Currently
, with Iowa's Right to Work laws, unions are required to represent all members of the bargaining unit (a federal law)
whether they are union members or not.
The Fair Share legislation allow unions to be able to negotiate language in their contracts that requires non-union
members to pay a fair share for their representation, thereby lessening the burden on union members. Fair share
has no requirement for anyone to join the union, although it could possibly bring about additional membership.
Please contact your state legislators (either Democrat or Republican) and let them know that this legislation is
important to you and that you don't appreciate your fellow employees free riding. Click on the link below to get your
representative's email address, phone number and mailing address. The more people they actually hear from the
more likely they are to act in our favor (they do want to be re-elected).
The Iowa State Legislature
Sample letter
Senator or Congressman (woman) (insert name)
The fair share legislation is particularly important to me. 65% of the bargaining unit pays all of the costs of
negotiating and enforcing our contract. Some of the non-members actually brag about getting the same benefits as
the dues paying union members without having to pay dues. I feel that it is only fair that they pay for their share of
the costs of having a fair and decent contract to work under and in these challenging economic times this would
lessen the burden be shouldered by the union members.
Respectfully,
(Your name)