To the person with no sympathy for “uneducated” oilpatch workers (comments from the Advocate’s website reprinted in the newspaper): You are uneducated to think that.
Men and women who work in this field take certain courses and often have to have a Class 1 or 3 licence, so hiring school kids does not take place.
Some are electricians, plumbers and engineers. Long hours, days, weeks and months away from family are often involved.
The work involves toiling in all types of weather and dangers.
Some make the big bucks, but they are the minority — not the majority.
There were a lot of layoffs and pay cuts in this field.
I don’t see lawyers, doctors, bank managers, nurses, teachers and professional sports players taking a pay cut. Did city council or non-union workers take a pay cut in these time? No, they gave themselves a raise. Why aren’t you mad about that? What part of that is fair?
My husband is in the oilfield and we pay the same bills as everyone else just to live. My home value went down, but my taxes still go up like everyone else.
We live in a 25-year-old home, drive a used car, and don’t take big vacations. I work two jobs.
Big trucks are driven for work and upkeep is the employees’ responsibility.
My son and daughter are both in the oilfield and are also volunteer firefighters. Try taking courses as a firefighter.
But, of course, as you say, oilfield workers are uneducated.
If people are not out there spending money, we all lose — no matter what job you have.
I would rather sit across a table and break bread with someone in the oilfield than a narrow minded person such as yourself.
You stereotype people by their lifestyle and their jobs and that is wrong and prejudiced.
My hat’s off to everyone who does hard work in any field, whatever your education is.
Betty Bell
Red Deer