It's no gravy' job

Re: Bill Martin's June 29 letter, "The union will lose in strike":

I am a 28-year veteran of the grocery business, 15 years as a store manager. I am now a vendor who delivers goods to grocery stores.

I read Martin's letter regarding his short stint as a grocery clerk during the last strike. I was amazed he thinks he knows what a "real clerk" goes through on a daily basis. While we may share the same opinions regarding greedy corporations and useless unions, I wanted to set the record straight from someone who has been there.

He definitely didn't deserve the $17 per hour for the job he described, "using a laser inventory gun, cleaning and straightening."

Grocery workers work very hard with very little help. Most do multiple jobs within the same shift. They work on the run, trying to get everything done while being friendly and helpful to their customers. They work long hours, nights, weekends and holidays. Many begin their shift at midnight. Most importantly, they handle with care the food you and your family eat.

That's what they do. They try to make a living like every other American. They aren't responsible for the negotiations. They don't work in a troubled industry. I haven't read about any grocery chain filing for bankruptcy lately. They deserve a raise every year at least to keep up with inflation. They deserve a career where they can afford a new car every few years, not to mention a house payment.

They don't deserve to go backward. I thank Martin for his input. I'm glad he is available for the next potential strike. By the way, his new wage for the same "gravy" job is now $12 per hour.

— Doug Higgs,

Somis

Keep ballots secret

Re: Thomas D. Elias' July 2 commentary, "UFW seeks to thwart intimidation in voting":

Elias advocated eliminating the secret ballot in agricultural workers' elections. He claims this is only "one other process in addition to secret ballots." This would, in fact, eliminate secret- ballot elections, since the union, under current regulations, must submit a majority of signed cards or petitions to trigger an election.

On its Web site, the Agricultural Labor Relation Board lists two principal functions: "To determine and implement, through secret ballot elections, the right of agricultural employees to choose whether or not they wish to be represented by a labor organization." Its handbook says, "In order to make an intelligent choice employee must have access to information and the opportunity to hear both sides in an election campaign." This is a fundamental principle in American law.

Giev Kashkooli, UFW national legislative director, can't accept that a union can lose an election in which a majority of employees sign authorization cards.

I have been involved in six secret- ballot elections. In two, the union had cards signed by two-thirds of the employees but lost. One reason for such a reversal is that, for many employees, it is easier to sign than resist being pressured to sign.

Do some employers still try to intimidate employees? Of course. Eliminating secret ballots may increase intimidation if employers do not have an opportunity to legitimately persuade employees.

Even Kashkooli recognized, "multiple administrative judges have thrown out union elections on farms due to employer intimidation." The system is not perfect, but it works.

Secret ballots have been the cornerstone of elections in the United States for more than 300 years. Let American workers retain their freedom of choice.

— Paul A. Westefer,

Oxnard

Just moving gridlock

I am perplexed at the widening of the Santa Clara River bridge to 12 lanes to reduce traffic congestion. Just how does going from three lanes of traffic to 12 lanes over the river bottom then all of a sudden reverting back to three lanes help move the gridlock?

It seems that the traffic buildup will now be on the Ventura side of the bridge. Good job, Caltrans. Move the gridlock a mile ahead.

— Charles Shinn,

Ventura

Taxing Fillmore

We all know that fireworks sold in Fillmore are used all over the county. Since this is a fundraising operation, instead of banning the sale, we should figure out this year the total cost of extra police, fire and other fireworks-related expenses that are paid for by taxes.

Then put a tax on fireworks purchases next year sufficient to pay for these costs. Makes sense to me.

— Alison Carlson,

Ventura

Clear the scene faster

Is it really necessary to close an entire road to investigate a body found floating face down "near " Harbor Boulevard and Fifth Street in Oxnard? Was the body floating in the street?

The traffic jam it caused at rush hour June 29 and the two accidents it also caused could have been prevented. Is this the only "fun" thing the police get to do?

Clearing the accident scene and keeping the traffic moving should be a higher priority. When a skier falls down at the top of a chair lift, the lift operator quickly tosses the equipment out of the way, and calmly tells the fallen skier: "Want your skis? Go get 'em." The lift keeps on going!

— Michael Thames,

Ojai

A need for immigrants

Re: Alfonso A. Guilin's July 1 Pulse commentary, "Dignity of people is key to reform":

This was a beautifully written and heartfelt commentary that provided excellent insight into the issue of immigration. I would like to commend The Star for putting this piece in a position of prominence. I would hope many people in the Ventura area will read and appreciate his commentary.

One issue that he mentioned was the medical screening that was provided during the Bracero program. My mother was a nurse with the school district in Redlands. I remember many times when she would travel to bracero camps to examine and treat workers and their families. She would tell stories of medical problems and would arrange for care and would document the medical issues for all of those persons involved in the camps.

Thinking back, this was really providing special dignity for these people, in spite of their condition and status.

Another point I would like to mention is the special service that Hispanic immigrants provide in our medical environment. It is now critical for us to provide translation for patients who only speak Spanish or even only speak Mixteco. These patients have medical needs that we cannot just ignore and avoid. We must provide appropriate care to allow them a dignity that we must provide for all people.

Many Hispanic workers are now helping in the clinics and hospitals, not only to clean and to maintain the landscape, but also to translate and provide guidance and support to the increasing number of Hispanic patients.

We must understand that there is an increasing need for immigrants at many levels of our society, not just in agriculture.

— William D. Goldie, M.D.,

Camarillo