Labor

I Celebrate Labor—Just Not Organized Labor

Unions do protect the jobs of existing workers and sometimes get them raises. But that protection kills jobs later.

John Stossel | 9.9.2026 1:45 PM

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(Stossel TV)

Did you celebrate labor last Monday, Labor Day?

I did.

But not organized labor.

At least I get to choose.

Organized labor isn't a fan of choice.

Joining CBS in NYC, I was told: "You must join—and pay dues to—SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of TV and Radio Artists)."

Why? I didn't want to. "I'm not an actor!" I complained.

"Too bad," they replied. "This is a union shop."

Today, outside New York, some things have changed for the better. Twenty-six states now have "right to work" laws that say unions may not force workers to join.

This is a good thing, because many union leaders reward themselves more than their members.

Some pad expense accounts using members' dues. Some fund lavish lifestyles.

Maryland union boss Kimberly Goodwin stole nearly $1,000,000 from........

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