Workers need law’s support

Workers need to be able to bargain collectively. The state Legislature just gutted a bill that would have allowed child care workers to unionize so they could collectively bargain for better rates (“Bargaining plan becomes a study,” April 14).

Spokane’s state Sen. Chris Marr and Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown both supported the bill. Sen. Brown was correct when she said, as the article stated, that an organized work force would mean better conditions for caregivers and children.

As this economic climate worsens, workers need to be on stronger footing with their employers. Our unemployment rate is now in double digits in Spokane County. Workers need more power in the workplace by being able to unionize and join hands with one another so they can improve wages and working conditions.

The Spokane Community Bill of Rights for workers in the workplace, including prohibiting employers from interfering with unionizing efforts. This is greatly needed.

Mark Roders

Spokane