I have spent the last 39 years of my life working. I have worked in the private sector, in the public sector, in non-union facilities and union shops. And I have seen the difference a collective bargaining agreement makes. Even in a right-to-work state like Virginia, workers can choose to form a union in their workplace if a simple majority of their co-workers agree.

Many corporations prefer weak unions because there’s no one to stop them from keeping wages low and treating workers poorly. A union can negotiate a contract between the company and the workers and bargain for things like fair wages, benefits, safety precautions and grievance procedures.

Unions protect your right to a voice on the job. Workers are stronger when we bargain collectively as a group. We have power in numbers.

Right-to-work laws are designed to weaken unions. If a workplace has a union, they are legally required to represent all workers in the facility, regardless of whether that person is a dues-paying member or not.

A right-to-work law states that the union cannot collect any type of fees from non-members to help cover the costs of negotiating their contract, administering their benefits or representing them in grievance procedures. This tends to drive a wedge between members and non-members, which is what the company wants.

There is no reason that this anti-worker law should be put in our Constitution. Amendment 1 is a petty political game and distraction from the real priorities that our legislators should be focused on.

Please vote “No” on Amendment 1 on Nov. 8. Virginia’s working families deserve better.

KERRI ROSS

New Kent County

With Election Day right around the corner, I can’t help but think about all that is at stake this year.

Working people know that the path to economic wealth starts with electing candidates who support a rising wage agenda. Donald Trump has a history of not paying workers at his properties. He outsources jobs at his own companies.

We can’t risk electing a candidate who puts his profits ahead of the needs of working families. Let’s vote to ensure working men and women get the support we deserve.

THELMA HUNT

Henrico County

The writer is a member of Communication Workers of America Local 2201.