The so-called “right-to-work” act (L.D. 309), sponsored by Tom J. Winsor, R-Norway, is bad for all Maine workers.

L.D. 309 aims to muzzle labor, not union workers alone. It strikes at the heart our right to organize, bargain collectively, have safe workplaces and a decent standard of living for our families.

Unions matter. Objectively, unions reduce income inequality and produce tangible gains for worker’s wages, benefits, and working conditions. Unions matter to organized labor and non-union workers alike.

Non-union workers benefit when their employers raise wages to compete with unionized companies for talented and productive workers. By improving the wages and conditions of work, non-union employers try to prevent unions in their own company or agency.

As an ex-union member, it is my experience that unions matter for subjective reasons as well.

While many workers struggle with low wages and take significant financial and physical risks at work, by forming unions they have earned a measure of dignity in their relationships with their employers, supervisors, and co-workers.

Individual workers are powerless in employer-employee relationships. History tells us that an imbalance in this relationship leads to abuse of authority. Union representation empowers workers and enhances workplace civility and helps workers gain self-respect.

While L.D. 309 is demeaning, it also makes no economic sense. States with similar laws have higher unemployment, lower wages and higher deficits than states that have no such laws.

L.D. 309 aims to undermine unions. The idea is to subordinate workers, without recourse, to a harsh and degrading market discipline, a set of rules from which businesses and business leaders often seek exemption.

If passed, L.D. 309, would be a tragedy for Maine workers and their families. It would represent a betrayal of work by eroding the wages and conditions of employment. Union and non-union workers would lose.

Christopher McKinnon

Augusta