Working Class Resentment Against the Working Class

Dear Neighbors,

While I believe that the professional middleclass needs to step up for the working class ASAP - the working class needs to stop tearing itself apart from within.  Someone wrote on a blog, "it must have been a union meathead."  If the city continues to pit one group up against another, nothing will get done. 

There is a growing frustration in this city among the working class and for good reason. The majority of working class people see their brothers and sisters (especially in government/civil service jobs) still getting wage increases while they are not.  So the angst is understandable but the vitriol is not helpful.  It may make you feel better for the moment but it doesn't change anything.  We need to be more constructive in this city if we are to grow as a community.  We need to work together not against one another.  If you believe that a certain policy within a union should be examined then fine please open up the dialog. 

I believe this anxiety among the non-union working class is effecting the support that would have been assumed 30 years ago for the new police, fire, and DPW Buildings.  In the past those buildings would have been built already.

Is it that you see their hourly pay go up while yours are stagnant.  If that is the case, please state it.  Maybe a compromise can be met.  But understand the need for the union in the first place - these are dangerous around the clock obligations, especially police, fire, and DPW.  So, they deserve to be cut some slack.
And remember, you are welcome to a apply if you like (and you'll have those benefits and maybe you wouldn't complain so much). 

I think this resentment of unions is real and out there in the Medford atmostphere among the working blue collar class and it is impeding the support for the new police, fire, and DPW buildings.  You the blue collar non-union labor are the ones who are going to be hit the hardest when the bill comes due.  This is real and the police, fire, and DPW unions need to understand the anxiety within your own working class brothers and sisters, and maybe the unions should give up a raise or in the case of the police, support a parking program made of civilians.  We have to find the common ground.  There is a real lose-lose scenario if we don't.  The anxiety will turn into anger.

Thank you for giving this some thought.  As for my neighbor who expressed such bitterness - thank you, you nailed it!

Jeanne Martin