Unions and Secession

For Shirley Svorny, the principle benefit of Valley secession is a weakening of public employee unions (“Power Shifts When Cities Downsize,” Aug. 22). Svorny should know that it was union activism that brought us the 40-hour workweek, pension plans and employee health plans. Unions are behind today’s living wage ordinances as well.

Although those things that unions fight for benefit nonunion workers as well, union membership in America has dwindled to 13% of the work force because of union-busting policies on the part of corporations and governments. In the face of all of this, public employee unions have managed to remain strong in the fight for equitable and just working conditions. If a separate Valley city is better able to eviscerate what is a force for greater societal good, I hope and pray that we have the sense to vote down secession and remain part of Los Angeles.

CLIFFORD J. TASNER

North Hollywood