Since most of the Raytheon employees had taken today off to start their Holiday Shutdown early, I thought it appropriate to wish EVERYONE happy holidays. Although the last year has been particularly bitter between IAM and those of us with a vision for a better work environment, most of us do not wish any of them ill. I don't think the same could be said the other way, but it doesn't matter. It's only a few short days before the start of 2009! A new year! A fresh start! Perhaps even a better work environment.
While there are a lot of things that we want this time of year, it is important to appreciate the things we have. I hope that everyone takes time to think of those men and women overseas that are unable to be with their families during the holidays. No matter how unbearable the situation here may be, there are others in much worse situations. Please take a moment out of your holiday festivities to give thanks for their sacrifices.
Be safe, have a wonderful holiday, and I hope to see EVERYONE back at work in January. That even goes for those that can't say the same about us. See you in 2009!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Where is the dialogue?
According to the Merriam Webster dictionary:
dialogue: 1) a written composition in which two or more characters are represented as conversing.
2a) a conversation between two or more persons ; also : a similar exchange between a person and something else (as a computer)
2b) an exchange of ideas and opinions
2c) a discussion between representatives of parties to a conflict that is aimed at resolution
3 the conversational element of literary or dramatic composition
4 a musical composition for two or more parts suggestive of a conversation
It would appear that several of these definitions apply to what would be expected of the union officials that supposedly represent the best interests of the workers. Unfortunately, dialogue is not something they are interested in. Instead, they are more interested in hunting the individuals behind these websites and blogs. They are more interested in intimidation tactics and threats than they are in working towards resolution of differences. Has anyone noticed that not once, has a representative of the union responded to the information posted here? Nope, they are too busy spreading their propaganda flyers in the breakrooms. They are too interested in trying to corner individuals they feel are "hurting their cause".
Why not post your words here for everyone to see? That way there will be a public record of EVERY word said, not just the ones that are handpicked by whichever person wants to use them for his or her own purposes. I mean, several of those involved with these blogs have been told by union members and leaders that there is nothing to this movement, that it isn't going anywhere. But others have been told that we are hurting their families, power to negotiate, blah, blah, blah. I actually had a union member tell me after the strike that I hurt his family. Excuse me? Did he bother to take my family into consideration? How about the damage that his beloved union did to my family? My family is my responsibility, just like his family is his responsibility. I had no gripe with him staying out, but unlike me, the union seems to have a grudge. So nearly two years later they continue to hold a grudge. When it comes time to rally support for their pitiful attempt at negotiating, they will ask for our support and be sweet as pie. It isn't going to work. All the "free memberships" in the world won't help them get support this time. They had more support this last contract negotiation than they have had in a long time, but they squandered it.
They squandered it because of their inability to have dialogue with those that they don't agree with. They want everything on their terms or else nothing at all. That is not how a mature organization worthy of my trust and my money acts. All the buttons, pens, pins, pencils, shirts, hats, and sunshades aren't going to change that. You will notice that we don't have those things. We don't collect dues. Anyone of the people associated with our group are free to come and go as they please. They aren't bound to year long contracts with a two week window with which to quit. We don't ask anything but the opportunity to work for a year free of this union. That is all that we ask. The chance to be treated as more than the second class hourly bargaining unit employees we are currently seen as. These are the fruits of the union's labors. Nice...nice indeed.
I aspire to more. And that is why IAM NOT 933!
dialogue: 1) a written composition in which two or more characters are represented as conversing.
2a) a conversation between two or more persons ; also : a similar exchange between a person and something else (as a computer)
2b) an exchange of ideas and opinions
2c) a discussion between representatives of parties to a conflict that is aimed at resolution
3 the conversational element of literary or dramatic composition
4 a musical composition for two or more parts suggestive of a conversation
It would appear that several of these definitions apply to what would be expected of the union officials that supposedly represent the best interests of the workers. Unfortunately, dialogue is not something they are interested in. Instead, they are more interested in hunting the individuals behind these websites and blogs. They are more interested in intimidation tactics and threats than they are in working towards resolution of differences. Has anyone noticed that not once, has a representative of the union responded to the information posted here? Nope, they are too busy spreading their propaganda flyers in the breakrooms. They are too interested in trying to corner individuals they feel are "hurting their cause".
Why not post your words here for everyone to see? That way there will be a public record of EVERY word said, not just the ones that are handpicked by whichever person wants to use them for his or her own purposes. I mean, several of those involved with these blogs have been told by union members and leaders that there is nothing to this movement, that it isn't going anywhere. But others have been told that we are hurting their families, power to negotiate, blah, blah, blah. I actually had a union member tell me after the strike that I hurt his family. Excuse me? Did he bother to take my family into consideration? How about the damage that his beloved union did to my family? My family is my responsibility, just like his family is his responsibility. I had no gripe with him staying out, but unlike me, the union seems to have a grudge. So nearly two years later they continue to hold a grudge. When it comes time to rally support for their pitiful attempt at negotiating, they will ask for our support and be sweet as pie. It isn't going to work. All the "free memberships" in the world won't help them get support this time. They had more support this last contract negotiation than they have had in a long time, but they squandered it.
