News From Terre Haute, Indiana

Liz Ciancone

November 29, 2011

LIZ CIANCONE: Work's not a 'right', it's a necessity

I understand the Indiana Legislature intends to work to produce a “right to work” bill this coming session.

Sounds good? Think about it! We already have a “right” to work. For most of us it is more a necessity than a right. If we don’t work, we don’t eat.

What our lawmakers seem to have in mind is legislation to forbid requiring would-be workers  to join a union as a condition of employment. In the interest of full disclaimer, I paid union dues and gladly accepted the results of union negotiation for salary and benefits. “Right to Work” is simply word play intended to confuse us with the implication that without a new law, none of us will have a right to work.

But if our Hoosier legislature does press on with such a law, I have a few questions for our senators and representatives as they go into session.

Exactly what is a union? If the Indiana State Teachers Association is a union, does that mean that all associations are unions? What about the American Medical Association or the American Bar Association? If they are unions, can they require dues from prospective doctors and lawyers before they can open a practice?

Nor are “associations” alone in defining “union.” The CIO is a “congress” of industrial organizations, and the AFL is a “federation” of labor. Will a new law infringe upon our constitutional right of freedom of assembly to work for a mutual interest?

How about “unions” in professional sports? Will individual players or owners be subject to whatever “right to work” law is passed? Suppose a member of the Colts or the Pacers decides to forego paying dues to the Players Association? Will he be able to reap salary and benefits negotiated for dues-paying members, or is he on his own?

There is also an owners’ “association” with a negotiator who sits down with the players’ negotiator to talk salary and benefits. Since owners hold the keys to the training rooms, do they really need additional leverage? We almost lost the football season this year and until a tentative agreement is signed it’s up to two different “associations” to determine whether there will be a basketball season.

Maybe fans need a “union!”

Liz Ciancone is a retired Tribune-Star reporter. Send e-mail to opinion@tribstar.com.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Liz Ciancone
Latest News
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
TribStar.com Poll
AP Video
Raw: Aftermath of Deadly Attack in London Okla. Teens Get Video of Deadly Tornado Overhead Man Shot While Questioned in Boston Probe Raw: Kevin Durant Tours Moore After $1M Pledge School Storm Protection Spotty in Tornado Zones 9-year-old Tornado Victim Loved Family, Singing Weiner Launches Bid to Become NYC Mayor Britain Attack Believed Linked to Radical Islam Oklahoma Survivors, Heroes Survey Damage Raw: Scuffles in London After Hacking Death Moore Native Toby Keith Tours Tornado Damage Raw: New Video of Deadly Oklahoma Tornado Today in History May 22 Raw: Costa Rica Volcano Roars to Life Texas Students Coach Teachers on Fitness Okla. City Mayor: Up to 13K Homes Hit by Tornado IRS Official Pleads 5th Amendment Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting Raw: Students Clash With Police in Chile Paperless Scanner, Vision of the Future
NDN Video
AK-47-wielding thug may be the most bumbling crook ever Oklahoma Survivors, Heroes Survey Damage Trout's cycle a boost for Angels Raw: New Video of Deadly Oklahoma Tornado Kim Kardashian Flaunts Pregnant Bikini Body in Greece NBA star pledges $1M to help tornado recovery Shakira's Shocking Talent Morgan Freeman falls asleep on air GRAPHIC: Blood-Soaked Machete Killer Caught on Tape Elin Nordegren Furious With Lindsey Vonn For Parading Kids in Public Camera Captures Climber As He Loses Grip And Falls Helen Mirren Meets with Dying Boy in Queen Elizabeth's Place Crowd Chants '¡Si, Se Puede!' After Passage of Immigration Bill DWTS Crowns a Winner Police Ram House to End Hostage Standoff Demi Moore a Rocks Bikini at Harry Morton's Family House Anthony Weiner: I'm running for New York City mayor Kate Middleton's Dress Flies Up VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal The Hangover Baby All Grown Up
Parade
Magazine

Click HERE to read all your Parade favorites including Hollywood Wire, Celebrity interviews and photo galleries, Food recipes and cooking tips, Games and lots more.
  • -

     

    March 12, 2010

activity
Real Estate News