The rich, the rest
This is why union members who think they're Republicans are foolish ("Auto Bailout Collapses," Dec. 12). When big-business banking wanted a bailout, it got it with no plan. The only move the banks have made so far was to give million-dollar bonuses to the same arrogant stuffed white shirts who got us into financial trouble.
Now blue-collar union members need a small loan in comparison and the same Republicans who voted yes then, say no way now. That's a type of capitalism I don't want to be a part of.
Republicans want a two-class society, the rich and the rest of us, and this is another way they're going to get it.
JOE MIELCAREK
Ellwood City
Big losers
There has been much written and much talked about whether billions in aid to the U.S. auto makers would have any effect on their existence. Every expert, politician and correspondent keeps beating around the bush!
The labor leaders so far have said no to any concessions. Do they live in a tree? The auto makers should be forced into bankruptcy so they are able to start with new workers and no union officers. If union leaders do not care whether the auto companies survive, why should the guy on the street?
And how did the companies run out of money right at this time? They employ officers making millions of dollars to make sure their companies have enough money to pay their bills. Where was the leadership for the last 10 years? Working at Lehman Brothers?
It is time to let go of some very big losers and maybe keep one after bankruptcy.
RICHARD L. MERRILL
Ligonier
Racing downhill
We can all thank God that the Port Authority workers have agreed to a new contract ("Transit Pact Called 'A Fair Deal,' " Dec. 8). Now we can return to bad-mouthing and denigrating the remaining unionized workers such as teachers, auto workers, electricians and ironworkers and, of course, all the commonwealth of Pennsylvania unionized workers, particularly state store workers. All Americans, especially elected Republican politicians, seem intent on forcing middle-class unionized employees to participate in a race to the bottom.
The auto bailout discussion centered on whether union auto workers should be paid the same hourly wage as nonunion auto workers. Although nonunion workers may be paid a similar hourly rate as the union workers, the nonunion plants pass on more health care and other costs to the worker.
BERNARD K. MURRAY
Robinson
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First Published: December 21, 2008, 5:00 a.m.
