Union strikes

To those that belong to a union, do you support a different union that's having a strike? Do you support them no matter what If their In the right or wrong when their striking?

 

In 10 years of union work I have never been on a strike, never been on a picket line and in fact never saw a picket in my trades. Never saw the big blow up rats I hear others here talk about etc etc... The trades I deal with do not strike though (maybe in other areas but not here since I have been around them), so it is a non issue to me. My line of work is performance based though, there is no seniority. Doesn't matter if you have been there 2 weeks or 25 years, time served means nothing. I believe that is why we don't have the problems here that many other areas do.

And no, I would not support a strike if it was not for a very legitimate reason.

I am not a union homer either though, I do what I do because it pays the bills. I couldn't care less.

 

Would you cross a picket line?

I'm not gonna go to "you're either with 'em or against 'em". That mentality is assinine.

I'm just curious. I won't think any more or less of you, no matter your answer. I'm simply curious.

 

Hard to say without knowing the specifics of the situation that caused the picket. I will tell you I'd be pretty pissed to miss a day (or more) of pay having to go home. I do not get any vacation days / personal days / sick days... If you aren't at work, you don't get paid.

Chances are most likely that if there ever was a picket, the owner of the company would either send us to another job or send us home. I would most likely never have to make that decision.

 

I know were going to here about the guys per say that dont want to work when out on strike in this thread. Call it want you want if this is brought up but hey!! I belong to a Union, I work beside Non Union and see both sides of it. Alot of those non Union people are my friends and I see both sides of it. I just missed the last strike in 1985 as I hired on in 1986, would I have crossed that picket line? you betcha! If I had a choice on what side of the fence to work It would be right where im at now. Im not a BIG UNION in your face guy either but have seen many benifits to being in one. Safety is the big one I see all the time. Im not going to detail because I hate getting into debates. Quality of work is another big one I see everyday. Just remember guys to keep an open mind toward both sides, were all human. And please dont just look at it from your perspective. Its different situations all over the country Union vs non union so just what you have seen dosent mean its like that everywhere else. This is my last post in this thread so quoting me for a responce is just gonna be a waste of your time If I felt another Union was wrong, I would not support them. ................. International brotherhood of electrical workers local 1393

 

I've been in 2 picket lines in my time...both in support of other Unions here in Milwaukee!

 

I have crossed a picket line in the past.

A union was voted in at my place of work. I have not joined it in the years it has been there.

Edit to add: My brother was in the teamsters union for 25+ years. My father worked for a union for years but was not a member.

 

What was your purpose? Besides "Solidarity."

 

Dan this was because the Show that was in town was lying to the public claiming to be in the Union, they were a non Equity show, I was showing support for my Brothers and Sisters in the Milwaukee Actors Union! People pay top dollar for quality and professionalism when the see the Union Logo, we were informing them this wasn't a Union show even though the show was claiming to be and trying to rip people off!

So yes....SOLIDARITY!

 

Why did that other thread get locked?

 

I am very unfamiliar with unions. What exactly is the purpose of them? Why do people need unions?

 

Probably preemptive and I bet this one gets locked before it dies out too.

FTR, it wasn't me.

 

I think SCOTT WALKER became a moderator??......LOL!

 

A pre-emptive strike?!?!?! lol ...... paranoia they destroya.....

Whoever did it borders on communism ...

Jess playin ..... kinda

 

Like I said....SCOTT WALKER!............LOL!

 

It's in our Union contract not to strike... If we went on strike, we would be breaching contract... I think Ours is a little different being that it deals with the mail. I really should learn up more on it. I'm not a member as it would not benefit me at all right now in my position.

 

You ain't heard, It's because Unions are EVILLLLL! Ha.... Haaaaaa! Yes it's true, because the Cry Baby Corporate Leg Humping Self Appointed Prophet Jim Jones wanna be Glen Beck said so. LOL.

And yes I have been on picket lines, Have also worked for non union companys that wanted me to cross picket lines over the years.

 

Once worked for a Union here in Maryland for 2 years, only to wonder why the dude standing in the corner all day long is getting paid just as much as me. All you would here is seniority, seniority, seniority! BS. Im not nocking all Unions by any means, just saying that my experience with them is that they really don't care as long as your paying your dues. Performance don't mean crap, especially the more years you have in. No strike ever developed so I never Had to cross that bridge and at that time Im not sure what I would have done.
I have since for the past 4 years worked for Baltimore Gas and Electric. One of the only non-union utility companies left in the USA. The union (IBEW) was awarded a vote back in DEC 2010 and the vote was NO in a overwhelming margin. I think as long as you have a company who actually cares for their employees there is no use for a Union. This has been the 3rd vote in about 10 years. I can only imagine that the union wants a piece of BGE because of the great amount of money that it would bring.
Lets all remember Unions are a business just like anything else. I believe the vote was No because BGE is always increasing salaries (cost of living once a year), annual performance bonuses company wide and one hell of a Health package and 401k match, vested from day 1. If its not broke dont fix it!!!

 

This is key, sounds like you work for a great company!!! Good for you guys

 

I hope I'm never put in that position. It would be hard for me to NOT cross the line. I have a hard time taking consistent work for granted in today's times. I'm certainly willing to make sacrifices and compromise as long as I'm working.