal law she actually become members fair share. RTW is an issue that impacts companies to move to Missouri. also requires unions to fairly of the union. That means that if No other organization in America ALL workers. While RTW laws Industries locate in a state for represent all workers covered by a a worker who is represented by is required by federal law to provide are designed to reduce the wages many reasons, but RTW laws are contract, regardless of their union a union but doesn’t pay dues is service without the member paying and working conditions of union not key among them. Factors like membership. fired illegally, the union must use for those services. E.g. – Lawyers workers, as union wages decline, workforce productivity, availability 3 RTW laws allow freeloaders to its time and resources to defend MUST be members of the Bar As- so will the wages and benefits of of skilled workers, transportation, benefit from the dues of their that worker the same as if he/ sociation (and pay dues) before they ALL workers. The data is clear: closeness to markets and materi- co-workers. she was a member, even if that can practice law. historically, as union membership Union workers earn higher weekly wages by occupation, age and gender Union workers average to a union receive higher wages. $207 a week more than LARGER GAPS Average weekly wages, Union and Non-union, for selected job categories, 2014:* non-union workers BY OCCUPATION The dierence between union $1250 When it comes to earning a pay- and non-union wages is even great- check, being a union member makes er when examined by industry: a BIG dierence. And it’s true no • Service jobs: Non-union workers $1095 matter what your age or occupation. earn $242 LESS a week. $1064 Among all workers ages 16 and • Food service job: Non-union work- $1000 older, according to the latest Bureau ers earn $225 LESS a week. $887 of Labor Statistics data (2014) the • Construction: $102 a week LESS $850 average weekly wage for a person for non-union. $782 represented by a union was $970. • Installation, maintenance and $ 750 In contrast, non-union employees repair: $398 LESS a week. $697 $662 average $760 per week. • Transportation/trucking: $282 LESS The dierence: $207 per week. a week. $608 $ This holds true for men and The simple truth is, where unions 535 women, younger and older workers, are strong, workers earn more. In $ 500 and workers of all ethnicities. The $433 RTW states, where this unfair law $398 simple truth: workers who belong weakens unions, all workers suer. $282 $242 $225 $ 250

$102

$ 0 Food Service Construction Installation, Transportation/ Service and Extraction Maintenance and Repair Trucking Occupations (all)

Union Non-Union Average Wages 2014 Average Wages 2014 Difference

* Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/news.release/union2.t04.htm 16 • LABOR TRIBUNE • Thursday, July 30 - August 5, 2015 Union year-round charitable giving: to be a thing of the past under right-to-work

Every year, hundreds of chari- STATEWIDE drop out of their unions but still get many intangible things that will be ties turn to our unions for help: $50 - $75 MILLION? the union’s services at no cost), the lost on Sept. 16 if the Republican- donated services or money. And What’s the potential loss? ﬁnancial ability of our unions will controlled legislature decides to our unions respond, heartily and A partial survey of only 44 local be severely taxed and therefore, override Gov. Nixon’s veto of HB willingly to the tune of many mil - unions in the St. Louis area in Dec. community services work will 116 and impose right-to-work on lions of dollars every year. 2013 and 2014 revealed that these undoubtedly have to be drasti- Missouri’s working families. But all that’s in jeopardy if Gov. unions donated $4,521,573 in cally cut. We know there are stallward anti- Nixon’s veto of the phony right- cash and donated services ONLY A SAMPLING union members in the legislature to-work bill is overridden by the who are in the pockets of Big Busi- to 499 different charities, This page is only a legislature Sept. 16. ness and the massive out-of-state churches, schools and social sampling of previous Not because of a change of service agencies. interests who want this law passed stories in the Labor Tri- because they simply hate unions heart – the unions help charities Think of what giving is bune reporting the kinds because it’s the right thing to from all unions across Mis- and want them destroyed at all costs. of charitable eorts our But for those legislators who are do – but because they won’t have souri! It could easily exceed unions make every year truly representatives of the people, the financial resources to keep $50 to $75 million a year! because it is the right is this yet another loss you are will- up the pace of charitable giving Under right-to-work, with thing to do. ing to impose on your constituents they do now. wages being cut and fewer This is only one of the on top of the wages and beneﬁts union members (as freeloaders Illustration by Sean O’Conner they will lose under right-to-work? Sprinkler Fitters Local 286

UNION GIVING RTW’S IMPACT: WOULD BE LOST • Unions give back to their communities. In a partial survey, 44 unions in the Greater St. Louis area provided $4,521,573 in cash and donated services to some 499 organizations, charities, churches, school and social service agencies in 2013-2014. • In an effort to provide quality, affordable housing for potential St. Louis homebuyers, St. Louis building trades unions and local homebuilders have teamed up in the “Neighborhoods Built by Your Neighbors” program for five years running to provide cash incentives to homebuyers. RTW COUPON NO MORE UNION CHARITY! (Unions provide and coordinate millions of dollars in donations and in-kind work for social service agencies, organizations, churches and charities in their communities. All of that will be lost under RTW.) Text MISSOURI to 235246 to uphold Gov. Nixon’s veto of HB116