They squandered it because of their inability to have dialogue with those that they don't agree with. They want everything on their terms or else nothing at all. That is not how a mature organization worthy of my trust and my money acts. All the buttons, pens, pins, pencils, shirts, hats, and sunshades aren't going to change that. You will notice that we don't have those things. We don't collect dues. Anyone of the people associated with our group are free to come and go as they please. They aren't bound to year long contracts with a two week window with which to quit. We don't ask anything but the opportunity to work for a year free of this union. That is all that we ask. The chance to be treated as more than the second class hourly bargaining unit employees we are currently seen as. These are the fruits of the union's labors. Nice...nice indeed.
I aspire to more. And that is why IAM NOT 933!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
They've hit new lows!
I'm sure that everyone has seen the flyer that the union has posted about their "First Annual Appreciation Gala". I'm also sure that you've no doubt noted that near the bottom there is a line about bringing an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots, but what you didn't see on those flyers is the following quote that was placed on flyers to union members:
"All proceeds will benefit our Local 933 Negotiating Committee as we head into another contract negotiation year!"
Just when I thought that the union leadership had gotten as low as was possible, they surprise me once again. I'm sure the company didn't get to see this flyer or I doubt it would have gone up on ANY bulletin boards. In fact, I suspect the only reason that the line about the Toys For Tots was even put on there was because the company would not let them put it up otherwise. Having worked with Toys For Tots for many years, I can say that it is disgusting that they would attempt to use a good, charitable cause to promote their self-congratulatory party.
But this brings up an interesting question of why the union needs to raise money for their negotiating committee. Isn't that what union dues are for? I mean, as a union member I paid a sizeable chunk of my income to the union for this particular cause. Where the heck is the money going that they need to raise money for their negotiating committee? Probably because the union squanders money trying to find out who blogs this or who runs that website. Maybe they should spend less money on stickers and t-shirts and more money on training their negotiators how to negotiate instead of acting like the insolent children they've been acting like.
It is interesting that someone I know has told me that a few of the union big wigs he has talked to have mentioned that this movement is going nowhere. Really? Nowhere? Then why are they so concerned? Next week I'll share some of what has been shared with me. It comes from the mouths of the elected union officials...so it HAS to be true, right?
"All proceeds will benefit our Local 933 Negotiating Committee as we head into another contract negotiation year!"
Just when I thought that the union leadership had gotten as low as was possible, they surprise me once again. I'm sure the company didn't get to see this flyer or I doubt it would have gone up on ANY bulletin boards. In fact, I suspect the only reason that the line about the Toys For Tots was even put on there was because the company would not let them put it up otherwise. Having worked with Toys For Tots for many years, I can say that it is disgusting that they would attempt to use a good, charitable cause to promote their self-congratulatory party.
But this brings up an interesting question of why the union needs to raise money for their negotiating committee. Isn't that what union dues are for? I mean, as a union member I paid a sizeable chunk of my income to the union for this particular cause. Where the heck is the money going that they need to raise money for their negotiating committee? Probably because the union squanders money trying to find out who blogs this or who runs that website. Maybe they should spend less money on stickers and t-shirts and more money on training their negotiators how to negotiate instead of acting like the insolent children they've been acting like.
It is interesting that someone I know has told me that a few of the union big wigs he has talked to have mentioned that this movement is going nowhere. Really? Nowhere? Then why are they so concerned? Next week I'll share some of what has been shared with me. It comes from the mouths of the elected union officials...so it HAS to be true, right?
Sunday, October 26, 2008
This is absolutely disgusting
What could possibly be worse than the union's current hypocrisy regarding freedom of speech? Their "events" that they do under the guise of charity. The latest is their Appreciation "Gala". At the bottom of the flyer is one little line about bringing a toy for Toys for Tots. As if an afterthought. What is the primary purpose of this event? To congratulate themselves for a job well done during the strike. You see, the flyer they didn't post on the union boards was one for strike captains to nominate those "brothers" and "sisters" that did outstanding jobs for the union during the strike.
You see, they boycott company sponsored charity events. For example, how many were told to boycott (yes, that is the word that was used on their flyer) the Hot Dogs and Hot Rods event at the airport site last year? So instead, they have to do their own? Which, if you have shown up to, it is quite a poor, poor sight to behold. But they give back to their community? Or at least that is what they profess. I donate to almost every cause that needs that the company helps sponsor. I know it isn't much, but it is all that I can for the time being. When school supplies are gathered up for kids, I put in. When food drives for the winter holidays comes around, I put in. But I have been noticing that since the strike, these boxes are surprisingly more vacant than they used to be. I suppose this is because the union told the membership to boycott those too, right? I know those good men and women that hold the union's stance donate those supplies through other means, right? Somehow, I find that hard to believe and it is disgusting.
