Questions have come up recently whether MSEC continues to support Amendment 47. We do. While MSEC appreciates removal of the four union poison pill initiatives, MSEC was not a party to the agreement leading to that result. Consequently, as has been our position all along, we encourage everyone to gauge each amendment on its own merits. You can find the text of the Amendment and the Voter's Guide setting forth the arguments in favor and against at www.msec.org.

Amendment 47, Colorado's "Right-to-Work" initiative, is good for employers and employees. The initiative states that no worker would be required to join a union or pay union dues, fees, assessments or other charges of any kind to a labor union as a condition of employment. Currently, most union contracts in Colorado require employees to pay dues or, alternatively, an "agency fee" to the union or face termination of employment. Even if the employees do not agree with the positions of the union, they must pay union fees or face discharge. Right-to-Work makes this illegal. Rather, under Right-to-Work, employee free choice governs. Employees are free to pay dues to the union if they desire, but they are just as free to decide not to pay dues or fees.

As an employers association, representing the interests of employers, MSEC has consistently supported Right-to-Work legislation for more than thirty years. Right-to- Work not only benefits employees but also employers. Right-to-Work states have superior job growth and overall strength in their economy compared to non-Right-to- Work states.

Anyone desiring to join in the support of Right-to-Work should go to www.abettercolorado.com. Please feel free to contact MSEC's Labor Relations Department with any questions about Right-to-Work.