Unions deserve more credit

Sat., May 9, 2015

I was on the golf course with two close friends a few days ago. They began berating unions and union membership. Did not have one good word to say. I declined to get involved in the discussion.

When at home, I began to consider what unions have helped achieve over the years for the middle class laborer. In large part, union negotiators can be given credit for the 40-hour workweek, overtime pay, vacations, holidays, sick leave, pensions, occupational safety laws, etc. These are perks we all now take for granted, especially the union-bashers.

Unions are not perfect, but deserve much more credit than they are given. Has anyone made the connection between people working two part-time jobs at $8 to $10 an hour with no benefits, and the dramatic drop in union membership? There’s an obvious connection. Think about it.

Dale Anderson

Spokane

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