Want to kill unions? Buying imports is great way to do it

Stuart Mason

Date published: 6/5/2006

I am writing in response to the "Labor death wish" editorial of May 31.

I am a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 666. Union workers are not greedy.

I am a journeyman electrician who cannot afford to buy a house in the Fredericksburg area. I have poor health benefits, no vacation or sick days, and no holidays, but I have it better than non-union workers.

I have a retirement plan and I was able to attend and graduate from a five-year apprenticeship program.

In my career I have worked in the heat, cold, day, and night. I've been injured and seen union electricians die and injure themselves.

But I guess that a fair day's pay for a fair day's work is too much to ask.

The unions are not killing the unions. All the people driving imports with American flags are killing the unions.

Look at the labels next time you shop. Buy union! Buy American! Your choices kill the unions.

Think about the electricians, the linemen, and the firefighters, working men and women, even your own children, when making these decisions.

We all put our lives on the line for your services, and we probably make less than most of you.

Spotsylvania

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Date published: 6/5/2006