I would like to respond to the former union worker who believes that unions have outlived their usefulness. Unions have indeed lobbied for safety reform, fair wages and fair working conditions, but the truth is they continue to maintain those standards. Do you really believe that if unions cease to exist, that corporations will maintain these standards? I think not.

I would also like to share a sobering statistic that I learned at a recent seminar. In 1970, the average CEO earned 25 times what the common worker earned. Today, CEOs earn 300 times what the average worker earns.

The reason corporations send good-paying manufacturing jobs overseas is corporate greed. We need these jobs here in this country, and labor unions are at the forefront of trying to change the unfair trade agreements that have helped the rich to get richer, while shrinking the middle class to pathetic lows.

President Obama recognizes the important role unions play in rebuilding the middle class, which is why he has pledged to sign the Employee Free Choice Act when it reaches his desk.

I’m glad he gets it.

Tony Vaccaro

Recording Secretary/Organizer Teamsters Local 375, Depew