beagleboy Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 Bad news in a bad economy. We might strike come Monday because our contract is up and the contractors want to take advantage of a slow economy. Hopefully our union delegates and president do the right thing and get what we want. We are looking for a 3% raise every year for the next three years. When it comes down to it, we are only asking for the rate of inflation every year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Kat Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 What is local 7? Which union? We are in negotiations right now too and we are also asking for a raise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PotashRLS Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 I think folks should be happy to have a job right now and do it well. There are others out there that will get in line for it if they don't like it. JMHO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkneck Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 I can't be sympathetic to anyone demanding a 3% raise every year in this economy, sorry. I'm just glad to keep my job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Kat Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 What you two don't get is that these pay scales are set in stone for 3-5 years at a time. It's no different than the cost of living raises you get each year at most non union companies. This past contract we got a 1.10 cent raise each year. Not to mention we pay in union dues each paycheck that non union employees do not pay in....plus all the SS and State and Fed taxes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckee Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 All I can say is "good luck". It's tough times for negotiating for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texastrophies Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 redkneck said: I can't be sympathetic to anyone demanding a 3% raise every year in this economy, sorry. I'm just glad to keep my job. +1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BowJoe Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 So.... if everyone else is getting it automatically then why do you need a union to get it for you? I think the union is doing double duty by telling you they are needed for you to get a raise, then charging you a fee for it when everyone else gets one without them. And who is the Union to decide everyone even deserves it? I think people in Unions too often are convinced it's good to have them when in reality millions more work without them and make less and have jobs even longer and don't have to worry about strikes and loss of pay. Think about it, if you are off for 2-3 weeks, isn't that more than the 3% raise to begin with? You only have 52 weeks a year and that's at least 4-6% of your yearly income. You wanna know the only way to get rid of a union in your place of work? Keep them around. Sooner or later, you won't have a place to work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BowJoe Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 Sorry if I tick off people on here that are in a Union but it's nothing personal. I've just seen the devastating effects Unions have on a lot of our local businesses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beagleboy Posted June 4, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 The_Kat said: What is local 7? Which union? We are in negotiations right now too and we are also asking for a raise. Kat, Local 7 in New York City is Tile Marble and Terrazzo Union Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Kat Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 Unions protect American jobs. They secure work for people. You get guaranteed insurance after so much time in service, a pension that is safer than ones in stock markets, and you don't have to worry about losing out on jobs due to illegal immigrants. I think alot of you who bash unions are simply uneducated in what and how they work. I hate to burst everyones bubble, but the UAW is far from the union standard. 95% of locals do not pay their workers who are no longer working or retired. Their medical benefits do not continue either. The UAW has set a bad taste in manys mouth. The Operating Engineers have made great things happen in my life. I have awesome medical insurance for my entire family. I have life insurance. I have a retirement that is up there with the best of them, yet I didn't lose a penny last year....how much did you lose? I have a job secured for me that I don't have to worry about losing to somehwhere overseas, nor do I have to worry about some illegal alien taking my job. You all sit on your high horse and cry about the wage increases, yet you all get the same raise each year. We just plan ours out in advance. I'll defend my job and my union 100%. It's done tons for me! P.S. Those contractors joined the unions, we didn't make them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Kat Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 beagleboy said: Kat, Local 7 in New York City is Tile Marble and Terrazzo Union Operating Engineers Local 112 Anderson, IN buddy. Good luck on the negotiations! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beagleboy Posted June 4, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 The_Kat said: Operating Engineers Local 112 Anderson, IN buddy. Good luck on the negotiations! Glad I have a union brother who understands. