John Pratt, after reading your letter last Sunday, I am confused as to what you think the principles of this country were founded on. Not knowing you makes it difficult to address this correctly. I could understand your thoughts if you were a business owner, manager or unemployed. Certainly not an employee.

Labor actions have been around for most, if not all of your life. The working class has used unions and associations to keep ahead of welfare.

I thought you might be interested in a few facts, although I doubt you will agree.

It is not a crime for any person or any organization not to patronize a business. On the other hand, it is against several labor laws for an employer to restrict any labor actions on the behalf of an employee during his or her off-duty hours. Your thoughts would have caused several legal actions against the city, probably costing far more than any wage benefit on the table. Fortunately, most of the city managers are aware of this and will not fall into the trap of your suggestions.

Ask Les Melburg how much money he has made off the city of Redding over the past 20 years.

Maybe you ought to ask Jerry Kuske, if he was so devoted to his cause, why he folded over the possible sales of a couple of cars.
Gary Hughes,
Redding