During the past week, the issue of strikes was raised a few times.
1. In his radio interview, the GCC/IBT organizer stated: “…one of their (the Company’s) recent fliers handed to the employees said that they were preparing for a strike”.
2. In one of the employee union campaign meetings, a staunch union supporter claimed that there is no need to worry about a potential strike if the union is elected because union members would vote on it and they don’t want a strike.
3. Earlier in the week, an employee recognized as a union supporter, was heard to say: “a short strike would bring the Company to its knees”.
Regarding the first point above, it is important that everyone understand that strikes and other labor actions are stark realities in a collective bargaining world. If the union is elected to represent pressroom employees on January 4th and 5th, it is certain that the company would have no choice but to take necessary and prudent steps to ensure that the newspaper will publish in the face of potential strikes or any other labor actions.Regarding point number two above, while union supporters may well believe that they would not vote to strike today, it is a reality that no one knows what would happen during good faith bargaining. Why would the union give up its strongest bargaining chip? Would that not weaken its position in collective bargaining?
The third point is most interesting and enlightening. Union organizers claim that there is no need to worry about a potential strike if the union is elected. Yet, a prominent supporter is already talking about perceived results of a strike.
The Company certainly hopes there is never a strike. As we have stated time and again, it would bargain in good faith. But as the three points above illustrate, there are no certainties. The Company would have no alternative but to prepare contingency plans to respond to possible labor actions, including a strike, just as we have contingencies to respond to earthquakes and other potential business interruptions.
We urge you to consider this and many, many other facts about unions and collective bargaining as you prepare to vote January 4th and 5th.
Visit www.unionfree.com/latimes
WHY GAMBLE? VOTE NO!
I think alot of employees are not considering the seriousness of this. STRIKE??? Are you kidding me.. This company pays your salary so your family has a place to live and food to eat. Like I have said before. Vote the union in. YOU WILL lose everything you have now. ALSO what about your bust outs??????? Dont tell me you all dont get them. I know the numbers.
ReplyDeleteyawn !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!And what have we lost already...sounds like the union buster mark has hired .Hey anonymous please try( if you can ) to get it right will ya ??! thats a tired sound bite
ReplyDeleteAnonymous#2 I work in another department ,nice try. Everybody knows you are all a spoiled. As for bust outs you mean to say you do not except them ? You stay for your full shift everyday???? I know exactly when you come in and go home..... Also do you voluntarily give the union your dues now? YOU know they are more than happy to take it now.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a jealous mailroom employee who should have made a move 20 years ago but too lazy or I don't want to get dirty keep your nose in your own department when you get in the pressroom then you can have a opinion.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous#4 nice try.Wrong department. Try again. I guess nobody in America is entitled to have an opinion? Ya the only opinion you want is the one you agree with.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.calmis.ca.gov/file/occguide/Garbage.HTM
ReplyDeleteDo good workers need a union? or is Marty Keegan just lazy enough to push his product on the foolish.
ReplyDeleteI believe the drivers were " good workers "
ReplyDelete