To the Editor:
In his letter of May 19 in the Laconia Daily Sun Martin Carney incorrectly claims that workers in Right-to-Work (RTW) states are worse off than those in forced unionization states. Actually they are better off.
First. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, average unemployment in the forced unionization states is 8.31%, in the 22 RTW states it is 7.95%. In addition, 13 of the 22 RTW states are significantly below the national average unemployment rate while only 13 of the 28 forced unionization states are below the national average. So, workers are more likely to find a job in a RTW state.
Second. Mr. Carney falsely claims that RTW states have a lower standard of living. In general RTW states offer an equal standard of living for less cost. For example, using Sperlings Best Places comparison of costs of living, Concord is about 17% more expensive than Houston, 23% more than Jacksonville, FL., 15% more than New Orleans, 1% more than Richmond, VA, 25% more than Tampa, FL, 30% more than Pierre, SD. Comparisons consider: housing, food, utilities, transportation, health, and miscellaneous costs.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that wages vary by state and occupation. Comparing NH to 5 randomly picked Texas jobs, two jobs paid a little more in Texas and three paid a little more in NH. Considering cost of living the Texas jobs would usually provide a significantly higher standard of living. Insurance underwriter, NH- $64,430, TX- $63,080. Computer Analyst, NH- $76,510, TX $81,460. Sales Managers, NH $117,750, TX$113,900. Registered Nurses, NH $63,340, TX- $66,180. Tellers, NH- $25,680, TX- $23,700.
Third. Information from the US Commerce Department shows that from 2000 to 2010, personal income growth in RTW states averaged 24.3%, in forced unionization states it averaged 10.9%.
Fourth. According to the Commerce Department, the US lost 3.66 million private sector jobs from 2000 to 2010. Nevertheless, private sector employment in RTW states gained by 0.3% while private sector employment fell on average 5.5% in forced unionization states.
Fifth. PHH Fantus, the nation’s longtime leader in business relocation, reported that at least half of all businesses looking to expand or relocate start their search by crossing off states that don’t have Right-to-Work laws.
To me the more important issue is personal liberty, it is wrong to force people to pay a third party just to get or keep a job. New Hampshire’s Right-to-Work bill, HB 474, provides that personal liberty without affecting people who want to be in a union. Evidence shows that Right-to-Work states provide liberty, choice, and greater worker benefits. Right-to-Work is a win-win-win for workers.
But, Governor Lynch sided with union bosses over workers and vetoed the Right-to-Work bill. New Hampshire’s Legislature must over-ride Governor Lynch’s veto.
Don Ewing
Meredith, NH
