Myth vs. Fact: Right to work and union representation

Thank you very much for asking so many questions this week about union cards, representation, and right-to-work.  

Some of you may have signed union cards believing that if the union was brought in, you could opt-out of union representation later because Wisconsin is a Right-To-Work state.  

Our goal is to give you the facts, even if you already signed a union card with the mistaken belief that you could somehow “opt-out” of union representation.  For those of you who have not already signed a card, we are confident that when you have the facts, you will realize that signing a card is a very serious decision and you just don’t need what the Steelworkers are selling.

Myth:  Signing an authorization card is not that big of a deal because I can opt-out of representation later – Wisconsin is a right-to-work state.
Fact: Right-to-work does not allow you to opt-out of being represented by the union or being covered by a contract.  Right-to-work only allows an employee to cease being a dues-paying member.

Myth:  Right to work allows me to opt-out of being part of collective bargaining and having union stewards represent me.
Fact:  Nope!  If the union gets in, you will be stuck with collective bargaining and represented by stewards, even under right-to-work.

Myth:  Right to work will allow me to keep all of the current Eaton benefits and rules.
Fact:  If the union gets in, the union - not you - will negotiate with Eaton over benefits and rules. You will be stuck with the union contract. Right to work only lets you stop being a dues paying member .

Myth:  If the union gets in, I won’t get pressured by the union to start paying dues.
Fact: Unions do not like it when their members don’t want to pay dues.  If you let the union get in here and you decide not to pay dues, you can expect peer pressure, public shaming, and name calling.