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We cannot let government take away our right to strike

Surrey - The Editor, Re: "Don't go back to old days when it comes to striking," the Now, June 26.

Matthew Claxton nailed it in his column on how the right to strike came about. We owe it to those who have given their lives so we can negotiate through standing on picket lines.I don't have a horse in the race - I am retired - but have spent much time picketing and supporting others on the line. We cannot let government and business take away this right, as seems to be the goal these days.Many people are fed up with strikes and say, "things are different now." No, they are not, as we see with the importation of cheap foreign workers, employees who do not receive benefits because their hours are kept under those required to have benefits and wages that don't support a place to live and eat well at the same time.Cut back, save money and support the strong unions. Otherwise, we won't have any choices or decent wages. Elected officials have huge retirement benefits, as do those at the top of the business ladder. Lowly workers need a small ride on that gravy train.Johanna OttesenSurrey