“Right to Work” is Wrong for Missouri

In the last few weeks “Right to Work” legislation has been moving through the legislature, and a vote is expected in the House later this week. We want to tell you why “Right to Work” is wrong for Missouri.

Like so many catch phrases in politics, “Right to Work” is intentionally misleading and as a result, the definition of a “Right to Work” state is misunderstood by many. While touted merely as a law that prohibits making membership or payment of union dues a condition of employment, “Right to Work” is really a parasitic system that allows employees to get the benefit of the union’s representation without having to pay for it – where non-members work under union contracts, enjoy all of the benefits of those union contracts, and by law, do not have to pay a dime for the union’s services. That’s just plain wrong. Often times “Right to Work” is described as freedom to work without a union, but all employees who work under a union contract are entitled to a say on whether they want a union. The simple truth is that a union cannot represent a workplace without a majority being in favor of it. To say people don’t have a choice in the matter is dishonest. U.S. labor law has set up a majority rule system, like our Republic. “Right to Work” ignores that and instead creates a system that’s like allowing a small group of citizens to legally choose not to pay taxes, even though they receive all of the benefits of their government.

You may see examples of right-to-work states that are in good financial shape as supporters of this unfair law attempt to make the case that job and economic growth will happen in Missouri. But no one can claim that all right-to-work states are in that situation. In fact, the average worker in so-called right-to-work states ends up making significantly less than in union secure states. A freeloader system cannot be the impetus for an economically positive result.

In the end, “Right to Work” creates a downward spiral that hurts all workers and depletes the resources at their workplaces. While the name “Right to Work” would have you believe that it is worker friendly, it is not. You should do your own research and come to your own conclusions, but we think you will find that this is a matter worth fighting for.   

We are asking you to reach out to your elected officials and tell them that “Right to Work” is wrong for Missouri and implore the representatives to vote no on any legislation that will bring the state closer to “Right To Work.” Let them know that you are a proud SAG-AFTRA member and you oppose this legislation.

To find your elected officials please click below:
House: http://www.house.mo.gov/
Senate: http://www.senate.mo.gov/

In unity,

SAG-AFTRA Missouri Valley Local

SAG-AFTRA is a union that has among its members a diverse group of performers, broadcasters and newscasters. This statement should not be interpreted as a personal statement of opinion by or of any specific member of the union.