In today’s Globe and Mail, Ken Neumann, the national director for Canada of the United Steelworkers of America, takes Buzz Hargrove to task because he supported the Paul Martin Liberals during the last election.
Writes Neumann:
“The CAW and Buzz Hargrove have every right to endorse Liberal candidates in any election, if that’s what they feel is in their interests. But it’s important Canadians know that the vast majority of unions and their leaders simply don’t agree and are sticking to supporting the New Democratic Party as the best choice for working people.”
What’s interesting about this statement is the way Neumann says “unions and their leaders” support the NDP.
He puts it that way because he knows full well that most unionized workers don’t support the New Democrats.
Yet Neumann and Hargrove force these workers to subsidize the NDP through their forced union dues.
That’s an issue that’s much more important than whether or not Hargrove is betraying “working people”.
The fact is “working people” should have the right to make up their own minds regardless of what their bosses think.
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I don't have a problem with unions giving money to political parties provided members can opt-out of having their union dues go to political parties or political causes. Union dues to cover the cost of bargaining should be mandatory to prevent free-riding, but individuals should have the right to opt out of having their money go to political parties or political causes. This will allow unions to be an effective collective voice for those who support their agenda, while won't force individuals to support a party they disagree with.
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