Propositions 28 and 31 are the easiest ‘yes’ votes on the California ballot. They both benefit kids and workers, which makes sense; their proponents’ support for the ballot initiative makes that clear. The question in both propositions relates to the legality of an initiative to make the state’s workers’ compensation system a “right to work” arrangement. The question on Proposition 28 was written by Richard Rothstein of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It states:
Do you agree with Proposition 28, a ballot initiative to allow California public workers to form an association that would prohibit them from being forced to join a labor organization?
The proposition has a simple yes or no. Proposition 31 was drafted by the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, the state’s largest union.
Do you agree with Proposition 31, which would prohibit California public workers from joining, nor being compelled to join, any labor organization?
If you’re in California and you want to vote, here are the choices:
Yes on Prop 28: Vote yes on Proposition 28 to make the state’s workers’ compensation plan a “right to work” state.
Yes on Prop 31: Vote yes on Proposition 31 to prohibit California public workers from being compelled to join any labor organization.
No on Proposition 28: Vote no on Proposition 28 to make the state’s workers’ compensation system a “right to work” state.
No on Proposition 31: Vote no on Proposition 31 to prohibit California public workers from being compelled to join any labor organization.
Proposition 28 would permit California workers already covered by the worker’s compensation scheme to form an association to work to eliminate the program’s dependence on labor unions. Proposition 31 would prohibit California public workers from being forced to join any labor organization.
While Proposition 28 doesn’t mention the union-busting ballot initiative, this ballot measure would have the effect of creating a union-busting association to take on the unions. Proposition 31 would have the effect of prohibiting the union-busting association, the same way Proposition 28 would permit the association to take on the unions. It’s one more example of people voting on ballot initiatives.
The question posed in Proposition 35 had its origins in Proposition 31. If you