How the Janus Decision Affects Us

Posted: 
Thursday, July 26, 2018

I hope that this email finds everyone well and enjoying their summer. While things have slowed down for our local since the RG&E contract was ratified, I want to take a moment to talk to everyone about the Janus v AFSCME Supreme Court case.

The case, which was decided at the end of June, says that public sector workers who don't want to pay agency fees can opt out, but still be covered under the union contract. Basically allowing them to free ride off of the hard work and the dues that the union members are paying. This ruling covers only public employees, so thankfully Local 36 is not affected by it. However, we should prepare for it to come to the private sector.
 
You may have heard the term, Right to Work (or as I like to call it Right to Work for less). Before Janus 28 states were Right to Work for public employees, now all 50 states are. In each and every one of those states, the Legislature followed this up by passing a Right to Work law for private sector employees. It is only a matter of time before a case goes before the Supreme Court challenging Local 36 and the IBEW's right to collectively bargain and collect dues.
 

Our way of life is being challenged. Without strong unions, our wages will decrease, givebacks will become the norm, and safety standards will suffer. This is not just me saying this, but it is the reality that we have seen in states that become Right to Work. It is important that we stand strong and stand united. As our recent negotiations showed, when we stick together and do the little things like wear our Local 36 t-shirts or buttons, we show management and our elected officials that we are ready to fight back and stay union strong. Below I have included one way that you can help show our union's strength, by voting.  Please continue to check future issues of The Conduit for more ways that you can help and take action.

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