Labor Secretary Reich

“You can’t create a genuine partnership when one partner feels that there’s a loaded gun aimed at its temple,” says Labor Secretary Robert B. Reich, explaining why the Clinton Administration is seeking to pass legislation that would bar employers from permanently replacing workers who strike (March 31). What an ironic statement, since the proposed legislation would aim that gun directly at business! Reich’s point is that labor feels as though its members can be replaced at any time if they demand too much. But this isn’t a loaded gun--this is reality. If it’s more cost effective for a company to hire a new work force rather than give in to their workers’ demands, then those demands, by the rules of the marketplace, are unrealistic.

STEWART MARGOLIS

Los Angeles