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...of the Teamsters.
James Hoffa President.
Our local (Graphics Arts 404) merged (by force perhaps) with the Teamsters. I did not vote on this (the ballots arrived at my house today, the vote was over two weeks ago).
I have heard nothing but bad news to come...(?)
Pros and cons...
What am I to expect here? Good or bad?
I have over 20 years vested...
Sorry to bother this BB with off topics, but I need some input here.
I've worked on both sides, hourly and management, with and without unions. I'll keep my opinions to myself, since none of my clothes would match my new concrete shoes.
I have never cared for unions personally, the Graphic Arts Local 404 I have been a (disloyal) member of (forced to be in as I work in a closed shop) for nearly 23 years (they know who I am quite well). I'm already used to paying the dues (for what exactly I have ever recived in return who knows - except higher dues).
This merger has been nothing but bad news from all I have heard of mismanaged $$$ Teamsters taking over.
Depending on what happens over the next year, if I plan on leaving the trade I may pull my pension out entirely (what I have put in) clearly as I don't trust these people any farther than I can throw them.
My money would be safer at ENRON from what I hear of the Teamsters.
Member of Local 51 (New York) I also have put some time in (17 years) .Many members in this area are not happy and im pretty sure the courts and legal systems will have to sort out what has happened......
Mod that vote was over a month ago very interstring you just recieved your ballot to vote......something fishy goin on
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Last edited by luckymopar416; 01-09-2005 at 01:16 AM..
Reason: Better off leaving it to the suits to work it out
The Teamsters are big Union, and a strong Union, and in my opinion the best Union!
(carnut looks on from the side of the stage and wonders who that big guy is standing behind zzmustang, and why his hand is in the middle of zz's back...)
A ballot appears one month after the "election"???? Nah, nothin' "fishy" there, especially when it involves a guy named Hoffa! (carnut looks carefully over his shoulder as he exits the building, and keeps an eye towards the shadows).
My father was in the painter union out of boston for a long time 60,70,80's and it was good at that time I have no problems with union if they been some place for a long time. I drive a truck (20yr with this company) and we don't have a union and I don't want one there they will not help me out any all they will do is take my money as in dues.
I don't know enough of the details in your case to comment on Peter.
Here in NW Indiana covered under a "heavy and highway construction" contract the Teamsters work for me...the union provides a means for better pay and benefits and a safer work enviroment.
Without Teamster representation I would be making 1/3 of the hourly pay I get now with no overtime pay or benefits (health and welfare,pension).
The company owners are so ruthless in this area we had to add a clause to our contract stating all trucks must have a working heater,could you imagine a 50 hr work week through a Chicago winter with no heat.
Unions may not be for everyone in every market or industry but here in my trade they work for us and our dues are well worth it...$200 per quarter dues is a small price for 2/3 more pay,health insurance and a pension for my golden years...not to mention a safer work enviroment.
Right now our retirees are getting about $3500 a month from their pension,when they die their wives collect half of that until they die.What does social security pay? in this case I'll trust the Teamsters not the government.
Within my own Local (GAIU 404) which as I said I have been with 23 years I have seen nothing but higher dues every year; in return we have had nothing but more losses with every contract, embezlement by past presidents of more than 7.75 million dollars,more losses with every contract, poor representation (in my own case/grievance),more losses with every contract our healthplans erosion (lost our dental plan last year),more losses with every contract, union Presidents/vice presidents/secretary/secretary assistants taking 6 Hawaiian vacations per year for the last 4 years to "organize" all the 2 (two) commercial printers on Oahu (membership 37), more losses with every contract...
to give an idea how these company owners think...I've had heart to heart talks with the employer I work exclusive to...he feels a fair rate for the work we do is $11.00 an hour with no benefits.
I'm one of the lucky ones in my area,my boss is nice enough to follow a seniority list which is not required. I drive late model equipment with air conditioning and the second in line to be called for work...I count my blessings everyday!
I forgot; My supplement that would have provided me 660.00 per month after retirement was arbitrarily sliced down to 224.00 just 9 days shy of the 20 year cut-off date...with the most sincerest regrets from the local that "they were sorry brother Peter, but they needed to do this in order to provide more money for the growing number of retires..."
"All for one, one for all" sorry folks, you can stick it.
I'll be glad to be rid of this union garbage the day I turn in my notice...
OT: Its official: I'm In the brotherhood...
