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Manufacturing, Free Choice and Fossil Free

  • Post published:September 29, 2015
  • Post category:Issues

NMBC is proud to partner with NAM (National Association of Manufacturers) to advocate for hard working New Mexican Manufacturers who are the most productive in the world, far surpassing the worker productivity of any other major manufacturing economy. Our work to support a vibrant pro-business environment for manufacturers and all private sector businesses leads to higher wages and improved living standards for all New Mexicans. Support our work HERE.

Manufacturing day, officially October 2nd, provides the opportunity for the public to get an inside look as New Mexico manufacturers open their doors and host tours. Get more information on events and tours (beginning today) and ongoing throughout October HERE.

Do we Trust Hard Working New Mexicans with the Right to Choose? Before you vote for any candidate, we encourage you to ask him/her if s/he supports a worker’s right to choose to join a union rather than it being a condition of employment. Although only state legislators can make laws on Employee Free Choice, where a candidate stands on this important issue will tell voters a lot.

New Mexico is one of 25 states that do not have right to work laws. If you take a closer look at the 25 states that do have Right-to-Work, you’ll find some advantages and benefits to working in a state that gives an individual the option, not a mandate, to join a labor union. The advantages of Right-to-Work states are such things as increased potential for new businesses, more new jobs and a faster growing economy.

Benefits to an Employer in a Right-to-Work State:

  • Free to manage your company without outside interference;
  • Increased flexibility to establish wages and compensation levels;
  • Increased opportunity to compete for quality employees;
  • Increased opportunity to compete for business;
  • No assets devoted to mandatory disciplinary procedures.

Benefits to an Employee in a Right-to-Work State:

  • Freedom to choose how to spend your own money without mandated union dues;
  • Freedom to choose your own representation, rather than having automatic union representation;
  • Greater employment opportunity;
  • Overall higher standard of living;
  • Your employment protections are governed by state law, not by union decisions;
  • Preserves employee choice.

Labor unions want you to believe that Right-to-Work legislation will necessarily bring about the abuse of worker rights. They claim giving an employee the choice of union membership will create heinous labor conditions and capricious hiring and firing practices by management.

Here is the actual title of previously proposed New Mexico Right-to-Work legislation: “AN ACT RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT; ENACTING THE RIGHT TO WORK ACT; PROVIDING THAT MEMBERSHIP IN A LABOR ORGANIZATION NOT BE REQUIRED AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT; PROHIBITING THE DEDUCTION OF DUES OR FEES FROM THE COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES WITHOUT CERTAIN AUTHORIZATION.”

Judge for yourself, but this legislation would simply give workers the right to have a job in NM without being forced to join or pay union dues. New Mexico needs to join other states that have adopted Right-to-Work legislation. Doing so would bring greater employment freedom and choice to New Mexican workers. NMBC encourages NM voters to support public officials who agree.

A Challenge to New Energy Economy, Wild Earth Guardians, Conservation Voters NM and anyone who wants to shut down ALL fossil fuel extraction: Have you ever noticed the hypocrisy of environmentalists who constantly push to stop oil companies from producing oil and utility companies from producing electricity with fossil fuels? Here is a chance to walk the talk. Beginning yesterday, September 28th, there is an opportunity – a challenge actually, to live Fossil Fuel Free for one week.

This challenge, organized by Western Energy Alliance, is the chance to attempt the lifestyle some environmentalists and policymakers promote through protests, social media activism and overreaching regulations. During the Fossil Fuel Free week, individuals are challenged to live 100% without the benefits of fossil fuels.

Tim Wigley, president of the Alliance says, “There’s a growing group of people who want to completely eliminate fossil fuel consumption as their way of protecting the environment. This year we’ve seen this in the form of divestment rallies, kayak protests and activists dangling from bridges. Meanwhile, the government is implementing unprecedented new regulations to squeeze out production.” Wigley added, “This challenge is a way to experience the lifestyle those groups promote to the fullest.”

The purpose behind this campaign is to provide the opportunity to show those who oppose responsible energy development and production that they would be poorer, sicker, less educated, colder in winter, and hotter in summer while generally lowing their overall quality of life. But for anyone who thinks life would be better without fossil fuels, then this challenge is for you! Give it a try – go one week without any product that is fossil fuel based. Learn more about the Challenge HERE.

Join the NMBC effort to improve New Mexico. CLICK HERE to get more information.