Letter to the Editor: Says vote ‘no’ to right to work amendment

I have spent the last 39 years of my life working. I have worked in the private sector, and in the public sector, in non-union facilities, and in union shops. I have seen the difference a collective bargaining agreement makes. Even in a right to work state like Virginia, workers can choose to form a union in their workplace if a simple majority of their co-workers agree.

Many corporations prefer weak unions because there’s no one to stop them from keeping wages low and treating workers poorly. A union can negotiate a contract between the company and the workers, and bargain for things like fair wages, benefits, safety precautions, and grievance procedures. Unions protect your right to a voice on the job. Workers are stronger when we bargain collectively as a group. We have power in numbers.

Right to work laws are designed to weaken unions. If a workplace has a union, they are legally required to represent all workers in the facility regardless of if that person is a dues paying member or not. A right to work law says that the union cannot collect any type of fees from non-members to help cover the costs of negotiating their contract, administering their benefits, or representing them in grievance procedures. This tends to drive a wedge between members and non-members, which is what the company wants.

There is no reason that this anti-worker law should be put in our constitution. Amendment one is a petty political game and distraction from the real priorities that our legislators should be focused on. Please vote no on amendment one this November. Virginia’s working families deserve better.

Kerri Ross
New Kent