News

NASRCC leader Joe Byrne sent a letter to members in New Hampshire this week regarding so-called “Right to Work” legislation being proposed in New Hampshire.

The political outlook for our union will soon take a positive turn in Washington, but there is a serious threat in New Hampshire. Governor Chris Sununu is trying to force through a so-called “Right to Work” bill early in the first quarter of 2021. In November Republicans took control of both branches of the legislature and now Governor Sununu wants them to make this a top priority. Our union has fought and won this fight before, by dedicating union resources and with the impressive involvement of members who live and work in New Hampshire. We’re ready to do it again to protect our rights and our relationships with signatory contractors.

We know that so-called “Right to Work” isn’t about workers’ rights. It’s a way to weaken our union on the job and at the bargaining table. Although “right to work” is a national effort, it has had significant local negative impacts. These impacts include creating division among crews, confusion from jobsite-to-jobsite and overregulating an employer’s right to enter a contract with our union. Studies consistently show that in states where so-called “Right to Work” is the law, union membership and wages are significantly lower. In addition, there are statistically much higher rates of job site injury and death. “Right to Work” also diminishes workers’
ability to collectively advocate for equitable wages and safe working conditions.

“Right to Work” is bad for New Hampshire. If this legislation passes, national anti-union organizations will invest millions of dollars to pass similar legislation in our other states, dragging down wages, rights and employee safety standards across the region. Right now, the nearest state with a so-called “Right to Work” law is Virginia. Let’s work together to ensure that New Hampshire does not become the first in the Northeast!

We’re developing a campaign to convince enough legislators—both Democrats and Republicans—that unions like ours have a positive influence on the lives of New Hampshire workers and the state’s economy. Join us once again to show that so-called “Right to Work” is wrong for New Hampshire!

Our local unions and council political staff will be in touch in the weeks ahead to let you know how you can help in this very important campaign If you have questions or need more information, please contact our NASRCC Political Director Joe O’Brien. Thank you for your continued support of our union.

Sincerely,
Joseph Byrne
Executive Secretary-Treasurer
NORTH ATLANTIC STATES REGIONAL COUNCIL OF CARPENTERS