Unions

 This from a Very Senior Citizen

I do not have a history of unions, but know a little about history. We, at least most of us, have seen the pictures of children, often
as young as 8 or 10, working in the "sweat shops". Horrible working
conditions, no safety rules in place.

Unions, in the beginning were for the betterment and safety of workers. They are responsible for minimum wages, better and safer working conditions, and minimum age and workhours for children.  
Even today, I still believe unions have a place in our society.


BUT even union leaders, as in so many of the big company CEO'S
today, union leaders got greedy. They forgot the workers who, through union dues, are paying their big salaries and bonuses. 
Town and city councils and selectmen use union bargaining as a
tool to extract more and more money from the taxpayer.

Several years ago, a council meeting I attended had adjourned and
recessed before going into executive session, bargaining police department wages and benefits. A councilor I spoke with, said "Dot, we have to bargain in good faith". Meaning to bargain in good faith for an increase in wages.

My remark to him was that,"it was time to bargain in good faith
FOR THE TAXPAYERS HE WAS ELECTED TO REPRESENT ! ! ! ! "

And all these years later, NOTHING HAS CHANGED ! ! ! ! ! !

Don't believe me?

Just wait until you get your 2012/2013 tax bill! ! ! ! !


Dot Fitzgerald
A Very Concerned Lisbon Citizen