I've been employed with Gary Community Schools for more than 30 years. I can look back and remember the brown envelope that contained information about Local 208 that I was given when I gained regular employment on the job.

Union representation was a natural part of the job for me, and I didn't have to question if I wanted to be a part of the union. I am in a union, and I have enjoyed being a member. My union has been that big brother who has fought for the rights of all service workers to have decent raises, health insurance benefits, basic job rights that employers don't seem to understand.

We should not allow employers to tell us that we don't need the assistance of a union or allow them the threaten us if we actively seek out a union.

With the assistance of unions in our work environment we have achieved greater relations with the employers and employees. Promoting fair working conditions as well as fair wages and employer paid health insurance further help promote a stronger employee.

I am asking U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh to help out working families like my family and co-sponsor the Employee Free Choice Act.

- Dorice Cusic, Gary