AFL-CIO joins with NRA in defending worker gun rights

Today's Tampa Tribune reported that the AFL-CIO has joined the National Rifle Association in supporting a proposed law to protect the gun rights of Florida workers. One of the leading opponents of gun rights in Florida is the state's Chamber of Commerce. Big business leaders feel that that employees should not have the right to keep and bear arms while traveling to and from work. http://tinyurl.com/2xuej3

By KEVIN BEGOS The Tampa Tribune
March 28, 2007

TALLAHASSEE - The issue was whether employees have the right to keep guns in their cars at work, and the National Rifle Association got help from an unexpected ally at a committee hearing Tuesday: the AFL-CIO labor union.

The business community strongly opposes the new NRA-supported legislation, but that's no surprise, said AFL-CIO spokesman Rich Templin, who said big businesswants sweeping new property rights.

"They're seeking to put the rights of dirt over the rights of people," Templin said. "They're seeking to say that the rights of Floridians stop at the boundaries of our property. People should not have to lose their rights simply to keep a job."

Templin said the labor group was motivated by situations in other states in which workers were fired for having union material in cars.

The Florida Chamber of Commerce and other business groups said the bill attacks their right to regulate behavior on private property. The bill sponsor is Sen. Durell Peaden, R-Crestview, and an identical House bill is sponsored by Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala.

Peaden said the right to bear arms is the core issue in the bill.

Chamber Executive Director Mark Wilson said the bill is the biggest assault on private property rights the Legislature has been asked to consider. He noted that for many years his group and the NRA were partners in fighting to limit government power.

"When the NRA sides with labor unions for bigger government, we have a problem," Wilson said.

Sen. Nancy Argenziano, R-Crystal River and Criminal Justice committee chairwoman, said businesses aren't the only ones with property rights.

"I think there's two property rights," Argenziano said, referring to the owner of a car and the owner of a parking lot. "I think it's a great bill."

The committee voted 7-1 to approve Peaden's bill, but with an amendment that requires the guns or other private material to be kept out of sight in the car.

The vote doesn't guarantee the bill will pass. Last year a similar bill passed initial committee stops, but it stalled later and was not brought to a full floor vote. http://www.tbo.com

A survey of union members would likely show strong support for the right to keep and bear arms among the rank and file. Let's hope that the AFL-CIO endorsement of the Florida gun rights bill is just the start of a long-term partnership between the NRA and labor.