September 17, 2008 04:25 PM UTC

Amendment 47 - Right to Freeload

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• by: DavidThi808

Called by it’s proponents the “Right to Work” it’s more accurate name is the Right to Freeload.

An amendment to the Colorado constitution concerning participation in a labor organization as a condition of employment, and, in connection therewith, prohibiting an employer from requiring that a person be a member and pay any moneys to a labor organization or to any other third party in lieu of payment to a labor organization and creating a misdemeanor criminal penalty for a person who violates the provisions of the section.

This would make union dues optional. As it is in every person’s interest for all others to pay dues, but for each individual to not pay and get a free ride from the others – this would end union dues and thereby end unions in Colorado.

This initiative was the first shot in attempting to destroy the Colorado Labor Peace Act of 1943.

Further info at Colorado Ballot – The misnamed Right to Work Initiative.

Arguments Against

To quote the Chamber of Commerce – “Continued support of these initiatives creates an adversarial dynamic between these groups and threatens Colorado’s economic peace and vitality,” the Chamber said in a statement, adding that the current Labor Peace Act has “served Colorado well for 60 years in allowing for cordial relations between management and labor.”

Right to WorkFreeload states do not perform significantly better in wages, economic development or business growth than Colorado.

States with laws like Amendment 47 are often viewed as less worker friendly. Under Amendment 47, employees can avoid paying their fair share for representation to improve wages, health care benefits, and workplace safety because federal law requires that all private-sector employees receive the benefits of collective bargaining, whether they are union members or not. Labor unions with fewer resources are not as effective in standing up for the interests of all employees.

Amendment 47 may define labor union too broadly. By defining labor union to include organizations that provide mutual aid or protection, employers may be banned from requiring employees to belong to organizations that promote workplace safety or provide job-related education programs.

Arguments For

This will enable companies to increase profits by reducing compensation for their employees. In the present difficult economic times, companies need this assistance to improve their bottom line.

States with laws like Amendment 47 are often viewed as more business friendly. Labor laws are a factor that businesses consider when deciding where to relocate or expand. Therefore, the measure may help the state as it competes with other states for new jobs and business investment from companies that wish to pay low wages.

Vote No

At present the balance between labor and management here in Colorado slightly favors management. Passing this amendment will change that to an overwhelming advantage to management. With no union dues there is no union. In practice this eliminates unions.

Unions are not perfect. But they are a critical counter-balance to the natural impulse of companies to maximize profits at the expense of the employees. This counterbalance benefits all workers, including those in non-union jobs.

In addition, to continue with the incredibly successful Colorado Labor Peace Act of 1943, this (and the other 6 peace act violators) must be defeated.

Update:

If you want to make Ballotpedia a more evenhanded discussion of this initiative click here register, and you can then edit the page.