[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 86 (Friday, June 26, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1276-E1277]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                IN SUPPORT OF RIGHT-TO-WORK LEGISLATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HOWARD COBLE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 25, 1998

  Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, there is an issue that affects my 
constituents in North Carolina's Sixth District as well as all hard 
working citizens across America.
  It is important to remember that small businesses keep America 
strong. This Congress must be cognizant of the significant impact small 
business has on our economy. Congress should take the necessary steps 
to ensure that our economic system is not endangered by legislation 
that tightens compulsory unionism. I have always been a strong 
supporter of North Carolina's right-to-work laws. H.R. 59, which I 
cosponsored, would protect employees and employers throughout our 
nation from the economically-crippling effects of

[[Page E1277]]

compulsory unionism. Furthermore, this legislation would protect 
consumers and taxpayers from industry closures as well as increases in 
government operating costs.
  Freedom of choice is the heart of H.R. 59. The right to work means 
that a worker cannot be fired for not paying fees or dues to labor 
bosses. This issue relates directly to the First Amendment, which 
guarantees our freedom of association. If you do not wish to join an 
organization, the federal government should not force you to do so, at 
the risk of losing your job.
  Forcing workers to pay union dues as a condition of employment is 
morally wrong and economically wasteful. We must take steps to relieve 
employees and employers from the mandated union fees. H.R. 59 will aid 
America's small businesses