Web letter by Joseph R. Milroy: Every state is a right-to-work state

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If I am not mistaken, Indiana – as well as every other state in the United States – is a right-to-work state. To my knowledge, there is no law that states all employers must be union shops. So if you are not in favor of unions and do not wish to work in a union shop or you do not wish to pay union dues, there is no law that says you have to work for a union shop. Just do not take a job at a union shop! Then you won’t have to deal with the unions or pay the dues.

If I can figure this out, why can’t other people? I have to ask: If you don’t support unions or want to pay union dues but you still want to work for the union shop in stead of a nonunion shop, why? What has the union negotiated for that a nonunion shop does not offer? Is what the union offers so much better that you are willing to compromise your principles for it? If you are willing to compromise your principles for it, should not those who negotiated the contract get compensated for negotiating that contract?

JOSEPH R. MILROY

South Bend