If the lunch lady, who was fired for helping a hungry child, had had a Union to represent her she would not have been. There is a stereotype that says you cannot fire Union workers, but this is only propaganda of the bosses. Truth is that a “right-to-work” state is really just an excuse for management to fire you on a whim. They call it “Employment at will” but it’s a joke, and the joke is on you. Under a Union contract management has to satisfy discipline under the theory of “just cause.” “Just cause” is a burden of proof that your boss must meet to justify discipline or discharge. It is essentially five questions that must be answered. Is there a rule? Is it a reasonable rule? Is it consistently and equitably enforced? Was a thorough investigation done, and does the level of discipline equal the offense? If management can answer in the affirmative then you can be fired. What it does is require management to do their job and insure who they hire is not a Neanderthal. It allows employees security in employment and protects you as you gain seniority. Unions are Democracy at work, an American value.
Troy Ingraham, Boise
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