Attack on the Middle Class

February 9, 2017 
By Neal Tepel, LaborPress Publisher

The introduction of a national “right to work” legislative bill by Steve King (R-Iowa) and Joe Wilson (R-South Carolina) is aimed at reducing the wages of American workers. The title and purpose of this legislation is clearly deceptive.

The goal  of this initiative is to increase earnings of business owners while limiting worker’s pay throughout the USA. King and Wilson should be ashamed at their attempt to not only take money from American workers but also deny millions of Americans the freedom to join labor organizations. The proof of their deception is in states where the campaign to pass so-called “right to work” has succeeded. Of the 10 poorest states, nine have the legislation, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

It also needs to be noted that Representative King’s bill to repeal the Davis-Bacon Act is a severe attack on the wages and living standards of millions of blue-collar workers. Davis-Bacon Act has helped to prevent government projects from driving down wages of workers while providing quality construction projects.

It is disappointing, though not surprising, that Representatives Wilson and King continue to show how out of touch they are with the needs of middle-class families. Congress should reject this attempt to push deceptive, harmful legislation aimed at tearing down American values and destroying our economy. Instead, energy should be focused on creating good, family-supporting jobs, and defending the middle class. These two pieces of legislation will only hurt the American worker.