Thursday, March 26, 2009
Who's Next?
By Keith Denson
Hello Brothers and Sisters,
Has any one noticed how the company has allowed division to be prevalent from one plant to the other, a divide and conquer system for many years? We have two plants with two totally different management styles. We all know it and it has worked to some degree. How do we feel that our friends for many years are being laid off with nothing? I bet a lot of you are just glad it was not you. But, can someone please tell me what's so good about this place since the Tribune and now Zell have taken over the paper? You guys who are still on the fence, were you one of the companies special pressmen that they wanted to protect in negotiations? We know we have lost a lot of good people over the last two layoffs. As good as some were, this paper has yet to miss a delivery when they or your good ass was gone, vacation, sick, or whatever. Most of us grew up in the 60's and 70's, where brothers helping brothers. We all pulled together to get the job done. We are still our brothers keeper...I still think so. Right now, this country has lost it way. We no longer think as we, but, me. Really, can you honestly tell me or anyone what this new regime has brought to you. We have newspapers failing all around us but, we could not pickup one or two products. Maybe if they concentrated more on that verse eliminating jobs or fighting to get the union out, they could. You sit comfey because of your seniority number and don't want to get involved but, we are all involved...up to our neck. That security you are afforded by this contact, as weak as it is one reason why. This regime has taken us for granted. All the many years of sacrifices we have all made, missing, holidays, kids games, family get togethers, and sickness. Some people think we are paid too much but, they are not here on those missed days with our families. And yes, we have been paid well but, so have they. The current situation at this company was not brought on by the union. We just wanted the slashing to stop to get some type of security. We are fighting the corporate greedy giants all over this great country. This company has been poorly managed over the years. All that money spent on road shows, private meetings with supervision all to stop us from having a right given to all in this America. That my friends was not even needed if in fact the company was treating us so well.
Yes, some people are thinking of their own gain. But, how does that effect you and me? I put in an honest days work for a customer who I can neither see nor talk to and this does afford my family the necessities of life. Don't lose your integrity. We all need to pull together. This union is here now, and I hope to stay for at least two and a half years hopefully more. Let's all make the best out of this situation, you might like it down the road. United we stand divided we will fall. Recognize who is on your side...your fellow workers as neighbors are. The tactics this company has used, have misfired thus far but they have devastated a once grand paper and our friends lives. Who's next? We must stand together and support our brothers and sisters as ourselves.
Be at the Rally!!! March 30, 2009 at 11:30am. I will!
Your Brother in solidarity
Keith Denson
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2 comments:
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Brother Denson said,
"The current situation at this company was not brought on by the union. We just wanted the slashing to stop to get some type of security."
Of course the current "situation" was not brought on by the union. It was brought on by a changing world. The current print model for newspapers is dying. Compounding this, we are in the worst economic debacle since The Great Depression.
How secure any of us are in the employment market is determined by the skills we command, and the demand for those skills. Unfortunately, making a paster, loading rolls, and running a press are not on Money Magazines top 10 career list.
None of us like to see co-workers leave, especially without some cushion. But let's take some personal responsibility here.
* The majority willingly chose to negotiate everything they once had.
* They failed to consider the consequences inherent in bargaining from a weak position.
* They allowed a group of amateurs to represent them at the table.
* They failed to fully review and understand the contract before voting.
Perhaps, during the recent severance negotiations (negotiations = give me and I will give you) President Pineda should have secured some sort of package for these people (this is the give me part.) Of course, the very nature of collective bargaining, any bargaining, would require President Pineda to make some concession (this is the give you part.) I suspect something like, everyone giving up one paid holiday, might have sealed such a deal.
It astounds me that people continue to ignore the fact they are now a bargaining unit. They fail to acknowledge the simple reality that unless it is specified in the contract, nothing is received unless it is bargained for.
So true and well said!!!
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