Save secret ballot for workers

Why would anyone want to take away a worker’s right to a secret ballot regarding unionization? I am a small-business owner who knows that good employees are the backbone of any successful company. The old “us against them” mentality went out decades ago.

Unions have the “closed shop” legislation locking in membership, as well as “forced dues,” regardless of workers’ beliefs and wishes.

I have been involved in two unionization attempts. Cards were easily signed during home visits and a big free drink session at the corner tavern. When the secret ballot voting was completed, the union was rejected on both occasions. Each employee spoke without fear of intimidation.

I suggest we support our free enterprise system by all pulling in the same direction before there is nothing left to unionize. We must save the secret ballot for our workers.

Bob Cook
Mission Hills

Comments

[NoMoreMrNiceGuy]

Then again, when there are no "corporate giants" there will be nothing to unionize.

The majority of corporations are considered small businesses and employ the largest portion of Americans. Raising taxes and forcing unions on these entities will not create any jobs or incentive to stay in business.

When union workers create bottleneck in operations by being ridiculous, that is when enough is enough. Their little rants like slicing people tires because they CHOOSE to drive a different brand of vehicle is down right bogus. Most union workers I know are whiners and slackers. The exception would be skilled trades.

[viet-vet1970]

Bob, maybe in your business the old "us against them mentality went out decades ago," but I assure you it's alive and well in most businesses, especially among the corporate giants.

What's the first move when a giant company begins to falter? Fire the CEO? Restructure the board? Punish those who made lousy decisions?

Nope.

The people who simply work hard at their jobs get laid off in the thousands ... Wall Street applauds ... and executive bonuses increase.

But I agree with you that the secret ballot should be retained. People tend to make rational decisions when they don't have to worry about being punished for them.

[Marctnts]

Secret-ballot elections are bad for UNION business. It's all about increasing membership.

I'm more concerned about the "forced binding arbitration" part of the bill. In essence, it will force this upon both parties (regardless of contractual agreements) and could result in one or both parties being required to abide by stipulations to which they did not agree.

[Marctnts]

Secret-ballot elections are bad for UNION business. It's all about increasing membership.

I'm more concerned about the "forced binding arbitration" part of the bill. In essence, it will force this upon both parties (regardless of contractual agreements) and could result in one or both parties being required to abide by stipulations to which they did not agree.