Who's got your six?

While the spirit of cooperation is tested by time, we watch and wonder. Is there only one Steward?
Two weeks ago, a couple of Ousties went to the TTT and had a good breakfast and an inspiring talk with Union Leadership. Word is that they walked out of there on pretty good terms, and they had agreed to have another meeting sometime in February. We wait for word when and where that meeting will be. This step points toward fixing the biggest problem that non union workers have with the Union responsible for their representation. But meanwhile we have watched a drama unfold before our eyes while reading the comments here, regarding the one steward who started it all. Has anyone noticed the peculiar absence of other stewards input? Where is the support?
The Ousties by a large margin do not present a unified voice over the questions that face them now, and many different voices have dished out their dissatisfaction to the conversation developing on this blog. Different views are posted here from a group that say they stand against the Union. Some are willing to cooperate with the Union for a chance at improvement. Others state that this viewpoint is naïve. They fire off volleys at the one steward who has come here to represent his side of the discussion. While that steward is obviously under duress, who has come to his aid? Is there another steward who will step up to the plate and take up his cause while this brother steward fights the demons that plague him?
With an obviously inferior number of Ousties, a number of them come here to voice their views, and add to the dialogue. Will the rest of the stewards stand by and watch this drama unfold without lifting a hand? The workers are watching. Are there stewards willing to take up the flag that John carried to champion reform at the Union, while fighting us for its very existence. Who is willing to help him fight for the changes that he sees are needed? Who’s got his six?

Level Adjustment Breakfast

Feeling short changed? Think your classification deserves a raise? Then go stake your claim at breakfast! Order a hot sizzling breakfast and bring your notes.
John the Steward proposes a breakfast at the TTT Truckstop to get this rolling. He wants to propose a “level adjustment” for classifications that can justify their claim. John the Steward is organizing. An Oustie or two will go, and maybe some union officers. Who else should go? Workers who can prove their classification is not fairly represented. What should you bring? Bring Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data to support your claim. Look up your stats on the web! If you think your job is under paid, then bring the info to support your claim. Maybe bring a laptop. Or printed files with addresses where to find the info. This idea is the brainchild of John the Steward. Machinists, Tool & Die Makers, Metrologists, Testers, and many others should consider coming. Put up or shut up.
What not to bring. Check attitudes at the door. If you have a chip on your shoulder, then its best you stay away. Although the Union and the Ousties were at odds before, this group is over it, and wish to resolve this because it is mutually beneficial, as John put it. This is the first of a series intended to repair the biggest problem within RMS Labor, pay. Are you willing to support your classification for a level adjustment? Bring it on!