Posted on 02/19/2011 4:04:42 PM PST by RobertClark
Last summer, unions spent an estimated $10 million on the Democratic primary in Arkansas in a failed attempt to defeat then-Senator Blanche Lincoln. It was $10 million worth of their members’ dues that was wasted. Unions did not waste their members’ money because Blanche Lincoln opposed higher wages or better benefits. Union bosses wasted their members’ money because Blanche Lincoln fell out of union bosses’ favor for not by backing the job-killing Employee Free Choice Act (aka card-check).
On the mid-terms, unions spent hundreds of millions on voter registration, campaign donations, TV ads, manpower and GOTV efforts. Nearly all of that money went to union-bought Democrats.
In 1988, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that union members who object to having their union dues spent on politics can get a refund for the portion of their dues used for politics. Since then, however, many union members have found the process of getting their dues refunds an burdensome process.
This week, at CPAC, Republican Saul Anuzis (a former member of the Teamsters) announced the launch of a new website specifically designed to give union members assistance in getting refunds for the portion of their dues used on politics. It is not “anti-union,” it is a site with one purpose—to help union members who do NOT want their dues money used on politics, regardless of party.
The site is UnionRefund.org
According to UnionRefund.org:
UnionRefund.org is NOT a political action organization. It is not tied to any political party. It does not run candidates for election, and it does not financially support or endorse candidates. It neither opposes nor endorses legislation.
UnionRefund.org is a project designed to help educate, organize and assist union members nationwide in exercising their “Beck rights” as set forth by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Imagine how better off this country could be if union members’ money wasn’t being used to elect politicians who care more for serving their union masters then serving all Americans.
Take a look at UnionRefund.org and send it along to those union members who may not want their money used supporting candidates and causes that are bringing the nation to its knees.
_________________
“I bring reason to your ears, and, in language as plain as ABC, hold up truth to your eyes.” Thomas Paine, December 23, 1776
I will preface my methods by stating that I am in no way affiliated with this organization. I am a freedom loving conservative activist. I came across a court decision from 1988 that allows union members to not contribute to any activities that do not directly impact their employment such as political, social, or charitable contributions. In digging further, I realized that a group exists that is helping union members obtain refunds of portions of their dues that have been spent on these items, and opt out of future political contribution, thus reducing their dues and the union's political coffers. It is called UnionRefund.org. UnionRefund.org is a special project of the Cornerstone Foundation, which is a 501(c)(3). UnionRefund.org is NOT a political action organization. UnionRefund.org is a project designed to help educate, organize and assist union members nationwide in exercising their “Beck rights” as set forth by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Naturally, unions do not want members to know about their right to obtain refunds and opt-out of future political spending. They have done a very good job of keeping it quiet. My motivation is to starve the union pig of political funds. In today's economy, the opportunity to gain a refund of partial union dues and lessen their future payments is very inviting to most people. This group will allow them to go online, with a few clicks generate the demand letter for a refund and calculate the amount owed - all in under a few minutes. Once on the site, it is irresistible to union members.
I need help in spreading the word about the site through forums, local ads, ANYTHING that will potentially get union members to find this group. The more funds we can pull from the union's coffers, the better off we all are. I invite you to check it out for yourself and if so inclined, help starve the union beast.
We need to stop paycheck deductions for union dues as well. Let the union pass their own hat around.
In WA state, the courts recently ruled that the teachers’ unions cannot withhold the portion of the dues that is used for political purposes and then force the teachers to apply for a refund.
Washington and Oregon both did. All other states that are not listed as ‘Right to Work States’ (outlined on UnionRefund.org) can request refunds.
Robert, I have been working on this for years, but have not gotten the backing from someone really important. Like Glenn Beck. I wrote, but there has been no interest yet. In Calif, I have helped some teachers get back dues money. There are attorneys prepared to defend them. If you have some definite plans that can get this done, I would be prepared to leave my regular business interests and take on this quest with you.
Get your money back, BUMPS!!!
NEA takes over $100/month out of wife's pay. She requested the part of her dues used for political purposes refunded; signed the paper; and got back 15 dollars grand total from close to the $1500 she payed the entire year. If you attempt to do more, you won't be a teacher for very long, no joke the reality.
Many people live in dreamland, then others have careers, family, & responsibilities.
