7 Jan 2008

National Right to Work Foundation Launches Online Video Updates

Posted in Blog

Here’s a new video from National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation President Mark Mix thanking supporters for helping the Foundation fight compulsory unionism online by creating cutting edge video content in its new in-house production studio.

4 Jan 2008

Michigan Union Boss Whines About Right to Work

Posted in Blog

Over at the Times Herald’s opinion section, another union boss whined about the growing Right to Work movement in Michigan. The ex construction union chief had this to say:

“If Michigan becomes a right-to-work state, you might as well pack your bags and leave it.”

The problem is (as we have repeatedly reported here) Michiganders are already leaving the state – precisely because of Big Labor’s forced unionism stranglehold. The lack of a Right to Work law has not only deprived employees of their freedom of association, but it has also contributed to Michigan’s skyrocketing unemployment levels and heavy taxes.

Right to Work laws guarantee that no person can be compelled, as a condition of employment, to join or not to join, nor to pay dues to a labor union. It’s no wonder Michiganders are packing their bags for Right to Work states.

Let’s hope that this situation changes before the state’s economy collapses.

3 Jan 2008

Teamsters Picket Update: 10 Arrested for Threatening Conduct

Posted in Blog

Following up with Justin’s post on an ugly Teamsters picket in Somerville, Massachusetts, today’s news stories report that 10 Teamsters thugs were arrested during the mess.

The Somerville News has the story:

10 Teamsters were arrested “for rude, offensive and threatening conduct,” according to police.

The owner of Russell Disposal, Charles Carneglia, explained that he feared for his safety after Teamsters militants harassed him when he entered the facility:

…when Carneglia walked to front gate the Teamsters would begin taunting and catcalling him. “Ya piece of s**t,” yelled one picketer Thursday afternoon. “You’re a criminal.”

After the incident last week, Local 25 chief Sean O’Brien was apparently “too busy” to address repeated press inquires. Unable to answer for the Teamsters union notorious and thuggish actions, it’s no wonder this union boss went into hiding.

3 Jan 2008

Employment Opportunities at the National Right to Work Foundation

Posted in Blog

Are you interested in protecting American citizens from compulsory unionism and other union special privileges’ If so, check out these employment opportunities with the National Right to Work Foundation:

Development Assistant

The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation seeks a Development Assistant to help the Foundation raise the funds needed for its battle to protect American citizens from compulsory unionism and other union special privileges. The successful candidate will write, edit, and proofread fundraising letters, grant proposals, and newsletter articles. Some familiarity with Microsoft Access or similar programs is desirable but not required. This position offers an excellent opportunity to learn about nonprofit fundraising and develop valuable skills.

Strong writing ability and a commitment to individual liberty are essential.

To apply send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to Duncan Clark, Development Director, at rdc@nrtw.org. No phone calls please.

Deputy Communications Director

The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation seeks an energetic Deputy Communications Director to join a growing public outreach program within a respected and established organization working to protect American citizens from compulsory unionism and other union special privileges.

The successful candidate will implement public relations strategies, respond to media inquiries, as well as work with cutting edge technology to produce online video content in the Foundation’s in-house TV studio. Writing tasks include drafting newsletter articles, op-eds, press releases, and some direct mail copywriting.

Outstanding writing and communications skills are essential, as is a strong commitment to limited government and individual liberty. This is an entry-level position.

Interested applicants should send a resume and writing sample(s) (amounting to at least 800 words) to Justin Hakes via email at jah@nrtw.org or fax: (703) 321-9613. No phone calls please.

Grants Administrator

The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation seeks a highly motivated individual in its grant seeking program which raises funds to combat the abuses of union coercive power. Responsibilities include identifying and researching foundations, tracking and fulfilling deadlines for proposals and reports, and assisting in cultivation of major donors as well as the development of new funding sources. Applicants should have excellent writing skills and should be well organized, detail-oriented, and a team player.

A commitment to limited government and individual liberty is essential.

To apply, send a cover letter, resume, and a writing sample(s) to Ginny Smith, Director of Strategic Programs, at gms@nrtw.org or National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation, 8001 Braddock Road, Springfield, VA 22160. No phone calls please.

