by Evan Schroedel, Florence
I am hoping that by now people know that I was a railroad engineer and proud member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers union, the oldest labor organization in the country, formed in 1863. I know, after 30 years as a union member in a very hard industry to work in, I made a fair wage thanks to the union, I had reasonably good benefits thanks to the union, and I have a good retirement thanks to the union.
During every Montana legislative session, “right to work” legislation has been on the agenda. Right to work laws weaken and destroy unions. In every state that has passed right to work laws people can get employed — but here’s the catch — with less pay and fewer benefits. The only ones benefiting from these union-busting laws are the corporations and employers. Their profits and incomes go up while their workers, who literally make the company’s success possible, are the losers.
Almost without exception, right to work laws are promoted and passed by Republicans.
People need to understand what influence unions have had on this country’s labor market. Do you have weekends off? Do you get benefits? Vacation? Overtime pay? A safer work environment? Workers compensation protections? Unions brought about all of these and more. Some non-union workplaces offer a few of these benefits but their “generosity” is a cynical effort to keep unions from coming into the workplace and creating a full range of advantages.
And by all means, if you’re happy in your job without a union, congratulations – you’re one of the lucky ones. Workers tend to vote to unionize where employers mistreat their employees either through low wages, poor treatment, or a lack of benefits.
It is no exaggeration that unions created America’s thriving middle class and modern unions will ensure that our country’s working class remains strong – and our economy with it.
If I’m elected to House District 88 in November, I will not support any anti-union bills.