In 1959, as a college student, I worked for J&L Steel during a 112-day strike of the steelworkers’ union. In the end, various companies negotiated raises of $1.25 to $4.25 per hour over a three-year period.

The bottom line: While the union obtained raises, the workers never made up in their careers for the lost wages of the strike. It was also the beginning of outsourcing to foreign companies and an influx of foreigners taking over the jobs of those who left because of the strike.

It may be a lesson for hotel workers if the strike continues much longer.

Paul Miller

Kaneohe

Click here to read more Letters to the Editor.