Two sides speak out on 'fair share' proposal

[Omaha Steve]

http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070215/NEWS10/702150409/1001/archive

Two sides speak out on 'fair share' proposal
Union members dominate discussion at Statehouse hearing

By LYNN CAMPBELL
REGISTER STAFF WRITER

February 15,2007


Police officers, nurses, firefighters and other workers showed up in force Wednesday night at the Statehouse, wearing union shirts and sporting orange-and-black buttons that said "Fair Share."

At stake is a proposal that would allow unions to force nonunion workers to pay a regular flat fee to support services provided to all employees covered by union contracts.

"We were all raised that you do what's right and you pay what you need to pay because there's nothing out there that's free," said Gary Mika of Teamsters Local 238.

"You don't get something for nothing," agreed David Elliott of Cedar Rapids, another Teamsters member.

On the other side of the fence were business people and others who said they don't like the proposal, don't believe they should have to pay, and contend it will make Iowa less competitive for businesses.

"I don't agree with giving up any extra money when I can put it in my retirement," said James McCuen, 56, a Des Moines garbage collector for 30 years who said he has seen smaller raises and fewer insurance benefits over the years. "The union hasn't done nothing for us. They don't stand up for you right. They never have."

Eighty-nine people signed up to speak at the public hearing on House File 324 before members of the House Labor Committee. The hearing started at 7 p.m. and threatened to extend to midnight. Union members dominated the discussion.

"I defend that contract because that contract defends all of us," said John Campbell of the United Steelworkers of America. "The union negotiated to protect us all."

FULL story at link.