Caregivers shouldn't owe union dues

As a care provider for my head-injured son, I receive limited compensation from the state of Illinois, which is used for his financial support.

When my son qualified for state aid (assisted home living), the union did not offer assistance nor participate in the application process in any way. I was not even aware of the union's existence at that time until it was time to pay monthly dues.

The union's contract with the state to represent home care workers should cover workers who voluntarily choose to join on an individual basis.

In other words, you should not be obliged to join nor pay union dues. That should be my choice. I do not belong to the union.

In my opinion, the union wants a closed-shop labor contact with the state without concern for my rights as an independent home care provider, but they still want compulsory union dues payable every month.

The state should not be responsible for collecting union dues. This is a function between the union and its members.

Ronald Palmer

Elk Grove Village