Re: Oilpatch workers deserve respect (letter to editor from Betty Bell).
Betty, I do not know you but thank you for writing your letter.
I have never been an oilpatch worker. However, my two brothers spent their entire working lives in this industry and now I have three nephews and two nieces working for the oilpatch.
Being an oilpatch worker is not a job for wimps. You must be able to endure cold, hot and wet weather conditions.
Be prepared to live in isolation away from you family, friends, TV, work night shifts, tolerate mud, snow, rain and often endure poor and, at times, substandard living conditions.
An oilpatch worker’s salary is not bad, but they earn the wages the hard way.
In most jobs, they have no sick leave benefits, paid vacations or job guarantees, bonuses or pension packages.
I have many friends working in the oilpatch and they are all wonderful, honest and sincere folks and I will always defend them to the full extent.
Joe Byciuk
Blackfalds