The SF Chronicle recently published a letter from a reader who wrote that the “Right to Work” movement –that advocates the ability of workers to take the benefits derived from union collective bargaining agreements without paying union dues — was freedom. He argued that being forced to pay union dues deprived workers of their freedom not to pay. But there is no “right to work.” It can’t be found in our constitutions, Federal or State. If there were such a “right”, there would be no involuntary unemployment. That’s not how freedom works.

With some exceptions, like anti-discrimination laws that are irrelevant here, employers are free to employ whomever they choose. Through collective bargaining agreements employers can agree to employ people upon the condition that they pay union dues. Workers are free to seek employment elsewhere if they don’t like such terms or conditions.That’s how freedom works under a capitalist system that is based upon labor contracts.

Historically job seekers have preferred employment at union shops because the terms and conditions of employment are superior to non-union workplaces. But achieving better terms and conditions of employment has a price. If an employee cheats on a time card we all recognize that as theft from the employer. Failing to pay dues in exchange for receiving the benefits of a collective bargaining agreement is not freedom. It too is theft, and it’s not okay because you’re only stealing from your co-workers.