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Kat Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 beagleboy said: Glad I have a union brother who understands. You have several more on here besides myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Andrus Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 Well NYS wouldnt deal with my union and it went to binding arbitration. Were over 2 years with no contract, no raises nothing. The arbitratior ruled in our favor and are #$#$# govenor says he wont pay it. so now we wait Eventually he'll have to pay with interest but its going to be till october or longer they say. Then well get our back pay and get taxed outragous on the check Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OJR Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 I was forced to join the machist union at one time and I have never gotten screwed so bad in all my life! Once I left that company and went to work for NONUNION companies, I made good money! No union for me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hoss Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 The_Kat said: Unions protect American jobs. They secure work for people. You get guaranteed insurance after so much time in service, a pension that is safer than ones in stock markets, and you don't have to worry about losing out on jobs due to illegal immigrants. I think alot of you who bash unions are simply uneducated in what and how they work. I hate to burst everyones bubble, but the UAW is far from the union standard. 95% of locals do not pay their workers who are no longer working or retired. Their medical benefits do not continue either. The UAW has set a bad taste in manys mouth. The Operating Engineers have made great things happen in my life. I have awesome medical insurance for my entire family. I have life insurance. I have a retirement that is up there with the best of them, yet I didn't lose a penny last year....how much did you lose? I have a job secured for me that I don't have to worry about losing to somehwhere overseas, nor do I have to worry about some illegal alien taking my job. You all sit on your high horse and cry about the wage increases, yet you all get the same raise each year. We just plan ours out in advance. I'll defend my job and my union 100%. It's done tons for me! Well Kat you defend it all you want. But you tell all the Cat workers and retires that have been sc@@@@ by ther fine outstanding UAW. I had a UAW card for 15 yrs till i gave it up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craig mack Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 Good luck negiotiating in these tough economic times. We recently gave up quite a bit to keep our jobs and I fully expect to give up more in the near future. I would worry more about keeping a job and working than a 3% raise. I'm not knocking you for wanting more or thinking you deserve it, but if you strike now, nothing good will come of it. I have been a UAW member for 13+ years and I dont always agree with everything they (UAW) do but I'am very appreciative of what I get and what I have earned in the past. Times are tough right now and there are not many people out there that will sympathize with your position right now. Believe me I know, FOX news slams us every chance they get and I know thats where alot of folks on this site get there info on the matter from. And FOX news dont know JACK when comes to me and my job!!!! You have to make a decission on whats best for you and yours and go from there. If you think that 3% is worth it, than go for it. Just be prepared if the crap hits the fan. Good luck, I hope it all works out for you in the end. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldksnarc Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 The_Kat said: Not to mention we pay in union dues each paycheck that non union employees do not pay in....plus all the SS and State and Fed taxes. You pay union dues that non-union members do not pay? And, they make the same money without paying dues? Who's your master? Can't do much about SS and taxes. We're all stuck in that boat. But, to pay something to someone for nothing doesn't make a lot of sense to me. Unions at one time may have served a purpose. But they've outlived their usefulness and are in it for themselves now. You get a raise - they get a raise. Where are they for the sweat shops? No money in it for them. They don't save jobs. They don't get you a job if they lose the one you had. And, they helped get the Annointed One elected. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craig mack Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 oldksnarc said: You pay union dues that non-union members do not pay? And, they make the same money without paying dues? Who's your master? Can't do much about SS and taxes. We're all stuck in that boat. But, to pay something to someone for nothing doesn't make a lot of sense to me. Unions at one time may have served a purpose. But they've outlived their usefulness and are in it for themselves now. You get a raise - they get a raise. Where are they for the sweat shops? No money in it for them. They don't save jobs. They don't get you a job if they lose the one you had. And, they helped get the Annointed One elected. I dont think that non-union members would be making the money they make if there were no unions around. They would be making alot less. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nut Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 Right now I would take a union or non-union job in my trade . