Editor,
The Standard-Examiner editorial board, not the unions, is in an alternate reality (Nov. 21, "Our View: Unions in an alternate reality"). Did the paper bother to do any research at all? If it had, it would have found out that Hostess executives’ salaries were raised anywhere from 60-100 percent at the time they were beginning the process the filing for their second bankruptcy. This, while trying to cut workers’ pensions by 75 percent, health benefits by 17 percent and pay by 8 percent.
So, it was not the bakers union that put Hostess out of business, it was greed at the top, along with bad management. But the powers-that-be at Hostess thought it could save face by blaming their bad business practices and decisions on a workers’ strike. I
It’s ridiculous to continue to blame the current economic status as a reason to treat workers badly while those at the top continue to enjoy their luxuries. I’m so tired of hearing so many continue to blame so much on unions, when the fact remains that without them, workers would be in a very sorry state. Is it unfair to expect to earn a living wage? Is it unfair to have safe working conditions? Is it unfair to expect health and retirement benefits as a result of working hard and producing profits for owners?
Without unions many would not have those things. It is completely unfair to blame Hostess’ demise on the unions.
Sue Tice Kaysville
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