State lawmakers attempting to destroy public unions

Arizona working families are under attack.

Last week, the Republican-controlled State Senate passed several bills in an effort to destroy public unions.

One bill would ban the practice of "release time," by which government employees are paid to do union work, including firefighters and police officers, who may be called on by the government in the case of a disaster.

Another bill would make it illegal for union dues to be automatically deducted from workers paychecks, making it more difficult for unions to receive funding.

These efforts are backed by Americans for Prosperity, a group supported by billionaire brothers David and Charles Koch, who called for its supporters to pressure lawmakers to pass the reforms, including the most damaging bill, SB 1485 — which would prohibit collective bargaining by all governments in Arizona. Without collective bargaining, unions that represent teachers, police officers and firefighters would cease to exist. Once again, the Republican Party has proved to be a big tent for billionaires and big business.

As a steelworker, I have benefited from collective bargaining for better wages, healthcare for my family and pension benefits. These are not luxuries. Teachers, police officers, and firefighters – those who educate and protect our children deserve better.