Letter: Unions are not the answer for workers’ problems

Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2000 | 9:44 a.m.

Certainly Mr. Ruffin has the right and an obligation to improve his property, and most folks even agree that his plans for the resort make sense in the long run for the city, the employees and the company.

However, after six years of a loud, annoying, disruptive and clearly worthless strike, the union "won" and the Elardis sold out to a "real friend of labor." A contract was signed, the pickets came down, and the entire country celebrated with the employees and Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Well, let everyone take notice of the value of a union, and the protection it afforded to these sadly disillusioned employees who gave their time, energy, and, ultimately, money, to the Culinary Union! Sometime this summer, they will all be out-of-work for two years or more, at least at the "New" Frontier.

Be assured that I have no sympathy for the mega-employers now dominating our dominant industry, or for the high-handed and arrogant way they tend to treat citizens, visitors and employees alike. Neither, however, do I have any kind thoughts or empathy for the union, which takes its members' money, corrupts the political scene locally, and lines the pockets of its officers and agents nationally.

Unions are not the answer! Thoughtful dialogue; dedicated, responsive and caring employers and employees; state and federal law, regulation and protection; and hard work and education make the truly valuable employee and the really world-class employer.

Where is Rev. Jackson, by the way? Is he going to be taking a two-year sabbatical without pay in sympathy for these employees? I bet not! Hypocrisy and false rhetoric do not, and will not, solve problems or improve conditions.

BRUCE M. FELDMAN