Man Up

There are a lot of people who talk big in the comments and are quick to poke fun at John. He's a really good guy, the kind I'd like to have my back. He's having the trials of Job right now, but I believe that Jesus will pick him up when he comes to the end of himself. And G-d will restore to him everything that the locusts have taken from him (whether he deserved it or not). Remember: the grace of G-d isn't grace if you earn it.

Have you done ANYTHING in support of the decertification or in support of the union in the last 3 years? Were you so boisterous as to wear an anti union button or collect signatures for the petition? Unless you've done something you have no right to whine. Grow a pair already. Did you take the first step to be hated by nearly everyone at Raytheon by circulating a decertification petition? Did you man up by standing on the picket lines with your enemy? What single significant thing have you done your entire life, besides raise a beer in the air in support of some pathetic football team that can't even make it to a bowl game?

The problem with the union isn't so much with the leadership as it is with the workers who won't take a stand either for the union or against it. They won't even bother to sign the petition after we did all the work to get the petition to them. They wouldn't even download it and mail it in anonymously. But these same slackers believe SO much that the union is necessary that they won't even join the union either. Give me a break. Learn this lesson from Jesus who said, "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth."

The union leadership sits across the table from people who daily exercise their skills at "influencing" people. They hire, fire, and sell millions of dollars of product to people who are really big wheelers and dealers. They take classes continually to hone their skills. These big shots were hired because they were at the top of their peers in negotiating capability. What chance do you think that these union leaders or YOU for that matter have to get anything of substance from the negotiations. I for one have a healthier respect for their dilemma. Why don't you go try out your far superior skills tomorrow. Go down to the bank that holds your mortgage and convince them to drop your rate 2%. Let us know how that goes.

What are you going to bring to the table? Imagine you are on the negotiating committee next go 'round and you spend 3 months putting together some excellent data to back up pay increases for the professional employees. Mr. Big takes one look at it says 'that's interesting" passes it back to you then starts out with "we need to cut medical benefits by 20%". Unless you prepare for every conceivable roadblock you won't have a viable comeback, and then it probably still won't matter.

These union dudes aren't that slick. Their skills top out at assembling hardware. I'm not knocking them. They probably do what they do better than I can, but they don't have negotiating skills. They probably buy the first car some guy shows them on the lot. Even I've done that before. I've gotten a little smarter over the years, but not much.

Right now apathy is at such an all time low in America, no one wants to get involved in anything they just want to sit around and whine. Nothing fires them up. Even when innocent babies are killed by abortion, even when Obama stacks his cabinet with Socialists, even when the Federal Reserve has deliberated stolen Trillions of dollars of your wealth and mine, people sit around turn on the tube and veg out. They won't get involved in anything. They quote either from the left or from the right whatever the latest talking head has said on their favorite news channel. They haven't even figured out that the Republicans and the Democrats work for the same off shore bankers and those bankers can pay big bucks to sell you or I on the next big war or the global warming scam or any other scheme that they can get you worked up over that will make them money and keep you preoccupied with things that won't save a singe soul from hell.

So excuse the Decertification Committee for seeming to sell out. We gave it our best shot for the past two negotiations. You all OBVIOUSLY love this union. So excuse us for trying to work with the union to make things better. Maybe they will blow smoke up our booties tomorrow and waste our time. I however choose not to whine. I choose to fight to make things better for me and my fellow professional workers.

I choose to stand for SOMETHING! G-d calls us all to create justice and make this world a better place. He made us all stewards of this world, and it is in such a mess because no one takes the time to look around and realize that their apathy has caused all the suffering and destruction around them.

"The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich." Proverbs 13:4

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!

A Christmas Story

"Men's courses will foreshadow certain ends, to which, if persevered in, they must lead," said Scrooge. But if the courses be departed from, the ends will change. Say it is thus with what you show me!" - A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens

It's a nice comparison to what happened here. While summer broke into fall, I found the events that unfolded on both sides of the dividing line were quite unpredictable to me, and most, if not all of the Ousties.

After our campaign was over, some things transpired that were unexpected. A Union Steward invited an Oustie out on the Rally Line before the contract was up. Since then, I've read that some positive conversations are happening between the Oustie and the Union steward. I haven't been able to see this for myself because he works in another building, but the way he's been writing lately is encouraging. The rest of you stewards can learn a thing or three from this guy. The blog entries have changed. The new argument has peaceful rational. This sets up the blog for a good debate between free individualists who ultimately control their destiny, and those who want everyone to pull together for a collective good deal. Those well schooled minds can play here to argue, and since we have "John the Steward" as one of the main bloggers, the readership has spiked! To the others; learn from him. Cooperation is in vogue.

