Michael Sauers
August 28, 2025
I have a few issues with Unions including the one I belong to. Many times I have prodded my union, PSEA/NEA to be more aggressive on issues other than wages, pensions and working conditions. Occasionally, I led by example during strikes, at school board meetings, in the classroom and in a courtroom. I spoke out about class size (still do), curriculum development (still do) and hiring practices (federal court).
After retirement, I stayed part of the union and I often advocate for the union to educate the public about government. It’s a tough battle.
I grew up in McAdoo, PA and consequently witnessed labor struggles between minors and mine owners and garment workers and factory owners. The working conditions were not great, the wages were low and capital got away with a lot of injustice. As it turns out I am a distant cousin of Hugh McGeehan who had his neck stretched in Pottsville in the 1870’s. Accused of being a “Mollie Maguire” he was subjected to one of the greatest sham trials in labor history.
Unions have also disappointed me with Hoffa, connections to the mob and their inability to choose communities over destructive jobs.
Putting the above aside, I will always stand with labor in its battle for living wages, safe jobs, pensions, respect and dignity. For every sin labor has committed, capital has committed a thousand. Capital has a history of being anti-family with low wages, lousy or no benefits, long hours, child labor, dangerous jobs, tax avoidance, moving locations and polluting.
Happy Labor Day to my brothers and sisters in labor.