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"Right-to-Work" FOR LESS
May 2, 04:34 PMA “Right-to-Work” for less initiative (Amendment 47) slated for the November Ballot is as deceptive in name as its proponents: “A Better Colorado.” They claim that “Amendment 47 will strengthen Colorado’s economy, create jobs and make our state more competitive,” but nothing could be further from the truth. Average annual earnings for workers in right-to-work states are $5,333 less than their counterparts in free-bargaining states, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Right-to-Work states have higher populations (21% more) who live day to day without health coverage, as compared to free bargaining states. Poverty rates are 12.5% higher in right-to-work states and infant mortality rates are 16% higher. Maximum weekly worker compensation benefits are $30 higher in free bargaining states ($609 versus $579 in right-to-work states). Additionally, workplace deaths are 51% higher in right-to-work states because its very difficult to find anyone with the courage to SPEAK UP when Unions have long gone by the wayside.
A Better Colorado claims that “Amendment 47 protects workers’ paychecks” [from minimal Union Dues] when the above statistics clearly show that the alternative ensures that much of the workers’ earnings shall never trickle past the bookkeeper. A Better Colorado wrongly claims that “No one should be forced to join a union or pay union dues as a condition of employment” when federal law already prohibits compulsory union membership in all states.
This is gearing-up for a Colorado showdown between big corporate interests and labor. The DMA will join in this fight after we hear from YOU, so please take a moment to complete this very brief, anonymous survey so we may begin.
Click Here to take the survey
Hi Pete,
Thank you for the notice in the newsletter concerning Amendm. 47. I think this thing is still under the radar. OK, I took the survey, hope others are doing same. 3 questions/ideas. 1. Will there be movers/shakers at the Dem. convention who can help us fight this thing? 2. How about a big rally/demonstration on Labor Day? 3. Suggest we contact Colo. Matters on KVOD for public debate/forum to discuss matter with opposition.
Nikki
— Noriko (Nikki) Tsuchiya · May 8, 10:17 PM · #
Hello Nikki,
There will certainly be rallies surrounding this issue in the coming months, and yes, the national labor movement is very focused on Amendment 47. We must now take a stand to recognize Third World conditions and economic forces that are overtaking our society. Labor Day must again be recognized as a celebration of historic gains for the middle class and our daunting challenges ahead – not for the cheapened “Labor Day Sale” at Wal-Mart.
Right-to-Work is likely to pass as a ballot initiative because of a lack of understanding of the issue. The deceptive, anti-worker agenda of A Better Colorado has now expanded to include Coloradoans for Responsible Reform (led by the Metro Chamber of Commerce) and Defend our Economy (led by the Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry). Mountain States Employers Council, Colorado’s leading union-busting law firm, has also joined this deceitful cause. Spokeswoman Jan Rigg puts a masterful spin on their cause when saying “The goal is to preserve a friendly business environment in Colorado and protect the economy” (Denver Post).
Obviously there’s nothing wrong with a business-friendly environment, provided there are checks and balances. But these checks and balances often go unchecked in the absence of union oversight, which is just fine for the corporate interests. Look only to our own example in metro-Denver where performing organizations compromised their dignity and performance standards for the pursuit of public funding. The Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) and surrounding community has, in fact, become so “business-friendly” that many funded organizations fail to simply meet minimum wage requirements ($5.85/hr) for performing artists. This is federal law (FLSA) that is written into the SCFD grant application.
Who is accountable for these public funds? The SCFD board, comprised of individuals who have no experience themselves as professional performers, oversees distribution of nearly $40 million annually in public funding. SCFD’s “public meetings” are attended almost exclusively by Executive Directors or representatives of organizations that receive SCFD funds. Performers were an easy pushover for this abuse, so they also share in the blame.
This would never happen in context of union representation, which of course is the deceptive motive behind Right-to-Work. To my knowledge, I’m the only individual who has ever formally voiced opposition to SCFD’s lack of accountability. How will our business-friendly arts model look when applied to a multi-national corporation … when labor unions are long gone?
WAKE UP COLORADO! Sweatshops around the world would be drooling with envy.
Pete Vriesenga,
President, Denver Musicians Association
— Pete Vriesenga · May 11, 12:08 AM · #