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November 10, 2009

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Letter: A day to honor union pioneers

Friday, Aug. 31, 2001 | 4:01 a.m.

Conservatives would have you believe that all unions are bad and that their officers are all crooks. As a retired member of the American Federation of Teachers, the truth is that most unions are working hard for the benefit of their members, and while there has been corruption in some unions, it's probably no more than in society as a whole.

As we celebrate Labor Day, let's not forget that at the beginning of the last century workers worked 6 day weeks, 12 hours a day, for low wages, and no provision for disability, medical care or retirement.

Over the years since, union organizers and workers have been beaten, blacklisted and even shot trying to secure the rights and benefits most of us enjoy today. On Veterans Day, we honor the sacrifices that our veterans have made for our country, and deservedly so. On Labor Day we should also honor the union pioneers who fought for decent wages and benefits, and a safe working environment that all Americans can enjoy today.

RICHARD J. MUNDY

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