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BowJoe Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 I see no difference in the Unions demanding a raise than the bashing that Obama did against AIG for taking bonuses that are most of their income for an entire year. Those people worked on the contract that if they did their job, they would be paid like a commission bonus for it. Then Obama and his thugs threatened and taxed them to no end. Unions are no better than organized crime in my opinion. If I was the owner of a Union run plant, I'd shut it down tomorrow. Which one would you prefer: a job tomorrow and possibly the next 30 years or NO JOB!?!?! When you hire on for a job, you offer to sell your services at a given price. The company may have incentives for future hard work but to force them to give you a raise now and in the future for work you havent even begun yet is like twisting their arm to make them say Uncle. Unions are great for the employees that want something given to them simply for being an employee. To employers however, they are a parasite that try to tell the company what to do with one hand tied behind it's back. You can't tell me that if you were a company owner, you'd want somebody telling you that you're a bad guy because you worked hard to give people jobs and make money at the same time. Again, you aren't evil just because you're rich. Ya'll should have more common sense than that. Not to mention that if you do disagree with your Union, you get a not so friendly reminder to keep your mouth shut or else. Now... go and disagree with something out loud and see what I mean. Good luck with that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Kat Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 oldksnarc said: You pay union dues that non-union members do not pay? And, they make the same money without paying dues? Who's your master? Can't do much about SS and taxes. We're all stuck in that boat. But, to pay something to someone for nothing doesn't make a lot of sense to me. Unions at one time may have served a purpose. But they've outlived their usefulness and are in it for themselves now. You get a raise - they get a raise. Where are they for the sweat shops? No money in it for them. They don't save jobs. They don't get you a job if they lose the one you had. And, they helped get the Annointed One elected. FYI my contractor pays me alot more than a non union hand makes in my field of work. A rat contractor pays maybe 65$ a day per diem, I make 100$ minimum. A rat contractor pays his level 2 techs 15-20$ an hour. I make 32$ an hour. My contractor carries insurance and a retirement, a rat company doesn't, or if they do it comes out of my check. I will agree with you folks on the UAW, they screwed themselves, but the UAW is not the only union out there. As I poisted before 95% of unions do not pay retirees or non working members. Thats just plain stupid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LifeNRA Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 (edited) redkneck said: I can't be sympathetic to anyone demanding a 3% raise every year in this economy, sorry. I'm just glad to keep my job. I agree! I got a raise for the first time last year, it was about four years that went past where I seen none! I too am glad I have a job! The_Kat said: What you two don't get is that these pay scales are set in stone for 3-5 years at a time. It's no different than the cost of living raises you get each year at most non union companies. This past contract we got a 1.10 cent raise each year. Not to mention we pay in union dues each paycheck that non union employees do not pay in....plus all the SS and State and Fed taxes. No cost of living raises for me in four years, until last year. Plus I doubt Ill see one this year! I worked for one union plant, NEVER AGAIN! Dues was $50 a month for what? I seen nothing they did for us, other than them taking our money! So glad I got out of that place. My wife works for a trucking company. The teamsters is BLEEDING THEM DRY! They have to pay for the SCUM that don't even work for them! I am talking about the HEAD GUYS of the teamsters. They (my wife's company) are obligated to pay for THEIR RETIREMENT! What kind of CRAP is that! I mean they don't even work for this trucking company! Now they have to start selling off assets to meet the deadline! TOTAL CRAP IF YOU ASK ME!!! :mad: Years ago unions were worth it, not anymore! Now they are part of the PROBLEM!!! They are just helping to bleed the country dry so that they can continue to live the good life while others have to suffer! Edited June 4, 2009 by LifeNRA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted June 4, 2009 Report Share Posted June 4, 2009 This is one of those reasons why I dislike unions. Across the board raises are a pretty ignorant request, especially in the economic climate we are in. Raises should be given based on performance. If the company is doing well and the employee performed well, a 3-5 percent raise should be normal, however when they give those who are not working at half the capacity of those who are performaing to expectations the same 3 percent raise, how is that really in any way fair or just? jmho, but rewards should not be given to those who do not perform, nor should they be expected. Worked in a non union factory for a while, we always got raises across the board(3 or 4 percent the first 3 years I was there), and the ones who always complained were the pieces of crap who did not do their jobs. Shame they are talking strikes at a time like this, recall when working at ups hearing about potential for strikes, fortunately I never had to deal with any strikes while working for ups. Was never a union member myself when I worked there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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