In 2008, newly elected President Obama uttered those now famous words to the unions: “I owe you.” Now, four years later, the very first Monday after his re-election, he summons the union leaders to the White House to once again thank them for delivering.
How are the unions responding? Already, the Transportation Security Administration employees at Los Angeles International Airport have threatened to strike on Thanksgiving eve if they do not get an increase in benefits. Further, Hostess Brands Inc., owner of the bakeries that produce Twinkies, is closing up shop, laying off about 18,000 workers, and possibly moving to Mexico — all because they can’t remain competitive because of union demands (“Hostess to close, cites nationwide worker strike,” Web, Friday).
I’m afraid that this is just the beginning. What if the truckers union decides to strike? Imagine the paralysis that would cause. What about the garbage collectors and the AFL-CIO workers? Any of the above would result in a major disruption to our daily lives.
With their newfound muscle, the sky’s the limit for unions. They’re holding us by the throats and all we can do is grimace and yell, “Uncle!”
RICHARD P. SHINN
Franklin, N.C.
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