We union members have a responsibility to every worker in the state. We are not only fighting for the right to have some say in our own wages, health benefits and working conditions, but also the rights of other workers.

People suffered discrimination and even violence many years ago so we could band together and have that say, and not be at the mercy of more powerful and more privileged employers.

I know that I must do my share because part of what the state is saying is real. I only want to see everyone do his part. If everyone hurts a little, hopefully no one will suffer a lot.

Will legislators give up part of their pension and health benefits they receive from the state? Will the governor? (I have given back $150 this year on the deductible in my health benefits and expect to do more.)

What I cannot give back is my right to bargain. The governor’s right to work (for less) bill as well as the proposal to hire contract workers will eliminate workers who are members of a union.

If the union is broken, you can be sure that all non-management wages, all health benefits and all terms of employment will suffer.

I believe every worker deserves a living wage and affordable health care. The governor is already challenging health coverage for all Mainers as passed by Congress.

That is just the beginning. It could set workers back a hundred years.

Marilyn Burgess, Leeds