I am a union member, but I do not believe in the Employee Free Choice Act, Senate Bill 1041. It forces a company “appropriate for a union” (what does appropriate mean?) to become a union in as little as 130 days. My organization is not hiring, cutting back personnel and realigning operations. I like my job and benefits, but do not make companies go union.

“Propagandists mask Free Choice Act facts” (Feb. 5) mentions union members earn 30 percent more than non-union and are 59 percent more likely to have health benefits and 72 percent more likely to have pensions. This also equates into 60-80 percent of the companies’ costs. No room for investment, stock dividends or adjustments for gas, etc. Our pension is mostly based on Social Security and our 401(k), not the old system based on years.

If we unionize places like Wal-Mart and Home Depot, those that keep their jobs will make more, but for those who rely on them there will be no rollback of prices. Do you honestly think companies, i.e., manufacturing, will stay in this country? They are already leaving due to labor costs with or without unions. Ultimately it will drive up the cost of everything we do.

Steven Skreenock

Rathdrum