I'm very glad the court ruled as it did. Now, if I could just figure out how to begin the process to change my state (Missouri) to a "right to work" state things would be great.

I used to work for a company that was unionized. Because I was in a very small office and was part-time (and because the headquarters were in a "right to work state") I was not forced to join a union (asked but I opted out -- adamantly). But, I can recall a number of very qualified people that came through our office to apply for driving positions and then turned and walked out the door when they learned the drivers were unionized and they would be required to join up within a certain amount of time after becoming employed there.

I still don't get it. In this day and age, with the oversight in place regarding worker rights and safety, and with an abundance of lawyers on every corner willing to defend an individual's rights if they be violated, why would any hardworking American want to join up with unions whose very beginnings were seeded from socialism and who exact high dues from their members for representation that is sketchy at best. American workers have to sacrifice too much of their hard-earned dollars to taxes, ever-increasing living costs, and medical and insurance needs. Wouldn't they be benefited even more if they could keep those union dues in their own budgets to feed, clothe, and provide for their families?

Personally, I have an advocate, that is Christ, who is more than able to effect change when it's needed. And, I try to live by the biblical principle that once you go to work for a company or employer at an agreed-upon wage and for agreed-upon benefits, it is at that which you should expect. If that employer finds your work beneficial to him/her and chooses to increase your wages or give you added benefits, then more the blessing. If the working conditions or environment become unsafe or unbearable or the employer/employee relations degrades, then both are free to quit the agreement.