Employees not forced to join state union

Friday, April 22, 2005

I read with interest the letter printed on April 19 on the state employees' union, and the new stipulation of employees being forced to join the union.

First, the misconceptions: No one is being forced to join.

They are simply being made to pay for services that were of benefit to them.

When Maine State Employees Association negotiates a new contract for employees, gets them raises, keeps health care free for employees, all employees gain.

So why should only some employees pay for this?

If an individual doesn't wish to be a part of the union, that is their choice. But if they're taking home an extra bit of money, using the healthcare provided, or enjoying vacation time earned, they're using benefits the union got them.

Why is it unreasonable to ask that all the people that get something give something back?

Secondly, I personally doubt that the governor himself has some master plan to ensnare all employees.

Getting all employees to pay a fair share was an initiative on the part of the union, not the administration.

Finally, two years without a contract?

I am personally curious as to when this happened.

Employees went two years without a pay increase, but there was still a contract.

Personal emotion or opinion aside, I do agree that the choice to join a union is a personal one. But just as I agree with personal choice, I also feel that one should pay for services rendered.

And going back to choice: If any employee feels so strongly, there's always the choice to work elsewhere.

Scott Neumeyer

Augusta

mute@nurk.org