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January 10, 2012

READERS' FORUM: Jan. 10, 2012

The Tribune-Star

Who in local Chamber is supporting right-to-work?

The Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce recently sent out a notice to its membership indicating their support in making Indiana a so-called right-to-work (“RTW-for-less”) state. In the letter, it stated that they believe in “preserving, protecting and promoting a business-friendly environment free of obstacles to growth …” and therefore support this anti-union legislation.

Unfortunately, they have fallen for the misinformation being spread by the out- of-state and Virginia-based National Right to Work Committee (an organization funded by big business and multinational corporations) concerning its effects on job growth. Or do they simply want to bust unions?

Our organization used to be a participating member in hoping to assist in seeing economic growth continue in Terre Haute. Unfortunately, the Chamber continues to support legislation that tries to undermine existing good-paying jobs, while ignoring the fact that good wages from local workers circulates locally among our local businesses. If RTW passes, local money will slowly disappear, as disposable income will drop. How is this good for business in Terre Haute?

What is disappointing is the fact that I know and work with members of the Chamber and many of them were unaware of this position and actually disagree with it. They find the benefits of having skilled and trained workers, who can spend money locally, and don’t need to utilize taxpayer money for health care or public aid, as a positive for the community. It seems as though a minority in the leadership at the Chamber have taken the position to promote their own anti-union agenda.

Do we need to boycott all of the Chamber members and take our business outside Terre Haute? Or do we hope the Chamber will identify the companies that are actually in favor of RTW and those who are against it, and allow the community to make up their own mind as to where they should spend their money?

RTW has nothing to do with a company in dealing with a union, but only affects the relationship between workers and unions. Under RTW, unions would be required to provide the same services, provide the same benefits, and provide the same training to everyone, even if a worker decided they didn’t want to pay a fee for reaping those benefits. Those are not union dues, but only a small fee for the services.

If the Chamber is so interested in supporting RTW, or “free rider” legislation, then I am asking them to please reinstate us as members of the Chamber. Then provide us with all Chamber benefits and . However, do not send me a membership fee, because we choose to follow the Chamber’s lead in taking something for nothing! That’s being a “free-rider” and that’s not right, is it?

— R. Todd Thacker

Business Manager

IBEW Local 725



Keep govt. out of labor negotiations

The right-to-work laws prohibit employers and unions from contractually agreeing to and stipulating a closed and/or union shop. The laws clearly represent an infringement of the rights of the parties involved; the law represents that the government has the right to prescribe and dictate the terms of contractual agreements.

Even though it is very doubtful whether a closed and/or union shop agreement would ever be economically wise, that choice is the employer’s to make.

Today, unions have much power to almost compel an employer to a closed or union shop. But this power is not the result of employer/union negotiations, it is acquired though legislation which has the power to force men into unions. The guilty party is not the employer or union, but government legislative controls.

It is time to get the government regulation and legislation out of business/union negotiations.

— Charles Bean

Terre Haute



Usually, Indiana’s primary useless

Why does Indiana even have a presidential primary in May? By the time we have ours, the field of candidates has been whittled down to two, maybe three people. Our voice is not heard.

Iowa, New Hampshire and others make our choices for us. Michelle Bachmann is gone. What if Indiana thought she was the best? Why has Indiana stood back for so many years to be treated like the red-headed stepchild? Primaries, caucuses, whatever they are called, should be held on the same day across the country.

I believe it was written somewhere that we are all created equal. Maybe we are, but Iowa seems to be more equal than I am.

— Patty Cottom

Terre Haute

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