Through the years, the Mackinac Center for Public Policy has published a variety of in-depth studies and reports on labor policy. What is our goal? To see a restoration of a free market in labor that respects each worker’s right to choose whether to join or support a labor organization. In other words, we seek a day where workers are free to deal with management as individuals or can associate with others in that process if they see fit. Why? Because we believe that individuals make the best choices for themselves and their families. Fortunately, the Mackinac Center is not alone in working toward this goal.
The Center has produced in-depth analysis of collective bargaining in Michigan, the rights of workers who do not want union membership, the impact of labor law, such as the impact of Michigan’s law requiring the use of the union’s prevailing wage in public construction, MESSA, the Michigan Education Association-created school employee health care administrator, and a host of other labor topics.
But there are times when a study is not necessary. A fact can say it all. The declining union membership in America states volumes about the relevance of labor unions to most Americans’ lives. Today there is a new organization in the cause that is concentrating on the free dissemination of information: The Center for Union Facts.
Have a question about unions? A wealth of information is available on their Web site, www.unionfacts.com. As an example of their work, check out the following ad: http://www.unionfacts.com/ads/downloads/tv_unionbosses.wmv. This is a creative way to bring home some points that every union member should consider.
We at the Mackinac Center will, of course, continue to produce studies and reports on labor policy so as long as we have the means to do so. We will never give up on liberty. And in this fight, we welcome those organizations who highlight the drawbacks of coercive collective bargaining.
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Thomas W. Washburne is director of labor policy for the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, a research and educational institute headquartered in Midland, Mich. Permission to reprint in whole or in part is hereby granted, provided that the author and the Center are properly cited.
The Mackinac Center for Public Policy is a nonprofit research and educational institute that advances the principles of free markets and limited government. Through our research and education programs, we challenge government overreach and advocate for a free-market approach to public policy that frees people to realize their potential and dreams.
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