Re: The value of unions is waning, Off the Notepad, June 17, 2011.
I read Erin Cardone’s column on unions with interest considering it was my view when I was as young and naïve as her.
Many people’s knowledge of unions is derived through a few tidbits of informational hype printed in newspapers, and her column furthers that stereotype.
The truth, as with anything, is far more complex. Unions are simply workers speaking together as one voice with leaders elected from within to speak for the group.
While it is not a perfect system, it certainly beats the alternative. In the non-union world it is a fallacy that hard work has anything to do with job security. The bottom line in business is always more profit and everyone’s replaceable.
You work hard, the company does cutbacks and in two weeks you have lost your job, and possibly your house and car as well.
The company then turns around and hires someone at half your previous salary simply because they can.
Lara Allsopp
Langford
