I was deeply troubled to read a recent Another Voice column written by representatives of the New York State and New York City Building and Construction Trades Councils regarding their views on same-sex weddings. As field representative and organizer for the Teamsters Local 264, it is important for readers to know that their opinions do not reflect that of organized labor as a whole.

My local union represents nearly 5,000 members throughout Western New York. We believe our strength comes from our diversity. We organize and represent workers regardless of sex, age, creed, religion, disability or national origin. Our goal is to create a safe workplace that provides a living wage with benefits as well as dignity, justice and respect for all. It is my belief that all of organized labor would benefit if we worried more about improving the lives of our dues-paying members instead of imposing religious or moral values on others.

M. Scott Chismar

Lake View