Labor should resist

Concerning the editorial on the United Auto Workers, I must disagree ("Auto Reverse," April 20). One of the precepts of unionism is that it raises the standard of living not only for its members but also those who are not its members and in general the middle class. Organized labor in this country has been fighting to maintain that standard in spite of our elected officials since the Reagan era.

Instead of the UAW cowering to the union-busting ploys of Congress and accepting less, it should stand proudly next to its Canadian brothers and sisters and work to raise the standard of those who work in the Japanese automakers' plants.

Where once it was inconceivable that a union worker would have to pay for health care it has become accepted by many. What is next? The loss of health care altogether for workers? Surely once it has been taken away from workers it won't be long before it is gone for all. Remember, it is only there in the first place because organized labor fought for it.

WILLIAM BUBB
Ambridge