(Organized labor is very carefully watching the behind-the-scenes effort to place a right-to-work measure on the statewide ballot in Michigan next year. To battle that effort, the Michigan AFL-CIO and its affiliated unions are taking the pre-emptive step of educating members about what passage of a right-to-work law would mean to our state).

Every once in a while, every union member should take a minute to reflect on the real advantages of having a union in their workplace. Those advantages have a positive effect for the individual and society in general. Unions raise the standard of living through better wages, affordable health benefits, pensions, and workplace safety standards.

Even basic things like lunch breaks, vacations, sick days and holidays were originally secured through union contracts.

The union advantage in our communities is clear. Union members earn on average 28% more than non-union workers. 81% of union members have job-related health coverage, while only 50% of non-union workers do. 72% of union members have a guaranteed, defined benefit pension, compared to only 15% of non-union workers.

Unfortunately, there are those both in Michigan and from outside our state who want to dismantle all that unions have gained for workers. This past spring, bills were introduced in the State House and Senate that are know as "Right to Work" bills.

These bills are part of a big business plan to break and bankrupt unions. If they can't pass their bills in 2007, they will fund a ballot initiative in 2008. Under so called "Right-to-Work" laws, unions are forced to use their resources and member's dues dollars to represent workers who refuse to pay dues.

You owe it to yourself to get the real facts on Right to Work....

• Workers in right to work states earn less than workers in other states, about $5900 a year less;
• The percentage of families without health insurance is 20% higher in right to work states;
• The maximum weekly workers' compensation benefit is 25% less in right to work states;
• In 2000, the infant mortality rate in right to work states was 17% higher.

I hope when the time comes, you will stand with your union and oppose anyone who proposes making our great state a "right to work state." We have faced powerful business interests in the past, but when workers band together we will win.