Posted September 18, 2006

1. Why, in your opinion, are Americans working harder for less money?

The fact of the matter is that cost of living is high while wages are staying low. People are working hard because they have to feed their families. Where I live, in California, it’s becoming next to impossible for working people to buy homes. Then gas becomes an issue. When big oil companies raise their gas prices, everything else goes up. Corporate America takes its cue from the petroleum companies, which affect all working Americans.  

2. Is the struggle becoming unmanageable?

Workers who aren’t educated are going to struggle in today’s economy. Everything these days seems to be focused on technology and computers. For the people who have degrees and knowledge of technology, it’s more manageable. You can’t make ends meet flipping burgers your whole life. Unions can help ensure that hard work is rewarded. We don’t aspire to become rich – we just want what’s fair.  

3. Tell me about some of the tough decisions you’ve had to make in recent years.

Luckily, I haven’t had to make too many tough decisions. Right now I’m waiting for a transportation security clearance to go through. I’ve used two weeks of my vacation and now I’m on a leave of absence. Hopefully things will work out soon. I’ve never been off work for several weeks – I’ve always worked since I was 14 years old. I’ve wanted to be a responsible taxpayer.  

4. What is your message to working Americans struggling to pay the bills?

Don’t give up, don’t get discouraged. If you work hard and keep hope, things will fall into place. I would encourage most Americans who think about the future to consider joining a union. Unions are big families that help each other make it through tough times.

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