A controversial legislative trend in the U.S. today is the so-called “yes means yes” law, which requires expressions of affirmative consent during every amorous encounter.

The idea falls flat in real life when you smile and reach out for your date’s hand on a Saturday night, not thinking to make her sign a contract first. On the other hand, affirmative consent is a very sensible notion for a worker entering a long-term relationship with an organization that aspires to represent him in all things related to his job. Most workers think they at least deserve a say in that decision — most unions do not agree.