Drywall Workers’ Strife Raises Issues for Labor Officials, Police

The only response to David A. Celestin’s bewilderment (“Strikers Resorting to Violence and Intimidation to Gain Ends,” Commentary, Aug. 9) at striking drywall workers’ refusal to use the “well-defined and peaceful procedure for joining or forming a union” is, what peaceful procedure is that?

That wouldn’t be the crippled National Labor Relations Act. The only reason it still exists is because it works so well for stifling organizing.

This suggestion is made in the same country that allows permanent strike replacements. South Africa is the only other industrialized nation that allows that type of anti-freedom.

The truth is that (developers) pay less than half of 1980 wages and let the taxpayer subsidize the subcontractor’s nonexistent health coverage. Mr. Celestin’s love for the “open shop” is the perfect argument against it. How can drywall contractors fairly negotiate a decent contract when (builders) will merely go to the nearest company paying slave wages without even basic family health coverage.

You are wrong, sir! The BIA does not support fair wages for all workers. The conditions that led to the strike are deplorable and directly the result of an irresponsible industry. The poverty imposed on these families will be the deed, your column will only be the words.

When you truly care to see an end to the strike, the bargaining table will be the place to do it.

MICHAEL POTTS. Michael Potts is executive secretary of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Orange County, AFL-CIO.