Prop. 226 on Union Dues

Unions have fought hard to protect workers’ rights. With a unified voice, unions have become strong and, working together, employees have made a difference in the workplace by effecting important legislation. Unions have successfully ensured decent wages, overtime pay, pension and health benefits, as well as healthier working conditions. Prop. 226 would destroy this unified voice by placing an unfair burden on employees and their unions, as well their employers.

Big businesses already outspend unions 11 to 1 on political contributions. If Prop. 226 passes, businesses will continue to make contributions without their shareholders’ knowledge or say-so on how that money is spent. Unions, on the other hand, would be required to jump through hoops and travel a bureaucratic maze. How is this fair? Prop. 226 would not be fair to workers and not fair to Californians.

RENE O. BEIRO

Business Representative

Political Liaison, Glaziers,

Architectural Metal and Glass

Workers, Local 636, El Monte

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If under Prop 226 the proposed requirement for prior written consent is so desirable and necessary, then why is it limited to just union members? Why not include all professionals? The American Medical Assn., American Bar Assn., American Institute of Architects and hundreds of other professional and social groups send millions of dollars every year to political candidates through their dues-financed political action committees. Why not include church members who have a portion of their weekly offerings sent to the Christian Coalition or Operation Rescue and, in turn, passed on to certain political candidates or organizations? Have you ever been to a church membership or board meeting? There is seldom, if ever, unanimity.

I strongly believe this initiative is not about political reform. Nor is it about workers’ rights. It is simply about power and control. It is about outside interests trying to influence California politics. It is about trying to place the opposition at a financial disadvantage. It is about impositions and restrictions placed upon one class of citizen while exempting others.

ANDREW BARKER

Idyllwild