It's disgusting that an organization that relied on the community in their time of self-imposed need, does little to give back. Instead of giving back to the community, the union leadership is focused on how to launch a PR blitz "next time" (like that will EVER happen again) because they feel that they were not portrayed in a good light during the labor dispute. I'm not sure what good light they were expecting to bathe in, but the truth is that they made false accusations against their employer, they lied to the membership, and they tried to cover it up. Those are the truths. No amount of spinning is going to make that go away. No amount of denying this is the beginning of the end of unsatisfactory representation can hide those truths. They've been put out there for all to see. That is why the union is scared. They know that once people see the truth for what it is, they won't have a leg to stand on. It is time to get rid of this union. It is time to tell them WE ARE NOT 933!!!
You see, they boycott company sponsored charity events. For example, how many were told to boycott (yes, that is the word that was used on their flyer) the Hot Dogs and Hot Rods event at the airport site last year? So instead, they have to do their own? Which, if you have shown up to, it is quite a poor, poor sight to behold. But they give back to their community? Or at least that is what they profess. I donate to almost every cause that needs that the company helps sponsor. I know it isn't much, but it is all that I can for the time being. When school supplies are gathered up for kids, I put in. When food drives for the winter holidays comes around, I put in. But I have been noticing that since the strike, these boxes are surprisingly more vacant than they used to be. I suppose this is because the union told the membership to boycott those too, right? I know those good men and women that hold the union's stance donate those supplies through other means, right? Somehow, I find that hard to believe and it is disgusting.
It's disgusting that an organization that relied on the community in their time of self-imposed need, does little to give back. Instead of giving back to the community, the union leadership is focused on how to launch a PR blitz "next time" (like that will EVER happen again) because they feel that they were not portrayed in a good light during the labor dispute. I'm not sure what good light they were expecting to bathe in, but the truth is that they made false accusations against their employer, they lied to the membership, and they tried to cover it up. Those are the truths. No amount of spinning is going to make that go away. No amount of denying this is the beginning of the end of unsatisfactory representation can hide those truths. They've been put out there for all to see. That is why the union is scared. They know that once people see the truth for what it is, they won't have a leg to stand on. It is time to get rid of this union. It is time to tell them WE ARE NOT 933!!!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Justice
It appears that IAM has withdrawn their complaint where they were attempting to seize control of www.iam933.net. I have seen the complaint that was filed and quite frankly, it is ridiculous. Their main point of contention was that the domain name was so similar as to cause confusion. But this union represents the finest aerospace workers in the world. I am pretty sure they can distinguish between a website that states, "It's time to get rid of this union," and the union's website. Or does the union really think that the hourly employees at Raytheon are not smart enough to know the difference? Their other arguements are absolute rubbish as well.
The fact is, there was only one reason that this happened. They are scared! Attempting to restrict opposing views and squelch freedom of speech are actions taken by dying tyrants. The union knows this. They know that they are going to be facing a vote for their business in a few months. And you better believe they are going to be pouring on the sugar soon. Well, it's too late for that.
One of the complaints that union leadership has made in regards to other non-union displays through stickers and shirts is that they are a federally sanctioned organization. Whoopie-doo! That does not give them the right to be the ONLY voice "representing" the workers. That is another hollow threat that the union attempts to use to intimidate supervisors and workers. It will not work! Enough is enough and this union has thrown enough bullshit out there for long enough.
Speaking of needing a pair of boots because it is so deep, I am checking the validity of some things that I have received from friends of this movement that might further this arguement. Of course, you will observe that the union is surprisingly silent in any forum that can be recorded, such as the iam933.net website or these blogs. Instead they prefer to leave propoganda in the breakrooms. After all, we are only a small group of disgruntled ex-union members, right? If that were the case, then why are the blogs and websites getting so much activity. It is interesting to note that the domain complaint wasn't registered until the .net website surpassed their site on the search engines. I'm sure that a small group isn't making that happen. The workers want to see both sides of this and they want to find out what their alternatives are to this broken, lying, worthless union. Justice will prevail.
The fact is, there was only one reason that this happened. They are scared! Attempting to restrict opposing views and squelch freedom of speech are actions taken by dying tyrants. The union knows this. They know that they are going to be facing a vote for their business in a few months. And you better believe they are going to be pouring on the sugar soon. Well, it's too late for that.
One of the complaints that union leadership has made in regards to other non-union displays through stickers and shirts is that they are a federally sanctioned organization. Whoopie-doo! That does not give them the right to be the ONLY voice "representing" the workers. That is another hollow threat that the union attempts to use to intimidate supervisors and workers. It will not work! Enough is enough and this union has thrown enough bullshit out there for long enough.
Speaking of needing a pair of boots because it is so deep, I am checking the validity of some things that I have received from friends of this movement that might further this arguement. Of course, you will observe that the union is surprisingly silent in any forum that can be recorded, such as the iam933.net website or these blogs. Instead they prefer to leave propoganda in the breakrooms. After all, we are only a small group of disgruntled ex-union members, right? If that were the case, then why are the blogs and websites getting so much activity. It is interesting to note that the domain complaint wasn't registered until the .net website surpassed their site on the search engines. I'm sure that a small group isn't making that happen. The workers want to see both sides of this and they want to find out what their alternatives are to this broken, lying, worthless union. Justice will prevail.
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