Unions Still Matter

Dear Editor,

As the 67th Legislative session begins, we once again see the ugly head of the Montana Citizens for the Right to Work coalition rise. Their executive director, Mr. Randy Pope claims that our hard-working men and women of Montana are denied gainful employment because of being forced to pay union dues to the good paying jobs they wish to receive. He and the coalition want to stop organized labor and the strong union solidarity that fought so hard for the good paying jobs that so many of our citizens have now. They somehow believe that individuals should be hired and work right alongside men and women who pay their fair share to support their unions and the people who represent them. The coalition doesn't realize that because of the efforts of organized labor and the sacrifices made by their members, the jobs they want handed to them have been made possible by union involvement. What union dues are paid by the workers can never be compromised. The benefits far outweigh the challenge of going it alone.

Without Union involvement, most would be working at minimum wage or slightly above. Healthcare insurance certainly would be out of your own pockets. Obamacare is a joke. The unions are what put pressure on corporations for a safe work environment. Big Management would care little to provide personal protective equipment such as hard hats, safety glasses, steel-toed boots or respirators. Even safety training would be little or none at all.

A 40-hour work week seems common right? Without organized labor you might see a 35-hour work week. This is so companies won't be forced to pay health insurance. Paid vacations? Good luck with that. Two weeks if you're lucky. Sick leave or hardship cases? Nope. How about job security? Or protection from prejudice or discrimination? Age, race, religion or sexual preference? You will follow the guidelines set forth by management or "hit the road jack". Union support gives you the power to question your security at work, not only for you, but for your work group and the public in general. This is called the Whistle Blower Act.

There are many organized labor groups in Montana. Those like the teachers' union, first responders, postal workers, rail workers, teamsters, and many more too numerous to mention that are proud to pay their dues when called upon.

The Montana Citizens for Right to Work Coalition will tell you that people in other states that have the right to work make more money than those in Montana. This is a lie. Union scale workers earn far more than most non-union workers.

This coalition is nothing more than union busting big business bullies. Look at what happened to our Amtrak ticket workers. Their jobs cut; scab workers brought in.

I have worked for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad for 30 years and have since retired with a very comfortable pension. My union fought for this and for the 401(k) benefits as well. No way would the railroad ever "give" their workers anything. I have been a strong union supporter and union representative during my employment and am very proud to pay my dues. I have seen what corporate abuse the rail management can dish out. Without union representation, very few would see retirement.

In conclusion, I am asking you to reject these false claims stated by the right to work coalition and turn down their efforts to steal good money away from you and your family. Organized labor is GOOD for Montana and will keep our economy strong.

Thank you,

Jeff C. Dibblee

Havre, Mont.

Retired Rail Worker

Life Member of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees