I understand why labor unions were formed.

At their best, unions arose to address real abuses, unsafe working conditions, unfair wages, and the enormous imbalance of power between individual workers and large employers. Their original purpose was important, necessary, and often honorable.

But I also believe that, in many modern cities and industries, the system has lost its balance.

I grew up watching my father operate a small business. I saw firsthand how difficult it was to meet payroll, manage rising costs, comply with regulations, resolve disputes, and keep the doors open. Small-business owners are often portrayed as though they are powerful corporations with limitless resources. Most are nothing of the sort. They are individuals risking their savings, working long hours, employing members of their communities, and carrying enormous personal responsibility.

When unions impose additional costs, rigid requirements, unnecessary grievances, and prolonged litigation on those businesses, the consequences are real. Money that could have been used to hire another employee, improve the workplace, expand operations, or simply survive another difficult month is instead spent on attorneys, administrative proceedings, penalties, and conflict.

Having litigated against unions and defended businesses against claims I believed were frivolous or excessive, my perspective is not theoretical. I have seen how the process itself can become punishment, even where the underlying claim is weak.

Supporting employees and supporting small businesses should not be mutually exclusive. Workers deserve fair treatment, safe conditions, and lawful compensation. But small-business owners also deserve fairness, proportionality, and protection from systems that can be weaponized against them.

My position is simple: I am pro-worker, but I am also unapologetically pro–small business. And when union power harms the very businesses that create local jobs and sustain communities, I will stand with the small-business owner.