Proposition
75 misleading, does not serve labor
interests
I strongly disagree with the Oct. 18 Daily Forty-Niner “Our View” titled “Prop.
75 protects
the union members.” The proponents of Proposition 75 have deceptively
billed it as “paycheck protection” for workers who do not agree with
the political stances taken by their unions. However, what is not communicated
in the Yes on 75 advertisements is that there is already an existing procedure
in place for public employees to request their dues or fees not be used for political
purposes.
The reality is that Proposition 75 is an attempt by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger
and his corporate cronies to prevent members of public employee and trade unions
(e.g. teachers, nurses, firefighters, janitors, students services professionals,
evaluators, clerical workers, etc.) from speaking out.
The measure would effectively mute their voices on health care, schools, public
safety and other issues of
importance to working people.
At the same time, it does not limit corporations from spending enormous amounts
of money without their shareholders’ permission and engaging in political
activities unchecked. According to the Federal Election Commission, corporate
interests outspend labor by at least a 24-to-1 ratio.
These are the same corporations that oppose the fair and reasonable standards
like minimum wage, overtime, safe working conditions and the provision of adequate
health care and adequate pensions unions have fought to obtain for those they
represent.
Be assured that when the governor, large corporations and right wing extremists
pontificate about “paycheck protection,” they are speaking about
their own interests — not those of working people who struggle to make
ends meet. Vote no on Proposition 75.
- Bill Boylan, Student Transition & Retention Services and member
of
the Academic Professionals of California
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