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Unions Aren't the Problem

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Friday, February 1, 2008; Page A20

I was struck by the disingenuous tone and content of Lawrence B. Lindsey's Jan. 24 commentary, " 'Card Check' Caveat."

His attempt to paint an internationally recognized means for workers to gain union recognition as undemocratic was beyond belief. Rather than workers being intimidated by unions, the fact of the matter is that workers are regularly intimidated by employers.

Workers are fired, ostracized and demoted for favoring joining or forming labor unions. Mr. Lindsey is aware of this, I am sure; thus it is far easier for him to flip the script and make it appear that the problem lies with the unions.

Current labor law is so weak that employers regularly act to discourage workers from joining or forming unions. This raises a basic question: Why is it an employer's business whether workers form or join unions? After all, this should be the workers' choice, a point that is in the National Labor Relations Act.

BILL FLETCHER JR.

Co-Founder, Center for Labor Renewal

Upper Marlboro


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