02 Jun Right to Work Law Moved to August Primaries
While many people in Missouri vote in the November, few take the time to vote in other elections such as the August primaries which typically have more impact on the local level. This year, the August primary will be held on Tuesday, August 7, 2018. Opponents of “Right to Work” collected enough signatures to put the highly controversial law for a vote of the people. They believed it would be placed before voters in the November election, however, lawmakers in Missouri expected higher voter turnout in November. As such, lawmakers moved the referendum to the August ballot when less people typically vote. This is a partisan law that effects many employees in the state, labor and non-labor alike. That is why it is so important for people to get informed about right to work and let their voices be heard.
What is Right to Work?
Right to Work laws generally state a person shall not be denied employment based on whether or not the person joins a labor union. Thus, an employee can receive all of the benefits a union provides without having to join the union and pay union dues. Those benefits include competitive wages and employment protections. As less people join a union, the union has less power, money and influence to organize and become a political force against the employer.
Why does this impact me?
Right to Work is a pro-business law which typically reduces wages for all workers and strips them of necessary protections. Let me be clear – if you run a business, this law is likely good for you. If, however, you do not and are either a salary or hourly employee, this law will likely harm you. The example I typically use is one provided to me by my wife’s stepfather. He worked at a big hospital in St. Louis and remembers making less than $10 per hour. As soon as a union came in, their wages increased to over $13 per hour, despite not joining the union. The mere threat of a union made the hospital pay a decent, competitive wage. Without the protections provided by the union, the hospital had little incentive to provide a fair wage and instead could take in more profits.
How to Register to Vote:
If you are not already registered to vote, you must register by July 11, 2018 to vote in the August 7, 2018 primaries this year. For the November 6, 2018 general election, you must be registered to vote by October 10, 2018. The current election calendar is located here. If you still need to register, please go here.
Tarun B. Rana, Esq.
Address: 655 Craig Rd, Ste 252, St. Louis, MO 63141
Phone: 314-329-7690
Facsimile: 314-735-4097
Email: tarun@ranalawgroup.com
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