Dear Editor:

I could never understand how everyday hard working people, especially from the coal regions of Pennsylvania, could possibly be against organized labor unions. Pennsylvania coal miners of the 1800's fought, and sacrificed their lives for better working conditions, and for higher wages, and if it wasn't for courageous people like them, we would all be working for peanuts today. The standard of living in America has only gotten better for the average middle class working person, because of the fighting force behind the Unions.Unfortunately, there are some cases where unions have taken advantage when having the upper hand during contract negotiations with their company, but the company must realize they only prospered on the backs of their workers. As much as I don't agree with the government being involved in our everyday lives, I do feel there should be a set standard, or a cap on how much upper management can make over and above their workers. It doesn't seem fair when a business has a CEO making millions of dollars annually, plus bonuses, along with stock options while the workers are struggling to make ends meet, or barely being paid enough to live above the poverty level. This is when the government should be allowed to step in, and equalize the playing field for all of the employees.At the same time, if a company is struggling to survive, it would be foolish for their union workers to still be expecting extravagant pay increases while jeopardizing everyone's future employment. There has to be a compromise between both the union and the company, so both sides can continue to benefit and to keep on working together as a team effort.I think GREED is ruining it for most people trying to achieve the great American Dream in America today. The moral and ethical attitudes of both the business owners and the people who work for them must drastically change if everyone expects to succeed. Today, it seems to be all about the money, or let's put all of the blame on the opposing side.All of us hard working Americans need to remember a very important lesson; "United we will all stand tall; and divided we will all fall short." It's as simple as that!John M. "Jack" SelbyHometown