Union benefits matter

Re: Rehfeldt letter, Daily Press, June 30

In response to Chuck Rehfeldt’s letter, the Montrose County Democratic Party welcomes rebuttal. We have nothing to say about what the newspaper does or doesn’t print or whether or not the Press provides a discussion and response box. If you think our local newspaper panders to the Democrats, you have another think coming. One of the most ludicrous thoughts I’ve ever read, actually.

You have it all wrong regarding unions and benefits. My husband has been a union electrician for over 50 years and had his medical benefits cut every time there was a major recession. Dental insurance was eliminated completely so many times we can’t count them. His medical plan in retirement was so inadequate that he dropped the union’s insurance and went with a private supplement and Medicare.

Union wages don’t begin to compare to corporate wages. Before this latest downturn, college graduates, depending on their degrees, started at six figures. You won’t find a union electrician, plumber or carpenter making six figures. The dues he paid have paid off in is retirement. The pension we receive allows us to live comfortably. We are anything but rich. The union was the best thing that ever happened to us.

This country grew to its greatness through the efforts of unions. I shudder to think where this country would be like were it not for all the hard work the unions did at the turn of the 20th century. Read your history and find out how much they benefited workers and the work place. It’s time to quit dismissing the unions.

Holly von Helms

Montrose