ABOUT SAME SEX COVERAGE
In commenting on extending health care coverage to same-sex couples (July/August Solidarity) UAW President Stephen P. Yokich said that "every American is entitled to health care."

What about heterosexual couples that live together? Can a man get medical benefits for his girlfriend? What about employees whose parents live with them?

The best way to prove two people are sharing a committed relationship is a marriage license.

John J. Kujat
UAW Local 900 member
Wayne, Mich.

Same-sex marriages or unions are not a legal option in most states. But if they become legal, the partners will have to form such a union within six months to keep their benefit coverage under these negotiated plans.

OBJECTS TO PROTECTIONISM
By adhering to a protectionist approach to trade, our unions are identified with the very right-wing, anti-labor forces in the country who are our worst enemies.

In so doing, we are alienating our liberal and prolabor allies in Congress and the country. The 21st century is the global century, and labor must begin to think in global terms.

Just as international business has created the structures to manage the global economy, labor must take similar steps.

It is time for the strong unions of the U.S., Europe, Japan and Canada to organize a world federation of labor with representation from every country that is a member of the WTO. Labor cannot be in a position of opposing free trade and the interests of workers in other countries.

While these workers, at present, are a threat to our jobs and wage standards, they are also potential allies in future struggles with our employers at home.

Milt Reverby
UAW Local 2179 retiree
Boca Raton, Fla

SHARING SOLIDARITY
While in waiting rooms of doctors, I leave my copies of Solidarity with the usual magazines. This is a good way to get our message out.

W.B. Gregory
UAW Local 696 retiree
De Leon Springs, Fla.

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