After Freedom Foundation’s National Canvassing Director Dustin James reported that Spanish-speaking union represented workers were being taken advantage of, I knew I had to go down and see it for myself.
California Coordinator Fatima Parra Rebolledo and I are both fluent in Spanish and knew we could bridge the language barrier, so we planned to make a trip down to UC San Diego, a remarkably beautiful campus.
The reception at UCSD was remarkably positive with various workers — union members and nonmembers — alike happy to engage in dialogue with us.
The sunny beach vibes paired with a beautiful campus gave an atmosphere of delight in the work that we do. It was a stark contrast with UCLA, where union stooges are trying to dictate to their members.
As a team, we were able to talk with various workers across the AFSCME and Teamsters unions. One notable discovery Fatima made was that Spanish-speaking AFSCME members were told they would not have union representation without paying dues.
This isn’t true. In return for being recognized as the exclusive voice for a given group of workers, unions like AFSCME agree to represent everyone — including nonmembers — equally. Even after opting out, you’re still entitled to the same union benefits.
But that doesn’t stop union leaders from fearmongering just to keep the dues flowing.
They’re willing to violate an individual’s rights and actively target a vulnerable populations to keep their numbers high.
If you already didn’t like these unions, now you have reason to despise them.
The Freedom Foundation will continue to inform every school, city, county and state employee of their right to opt out of union membership, even in other languages, because we know when they are informed, they’re empowered to take action.
