Mill workers, let's stand up!

To the Editor:

I’ve tried to be good. I have.

But I am angry that so few paper millworkers in Rumford spoke out against the removal of the labor mural by Gov. LePage.

I worked 32 years in the Rumford mill with men, and some women, who were not afraid to speak out against injustices in the mill. But when the governor of the state removed their mural history from existence, they rolled over and went to sleep like “good little puppy dogs.”

I had many years with hard workers in the paper mill, smart people, well-mannered people, outspoken people, hourly workers and labor organizers, who were good Rumford area citizens.

I honor these people to this day as I speak of them, partly because, I will always admit right up front, so many were far more conscientious workers than I was myself.

Rumford paper mill workers should not forget that because of their labor organizing in the paper mill, the high wages, small businesses in Rumford made a good living.

Why are we letting Gov. LePage erase our history without a word? Where the hell is our pride?

And I’d like to hear some anger from our Maine legislators about the removal of the mural! Cooperate, my eye, with a man who is right out loud prejudiced against the working class! He is way out of line!

Come on, dammit, let’s stand up, Rumford paper mill workers! We have reason to be proud of our working history and our labor union.

A one line letter to the editor makes our point: “Bring back the labor union mural.”

All the retirees from the paper mill with one line, standing up for themselves, their history, their contribution to their families and the Rumford area economy.

“Bring back the labor union mural...”

Remember when you were organizing your labor union in the paper mill? What were you saying? What were you thinking?

“Don’t you dare walk on me. I’ve had enough.”

And the paper mill began to change, your work life began to change, because of you, because you stood up.

God bless paper mill workers! God bless labor unions!

Tom Fallon,

Rumford