Alaska Exposed: The Union (Conspiracy) by Sharon Lee Shields |
On December 3, 1999, 106 men and women were jilted in Alaska. And I was one of them. That's when I was informed, in a condescending aside, that our employer, Summit Paving, had already become a union shop. We never even got to vote on it. More than sixty-five of my former co-workers refused to be forced to join International Laborers' Local 341 or Operating Engineers' Local 302. We have voted the unions out twice before. Through many discussions and talks throughout the campaigns we knew if the unions came in we'd no longer be Summit Employees. And we were happy being Summit employees. Summit had been without a union for over 18 yrs. Now, without warning or notice, they had climbed into bed with both Locals 341 and 302 and we were out in the cold. Our happy working family had sent us away to become faceless numbers in a call-out pool of unemployed workers. Once unions had proudly worked for employees, counterbalancing the enoumous monetary power and political savvy of industry. Unions, through collective bargaining, helped Americans attain decent living wages and benefits, a shorter workweek, and laws against sweatshops. Union members participated by voting on union direction and actions, and walked with dignity that came from the satisfaction of a job well done in a fraternal enviroment. But no more. A new form of union corruption is taking over, usually without its own members' knowledge or consent. The new union pretends to be old-style, for members union, but the new-style, carries with it a raft of opression. But it is legal. |
.Union bosses work the same mindset of bureaucrats: both enjoy flexing their muscles at our expense. Both union bosses and bureaucrats exist because they have unsurpassed power and authority from the "little people" as they call us. They thrive on the backs of working people and have never been able to keep their hands out of our pockets. Sorry to say stories like the one told in "Alaska Exposed" is a norm, not the exception. I cannot begin to tell you how many of similiar stories I have heard. Stories of outright abuse of power run rampant. If anything, this story has been toned down from the norm. Those of us who wish to make Alaska a better place to live will have to raise hell to get the unions, bureaucrats, and politicos under our control where they belong. by Mark Chryson, Chairman, "Alaska Independence Party" |
Sharon Lee Shields, woman, mother, grandmother, writer and human rights activist, always on the side of justice. Pioneer Studio, Wasilla, Alaska. |
No happy ending. These guys consumed you. I wondered why I had not seen you in the office. I'm sorry to see you had to sit in that blender all that time. You sure have a lot of strength. Wow! Don't ever give up. If you ever give up, they win! It sure is tough pushing the truth, huh? Dr. "T" (Stan Throckmorton) DC DABCI Throckmorton Chiropractic Clinic |
Raised in the backwoods of Michigan, Sharon learned her family was poor after her four-room schoolhouse closed and she was bused to high school in the rich suburb of Elk Rapids. There her classmates ate store-bought beef instead of freshly shot squirrel, rabbit, and venison. At Penisula College in Wahsington State, she became an activist. In 1994, Sharon began the adventure that led to "Alaska Exposed: The Union (Conspiracy)". Sharon's two earlier books dealing with employment issues, as well as her activism, have attracted much interest. Always an advocate for those in need, Sharon has donated thousands of hours to Umbrella Community Services, Port Angeles, Washington, and USAFV, Unalaskans Against Sexual and Family Violence. Sharon recieved a certificate of appreciation from Tanaina Elementary School for generous contributions of time, cookies and love to teachers and children. |
Cover design by Hal Gage Gage Photo Graphics Anchorage, Alaska |
Book Price $19.95 each Shipping & Handling $5.95 per book |
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