(MENAFNEditorial) After the failure of Senate Bill 5 in 2011, Ohio's GOP has cautiously approached a second attempt at Right to Work. Their latest attempt, seems to take that approach to a whole new level.
Instead of trying to push Right to Work through without voter support, John Becker (R-Union Township in Clermont County) introduced a bill in December which gives the final decision to Ohioans. When first reported, the bill's proposals aimed to eliminate dues in public/private sector industries and prevailing wage. The new details, however, show that Becker's proposals outlaw the withholding of dues from regular wages, project labor agreements and require union recertification.
More shockingly, unions won't be required to represent employees who opt out of paying dues.
It's a strategy that state labor leaders can't help but appreciate.
'It's good to hear our representatives have learned from their mistakes and have made slight improvements on this terrible legislation. More importantly, we're happy that the final decision will come down to the great citizens of Ohio,' said Richard Dalton, business manager for Ohio's . 'Right to Work will impact Ohioans so it's only right that Ohioans, and not state legislators, have the final say on the legislation.'
The bill is scheduled for voting during the 2020 presidential election, when turnout will be highest.
Right to Work is a familiar battle for Ohio's voters and lawmakers. In 2011, Senate Bill 5 was pushed into motion by the GOP-controlled Senate. After a statewide vote resulted in 62% disapproval, the party suffered a devastating blow.
Seven years later, the hesitation remains. Despite the GOP once again controlling the Senate, a public vote signals the party distancing itself from the bill and its creator, Rep. Becker. Additionally, Gov. John Kasich has previously spoken on record that he feels the labor climate is best left alone.
A blanket term referring to several laws or constitutional amendments, Right to Work ultimately has leads to weaker unions under the guise of strengthening businesses. Workers can no longer be required to join or pay dues although, until Becker's proposal, the union must still provide equal coverage and benefits for all.
Workers keep more of their wages while business owners save money otherwise spent on bargaining.
The belief is that money saved by those at the top will trickle down. Companies will grow, employment will rise, wages will increase, and the economy should generally improve. However, studies have shown results to be mostly the opposite. While some companies will grow, employment rates slow to a crawl, and because unions collapse, wages shrink and working conditions degrade.
'Even with Rep. Becker's small 'concession,' we plan on doing everything in our power to stop this bill in its tracks in 2020,' said Dalton.
For more information on Right to Work in Ohio, visit:
Direct link:
SOURCE:Keep Ohio's Heritage
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