Labor’s Voice Louder Than Public Support
Posted on June 11, 2008 at 6:17 pm by WTH
Steve Peoples of the Providence Journal (Rhode Island) gives us a great reminder that the voice of the labor movement has far more power than it does public support. He details all the politicians, lobbyists and union reps intertwined in government in the State House and how, even if the people of the state aren’t realizing it, those union voices are every day scheming to get the union agenda passed at every level of State government.
While union membership is at its lowest level in 50 years, labor leaders’ daily contact with lawmakers is as strong as ever.
Most days on Smith Hill, union lobbyists far outnumber those from other interest groups.
“In fairness to labor, they’re up here every single day, talking to people,” says Senate Finance Committee Chairman Stephen D. Alves. “You don’t see the Chamber [of Commerce] people here every single day. Do [unions] have more access? I suppose they do — only because they’re here. They catch you in the corridor. If business people were up here and want to talk to us, they’re more than welcome to.”
This is the insidious method. While the people are unawares, the labor movement worms its way into every aspect of our lives. Union member or not, we pay the ultimate price for unionism in higher prices, lost jobs, and high taxes, regulation, etc.
And it’s because unions slither their way into every crack of our governments.
People’s does a great job of detailing the undue influence unions have at least in Rhode Island. But, writ larger, it is the same in every state as well as the Federal government.
Voter beware.
