The indignation expressed by your correspondents relating to a wharfie strike at Botany seems to be widespread. (Letters, 29/9). Ironically, the only reason the AWU has a stranglehold on the Australian economy is because of actions most unions have historically opposed. Exporting business opportunities, jobs and entire industries overseas was endorsed by free-trade adherents. Attractively cheaper imports came at a very real risk to supply. Fortunately, history teaches us this lesson from a pandemic rather than war. If the US is a policy trendsetter for Australia, I expect it’s time to start repatriating all our critical supply lines. Alan Sexton, North Parramatta 30Sep2020.