Dear editor:
I am writing this letter in regards to the strike by the Fort Frances and District Association for Community Living, CUPE #65 members.
I would just like to start off by saying that I have been employed as both a union and a non-union member. As most are aware, a strike just doesn’t occur without serious measures, rationale, and reasoning. Picket lines, walking, getting rained on, standing in the hot sun or freezing cold all day. And strike pay isn’t the most appealing thing.
And if people take the time to listen to the concerns of these members, they will find they are very valid, and that all these members are asking is for people to listen to their concerns. These individuals are a kind bunch who are not out there to cause a disturbance.
I have witnessed them on the picket line and certainly if you are an essential service, they realize you must cross and they simply ask you to take a minute of your time to look over their pamphlet. And even if you are not an essential service, and choose to cross their line, you can still do so.
Now, you may be delayed a few minutes, but that is a strike!
At this time, I would just like to remind some of you that people are employed at places–whether it be unionized or non-unionized–to provide shelter, feed their families, the list goes on. This could very easily be you or me in either situation, as a position of these members or the management, so please remember that.
Also, just stop and think that these people are underpaid, qualified, professional, caring people who are asking to be respected, not out to harm anyone and simply doing what they have to do.
Lastly, ask yourself: what would you do in their situation?
Good luck in your endeavour, folks! Wishing you all the success.
Respectfully,
Melissa Pearson
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
