Dear Editor,
As the CEO/CFO of a small construction company in Southern California, I would like to express a perspective that may surprise many: I enthusiastically support the striking workers across the country and believe they should steadfastly uphold their values. In fact, I believe that now is an opportune moment for all labor unions in the United States to support one another in solidarity. In today’s socioeconomic landscape, unionization stands as the most potent means to improving the well-being of both individuals and the collective majority of workers in our nation. It is, therefore, unwise to leave your future to the capricious whims and impulses of corporate executives. You deserve better!
You may wonder why, as a business owner, I advocate for what appears to be corporate suicide. For nearly two decades, I have owned and operated a small-scale construction company. While we are unwavering in our commitment to customer service, quality, and profitability, we are equally dedicated to the well-being and equity of our workforce. That is why, from the very beginning, my company has proudly been a signatory contractor with the local labor union. And today, the total burden (actual cost to my company) to employ a union carpenter borders on $85 per hour, which covers everything from a $49 hourly wage, paid vacation, 100% healthcare coverage, pension, annuity, payroll taxes, etc. Moreover, given the seasonal nature of the construction industry, we typically employ around 30 individuals at any given time, and doing so places no economic burden on me or my business. Let that soak in. As the CEO, I could certainly choose to abandon the union and potentially generate exponential profits, but I already live a life of contentment and would rather nurture a team of dedicated leaders than lead by greed and exploitation.
I share this anecdote as a business owner to raise awareness and dispel certain myths perpetuated by anti-labor organizations and propaganda outlets regarding the supposed economic pitfalls of unionization. Specifically, I aim to convey that if my small-scale unionized business can thrive, then major corporate entities, such as automotive manufacturers, healthcare organizations, private universities, the entertainment industry, pharmaceutical companies, and more, unquestionably have the capacity to prioritize workplace and worker well-being. While such a shift toward offering a living wage, comprehensive healthcare, pensions, annuities, and paid vacation may necessitate radical organizational change, it is fundamentally the right course of action for the sake of human dignity. Labor unions simply serve as mediators in this essential process.
Labor unions foster equitable workplace standards and maintain the integrity of organizational operations by upholding an objective and sincere approach to business. Furthermore, regions in the United States with strong unions tend to coincide with pro-labor policies, which have a positive impact on non-union labor sectors within the regional economy. It is a mutually beneficial arrangement. We must not allow ourselves to be deceived by the anti-labor rhetoric and scare tactics designed to bolster corporate profits at the expense of worker exploitation. My final message to those brave people standing up for dignity and equity, despite powerful anti-union campaigns and rhetoric, is to know that your efforts are not in vain. Many of us fervently support your cause!
John C. Duff
Los Alamitos
