Four executive orders were issued by President Bush on February 17, 2001, which the Administration stated "are based on the principles of fair and open competition, neutrality in government contracting, effective and efficient use of tax dollars and the legal right of workers to be notified of how their dues may be used." Reacting to the reports, AFL – CIO President John Swenney issued a statement saying he was "appalled and outraged" by the decision to issue "four mean-spirited, anti-worker executive orders."
One order would require government contractors to notify employees of their rights under the U.S. Supreme Court's 1988 holding in Communications Workers v. Beck, 487 U.S. 735, "affirming the right of workers to be notified and object, if they so chose, to their union dues being used for purposes other than collective bargaining." Government contractors will be required to post notices informing union–represented workers of their rights under the Beck decision. A similar Executive order was signed in 1992 by the President's father, which was rescinded in early 1993 by former President Clinton.
Thanks for posting this. I knew Bush did something on Beck and Sweeney was squealing like a stuck pig. Shows what RATS are all about doesn't it?
Did you notice more than a few newbies on this thread outraged by Bush? I think they protest a little too much. The question for those of us who have fought this for years on FR and elsewhere is what to do now that is productive toward our goals, not to rant, rave, demoralize and tear down.
One thing I would like and Bush owes us is to spit out in clear language why he is doing this. No BS. If he feels he has to do it because of the war or he wants SCOTUS to decide or for any other reason, he should say so. What I don't want and will not accept is McCainical blather about "reform."