radioactive scabs and the lockout 2

This ia a letter to the editor in today's St Louis Post Dispatch on the locked out steelworkers:


Posted: Monday, August 9, 2010 12:00 am |

Locking out workers in a time of war

Regarding "Uranium plant dispute rocks town" (Aug. 1): At the Honeywell Corp. plant in Metropolis, Ill., workers process "yellow cake" uranium. The United Steelworkers have been negotiating with Honeywell for months. Despite an offer by the union to continue working without an agreement, corporate officials locked out the workers.

These workers have performed this dangerous work for more than 50 years. There is growing proof that workers, families and area residents have a cancer rate much higher than normal.

In wartime, unions give up raises and agree to "no-strike" clauses and pay freezes. US Steel, Ford, GM, Alcoa and others continue to make huge profits from war production. What would the public say about a union that went on strike against the steel, aluminum, aircraft or automotive industry in a time of war? The workers would be reviled.

The United States is engaged in two wars that have killed more than 6,000 Americans. If this plant does not produce, it could endanger national security. Why are patriots not crying out against the unpatriotic Honeywell?

Honeywell CEO David M. Cote got $9.7 million last year. It's time for Honeywell executives to do the right thing for the people who make the sacrifices for the corporation: the workers.

Gary Gaines • Granite City