Sioux City Journal

Iowa Democrats to consider 'fair share' laws

By Charlotte Eby, Journal Des Moines Bureau | Posted: Wednesday, December 06, 2006

DES MOINES -- Gov.nelect Chet Culver and Democratic leaders in the Iowa Legislature said Tuesday they will consider "fair share" laws that require non-union employees to pay for benefits they enjoy through organized labor.

"I think we need to have a debate and a discussion on that important issue and many others," Culver said

Democrats argue that unions currently are forced to represent non-union employees in contract negotiations and disputes with management, even when those employees aren't paying union dues.

Incoming Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal of Council Bluffs likened the current situation to the friend who always seems to be in the bathroom when it is his turn to pay for the next pitcher of beer.

"Now that's just wrong," Gronstal said at a forum sponsored by The Associated Press.

Gronstal sparred with Republican House Speaker Christopher Rants, R-Sioux City, over the issue Tuesday.

Rants said Republicans are nervous the proposal would require businesses to collect what amounts to union dues. Iowa's so-called Right to Work law prohibits forced union membership.

"If you're going to force people who don't belong to a union to pay some sort of substitute for union dues, that is an attack on Iowa's Right to Work law," Rants said.

Incoming House Speaker Pat Murphy, D-Dubuque, said the fair share law would not mean repealing the right to work law.

"I think that's the big problem is some people don't understand the difference," Murphy said.

Iowa Federation of Labor President Mark Smith estimates 130,000 Iowa workers, including teachers, are union members. He said he doesn't know exactly how many employees are not members of a union but still enjoy the wage levels and benefits negotiated by organized labor.

"There isn't any other business relationship that exists in society where somebody gets something for nothing, with this exception," Smith said.

Charlotte Eby can be reached at (515) 243-0138 or chareby@aol.com.

Story Comments

teamsters blues wrote on Apr 23, 2007 8:35 AM:

" As a paying member of the Teamsters, it disgusts me to hear of this "Fair Share" approach. If someone chooses not to pay dues, don't "represent" them. It's possible that some of the "freeloaders" don't agree with the agendas that are pushed by unions and they don't want to be associated with the unions in any way. When I joined the Teamsters, I was naive in thinking that they care about the working man. "Fair Share" shows what the unions are all about. Lining their own pockets. "

teamsters blues wrote on Apr 23, 2007 8:29 AM:

" I am a paying teamsters member (I'm ashamed to say). If I had looked into what the teamsters represent, I would have chosen to "freeload". Before I joined, I was naive enough to think that unions really care about the working man. This "fair share" approach has really solidified my opinion of all unions. Do us all a favor and just stop "representing" the "freeloaders". "

freeloader wrote on Apr 5, 2007 10:25 PM:

" Oh I just can't stop! Self Sufficient hit it right on the head. If you really care (and this isn't just all about the money). Lobby to have us freeloaders thrown out of the elite club and let us do our own negotiating and have our own benefits that we can REALLY enjoy. AND LEAVE US ALONE! You legislators really don't understand this one. "

freeloader wrote on Apr 5, 2007 10:16 PM:

" See how they are? They are not only like this here but in everyday life. They will not allow you to "enjoy the benefits" (who needs what they got anyway)? And Mr. Culver everyone pays their dues when these guys step in and take over the show. I'm sure the teacher's union was pretty tame. You oughta be out here living with these guys that are responding to this comment column. Why don't you guys take your game of whine ball and find your own field. "

Skip wrote on Jan 14, 2007 1:09 PM:

" Here it is in a nut shell for the State Legislators. I will not support the Fair Share Legislation if you will support the following Bill: You may enjoy all the benefits of every other resident of the State of Iowa; just pay State Taxes if you want to. Anyone interested. Listen, I talk to these freeloaders all the time and know that the real reason they don't belong to the Union is that the State Law lets them freeload. Try going to your Country Club without paying. Stop looking at Unions as greedy me, me, me, when you know there is so much they do for the community. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said while speaking to the AFL-CIO in 1961, "Our needs are identical with labor's needs - decent wages, fair working conditions, livable housing, old age security, health and welfare measures, conditions in which families can grow, have education for their children and respect in their communities". "