Universal health care

In response to the letter, “UAW can lead the way” (March-April Solidarity), I feel that union leadership needs to explain to the membership why universal health care may never become a reality. Perhaps one should take a walk down K Street in Washington and see how many lobbyists there are who would block this.

The sign, “Health care should be a right, not a privilege,” was displayed at the UAW’s 34th Constitutional Convention.

It’s time all union members band together to demand affordable health care coverage for all. What are we waiting for?

John Spaine
UAW Local 1720 president
Byron, Ill.

True solidarity

My wife and I are a union family and proud of it. But we’ve noticed a general disregard from members concerning their fellow unions.

I recently visited my local Michigan nurses association and found nonunion electricians working inside. I have several neighbors who work for General Motors and think nothing of shopping at Wal-Mart. One of my family's dearest friends is a union schoolteacher who drives an imported vehicle. You get the picture.

I was pleased to see the recent attention you brought to your readers concerning Wal-Mart. I would encourage you to put an article into each issue drawing attention and awareness to your readers to respect fellow unions and not just their own.

We all are in this together and without true solidarity our unions will falter.

Patrick and Mary Sprunger
IBEW Local 665 and
UAW Local 4911
Lansing, Mich.

Defining bankruptcy

When a company goes bankrupt, it is a very bad thing for the hourly employees and retirees, but it can be a good thing for the company and management.

Here’s my definition of bankruptcy: the hourly employees, retirees and suppliers get tossed out of a plane without a parachute while the executives whose decisions caused the bankruptcy float gently down using their golden parachutes.

Ronald Kangas
UAW Local 140 retiree
Harper Woods, Mich.