New Virginia?

“In the long run, though, businesses will not ignore any decline in Virginia’s reputation as a state that respects workers’ rights by protecting their right to work.“ No, they will not ignore it because right to work also means right to not work - it does go hand in hand.

People say unions are a relic of the past and have outlived their usefulness but we need good strong labor unions more than ever. Some things George W Bush did: Overtime is eliminated for some making indentured servants out of those who are not eligible but still have to work over 40 hrs a week. Trainers are classified as “supervisors” which means they are ineligible for union membership, and he suspended the Davis-Bacon Act during the rebuilding of New Orleans - and Halliburton (Dick Cheney is VP, Cheney used to head up Halliburton who has an exclusive government contract) was able to hire workers at a low wage while the COMPANY was then able to pocket the difference. To have to work over 40 hours and not get compensated for one’s time, to have the choice of union membership taken away, and to watch while a job was given to someone who is willing to take far less money. Sure, we don’t need unions to protect workers…

In an editorial on 12/21/08: “It is no coincidence that the most heavily unionized industries, including airlines and automakers, also are among the most troubled. Sky-high wages and benefits, combined with work rules that kill efficiency and flexibility, make it nearly impossible for many union-dominated businesses to compete in a fast-moving global economy”

WRONG! The economy soured because of CORPORATE GREED! CEO’s making 500-800 times what their workers do before their bonuses. Hence the massive campaign to discredit and drive the unions out so companies could pay new non union workers far less and pocket the difference. Union workers make an average of 10 more bucks per hour with benefits. Say one has 50 union workers that they replaced with non union workers, that’s 500 bucks per hour saved in manpower but the prices don’t go down to reflect that difference do they? And those tax cuts for the rich… these guys are getting money hand over fist here. And NONE of those CEOs are union members. That can’t be blamed on labor unions. And as for those rules that kill efficiency and flexibility, those rules are there for the protection of the worker, both for safety and to ensure that each employee is treated equally, respectfully, and fairly. And right now that “fast moving economy” is in a rapid downward spiral… just the direction any worker wants to go…

Those sub-prime mortgages didn’t help things out - that in fact led to the bailouts to the banks… wait, none of those banks use union labor in day to day operations. That can’t be laid at the feet of labor unions. So, airlines and automakers. Unless business related airline trips are not really a necessity for day to day living. It’s the same thing with buying new vehicles - especially while the economy is in crisis. That can’t be laid at the feet of union labor. And no mention of the labor unions working with the big three automakers willing to take cuts in pay and retirement to keep the company they work for solvent?

Here’s an exert from the editorial published December 21, 2008 by “Staff Reports” and my response:

“The comically named Employee Free Choice Act, more popularly known as the card check bill, would essentially eliminate the secret ballot from union organizing elections and force companies to accept the unions’ most outlandish demands when negotiating workplace contracts.“ Is it outlandish to get paid what one is worth? To have things like overtime, decent working conditions, and representation in the workplace? “Once a union has pressured a majority of workers to sign a card, the union would be declared the legal representative of the all the workplace’s employees.“ The union organizer is there to explain how unions work and to show how a union/ worker/ company contract benefits all parties. And one is entitled to representation by a union representative, one who ensures that ALL parties are upholding their respective ends. “Forget making an informed decision in privacy and good conscience. The bill is, quite simply, an affront to all that Americans hold dear” In some ways union organizers are like salesmen - they will talk up their product. Like any consumer it is up to the potential member to weigh the pros and cons and come up with his or her own informed decision. “The unions’ attempt to destroy secret-ballot elections are not only shameful, but also an admission that they cannot win organizing battles based on the merits of their arguments or the value of the benefits they offer prospective members.“ But the anti-union’s antics to do anything they can to prevent workers from making informed decisions are not shameful?

Terry McAuliffe, Brian Moran, Creigh Deeds, and Jody Wagner stood in solidarity with workers who have been without a contract for 18 months and who are simply hoping for decent wages and benefits. Shame on them, indeed. We certainly wouldn’t want leaders like this.

Good luck on the Democratic candidates understanding the values of Virginians!  With Moran and McAuliffe BOTH transplants and BOTH with more “Move.on” money than local boy, Deeds, the likelihood of Virginia being business-friendly under another Democratic Governor are slim to none.  Democrats want all union shops because they distrust the individual.  If the blue trend continues we are well on our way to being Virgigan.  Good times!