By Tribune-Review

Published: Thursday, November 29, 2012, 8:57 p.m.
Updated: Tuesday, February 19, 2013

After reading Thomas Sowell's column “Unions killing the goose” (Nov. 25 and TribLIVE.com), I have to comment on the biased opinion that all unions are bad for business.

The column is wrong in saying high wages and union labor rules were at fault in the Twinkie bankruptcy. The demand for “bad carbs” such as Ho Hos and other sugary, high-fat foods has declined. When Twinkies' makers failed to make their treats more healthful, their sales plummeted.

The state liquor stores yield a high profit for the taxpayers and Pennsylvania and they are unionized.

Unions serve a purpose ­— to set the standard for fair wages and benefits for everyone. The 40-hour work week and paid vacations many enjoy come from union bargaining.

Now, many are forced to work two jobs to make ends meet. Corporations like Wal-Mart do not share their profits with their employees and now force them to work holidays with no added benefits.

Just like a strong military is needed to defend our freedom, unions are a safety net for the workers and as they vanish, so does the working class.

Human greed makes it essential that we have protection against unfair labor practices and low wages. With the excess of illegal immigrants who will take jobs at low pay, wealthy CEOs have it in the bag.

And so I ask, what do the Trib and many conservatives have against the working class getting a fair shake?

Diane Bialecki

Carrick

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