Proposal 2 to protect collective bargaining rights for public sector employees is not a one-sided worker argument. Passage of Proposal 2 provides the mechanism for public sector workers to protect their professional training -- not just wages -- from getting cut.
Training aids in law enforcement and education. It enhances the skill sets of public sector employees who interact with our children by ensuring that those who educate and protect our communities have the proper know-how.
As a father, a grandfather and a law enforcement leader, I urge you to vote YES on Proposal 2 on Tuesday, November 6 (or do so when you participate in early voting).
Many law enforcement leaders from across Michigan support Proposal 2. Watch this commercial where I join with other law enforcement leaders.
Collective bargaining gives workers a voice. It allows public sector employees to get the equipment and training necessary to carry out their duties.
Proposal 2 grants both public and private employees the state constitutional right to organize and collectively bargain through labor unions. It will invalidate existing or future state or local laws that limit the ability to join unions and bargain collectively (such as so-called right-to-work laws), and to negotiate and enforce collective bargaining agreements, including employees financial support of their labor unions.
Unions and collective bargaining have protected the working people and the citizens and consumers they serve. In American history, we know this was a battle to earn the right to fight for safe working conditions, work hours, professional training, health care and retirement. We should not allow these rights to be taken away.
Honoring the right to collectively bargain protects the community.
In Wayne County, Proposal 2 is on the second page of the General Election ballot along with other initiatives up for a vote this year. View your ballot online.
According to the independent Citizens Research Council:
Proposal 2012-02 would allow parties engaged in public sector collective bargaining (employees and governmental employers) to argue that the right to collective bargaining supersedes all laws that can be judged to abridge, impair, restrict, or limit the rights of public employees to organize for the purpose of collective bargaining... In essence, public sector employees and employers could bring any issue up for negotiation.
Your vote counts! Your voice is important to the future of Michigan and Wayne County. Vote Tuesday, November 6, whether you agree with my views or not.
Many people around the world continue to fight for their right to vote. People of color and women fought and sacrificed for the right to vote here in America. Don't waste this opportunity to share your voice, and don't dishonor this right we possess.
When you do vote, I encourage you to vote YES on Proposal 2 and re-elect President Barack Obama.
You may add a voting reminder to your Outlook or Google calendar by clicking here.
I also respectfully ask your support in re-electing me as your Wayne County Sheriff.