By Bill Jones

– I’ve been a corrections officer at Lancaster County Prison for 24 years.

I’ve been attacked by inmates. I’ve had urine and feces thrown at me by inmates. I have to be tested for HIV regularly. Every day I’m exposed to hepatitis, MRSA and other diseases. I’ve had to break up fights and confiscate homemade weapons. I’m the guy that keeps these violent offenders away from you and your kids. And I’m the guy so-called “paycheck protection” bills HB 1507 and SB 1304 are attacking.

Membership and political deductions are voluntary and negotiated. We were not able to negotiate political contributions at my job. So, I write out a check or come up with the cash because I want elected officials to have my back and make sure my high-risk job is as safe as possible. And I want my community to be as safe as possible.

Union members are proud public service workers. We take care of your elderly parents. We take care of your children while you’re at work. We plow your roads in sub-zero weather. We keep violent criminals off the street. For many of us, when our families watch us go to work, they can’t be sure if we will come home.

My union is an advocate for my rights and protection at work. Collective bargaining helps workers and employers find safe and cost-effective solutions. This legislation would place unnecessary hardships on my union and silence our political voice. It’s time to call this what it really is: union-busting.

Bill Jones

Corrections Officer
Lancaster, Pa.

Source: http://lancasteronline.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/paycheck-bill-is-union-busting-law/article_174e38fc-9f36-11e3-babf-001a4bcf6878.html?mode=jqm