Published: September 02, 2007 12:18 am      

Did Meridian “pass” on union jobs?

An article published in the August issue of the East Mississippi Business Journal, titled “Meridian must remain union free” hinted that Meridian had passed on some union jobs. This article also stated, “When we in Meridian see our leaders, whether in business or public office, pass on a plant with union jobs, we shouldn’t feel angry. We should feel gratified.” This article was written by Editor/Publisher Kirk Thompson, of the E.M.B.J.

Mr. Thompson compares labor unions with communism and socialism. He states labor unions infringe on the rights of business owners. He seems to have the attitude that if you are not wealthy enough to be in business for yourself, you should take whatever pay the business owner wants to give and be happy about it.

Maybe you were just born too late Mr. Thompson. After World War II many mill owners paid in script. Their workers had to spend that script at the company store and most rented from the company. The attitude was then, as yours appears to be now, to keep the poor people poor, they have no choice but to work for us. Your attitude toward organized labor and your article make me nauseous. Were you also opposed to an increase in the minimum wage, which would have benefited the many workers of Meridian’s retail and service industry of which our political leaders are so proud?

Do we really have politicians, business leaders and economic development people who would rather see people unemployed or under employed than bring union jobs to Meridian? I hope not but from your article it seems that way. If this is true, Meridian can look forward to another 50 years of stagnation, promoted by you and other small thinkers.



M.W. Stuart

United Auto Workers No. 2185, retired