I wish to respond to an attack against me by WINS in relation to a recent Newsleter.
Recently I was provided this message from a representative of Colorado WINS regarding my most recent Newsletter: IMPORTANT NOTICE. Here is the entire response, unedited:
This is a ploy put out by a group that calls themselves “colorado loses.” Following the elections, a group of anti-union state employees, working closely with the Independence Institute (a conservative think-tank), formed this group in hopes of spreading anti-union feelings across the state.
Although there are states that have “fair-share fees,” meaning even non-members have to pay a percentage of the dues since they reap the same rewards of a collective bargaining agreement as members, Colorado is not one of those states. Colorado WINS is an “open-shop” union, meaning anyone can join or not join by their own choice. Nobody is “forced to pay dues,” as this email says, although we will continue to encourage employees to join to strengthen your power as an organization.
These emails are similar to junk mail that you might get on your personal email, and they are a joke. The people who put out these emails will stretch the truth any way they can to push their own agenda. Only emails from the Governor’s office or Colorado WINS itself will give an honest description of your organization.
I’m disappointed that this email is being circulated, but we have to realize that there will always be a force working against you in anything you do.
Thanks for the heads up,
Justin Parker
719-320-3419
My response:
1. Colorado Loses was not started by “a group of anti-union state employees…” It was started by ME and me alone. I am Colorado Loses. There are about 200 people who are interested in what I say, but I am solely responsible for all the content.
2. I do NOT work closely with the Independence Institute. They did not HELP me create Colorado Loses. Yes, I have had correspondence with a couple of I.I. people, but that is all. They do not provide funding, only moral support.
3. ‘Nobody is “forced to pay dues,”’ That is true…at THIS TIME non union members are not being forced to pay dues. At THIS TIME we are an open shop. I am only showing where other states have been forced to pay once the union was in place. In FACT…the latest NOTICE I sent only related a decision by the US Supreme Court to allow the Maine state employees’ union to force non union members to pay “fair-share fees,” and I was only sharing that with others as a warning. Trust me…it is coming here once WINS is fully established.
4. I did not send that notice as “junk mail.” It was sent to a select group of about 200 people who have requested that I keep them informed. (My junk mail is being sent later) J
5. Notice how they attack me calling me a liar: ”Only emails from the Governor’s office or Colorado WINS itself will give an honest description of your organization.” I have had people who have attended WINS meetings tell me that the issue of forcing everyone to pay dues had been discussed.
6. [One WINS person] also said this: ”I’m disappointed that this email is being circulated, but we have to realize that there will always be a force working against you in anything you do.” Why? What are they afraid of? The potential of truth getting out? Of real questions being asked? I don’t care if you (or anyone else) want to join a union. Go ahead. Just keep ME out of it. I don’t WANT to join. Don’t force me to join and don’t force me to pay ANY kind of dues.
David Ohmart
The Biggest Loser
You don’t seem to understand fair share. Unions win benefits above what employees could win on their own. This is a provable fact and if you don’t care for your fellow employees any more than the possible few dollars a month fair share or Union dues could cost you, then you must be a lonely person.
In Maine we have fair share because it has been ruled legal because the benefits of a Union have been proved over and over up to the Supreme Court.
Allow the State to leave you out of raises, benefits, seniority, and negotiated work rules so that you are always the first to be laid off and the last to get a raise and I could support your argument. I am certain that like Maine your Union is obligated to represent you and be your bargaining agent. I bet you don’t like unfunded mandates either, well neither do dues paying members appreciate free riders, unless you have a valid religious exemption you should be shamed that your selfishness outweighs your concern for your fellow employees.
I am certain, that like Maine fee payers you take the raises, take the benefits, and then complain.
Look beyond your own nose at the original Union, the Union of states that is the USA. We pay taxes, we are strong.
TANSTAAFL
I have been a state employee for over 26 years. I voted against Colorado WINS, and have no intention of joining that organization. They do not speak for me. From the looks of the vote, they do not speak for the majority of state employees because a significant number did not return their ballots. I have a sinking feeling that many of them thought that not returning the ballot was the same as a “no” vote. Unfortunately, we are now doomed to deal with Colorado WINS.
Why should Colorado State Employees support SEIU and all of their corrupt partners. Take a look at news archives, these are criminals trying to take a cut of your paycheck. These crooks are too busy trying to keep up their mob contacts. Colorado Wins is in it for the employees, their own employees and the organized crime cartels that organized them.
I do not want labor unions telling me what and what not to do. I don’t want any of my hard-earned dollar being contributed to a political party that the union chooses. Labor unions have destroyed more local businesses & industries (Ex. the big three, General Motors, Chrysler & Ford) or at least driven them out of the United States. I have enough confidence in myself that I do not want any labor union to represent me.
I the union is so great why is it that when the Rocky Mountain Steel Mill in Pueblo went on strike it was after a majority of members who VOTED approved the contract? NOT the majority of members eligible. Conversely to get the union in Colorado it only took a majority of Votes recieved but not a majority of employees eligible to vote!!!! Also, if unions are so great why is it that when a strike does occur the only ones who don’t miss a paycheck are the UNION BOSSES????