As a retired union member I find it appalling that two of our area’s most respected unions the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and the International Union of Operating Engineers would endorse and give campaign funding to a candidate that would openly support Right to Work legislation.

Labor unions built the middle class in this country and even though there is currently a campaign being waged by the GOP to annihilate unions working to protect workers rights. They still are relevant and are needed more than ever to protect the rights of the American worker. I find it shameless that these two unions have been reduced to the point that they feel it necessary to give money to a candidate that might possibly support them in Lansing but only if it is politically convenient. After Tuesday’s article I question

Mr. Pagel’s taking of the money if he knew that he would never support union labor or its quest just to exist in this ugly political climate. I seriously doubt that he ever had any intention of supporting them in any way and should give the money back because of his deception.

This funding could have been given to a pro union candidate such as Jack Arbanas who if elected intends to go to Lansing to fight for the rights of workers to collectively bargain. Arbanas is a candidate that openly supports the Protect Our Jobs Amendment and believes that organized labor is the backbone of the middle class. If organized labor wants to keep the union spirit alive in this country they have to stand up and fight to get a seat at the table.

Jess Minks

Buchanan