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Nancy Mehl
Mindsight Moderator
Post Number:
1735
Registered: 08-2001
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 18, 2004 - 09:43 pm: |   |
Well, the union at SBC is threatening to strike. If they do walk out tomorrow, that may shoot down my vacation plans this summer, including the trip to Indiana.
I won't get into my feelings about the union because some people feel so strongly about them, but this is the best job Norman's ever had and we are very grateful to have it. Pushing your employer around in an attempt to get what you want, even if it isn't the best move for the company, isn't something I am comfortable with. However, walking past a strike line is risky. Hopefully, if they do strike, it won't last long.
I think the main reason a lot of jobs are being outsourced is due to unions pushing unreasonable demands down employer's throats.
I'll let you know what happens...
Nancy
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Banned in Maryland and Ohio (Unregistered Guest)
Work-in-progress guest
Posted From: 66.81.163.185
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 18, 2004 - 11:38 pm: | |
I am self-employed and am seriously considering walking out on myself due to personality conflicts, low wages, and poor working conditions. Even so, I would not want to climb poles for a living. It's hazardous and physically demanding. I hope your husband and his fellow workers can reach a settlement with their employer, but, if not, I can assure you that I will respect their picket line (not because of any fear of violence, but because it is the right thing to do).
http://www.vigilantes.htm |
Gloria Marlow
Wisdom Member
Post Number:
952
Registered: 04-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 19, 2004 - 05:00 am: | |
I hope it all works out, Nancy. I know just how nerve-wracking it can be while they decide whether to strike or not. It's even more so when you aren't so sure the demands are worth it. |
Todd Hunter
Unity Member
Post Number:
1531
Registered: 02-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 19, 2004 - 05:15 am: | |
Part of the reason for outsourcing, though, is merely in an attempt to cut costs...I'm not a big fan of unions, but the idea of companies simply wanting to better the bottom line (so they can get larger bonuses in the upper echelons) at the expense of local employees sickens me.
(Of course, the idea of people getting paid more merely for the fact they've been at a company longer (and not on abilities) also sickens me...so......)
The highest paid engineer (according to a stat I was told recently) in India gets $2500/year...(yes, two zeroes) Not sure what that translates down to for call center workers...
The IAM goes through contract negotiations at work this fall...should be rather interesting to see what happens there...I believe it's in September or October, though, so my attendance in Indiana shouldn't be affected. Though being salaried as I am (and not part of the union), I have no choice on whether to cross the line or not...you either do so or find another job... |
LaurieAnne
Unity Member
Post Number:
1449
Registered: 12-2001
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 19, 2004 - 04:03 pm: | |
Worked in a union shop one time. I don't think I'll ever do so again. And when talk of a union hits somewhere I'm working, I start looking for another job. Goes with what Nancy said about pushing for the unnecessary--and I consider more than $14 an hour to stand and push buttons on a machine to be unnecessary. If you can't live on $14/hour, with overtime being a regular facet of your job (from the experiences around here, overtime amounts to at least 5 hours a week, if not more), and most of the time, your spouse is also working at the same location earning the same amount...so, in my humble, lowly opinion, if you can't live off of that, you need to learn how to budget.
But, then, I happen to be VERY opinionated, and learned to live off a HELL OF A LOT less, so my vote probably doesn't count.
Done mumbling.
LA
LaurieAnne
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Nancy Mehl
Mindsight Moderator
Post Number:
1738
Registered: 08-2001
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 19, 2004 - 05:06 pm: | |
Well, the union, in its vast wisdom, has decided to force a four day strike to "teach SBC a lesson." Norman would lose 3 days work - so that's around $500 out of our pocket - plus the overtime pay we get almost every day. Another $300)
SBC sent a copy of the contract they've offered - it's more than adequate, in fact it's a very good contract. I resent these people messing with our income and Norman's job. HE got this job - SBC hired him and is paying him. They didn't get him this job. He should have the right to work - but who wants to cross a picket line? People have been attacked for doing so.
So, hopefully this action will make them feel powerful and they'll back off and let people work. Norman will NOT allow them to push us very far. If push comes to shove, he will cross the line and support his family.
Dang unions....
BTW - someone said something about climbing up a pole... I had to laugh. Norman works in the Customer Service Repair Department - at a desk. I wouldn't want to see him trying to climb a pole. He has enough trouble getting up from the couch!!! LOL! It would be ugly....(G)
Nancy |
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