Anti-union columnist had it wrong; unions today more valuable than ever
The Sept. 28 anti-union editorial “Pro Act Doesn’t Address Labor Issues” by Sharon Delay was, at best, disingenuous.
While admitting that “Unions are historically important ... have contributed to many law changes ... resulting in improvements/protections,” she presents that as some historic fact unconnected to today’s reality.
In fact, unions are the only organization in existence for the sole purpose of representing/fighting for the rights of workers. It is, of course, unions that “brought us the weekend,” but also much more.
At the end of World War II, 35% of U.S. workers carried union cards. That figure has fallen to 7% today, but not on its own. From that time, when workers united in unions and won pensions, health care, better wages and, more important, dignity for working folks, corporations and politicians alike have rolled back worker protections, closed mills, threatened and/or fired workers who stood up, passed anti-worker “right-towork” bills, etc.
Passing the PRO Act (HR 842) would stop those corporate attacks on workers’ rights, restore the precious right to organize unions and greatly help all working families.
Today we hear the false narrative from some that “Unions were good in the ol’ days, but not needed today.”
Nothing could be more wrong.
Union workers make nearly 20% better wages, have real pensions, good health care, take pride in their work and have a say on their jobs. With COVID-19 endangering us all, especially public workers, and our communities needing economic help, unions are more important than ever.
Strong unions put spending money in workers’ pockets and strengthen our whole community. Today we need unions far more, not less, than ever.
Bruce Bostick, Ohio VP of Ohio ARA (Alliance for Retired Americans)