Union Contributions Still Vital to America’s Well-Being

I would like to express my opinion about the Aug. 13 Viewpoint , “Making a Case for Unions.”

One of the most durable and influential kinds of labor organizations promoting improvements in worker legislation are AFL-CIO central labor bodies and state federations of labor around the United States.

These vital units (their leaders never sleep) sponsor legislation, or amendments to existing legislation, in state capitals around the country. Currently, for example, the California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, is leading the way in cooperation with management and the governor for a complete overhaul of California’s workers’ compensation statute.

Here in Los Angeles County we have one of the heaviest concentrations of local unions in the world. Some 400 locals are affiliated with the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, the largest central labor body in the United States.

Historically, the leaders of this powerful labor organization have pushed year after year for improvements in legislation to increase the benefits to unemployed workers through unemployment and disability insurance coverage.

Union haters should be reminded that any increases in workers’ compensation, unemployment or disability benefits from union-sponsored bills passed into law by state legislatures, are benefits available to all injured or unemployed workers who qualify--union and non-union alike.

The role of craft unions in promoting additional skilled manpower for America’s work force through apprenticeships should not be forgotten. Carpenters, electricians, plasterers, bricklayers, plumbers and painters must complete four-year apprenticeship programs to reach journeyman status.

Local unions in these trades, and in other occupations that use apprentices, are a vital part of our economic past, present and future. They are here to stay. We should look upon these kinds of unions with appreciation and pride because they are among the key elements in building a better, quality America.

JACK L. RUGH

San Gabriel

Former California Labor Relations Specialist