So-Called “Right to Work” laws harm Texans
As with many southern states, Texas has fallen to the special interests that fought to take collective bargaining power away from the people.
How has the So-Called “Right to Work” affected and harmed organized labor in Texas?
The state formally passed a So-Called “Right to Work” law in 1993. Since then, Texas has seen a building boom like no other. Corporations have flocked to the state and need highly skilled tradesmen and tradeswomen to construct their facilities. Often, this construction is performed by untrained and unskilled workers who frequently make mistakes and are exposed to safety hazards.
Local 146, United Association Local Unions and member contractors are entirely against these laws as they create an unsafe workplace and encourage using unskilled, low-wage labor. According to Tex. Labor Code Ann. §§ 101.001, an employer cannot deny individual employment based on union membership. The law allows workers to gain union representation and all the benefits union members receive without paying their fair share for representation. These laws restrict unions and make them economically solvent by allowing people to gain their services for free.
So-Called “Right to Work” laws diminish the safety of Local 146 and all United Association members in Texas
It comes as no surprise that Texas is one of the most deadly states for construction workers. This is due to the massive amounts of unskilled, untrained workers used for cheap labor. The establishment of a So-Called “Right-to-Work” law has made the state increasingly more dangerous. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas saw 105 construction workers suffer fatal workplace injuries in 2018 alone. This data proves that Texas is one of the most dangerous states for construction workers. However, this number can decrease if tradesmen and tradeswomen take proper training.
Local 146 and affiliated member contractors fully fund the United Association registered apprenticeship program, where those entering the pipe trades will learn about safety and take certification courses to ensure they are aware and able to navigate the dangers of construction. All members of Local 146 are required to carry at least an Occupational Safety and Health Administration 10-hour training card on job sites to prove they have completed the course. The union fully funds other projects that may require further safety training.
