Opinion, My Turn: Union rule change good for workers

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070404/OPINION/704040313/1006&theme

My Turn: Union rule change good for workers

Published: Wednesday, April 4, 2007
By Rabbi Joshua Chasan In its editorial ("Union bill hurts workers and business," March 29), the Free Press expresses alarm at the message the Legisla

Make no mistake about it. H.353 does not appear out of a vacuum. Workers are increasingly powerless, not only to protect themselves, but also to protect the community's interest when their work bears upon it. For example, while recent letters to this newspaper complain about COTS' workers wanting more money, the efforts to form a union at COTS has nothing to do with wages and everything to do with how the organization is run.

Democracy depends upon increasing participation by citizens in our society. Decades ago, when capitalism was faltering, labor unions were recognized by business people and the media for their ability to help create social balance. It remains the right of workers in the United States of America to associate freely and form unions of their choice, the unwillingness of COTS' management to recognize this right notwithstanding.

What is happening at COTS right now -- an anti-union campaign financed with precious funds donated by many of us with whom COTS' management has refused to speak for about six months -- would not be possible if H.353 were the law of Vermont and it extended to all workers. The Free Press is concerned that H.353 "robs managers of an assured chance to have their say with workers about the union drive." In fact, H.353 would protect some workers (state employees) from the intimidating tactics of employers who hold most of the cards, especially in a state in which workers can be fired at will.

FULL article at link.