Hill: Protecting the secret ballot: one step forward for Mississippi workers and taxpayers

Below is a political opinion column by Justin Hill:

According to SB 2849, companies that accept the economic incentives of taxpayers must support the right of employees to a private ballot.

Mississippians appreciate the right to vote freely and without coercion. Whether you throw a ballot for local officials or national leaders, the ability to make a private decision without intimidation is a fundamental right. The same principle should apply to the workplace when employees take into account and vote on trade union representation and whether or not trade unionization. Protecting the right of a worker to a secret ballot refers to fairness, confidentiality and assurance of unjustified pressure, influence or intimidation.

One of the biggest threats to the private vote of a worker is the “card verification” system, which allows the trade union efforts to simply advance by public collection of employees’ signatures. The process exposes the workers to peer pressure to the workplace, in the simple vision of their colleagues and even sometimes includes visits to their homes by union representatives who seek their signatures. However, a secret voting vote protects employees from external influence and allows them to make the knowledge of the voting stand.

Southern states stand together to defend the rights of workers

SB 2849Sponsored by the state senator Josh Kharkins, positions Mississippi along with his neighbors in the south – Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia – in defending all the rights of workers to a private vote. These states have taken measures to ensure that the taxpayers’ dollars do not subsidize the coercive trade union tactics. By joining them, Mississippi strengthens their commitment to the correctness, the protection of workers and the responsible use of public funds.

Mississippi is prepared for significant Economic growth, especially in the manufacturing and car industry. With major extensions of the site on the horizon, now is the time to strengthen a favorable environment that respects the rights of workers. This legislation sends a powerful message to private employers: If you invest in Mississippi, we will protect your employees right to vote private and without constraint.

Currently, 7.2% of Mississippi’s private sector employees are syndicated. This means that the vast majority of workers could face aggressive trade union campaigns in the coming years. This legislation ensures that these workers have the same protectors as voters in any other elections – without intimidation or unjustified influence. Governor Mississippi, Tate Reeves joined to other South State rulers to support workers’ protection and to strengthen the case for this measure. In addition, the national coverage from CNBC highlights the increasing importance of secret ballots in trade union votes.

Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee All have signed the landmark legislation that protects the confidentiality of workers and access to deprived votes. Governor Alabama, Kay Ivey supported her positionstating that “she stands for Alabami and protects our jobs.” Mississippi would not be alone – this is a south move to protect the rights of workers and one that other states in the country should implement.

Keep the right to a private vote

As administrators of the taxpayer’s resources, Mississippi parliamentarians must ensure that the state incentives are managed responsibly. According to SB 2849, companies that accept the economic incentives of taxpayers must support the right of employees to a private ballot. By supporting this protection, Mississippi and its southern neighbors ensure that companies receive public incentives only if their employees can vote for union -free elections.

In addition, this measure forbids the “neutral agreements”, which can unfairly prevent employers from sharing information with their workers. Employees deserve the right to hear both sides of the problem, rather than to present only the perspective and the union speech points. Transparency is essential for workers to make known decisions about their future.

This legislation applies only for future economic incentives and efforts to organize unions. It does not have an impact on existing unions, current economic stimulation agreements or subcontractors. Respecting this law is simple and does not conflict with the federal labor regulations. When a similar law has been challenged in ArizonaThe courts confirmed the state’s right to protect the secret voting process.

I urge Mississippi legislators to support SB 2849. This landmark legislation retains the integrity of the voting process, ensures that the taxpayers are used responsibly and support the values ​​of correctness and freedom that define Mississippi. Let’s take this step forward and reaffirm our commitment to protect workers and companies alike.

Justin Hill

Justin Hill is president of the Council of Counselors for Nonprofit workers for opportunities and is a former representative of the Missouri state.

– article credit for Justin Hill, for Magnolia Tribune –