New Mexico may block right-to-work ordinances

[TexasTowelie]

SANTA FE -- The New Mexico House of Representative is poised to vote on a measure that would prohibit local governments from enacting right-to-work ordinances that prevent employees from being required to join a union or pay union fees.

The bill from Democratic Reps. Daymon Ely of Corrales and Andrea Romero of Santa Fe was scheduled for debate Friday night.

Several counties in New Mexico have approved ordinances that prevent employees from being required to join a union or pay union fees. The proposed legislation asserts the state's exclusive jurisdiction over the issue. Union leaders contend the local ordinances create confusion and are undermining the labor groups.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled last year that government workers can't be forced to contribute to labor unions that represent them in collective bargaining. The ruling involved an Illinois state worker who argued that everything unions do, including bargaining with the state, is political and employees shouldn't be forced to pay for it.

Read more: https://www.sunherald.com/news/politics-government/national-politics/article226666669.html

[Doreen]

1. My experience with a union was bad.

I worked for a school district who's union was in bed with the administration so you got screwed from both. You got to pay for it to. I knew a few other people who got the same great deal. I realize those are only a few but it does leave a bad taste in your mouth.

[Jake Stern]

2. What used to chap our backsides was when

Old timers would brag about their pensions and 100% company paid health coverage when we young bloods didn’t get shit under our contract. They had kick ass pensions while we were stuck with bullshit 401Ks. They have 100% paid coverage because they came in under the 1995 contract but we had to pay 70/30 for fucking Kaiser. Felt like the union either

A. Really lost their touch at bargaining

or

B. Just didn’t give a shit

We would ask the rep why it is some folks have golden bennies while we’re stuck with nada. Never did get an answer and to be honest many, including myself wondered why we were paying them when they got us bupkis.

Maybe one of DUs fine union supporters can explain why this is.