Letter to the editor: Keeping union momentum going

With membership steadily decreasing, the past several decades have been dark ones for the union movement. Now, because of a combination of forces, including covid, CEO greed, income inequality and a positive political environment, workers are finding their voices once again.

Recently there have been big wins for organized labor. The UAW won a stunning contract victory over the Big 3 automakers. That achievement followed the groundbreaking contract with UPS. The Screen Actors and Writers Guild also had big labor wins. These successes have encouraged nurses, food service workers, adjuncts and graduate students and farm workers to organize for better pay, benefits and working conditions.

However, there are powerful forces battling labor. Tesla fired workers in retaliation for union activity. Starbucks and Trader Joe’s employees voted for a union, but years later still have had no contract talks. Add to these companies Amazon, Apple, and Chipotle; all have been involves in unfair labor practices. They have shut down stores, fired employees, coerced and intimidated workers, and targeted union supporters.

That is why we must support the Pro Act. It has passed the House, but Republican senators are obstructing the passage of this bill that would help labor against union-busting CEOs. Also, we should support our fellow Americans by shopping at businesses that are unionized — businesses that offer fair wages and safe working conditions for the American worker.

Sandy Kremer

Youngwood