In reply to Stephen Ward (Oxford Mail, September 23) unions in China, Russia and India do exist.

The All China Federation of Trade Unions, which has 137 million members, recently brought about improved pay and working conditions for millions of Chinese workers. In India, there are 11 trade unions with a combined 25 million members.

Russian unions claim to have more than 30 million members, although it is difficult to measure their effectiveness, At the end of the 19th century, there were only two million industrial workers in Russia, so unions have made huge progress there.

Mr Ward asks why the recent council workers' strike was a low-key, one-day event.

I assume it was strong enough to reach its objective.

Strikes by public service employees are not meant to threaten the public.

Disruption should be kept to a minimum — no responsible trade unionist wants to see people not being buried, rubbish not collected or fellow workers unable to go away on holiday by air.

On Mr Ward's other point, immigration has brought about massive improvements to our public services in hospitals, care homes, factories, local councils, county councils, road transport, railways, hotels, restaurants, shops and sport.

Whether one believes union membership is declining or not, one thing is sure in these troubled financial times — trade unions are making their voice heard.

The minority, which has risked the majority's money, must be stopped.

Legislation is needed to curb the irresponsible City workers, similar to the action taken to curb irresponsible trade unions in the 1970s.

MICHAEL HOLDER Collinwood Road Oxford