I write to express opposition to the aggressive movement of the three Northern Kentucky fiscal courts to enact countywide “right to work” ordinances. These ordinances are unnecessary, politically motivated, and potentially damaging to our economy.
Right to Work is not proven to advance or improve state and local economies. We are told that companies are unwilling to relocate or invest in non-RTW states – all anecdotal tales and no factual evidence. Kentucky, in fact, was just named by Site Selection magazine the top state in the nation for 2014 in business investment per capita. Actual surveys and research of the factors influencing business relocation and investment cite a favorable business tax structure, good transportation and distribution infrastructure, a well-educated and adequately trained workforce, and quality-of-life attributes as their top criteria. Further, Northern Kentucky is boasting a gain of 2,000 new jobs in 2014 as testament to the healthy rebound of the local economy. Why tinker with this success on an unproven theory?
RTW is corporate (profit) driven; it does not benefit employees. Workers in RTW states earn approximately 12 percent less than workers in non RTW states. Already, Kentucky is one of the nation’s poorest states. It makes no economic sense at all to enact legislation that threatens to lower wages. We should focus efforts on increasing rather than lowering wages, supporting existing businesses, and opposing all systemic efforts to drive down individual earnings and recruit low-wage jobs. For whom do our judge/executives and county commissioners work, corporate and political bosses or the citizens of their counties?
The premise floated by RTW proponents is bogus. The laws and ordinances being enacted have nothing to do with an individual’s right to work. Employees are not forced to join unions against their will; they may opt out by paying an agency fee for benefits paid for and bargained for by union members. Employers are compelled to extend identical salary and benefit packages to all employees, regardless of union membership. In my opinion, free-loading in the workplace – reaping the benefits while paying nothing is return – is distasteful. Don’t most people agree that personal responsibility is a good quality?
I have asked our elected officials to consider these arguments, research the issue from a non-political, nonpartisan perspective, and do their homework before casting a vote for this misguided, questionable policy.
Linda Nesbitt
Fort Thomas
lnesbitt@twc.com
right on Ms. Nesbitt, since the RTW bill was written by ALEC ,and has little to do with anything but profits for businesses…well said