The Buffalo News : Opinion

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Web Search powered by YAHOO! SEARCH
subscribe now

Union representatives overstep their bounds

Story tools:

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


Reader comments

There on this article.
Rate This Article
Reader comments are posted immediately and are not edited. Users can help promote good discourse by using the "Inappropriate" links to vote down comments that fall outside of our guidelines. Comments that exceed our moderation threshold are automatically hidden and reviewed by an editor. Comments should be on topic; respectful of other writers; not be libelous, obscene, threatening, abusive, or otherwise offensive; and generally be in good taste. Users who repeatedly violate these guidelines will be banned. Comments containing objectionable words are automatically blocked. Some comments may be re-published in The Buffalo News print edition.

Log into MyBuffalo to post a comment





What is MyBuffalo?
MyBuffalo is the new social network from Buffalo.com. Your MyBuffalo account lets you comment on and rate stories at buffalonews.com. You can also head over to mybuffalo.com to share your blog posts, stories, photos, and videos with the community. Join now or learn more.
sort comments:

Buffalo News Video


Breaking News Video

Breaking 24 Hour News

more >>

More Everybody's Column Stories

Most Viewed Stories, Last 24 Hours