AWF Opposes Right to Work Repeal in Iowa
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: John Kartch
17 JANUARY 2008
202-785-0266
Right to Work is Crux of Freedom in Iowa
Labor Group Opposes Current Back-Door Efforts to Repeal Right to Work
Washington, D.C. — The Alliance for Worker Freedom (AWF) today condemned the so-called “Fair Share” legislation (H.F. 324) introduced by Rep. Todd Taylor (IA-D) that will repeal the freedoms granted by the states’ right to work law in forcing the collection of union fees from non-unionized employees.
Right to work laws are statutes enforced in twenty-two states, allowed under the provisions of the Taft-Hartley Act, which prohibit trade unions from making membership of unions and payment of dues a condition of employment with said company either ante or post hire.
According to AWF policy director Brian Johnson, “Right to work laws are essential to protecting the Constitutional right to freedom of association, as well as the common-law principle of private property ownership.”
At the center of this battle is H.F. 324, “Fair Share”, which would force the collection of union fees from workers who have chosen not to join a union. A push that Johnson says will be an immediate back-door repeal of right to work.
“This legislation [H.F. 324] is the antithesis of what the right to work laws are intended to protect. Taylor and his other union-puppet colleagues are completely in the pockets of Big Labor by choosing to manipulate laws to fatten the coffers of union thugs over protecting the rights and freedoms of Iowa workers,” says Johnson.
Currently, private sector union membership is at an all time historic low hovering around seven percent. This, according to groups like the Alliance for Worker Freedom, is further evidence that the vast American workforce is rejecting union membership if given the choice.
“If this legislation passes, Iowa will be repealing a 61 year old law that ended closed shops and freed workers from forced union dues paying. Now, workers will be forced to pay union dues as a condition of employment or lose their jobs!”
