Dear Mr. Rubin,
I am writing in response to an Article (Jennifer Flagg hired by LeBovidge) that was sent to me by my union Brother Bob Cullinane, President of IBT Local 127. I am disturbed to learn that after 16 years of fighting republican attacks on organized labor, that the Patrick Administration would be aligned with a policy of cutting union jobs. We in labor did not stand out in the cold and rain; spend hours and hours knocking on union household doors, to be rear ended by a democrat.

At last months GBLC meeting I was stunned to listen to Secretary Bump ask for support of labor on behalf of the Governor’s Casino proposal while justifying the Governor’s proposal to increase health care cost for public sector employees. As a member of the GBLC Executive Board for 14 years I listened to Secretary Bump in disbelief. This is the same health care cost proposal that was put forth by Governor Romney four years ago. Is this what we are to expect from a democratic governor; republican proposals, republican appointments and reappointment of republican officials?

The arrogance of asking for support from labor, at the same time justifying an increase in health care cost for public sector union employees, was disturbing and unacceptable to me. I did not speak up in protest out of respect and solidarity for my friend and union brother George Noel who was also seeking labor’s support for the Governor’s proposal. But after reading this article, I regret my decision. Are Casinos good for Massachusetts, perhaps, yet, what is certainly not good for Massachusetts is cutting union jobs and increasing union workers health care costs? What is happening here?

I find this to be a sad state of affairs after waiting 16 years for a Democrat. I look forward to discussing this further with you.

In Solidarity,

Donna Blythe-Shaw

USW International Staff Representative

617-640-4299