Your Say: Labor movement takes hit

Michigan became the 24th right-to-work state this week. The new state law lets workers opt out of paying union dues. Comments from Facebook:

Go ahead, bring in a right-to-work law. But at the same time, let the non-union members negotiate their own salaries and benefits. Also, let them face disputes with management alone.

If the union endures expenses to pay for people researching and negotiating a good contract or settling a grievance, how is it fair to let those who don't help pay for it benefit from those negotiations or grievances?

Mickey Cashen

We, the non-unionized workers of the private sector, understand what it's like in the real workplace. Union members just don't want to compete like we have to.

Rudisius Maksimus

Melodrama. If unions are so great and wonderful, they should have no issues getting people to join them voluntarily.

James Oerichbauer

This is ridiculous. There are laws in place to protect workers these days. I'm not saying do away with the unions, but people should be able to choose yes or no.

For instance, my son worked part time in a grocery store while in school. He had to be in the union. The dues took a large portion of his paycheck every week. He wanted to opt out and was not allowed.

Sharon Bowers

There is nothing wrong with organized labor because it helps level the playing field for the average Joe. But in this case, we see a clear example of how unions can be destructive with their power. Instead of offering people a "right to work" without being forced to join a union, the power structure is out to ensure its primacy over the general public.

Arx Ferrum

Many people would not even have a day off or benefits without unions. Although they have problems and protect bums, they also have helped the average American.

Al Hass

Folks need a choice. Many do not want to pay union dues to support politicians they may not want in office. Right-to-work is just giving workers protection from union abuse.

Bob Johnstone