Hello from NY

[BlueStreak]

Originally Posted by Dondilion

The IBEW is a great union here in the city. Made tremendous effort to train, and educate its members. Also recognised the need to be inclusive, the importance of health care and that its finance should be above board....provided reasonable pension for its members.

A lesson other unions could stand to learn from. I see this as the greatest failing of the UAW and to a lesser degree the USW. Driving up the cost of labor without doing anything to increase the value of that labor just isn't smart. Especially, in todays global economy.

However, in the non-union jobs I have had, I have also seen little effort in those regards. They seem more intent on squeezing out more volume per employee at a lower cost, without ensuring they are better trained.

That won't work either. All you get is mediocre product produced in larger numbers.

[JJIII]

Welcome, Mike.

[finnbow]

Welcome, Mike. Post away.

[BlueStreak]

I was once an active union member, (UFCW) serving on the contract negotiating committee and volunteering for things, supporting other unions during strikes and so on. I grew up in a union family (UAW). My father worked for Chrysler and others, brother, cousin Aunts, Uncles...worked for General Motors in Ohio.

Yes, interesting for all of their bluster about so many other issues, the first thing the right did after the 2010 election cycle was wrap its tentacles around the neck of the working class and squeeze tight. The sad part is is that so many STILL don't see it.

Dave

[merrylander]

The real reason why the GOP is out to get unions is not for any money they might give the Dems but because they were so good at getting out the vote.

[MikeG22]

Absolutely, when the election was nearing we were getting reminder phone calls about Mitt's plan to do away with collective bargaining all the time. I felt betrayed by a party I had more respect for at one time. Christie is the same with his battling of the teachers in Jersey, then boasting about it in his GOP NC opening speech. Patting himself on the back for taking money away from the educators of our children.

Someone mentioned the cost of union labor to municipality. We do not receive the union's prevailing wage, actually about 2/3 of what their flag men make. It is not a huge difference in what we make compared to non union municipal employees. With the way many of these local politicians waste money is one of the right things they can do.

[ebacon]

Hi Mike,

Welcome to the board.

[Rajoo]

Welcome to the forum Mike.

[Zeke]

Welcome!

[piece-itpete]

Howdy Mike.

I saw a fireman driving a Toyota pickup the other day.....

Pete