Putting conflict in context

Patrick J. McDonnell of the Los Angeles Times writes about a war between two labor unions — Workers United and Unite Here — and its impact. He writes:

“The dispute has cost organized labor millions of dollars to fight and dealt pleased employers an upper hand as union shops battle each other. A broad swath of contested terrain ranges from commercial laundries in California to school cafeterias in Philadelphia.”

Today’s Tip: When you’re writing about a fight, be sure to stay in the middle and put it all in perspective.

Patrick presents both sides of the issue and clearly illustrates the resulting problems. He also notes the history of the conflict and its ironic timing:

“The infighting rages as a slumping economy batters working families and union allies control the White House and Congress, creating labor’s most propitious political moment in decades.”