2 Jan 2008

Iowa’s New Year’s Resolution: Protect Right to Work

Posted in Blog

As many people across the nation make their New Year’s resolutions, one state representative in Iowa has vowed not to give up on employee free choice in the Hawkeye State in 2008. The Ottumwa Courier reports:

State Representative Betty DeBoef said the first major issue that comes to mind for the upcoming year is a bill the Iowa House will vote on.

“The one thing I really hope is that we do not pass the bill that will decimate Iowa’s 60-year-old right-to-work law. Iowa being a right-to-work state has served our state well. It provides a business-friendly environment for companies that want to come to Iowa,” she said. “Passing that bill would be a mistake.”

DeBoef warned of other ramifications if the Right to Work law is lost:

“A number of teachers I know do not support the agenda of the NEA and the ISCA [teacher unions], and they would be forced to pay dues to these unions even though they don’t agree with their agenda.”

For more reasons why Iowa’s highly-popular Right to Work law is so vital, please read this study.

31 Dec 2007

It Is For Unions, Period.

Posted in Blog
Secret Ballot Rip

The readers’ forum section in West Virginia’s Charleston Gazette featured a great commentary from one local reader about the so-called “Employee Free Choice Act,” a bill that would lead to even more union intimidation during organizing drives. The following was his response after one AFL-CIO union boss claimed that “employees are not being allowed to join unions.”

“The Employee Free Choice Act is not for employees. It is for unions, period. Under that proposed act, unions can get employees signed up on union cards, even in a pizza parlor after three beers, before three or four other pushy union officials.”

For more information about in-your-face card check schemes, read these studies conducted by the National Institute for Labor Relations Research.

28 Dec 2007

40 Police in Riot Gear Called in as Teamsters Picket Turns Ugly

Posted in Blog

40 police in riot gear in Somerville, Massachusetts, were called in yesterday to break up a Teamsters picket that threatened to disrupt the city’s trash pick up.

"Officers were pelted with stones," (City Spokesman Tom) Champion said, "and our police officials reported that a small but very vocal group of demonstrators was abusive and confrontational and exhibited violence."

The company’s owner, Charles Carneglia, said the push was part of an effort to force unwanted unionization on employees, and that:

"The union guys were trying to bully them not to go to work," he said.

Carneglia claims one union operative slashed his pants with a knife during the confrontation. Watch video of a news story about the incident here.

This ugly incident shows the lengths to which some union officials will go to impose unionization on employees regardless of their wishes.

26 Dec 2007

Bittersweet End for Boston’s Big Dig

Posted in Blog

America’s most notorious union-only project labor agreement (PLA), Boston’s "Big Dig," will come to completion with the end of 2007. What a bittersweet day for citizens of Boston. The Associated Press puts it this way:

"Don’t expect any champagne toasts."

As also noted by the AP, the Big Dig’s history was "littered with wrong turns" such as a major tunnel leak in 2004, as well as the tragic death of a motorist in 2006.

Financially, the Big Dig sapped taxpayers for $14.8 billion, over five and a half times the original cost estimate of $2.6 billion.

This train wreck of a public construction project should serve as "exhibit A" of the gluttonous waste inherent in PLAs. Such projects are also a "lose-lose" for employees that wish to remain nonunion because they are blackballed from working, as well as for the taxpayers forced to foot the bill.

 

21 Dec 2007

Teamsters Union Vows Not to Leave Housekeepers Alone

Posted in Blog

Speaking of not taking no for an answer, local story from The Morning Sun in Michigan highlights that the housekeeping staff at the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort rejected the Teamsters union in a vote against unionization by more than 2-to-1.

On the surface, one would think that it was a victory for the employees at the hotel and casino. But having received news of the election defeat, Teamsters bosses promised to stick around for another year to make sure they successfully influence the next vote in their favor.

The Morning Sun reports:

“They waxed us pretty good,” said Ed Morin, business agent for Teamsters Local 486. “We’re not walking away from it.”…He said the Teamsters will not go away, and will continue to try to organize other employee groups. “We’ll be around to talk to the other people,” Morin said.

The employees have spoken, but Teamsters officials just refuse to listen.

20 Dec 2007

Employees Describe Their Fight Against Abusive Union Power

Posted in Blog

Employees Michael Ashby and John Hurley describe their fight against abusive union power in this short video clip from the National Right To Work Foundation’s video, The Perilous Fight.

View more video clips on the Foundation’s growing YouTube channel here.