There is nothing wrong with labor organizing into unions. I just believe that labor organizing, as well as management hire-fire, should not be done with even the potential of intimidation. That just puts the little guy at a big disadvantage from the beginning.

Whether it's the assemblyline worker seeking $5/hour more in benefits or the major league ballplayer seeking a $5million raise per season, labor is not wrong in trying to get as much for its services as it can - just like management setting its porduct prices for as high as it can, or the major league team owner who keeps raising ticket prices until folks just won't buy them anymore.

Just because some locals may still hold onto secret ballot doesn't mean all will, because what works oftentimes is the practice instead of what's right. That's why I hope whoever prompted this open-ballot idea doesn't get it.