buy_25 said:
LOL....encouraging/ working with the word union....ya right...
Where is a union rep when you need one!!!!
Right here!!
I haven't been keeping up with the strike in NYC, even though I probably should.
If in fact, this is a wildcat/illegal strike, you guys are right. The Union screwed up, and will most likely pay accordingly.
But I see this gone from NY to Unions in general. I'd like to ask everyone, and expect a completely honest answer, if it wasn't for Unions helping to create the middleclass back in the early 20th century, would most of you be enjoying the life you lead today? Many uppermiddle class types think they're members of the arrogant elites on the lines of Bessemer, Rockefeller, and others. Guess what, that group would have you groveling in the filth if they could. They're no different than a third world dictator. Just look at the conditions most of the world lives in. Thank God I live in a country like I do.
Let me share a theory/conspiracy or whatever with you guys. Unions, for the most part are needed badly. The problem nowadays is appearing to be the "I want mine at your expense" logic, that has permeated the rank and file. You guys wouldn't beleive how many times on a daily basis I see this.
A guy comes into my office with a real or percieved problem, not speaking, but actually threatening you, bashing you, and damn near incoherent. Once you can make out what his problem is, you break out the contract, policies, practices, laws, and standing orders, and even the Union Constitution. God grant you serenity if the fool is proven wrong. Thats rarely good enough for the person like that.
Anyway, the Union is only as good as its members. Now, relate that to the problem that each and everyone of us bitches about. Todays, society!!
Selfcenteredness, egotistical morons, and just plain unhappy, evil people, that as long as they get yours, screw you.
Where I'm a Committeeman, better than half of our Union membership is in their early 30's, late 20's. I suspect that's pretty much the norm in a lot of industry today. My company didn't hire new blood for a good 15 years in the rank and file. A generation gap? OH YEAH!! We have very little cohesion in my Union anymore, it not only scares me, but breaks my heart as well. These new "members", would sell out us old guys in a heartbeat. What they don't care to see or beleive, is that my company has its eyes set on creating a tiered society if you will. They have many times stated that the plan is to create an entry level at much less the wages and benefits we now have. The new guys, you guessed it, are all for it. There is even talk among them that without a Union bogging them down, that they then could make their own deals and benefit packages.
I sure am glad I'll be gone within 18 months.
Although the conditions in NYC may be appalling, I beleive people should look at the "bigger" picture, and not just their own little 1/4 acre. They might find a view that'll scare the dog crap out of them, and I hope if they do, it does.
Please forgive the disconnected thoughts if you think they are. I get quite worked up at times when I hear blanket statements about how Unions cause the gamut of evils in our country. Maybe more should look at the underhanded lying, thievery, and lack of morals of "OUR" socalled elected leaders, and their counterparts in our Industrial sector.