Support for unions continues benefits

In response to the April 13 guest column, “A chance to curtail union abuses”: Over the years, I have been ankle deep in politics and up to my neck in union, so I feel qualified to respond.

There are some employers who do take good care of their employees. In many cases they do because they must compete with union wages and benefits to get qualified workers. To those who complain about paying union dues, chances are you're too fat. People worked hard to get you decent pay and working conditions and if you don't work to keep them, they can be taken away with the stroke of a pen.

If you look at the boards of directors and CEOs of major companies, they do the same as the so-called illegal mobs: award extreme salaries, benefits and golden parachutes, at the expense of the less fortunate.

The unions built the middle class in this country and, sadly, it's diminishing because of the decline in unions. So, I thank Walter Reuther, James Hoffa, John L. Lewis, Cesar Chavez and the other pioneers for their fight for the middle class, as well as those who continue the fight.

James R. Kane

Cedar Rapids