December 19, 2012Dear Sir,Please allow me to respond to the comments made by DJLT in The Royal Gazette article published December 14, 2012. In his article, DJLT stated that unions have given workers a sense of entitlement which may arguably be so, however this sense of entitlement was aimed at making sure that workers’ rights were protected and that they would not be subjected to poor working conditions in the workplace. History will show that trade unions have only been able to negotiate what has been available to be negotiated and good benefits and better working conditions have resulted in employers benefiting and making huge profits. Now as the workforce has changed along with the employment climate, not to mention the recession, poor pensions funds, austerity and the many other issues that have plagued labour, surely unions will have to adjust how and what we negotiate for.However and more importantly DJLT took the liberty of labelling individuals with certain working habits as being persons who possess a union mentality. It is my opinion that DJLT has used the phrase union mentality in the wrong context here. People who abuse sick leave, come to work late, leave early and are irresponsible do not have a union mentality — they have poor working ethics! Individuals who do not have drive, or lack foresight do not have a union mentality. People in the workplace who have a union mentality are the ones who are vigilant and proactive on compliance and policies within the workplace, facilitates a clear understanding between employee and employer on the collective bargaining agreement, adapts to a changing workplace, acts as a referral agent for problem solving and attempts to negotiate a win/win situation. Persons with a union mentality are team players, good listeners, show empathy, respects the workplace, employers and members of staff. These union qualities have benefited a number of individuals who have gone on to have successful careers. I agree that people who lack ambition and the need to strive for excellence do an injustice not only to themselves but also the company that they work for, however they certainly do not have a union mentality.KEVIN GRANTBPSU