U.S., foreign workers must send message

While I agree with Ginny Scott’s letter that we need to break from the corporate dominated Democratic and Republican parties, I disagree that immigration is the sole problem for the job losses in the U.S. (“Real issues are being overlooked,” Aug. 29).

Jobs are being sent to right-to-work states and to foreign countries in an effort to drag down wages for all workers – unionized or not. This is happening at a time when corporations are making huge profits on the backs of their workers and are making us pay for it, and it isn’t only happening in the private sector. I was laid off from my job three months ago at the University of Washington over “lack of funds and lack of work.” The union I am a member of, and others, are in contract negotiations with the UW and their demands on the table are to outsource our jobs to private companies, tie our pay increases to supervisory performance evaluations and treat us like seasonal employees – laying us off when work is down and calling us back when it picks up.

Pitting workers of different countries against one another only benefits the employers by dividing us when we need to be united to fight these attacks on our wages, benefits and working conditions. It has to be an international struggle, and it will take a strong activist, militant rank-and-file-driven labor movement to achieve this, or our living standards will continue to erode.

Send a message to the two parties of big business in November. Vote Ralph Nader, the only anti-corporate, anti-war, pro-union candidate. But the struggle won’t end there. It needs to continue to build a mass movement to build a system to fight for strong militant unions and to end the occupation of Iraq, and to put a stop to U.S. imperialism.

Patrick Switzer

Lynnwood

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

People walk adjacent to the border with Canada at the Peace Arch in Peace Arch Historical State Park, where cars behind wait to enter Canada at the border crossing Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, in Blaine, Wash. Canada lifted its prohibition on Americans crossing the border to shop, vacation or visit, but America kept similar restrictions in place, part of a bumpy return to normalcy from coronavirus travel bans. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Editorial: U.S. and Canada better neighbors than housemates

President Trump may be serious about annexing Canada, but it’s a deal fraught with complexities for all.

Schwab: If you’re OK with foreign aid cuts, guess who’s next

At some point, if they haven’t already, Trump’s and Musk’s cuts will hit all but a very elite few.

Poor planning behind Snohomish PUD rate increase

It did not take long in 2025 for the Snohomish Public Utility… Continue reading

Trump’s aid cut will cost U.S. influence

The last time the U.S. pulled back its aid to other countries,… Continue reading

Musk’s financial access is a threat to personal data, payments

Recently Elon Musk along with six young men between 19-24 were able… Continue reading

CNA Nina Prigodich, right, goes through restorative exercises with long term care patient Betty Long, 86, at Nightingale's View Ridge Care Center on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Boost state Medicaid funding for long-term care

With more in need of skilled nursing and assisted-living services, funding must keep up to retain staff.

bar graph, pie chart and diagrams isolated on white, 3d illustration
Editorial: Don’t let state’s budget numbers intimidate you

With budget discussions starting soon, a new website explains the basics of state’s budget crisis.

Curtains act as doors for a handful of classrooms at Glenwood Elementary on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Schools’ building needs point to election reform

Construction funding requests in Arlington and Lake Stevens show need for a change to bond elections.

Comment: Birthright citizenship has helped make America great

Trump’s attempt to end it, almost certainly unconstitutional, won’t fix the nation’s problems at its borders.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, Feb. 13

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

State single-payer health care bill offers many advantages

I was excited to read in Will Geschke’s report (“Everett lawmakers back… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.