ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, October 29, 1996 TAG: 9610290039
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DAVID L. BENSON
REGARDING ROBERT Frank Adams' Oct. 4 letter to the editor (``A false analogy with right to work'') and Congressman Bob Goodlatte's Oct. 8 letter (``Restoring workers' right to work''):
Both writings were in response to brother Richard Jeskey's Sept. 19 commentary (``Are some laws written to deceive?''). I believe both writers confirmed Jeskey's statements when they wrote opposing articles.
Adams maintained that Jeskey used a deceptive analogy when commenting on deceptive legislation, and that plaintiffs involved in a class-action suit have an opportunity to opt out and pursue their actions against the defendant on their own - at their own expense.
It is Adams who uses the deceptive analogy. If one opts out of a class-action suit, the person must opt out prior to the suit being filed and wouldn't receive any benefits of the class action. More important, all those who remained in the suit would share equally in the costs of bringing the suit, and in the rewards if the suit is successful. It would be wrong for any of those involved to refuse to pay their share of the cost of the suit yet demand an equal share of the settlement.
I am sure Adams and Goodlatte would demand that each person who gained financially share the costs. Yet when it comes to unions, it's perfectly OK to enjoy the fruits of the class action (a negotiated contract) and avoid its costs (the negotiations).
Goodlatte really strained my power to comprehend when he wrote: ``Between 1966 and 1993, right-to-work states created 2.7 million high-paying manufacturing jobs while forced-union states lost 1.4 million jobs. Also, average per capita personal income is almost $1,100 higher and average weekly manufacturing pay is $25.15 more a week in right-to-work states - 76 percent higher than in forced-union states.''
He would have us believe that between 1960 and 1993, corporations left lower-wage forced-union states to relocate in higher-wage right-to-work states - which is preposterous. I think the above statement serves to validate Jeskey's theory that those out to destroy the labor movement will certainly manipulate the voters.
Goodlatte also wrote: ``Our real competitors are Japan, Mexico and Europe - not Ohio, Iowa and Michigan. By making our nation as a whole more competitive, we also make Virginia more competitive.'' That statement is a prime example of his and most Republican Party members' attitude toward the working person. That attitude is: We must lower your wage to our competitors' level.
On the other hand, labor unions and most Democrats believe that this country should help our competitor-country workers raise their standard of living to our level.
Goodlatte referred to union bosses. I and all other so-called union bosses must stand for election and re-election to our offices, just like Goodlatte. So, if I am a union boss, he is a political boss.
David L. Benson is general chairperson with United Transportation Union-E in Roanoke.
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