A new book by Bill Fletcher Jr. takes a look at some major myths about unions. The author weighs in on right to work legislation. Jesse Russell reports.

Labor activist and author is currently on tour promoting his new book “They’re Bankrupting Us! And 20 other myths about unions.” As the title suggests the book addresses the numerous falsehoods that have been perpetuated about organized labor over the years. On Wednesday Fletcher spoke with Workers Independent News about Michigan passing legislation that allows workers to benefit from unions without paying union dues. Fletcher said the push has nothing to do with creating a more Democratic workplace.

[Fletcher:] It’s not, it’s about greed and what the right-wing understands is they can play upon people’s greed, selfishness, and individual circumstances and say to them “You don’t have to pay the union, but they have to represent you.”
Fletcher said what the legislation does is make it difficult for unions to continue to function, thereby losing the ability to preserve wages, benefits, and safety.

[Fletcher2]: The problem this creates for unions is it means your resources are being eaten up in many cases by people who aren’t paying. The right wing knows this and that’s exactly why they’re doing this. This has nothing to do with economic development. The living standard in every right-to-work state is lower than the states that aren’t right-to-work.