My father never finished high school and worked for more than 20 years at Chicago Rawhide – making leather oil seals. When his idea for golf tubes took off (see August 13, 2020), he bought the small company that made them. Growing up – I worked there on weekends and holidays (see July 26, 2022).

Chicago Paper Tube and Can Company had about 18 employees. My father – never having much experience in management – went in the door on that first day – introduced himself, my mom and me. And from that day forward, every morning my father arrived at the office, he went around and talked to every single employee. “How are you doing Jose?” “All good?” “Is your machine working okay?” “Come in the office and let me know if I can do anything to help.“

Every employee had health insurance and at Thanksgiving and Christmas there was a bonus. The company ran well. And everyone got along. Then it happened. . . .

One day union organizers showed up at the door. Demanded entrance. Demanded to talk with all employees. Demanded that my father not utter one syllable to any of the employees or he would be sued and maybe other things could “occur.” And so my parents panicked. Sleepless in the night. Worried as to what would happen. My father continued his daily rounds but he remained frightened by the threats of the union to say much beyond “good morning.”

And then came the vote. Every employee voted “NO” on joining the union. And things got back to normal. Unions may have once served a purpose but have no need today. According to the Pew Research Center, union membership has declined annually – today just under 10% with most in the public sector (think about taxes). Let’s hope it keeps declining. . . .