June 13, 1998 

Thomas Jefferson once noted a fundamental axiom, that: "To compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves is sinful and tyrannical." 

Previously I had written a piece for CalNews entitled "Arrogance of Power", and everything written then still applies now.  However, back then some 67 percent of union households agreed with me and thought Prop 226 wasn't only a good idea, but a great idea. 

Most reasonable people were likewise offended by the concept that unions were going to spend a bunch of their members money to fight a proposal which would require them to get permission from dues payers before union leaders used the dues payers money for political purposes.  Remember what Jefferson said? 

Then the overpaid extravagant royalty of union leadership got scared, and decided to transfer that fear to voters. They did that (successfully) through a campaign of lies, deceit, and duplicity...funded by tens of millions of dollars which they had taken from the very union members they deceived.  The bad guys won. However, there are consequences. 

The unions argued that "Hey, we don't need no stinking Proposition....you already have that right."  Not exactly accurate.  Union members can (and should) request redress from what Jefferson called "sinful and tyrannical."  Ten years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Communications Workers v. Beck that workers who are forced to pay union dues as a condition of employment may not be required to pay dues beyond those necessary for collective bargaining purposes.  In fact, they are also entitled to a refund of any portion of those dues that is used by their union for political purposes. 

However, most union members still receive little if any information from their unions on how dues are used.  Additionally, most union members are not even aware of what their rights are under Beck.  Among those who are aware of their rights,  many report that if, or when, they try to exercise those rights they are threatened, intimidated, or put off and stalled. 

I met a young Teamster who identified himself as a very conservative republican. He wants smaller government, less taxes, more of what the founders guaranteed, and a simple adherence to the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.  He told me he is required by his union to periodically take a day off work (without pay) and picket as instructed.  If he chooses not to picket against something he believes (he must have read Jefferson), he is required to pay the union about sixty dollars.  He was annoyed and confused that he should be compelled to work for issues which he personally abhors. 

We teach our children that there are consequences to actions.  We must be accountable for what we do, and what we don't do.  I submit the same should hold true for unions. 

As an on air talent broadcasting in San Francisco I am required (as a condition of employment) to be a member the union (the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists).  In order to work as a broadcaster in San Francisco I don't have an option, I must belong to the AFTRA. 

My union should represent my interests, and I am beyond p.o.-ed that my union has used my money to contribute to funds "..for the propagation of opinions which he (I) disbelieves".  There ARE consequences to actions. 

Several of my colleagues on KSFO agree, and we intend to network this message as best we can throughout the state.  Lee Rodgers had already executed his Beck rights before the insult of the Prop 226 campaign.  Melanie Morgan informed AFTRA of her demands the day after the election.  Melanie was informed (after significant moaning) that she would have to resign from the union but continue to pay dues.  I have sent in my letter, and we are not only encouraging others to follow suit, but to do the following: 

• Formally (in writing) notify your union.
• If or when ANY union official or member threatens, intimidates, or attempts to mislead you, PLEASE notify us at the following address:

There are consequences to actions. 

Melanie, Lee, and I encourage any union member, who prior to the lies, obfuscation and b.s., was among the 67 percent who supported Prop 226 to do what we and a growing number of our fellow union members are doing.  Write your union.  Formally request that under the ruling of Communications Workers v. Beck you wish to exercise your Beck rights, and that you demand the following: 

• No portion of your union dues is to be applied to political purposes.
• A written statement of what portion of your dues is affected.
• Either a rebate for that portion of your dues applied to political purposes, or a credit on your next dues bill.