LETTERS: JACKSON UNION CAUTION

To the editor:

The Feb. 28 issue of the Southeast Missourian Speak Out contained comments from a supporter of the effort to unionize the city employees from Jackson.

The caller's contention was that job security is an issue in Jackson. What is insecure about working for Jackson? How often in the past years have you heard of someone being dismissed from the city without good reason?

Personally, we have not seen where unions help. During the past 15 years, employees of two of the firms for which we have worked chose union representation. Employees of one of the firms discovered very soon that many of the relationships changed from that of family spirit to adversarial. No longer could a simple matter to discussed openly, but was required to be worked through the channels at the convenience of someone else. And it became necessary to follow rules and procedures that they didn't even know they had agreed upon. It seems their perception was negotiated away.

The union organizers promised job security and to increase the communication between management and employees so that workers would be allowed more input regarding the day-to-day operations. Union organizers always insist that workers are underpaid and should be paid the same salaries as workers doing similar jobs at locations miles away.

The other firm and the union representatives negotiated for over a year before reaching an agreement on a contract. In both of these cases, the promise of job security was a false promise, especially since the firms were unable to continue doing business. They are no longer producing any product or payroll at all.

It might be well for employees who are faced with the decision of making a choice for union representation to consider the advantages and disadvantages of working for the city of Jackson. After listing the good and bad, ask yourself, "What could a paid union representative do to make the good better and the bad good." There is just so much these union people can really do.

The thing unions do best is provide jobs for themselves and produce revenue which, in most cases, leaves the community.

The comparisons of salaries are being made with private firms. Do they compare benefits and consider the value of total family medical insurance? Do they compare all the holidays? Do they consider the perks of using city facilities, vehicles and supplies?

When negotiation begins, it usually begins at zero. It doesn't start where you are an have additional benefits added to it.

As yourself, Jackson employee: Do you want to authorize some stranger to possibly give away benefits you now have and cherish?

If you know any former union employees of TriCon Industries, ask them how well the union insurance took care of them. Or what is the advantage of having a say-so on how the shop is being run (when there is no longer a shop).

What benefit was the extra paid holiday negotiated by the union if everyone was unemployed when it rolled around?

As a former Ralph Edwards Sportswear employee how the contract negotiated by that union made it more difficult to get along with fellow employees.

This is a very important decision you are about to make, Jackson associate, and in the privacy of the voting booth you are free to make your own decision.

RICHARD NELSON

Jackson