UNIONS: Key to the middle class

Derek Kohles’s My Turn about his pro-union beliefs and commitment was gentle and well-reasoned, but did not go far enough.

The rise of unions in the United States paralleled the spectacular rise of the middle class in the first half of the 20th century. The decline in the strength of unions parallels the 30-year collapse of that same middle class, a collapse that has ruined many lives.

At present, private sector union membership hovers between 7 and 10 percent.

With corporate profits at record highs, and our job market in a sustained downward spiral, it’s time we notice that most of the nations of the world that are doing well in the global economy have vigorous union membership.

Unions are not a cure-all, but we cannot and will not regain our widespread prosperity without them.

FRED GLIENNA

Coeur d’Alene