LadyJean - Did you have to repeat a year of school? Or did this just cause you a bit of worry. I'm sure it was nothing compared to those worried about their jobs.

I don't have much pity for the fact that you actually had to go to the depot to pick up a package. It was an inconvenience? Don't you think it is inconvenient for those who are in the union to lose their pay when striking or take a roll-back on their wages or lose their jobs entirely? Your inconvenience pales in comparison.

Petr - We are not talking about your private business. We are talking about workers in the public sector. Your employees can deal with you directly. In this case we are talking about public employees who are unable to negotiate with their employer face to face. Unions negotiate on behalf of their members.

My dad drove a forklift all of his working life. He was also on the grievance committee and heard many complaints of unsafe and unhealthy working conditions. As a result of his advocacy, the workplace is now a safer place. Yes, he was able to support his family on his wages. We were not, however, living high off the hog nor did we enjoy the many tax write-offs that businesses receive.

Did your friend also tell you that HEU includes medical technicians? These are the people that give you the CAT scans, x-rays, mammograms, lab test, etc. These people are now earning $2.00 - $4.00 less than their counterparts in Ontario and Alberta. Less money in a place where the cost of living is the highest in Canada. How long do you think they will stick around? Its your healthcare that is in jeopardy. Who will fill these positions when the highly qualified leave for greener pastures? Private companies, thats who.

Worst off are the HEU workers in rural B.C. The hospitals there are severely stressed already. Many of the housekeeping staff are single moms, immigrants and those with little education. With a cut in pay, the hardship imposed will inevitably be passed on to their families which will then be passed on to the educational system and social services which have already been cut to the bone.

Are you really so jealous that you would deny others a little dignity?

Please do not give me examples of those who are "slacking" on the job. Those people are everywhere - unionized or not. Its up to management to deal with that problem.

And another thing - vacation time varies according to position and seniority. One example doesn't mean much. As well, vacation time is all part of the negotiation. At the table, it is usually offerred in lieu of higher wages, pensions or benefits. You have to look at the whole picture.

Take a vacation before you are forced to seek medical attention because when you are in need, the quality of the services you seek will be far and few between.

And one more thing - Don't forget that when the public sector strikes or protests, it is not just their jobs they are trying to protect. They are on the inside looking out. They know how these cuts will effect you, the public. They are also looking after your best interests! If the public could get past their temporary inconvenience and stand behind the public sector workers, strikes and protests would end much sooner. The government uses you to bolster their arguments for draconian measures.