Pocan Says National Right-to-Work-For-Less Law Would be Catastrophic for Workers
A recent Pew survey shows that 60% of Americans—an overwhelming majority—support unions.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) released the following statement after House Republicans unveiled legislation which would implement “right-to-work” policies across the country.
“A national right-to-work law would be catastrophic for hard-working Americans across the country. As we have seen in other states, including my home state of Wisconsin, these right-to-work-for-less laws have nothing to do with helping businesses or creating jobs. These laws are a means to ensure greater corporate control of our politics and our society. They reduce wages and salaries for workers, cut benefits such as health insurance and a pension, and a worker’s voice on workplace protections.
“When workers have a voice in their workplace the middle class is strong. And when the middle class is strong, America is strong. Unions raise standards across all industries, increasing the wages of both unionized and non-unionized workers. But yet again, House Republicans are ignoring the facts and putting partisanship and special interests above the livelihoods of workers. I hope Speaker Ryan is wise enough not to bring this bill to the floor.”
A recent Pew survey shows that 60% of Americans—an overwhelming majority—support unions. Also, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics data, union workers’ wages are 27 percent greater than for non-union workers. Seventy-nine percent of unionized workers receive health insurance from their employers, compared to only 49 percent of non-union workers. Seventy-six percent of union workers have guaranteed defined-benefit pension plans, compared to only 16 percent of non-union workers. Eighty-three percent of union workers receive paid sick leave compared to only 62 percent of non-union workers.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.
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