Getting a lot of people involved to get the preliminary information about Unionrefund.org out to as many people as possible is a good first step. I need involved people to spread it through emails, forums, chat rooms, social networks, and other technologies. Combine this with posting ads in print, signage at rallys, signage near union employers, highway exits, etc. Handing out business card sized print to instruct people to go to unionrefund.org. Grassroots involvement will get the ball rolling. From there, I have some ideas. Freepmail me.
I far from live in dreamland. I operated a union shop in KC. In two years time, I dropped the union contract, offered all existing employees positions without union affiliation (most took them, some didn't). I increased the bottom line significantly and instituted profit sharing and efficiency rewards for all employees - productivity went through the roof, everyone's earnings increased year over year.
I know how unions operate. The important part in asserting your Beck rights is to have a third party request the accounting information prior to submitting the refund requests. It is important to examine the books of the unions and hold them to the results when it comes time to issue refunds.
They sent your wife $15 to say they did and get rid of her. What were the total political contributions from the union over the past three years - divide by the number of members. The refunds cannot be less than that baseline.
For too long, the NEA and AFT used the teachers' need for insurance to hold them hostage to the Democrats' legislative agenda through dues deduction.
Then, Professional Educator organizations cropped up and began to offer the insurance and much better professional benefits without the Far Left strings and compulsory dues attached.
At the same time you publicized dues refunds, align with the Professional Educator groups and increase their ranks. The nation's children will be better off for it, and the community organizer will lose some of his clout in the largest union in America.
Years ago a union representative visited the shop where my husband worked at a nuclear facility.
the men were all asked to sign a form to allow automatic payroll deductions to support the union PAC fund.
My husband refused telling the rep that he would support the candidates of his choice. The rep threatened his job.
My husabnd contacted then Sen. Strom Thurmonds office and the bottome line was the man was not authorized to be on the plant property and such actions as he had taken were illegal and could result in a fine and or prison sentence. The rep was barred for life from the plant for any reason whatsoever.
My husband also filed a complaint in the EO office at the plant and they were all over it as well, assuring my husband that he was right in filing charges against the union.
Following that, at a union meeting the men were again asked to sign the forms but my husband was told that did not include him.
You have to stand up to these thugs.
About 15 years back, I wanted the wife out of the NEA; we've been reg Repubs our entire lives together. I sure had my eyes opened how the system works. If you are a teacher/NEA member and want to quit the union; you are blackballed. The entire staff, administration, ect begins to line up against you. How do we get rid of this troublemaker, ruin her career, and basically get her fired or kicked out of teaching. No joke. My wife looked into it, had me call another Repub active here in Alaska. Now this lady was well known to conservatives here. She told me not to even go there. Said she did and they drove her out of education. I was shocked but heard actually it was true. So my wife said, If you want me to quit teaching, I'll quit the NEA and we will see what occurs. Sorry, but I then said no way, you are a great teacher, luv teaching, and have been at it many years. So that was the end of my talk about the wifey quitting the NEA, ha ha. Those SOB's grate me to no end, I burn all those NEA todays that come in the mail, but understand only time will change those problems.
The wife thinks all those Wisc teachers should face disciplinary action over calling in sick.
I also have my teaching cert, but not currently teaching. I've seen so many ultra lefty dem NEA members, but also conservative teachers too. I have been good friends with some until they figure out how conservative we are; friends no more after that, kinda sad & crazy when many are good decent people too;;;; just completely wrong on their world view, ha.
In 2007 NY stopped automatic withdrawal for union dues and union dues dropped immediately. They reimplemented the withdrawals again with in 18mos. The elected officials aren’t working for us.
Should call it the “How to get your tires slashed and life threatened because you dont support commie unions”.
There are horror stories about steelworkers who tried this and what happened to them.
Unions are thugs and mobsters.Plain and simple.
I posted this on my Facebook account yesterday.
This is a good move and it is sure to drive the union leadership crazy. I know that there are many union members that hate what their unions support politically.
Sounds like more light needs to be shed on the unions and the NEA.
20 years ago, it was difficult to fight back. Shining the light on them would involve citizen reporting, getting the attention of our champions on the right. Breitbart, Beck Rush, Fox news.
Getting video and audio recordings are essential.
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