Marshall County Judge/Executive Kevin Neal released this statement Monday expressing his opinion on Kentucky’s right-to-work legislation:
War on Kentucky Unions Is Wrong
In their desire to become a right-to-work state, Kentucky Republicans have passed Kentucky’s first right-to-work legislation. If you’re reading this, Governor Bevin likely signed the legislation into law on Monday.
I want to establish the dishonesty of the bill right up front. Most people don’t realize it will force unions to represent those employees that choose not to join and pay dues. This is the clearest sign that this legislation is not about the “freedom” of the worker as proponents contend but more about weakening the unions. It’s destructive to our county’s many union employees and their families.
Right-to-work proponents contend that this legislation creates a pro-business climate, thereby attracting companies to locate within right-to-work states, creating new jobs and “promoting prosperity.” I contend that right-to-work laws weaken unions. In time, they depress wages and benefits, thereby worsening income inequality.
As many of you have heard me say before, nine of my siblings and I were raised on union wages. I benefited from collective bargaining for many years as an officer with the Paducah Police Department. I have many close friends in local chapters who are raising their families on union wages. Unions in Marshall County have a long history of working successfully with many of our businesses and corporations. You only have to look to Calvert City to see these successful relationships. Those chemical plants have been operating profitably and safely with union labor for many, many years.
I will never support right-to-work legislation in the state of Kentucky, and I strongly oppose the current push by Governor Bevin and all in the Kentucky House and Senate to weaken labor in our great state. I believe strong unions and strong relationships between unions and businesses have been vital to American productivity, creativity, growth, and quality of life for generations. Elected officials who truly care about their community do not choose between labor and business, but find ways to support both and improve the lives of every citizen in our community. After all, one hand washes the other.
Sincerely,
Kevin Neal
Marshall County Judge Executive