Letter: Labor unions deserve recognition

It is time to pay tribute to our brothers and sisters in the organized labor movement. It would be enough if they simply did their hard work and called it a day. No one would ever fault them for taking a bit of respite because a person has less free time now than perhaps ever before. But the interesting thing is that they do not quit working just because their shift is over. They attend meetings, address civic issues, march, draft letters, educate their members, submit resolutions to party platforms, volunteer for candidate committees, and lobby legislators, mayors, governors and presidents.

Every day, they go to bat for the living wage, benefit packages, worker rights and pension plans so that a person can sustain one's family and 'pursue happiness” as they wish. These great patriots fight not for their members only; organized labor fights for the whole work force regardless of representation. Without their leadership, unscrupulous employers would have an open invitation to cut wages and benefits to bare minimums. As Labor Day approaches, join me in thanking everyone in labor unions for their commitment and dedication to us all.

Mike Robinson

Vice Chair Linn County Democrats

IDP State Platform Committee Chair

Central City