MY POSITION ON UNIONS

I was born the son of a coal miner. While one cannot choose their parents, one can choose to effect justice or to ignore justice. I choose to effect justice.

My father and the coal miners in his era sought justice. They sought safe working conditions

Miners in those days, had no assurance as to how they would end their work day - dead or alive. Since the coal operators ignored the dangers in the mines, and encouraged the practice of allowing children to work in the mines, the miners formed a union to effect justice. They sought just compensation for an honest day's work. They knew these injustices could be remedied, while at the same time, the coal operators would still remain quite profitable in their operations. That is what justice is all about.

The auto workers unionized to effect justice also, and today, as we speak the unions are negotiating with Chrysler-Daimler in a friendly atmosphere. Both the union and management have produced an astounding rebound from the throes of bankruptcy so that Chrysler is recognized as one of the top car manufacturers in the world.

Without unions, even non-union workers have benefitted throughout our history. Unions were responsible for the forty-hour work week, health care, and many other benefits. They set the standards for all of us, union and non-union alike.

Just as there is corruption in management, so too, there is corruption in union organizations. That is no reason to get rid of all management or all unions. So just because I am for unions, it doesn't mean I am for corrupt unions. Just as Steve Forbes is for management, it doesn't mean he is for corrupt management. So my disagreements are with those who indicate blanket disapproval of all unions. They have no basis for having such a position. That is wrong as history has shown. Unions are necessary. An individual alone cannot stand up to corporate America. Both management and labor keep each other honest. The eagle cannot fly with just one wing, it needs two wings - capital and labor.

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