Focus on the doughnut

Just the thought of labor unions causes some naysayers to shudder. They find it difficult to see the positive side of things with labor-management practices that have proven beneficial to the competitive success of our country.

H.L. Mencken, an American writer from the early 20th century, satirized American society for its anti-intellectualism and emphasis on conformity. Such present-day nabobs in our community can look at a sugar-coated doughnut and only see the hole.

Sitting down together openly discussing ways to promote productivity and establish trust and harmony between labor and management seems to be a successful remedy toward solving negotiating issues.
I’m perplexed as to why the thought of labor unions continues to have a negative effect on some people. Let us focus on the doughnut and not the hole by looking at the labor movement’s most significant accomplishments, such as the National Labor Relations Act. It’s evident that strides were made by labor unions to protect the interests of all employees, whether union members or not.

John Sanchez
UAW Local 600 retiree
Traverse City, Mich.

Protecting everyone’s rights

Last October, I lost my partner to cancer. A member of UAW Local 879, Dan worked at the Ford Motor Co. plant in St. Paul, Minn.

In 16 months, his medical bills were nearly $300,000. If it hadn't been for the union’s health care plan, we would have probably lost our home. The monthly survivor benefits I receive are a huge help.

Congratulations, UAW, for recognizing and protecting the rights of same-sex couples.

Jon Raymond
St. Paul Park, Minn.

Sticking together

Article 41, Section 2 of the UAW Constitution states, “It shall be the duty of each member to render aid and assistance to brother or sister members in case of illness, death or distress, and in every way acquit her/himself as a loyal and devoted member of the International Union.”

Last fall the call came out from a union sister with a leaky roof who needed a temporary cover before the rains came. She wasn’t able to do it herself because of a back injury from a car accident, plus she wasn’t fond of heights. The next day five members of our local union showed up to help and worked hard to get the job done.

Sticking together and helping each other out – that’s what solidarity is all about.

Keith Fink
UAW Local 3520
Mooresville, N.C