One of the things “Steward” writes about is the different types of workers we have. He speaks of varying degrees of union membership, or non membership, ending in traitor. Talented activism is a gift that can achieve big goals for those people willing to sacrifice their personal quiet time to struggle for whatever cause they support in this free society. However, no meritorious cause, no public benefit, nor victory in a negotiating room is worth giving up your right to choose. Your sacrifice is yours alone. You can’t force your values upon those who do not share them, regardless of the benefits you think you showered them with as a result of self denial. For the haters, I pity you. The benevolence you show strangers contrasted against the contempt you show your coworkers means your charity is null. I whisper to the Lord that people like you could use a dreamy night like Ebenezer’s to show you a better way. I offer a candle.

Now that the Contract is negotiated, and the Union Elections are over, we have a pretty good view of the coming three years. There was a turn-over of a Negotiating Committee spot to a gifted master craftsman from 811, and if John predicts right, there will be a 2nd slot open soon. Jimbo explained a process to John in order to fix the pay disparity issue. I don't care what they call it (level adjustment), if after all is done, the workers with the talent are compensated fairly. In the past I've known this could be done, but doubted it based upon history. With the surprising chain of events over the past two months, I am not sure anything can't be done anymore. The steward asked the Oustie if he could borrow some talent from the Ousties for a project that will benefit both sides. “But if the courses be departed from, the ends will change.” For the better.

May you all have a Merry Christmas this year.

Are you Happy?

The contract is sealed now. What have you got to say for yourselves? Are you happy? Did it work out as you thought it should? Here is a picture of the population chart at RMS. Does it make any wonder who got what around here? RMS gave us quite a generous offer considering the economy. But no effort was taken to repair the wages of the most skilled workers at the plant site. I just can't swallow that 9-80s were denied the work force. The Union Constitution doesn't want it. The members did. Can you live with that? If not, what are you going to do about it? As a non member, I am free to speak out against union policy, without any legal constraints that their constitution places on the members. I have done what I could. Now is the chance for Union members to make a difference. There is a Union Officer election soon. Are you happy with their performance? Make an appointment with yourself to vote for the people who fight for you. Dump those who perpetuated the same old BS. Send a message to the top. Did Jimbo get you what you wanted? Let him know. Did Ed do what a President should? Vote on it. Take command of your Union. Right now, they have command of you.

Hope

You can Hope all you want, but Swanson is going to loosen his belt for the fatted goose this Thanksgiving. Big Daddy Warbucks can sleep well tonight knowing his minions have hashed out a paltry portion for those who actually make the product that makes him his big profits. All I can say is shame on Raytheon for pinching pennies and keeping the best of the golden goose to themselves. I mean really is 0.25% THAT important? We went from 3% to 2.75% "raises". The truth is we haven't gotten ANY raise. It is not even close to a cost of living. Raytheon's position: Be glad you scum gots a job, get back to work morons and stop whining! They'll make great Communist sweatshop overlords for Obama's national CHANGE to Facism! Congratulations, heil Swanson!

A picture speaks 1000 words

Fellow RMS workers, I write tonight to illustrate what I’ve been talking about for a long time. Our pay at RMS is way out of line with what our union should be doing with wages. I got this e-mail attachment a few hours ago. I was told to expect something big on Saturday, but this is great! When I wrote “Just the Facts” on Sept 13th, I wrote about unfair wages and I added a simple chart showing big difference in pay. This paints a much better picture of what I was talking about.
As you have seen over the past few weeks, we’ve taken a conciliatory position with the Union, in an effort to help them get the best bargain possible. Echoes abound with invites to the Rally for those Ousties who feel the desire to join forces with the Union in a demonstration of loyal opposition to the Company’s perceived tight fist over the coin box. Are we really welcome out there IAM933?

This picture illustrates my conviction that many of us have been short changed over the years. I’m not placing blame this time. It is what it is. Just look at the picture and decide for yourselves. Word has it that this same picture, together with others was sent to a union steward. The desire to help is balanced with the reality that our union has its goals different from ours. But if they take these charts and make adjustments to the negotiations necessary, they could earn a lot of members. Time will tell.

So I ask that steward to act promptly and get the charts moving upward today while the money is on the table in the negotiations. I don't think these charts do enough. There is not enough pay directed where I want it to go. But it is moving in the right direction. The biggest impact is for all those jobs that sucked with 46% raises over 16 years.
The other list I read has 34 of 38 classes getting at least a 65% pay increase over 1993 by 2012. That is, IF the Company will give the average sum amount listed in the chart to correct the pay problems. Some workers won’t like it if they are the ones who have enjoyed generous wage increases in the past, at the expense of the rest of labor.

I ask both the Union and the Company to look these charts over well, and come up with a solution to the basic problem that has demoralized RMS workers for many contracts. Lets raise the pay of those fields that we can’t fill because of under pay. And lets raise the pay of the workers who have taken it in the shorts all these years. Technical fields need a boost. We need to recapture the incentive to promote ourselves within Raytheon by making higher skill jobs attractive again.