A prominent libertarian organization called out a West Virginia union Wednesday over what it argues is misleading rhetoric on policies that outlaw mandatory union dues.
Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is an adamant supporter of right-to-work. The policy, which has passed in 25 states, outlaws mandatory union dues or fees as a condition of employment. West Virgina is one of a few states debating whether to enact the policy. The state AFL-CIO, however, warns it will drive down wages and worker protections. AFP State Director Jason Huffman denounced the union claims as misleading.
“Fear mongering from far left Labor Bosses is to be expected when their automatic access to workers’ paychecks is challenged,” Huffman said in a statement to The Daily Caller News Foundation. “But it does not excuse misleading rhetoric.”
The Republican majority has made the policy a priority since securing the legislature back in 2014. Labor unions tend to be very opposed to it. The state AFL-CIO claimed in a recent radio ad that the policy causes a 54 percent increase in workplace injury and can lower wages as much as $6,000.
“West Virgina families face tough times but instead of improving our economy, the new legislative leadership is taking orders from out-of-state corporate CEOs and pushing a so called right-to-work law that does nothing to create jobs,” the radio ad declared. “In fact, its been shown to increase workplace injuries and deaths by as much as 54 percent.”
The state legislature commissioned West Virginia University to examine the policy. It released a study in November disputing some of the union claims. Looking at how the policy has impacted other states over the decades, it found there was no empirical evidence to support the policy driving down wages.
“Right-to-work means more jobs and more freedom for West Virginia workers,” Huffman also noted. “Since Big Labor cannot win the argument on the merits, they insult West Virginians by attempting to deceive them.”
The policy does not ban unions or prevent workers from freely joining them. It simply gives workers the choice to not pay dues. The union accused the West Virginia Radio Corporation of political bias after it dropped its ad. Former state Republican Chairman John Raese is involved in the company and an adamant right-to-work supporter.
The Heritage Foundation and the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) both examined whether right-to-work lowers wages. While EPI claims workers in states get paid less on average, Heritage says the assertion is misleading. According, EPI needs adjust for cost of living.
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