PHILIP Roe (Letters, February 24) tells us that as an employee he rued the closed shop rule imposed by the union, and I believe him.

I am equally convinced that Mr Roe, if freed of union membership, would have forfeited any gains in pay, conditions and holidays that collective bargaining would bring. Just as a matter of principle, you understand.

Dave Barker, Fern Close, Huntington, York.