I supported Gov. Janet Mills in her run for office. When I read that she had vetoed a bill that would have given farmworkers the right to unionize, I fully agreed with those who said her veto was “fundamentally immoral” and “an absolute disgrace.”

The bill, LD 151, sponsored by Rep. Thom Harnett (D-Gardiner), was one that would have given farmworkers the same rights as other workers to unionize. I have known him throughout my public career; he is a good and caring man.

We need only look at the deplorable working condition of poultry workers in our own area. I have also gone to the areas of Columbia Falls, Maine, to see the hardworking immigrants’ and indigenous workers’ poor working and living conditions. Human trafficking also exists in those areas.

Gov. Mills claims she is “a committed supporter of collective bargaining rights for workers generally.” How can she claim that, after having vetoed several pro-worker bills? If I didn’t know better, I would think that Paul LePage was still governor.

I have heard from some that some Democrats in Augusta are reluctant to pass bills in fear that the governor will veto them.

Unionization is simply fair bargaining for wages and working conditions with employers. Employers are in business to make money. They need workers to help them do that.

Coming together with an agreement is simple fundamental fairness. No one should be exploited, as are farmworkers.

I ask the governor to “make good trouble.”

Larry Gilbert Sr., Lewiston