In response to the May 20 column "Public support of unions on the decline" by J.R. Labbe, referencing the Machinists at Lockheed Martin who are on strike, I have worked on both sides of the aisle between labor unions and management, and I disagree with Labbe's assertions.
Without labor unions, the luxuries and accoutrements of management would not exist. Collective bargaining of labor unions also reflects and enhances the salaries and benefits of those in "management" and the perks of the shareholders. It is common for certain "rising stars" to receive promotions from labor ranks to management. So yes, they would have the expertise to construct the F-35s.Labbe's "experience with organized labor nonsense" is incredibly misplaced. Such a biased view assumes the general public should feel the same way or be offended when collective bargaining hits an impasse. When calculated, those same managers with those unique skill sets and high salaries are suddenly working 12 or more hours per day with no days off, and their high salary becomes deflated during a strike.What looks good on paper for the F-35s rolling out at record time may not equate to quality.-- Martha Williams, Fort WorthHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
