I'm just trying to understand the meaning of the strike and why some are crossing lines.
Some cross over because of greed. They think they will jump ahead of the Union workers if this gets settled in out favor. They are wrong. They will be history. Three from one family had jobs at another Union carrier but since thy had to start at the bottom they didn't like the run, or the hours, or the truck they had to drive, or giving up the vacations. Another one could have returned to a DC for a chain of variety/grocery stores but didn't like the 24/7 on call, or the truck or who knows what. This person admitted to us that he didn't need to work for sometime. And his daddy never crossed a Union picket and yap, yap, yap like a puppy. Some didn't plan ahead. Some are to lazy to look for a job. ASAIK no one has said they have no other choice. One sent his wife into the Union hall to get his Hershey letter, no spine.
Oak Harbor continually refuses to negotiate with the Teamsters in regards to your benefits.
They did meet Oct. 9th and the company received a copy of the Teamster proposal. Federal mediator was present. No other dates have been set. The strike is in regard to unfair labor practices. See
http://www.truckingboards.com/truck...t-lines/44552-contract-8-a-10.html#post433498 for the charges that has been brought before the NLRB. We have not had a contract since Oct. 31,
2007 and benefits was the big sticking point.
The Teamsters are striking both Oak Harbor and their customers. Possibly to make them start negotiating or shut the company down.
We are striking OHFL. We don't have a fight with The customers. We do ambulatory picketing where a Oak truck is at. Most customers do not want the hassle of pickets and it stops other Union carriers from crossing to the customer while we are there on
the sidewalk or other public right-of-way. The pickets
must leave when the truck leaves. However
if the customer gives permission to enter onto their property only the
truck is picketed and Other Union carriers can come and go.
If they choose to shut down so be it.
Oak Harbor is hiring permanent replacement drivers. Possibly to avoid further negotiations and thwart any efforts of a Teamster caused company shut down.
Yes.
This whole thing seems like each side is trying to call each others bluff and is at a current stale mate.
With the slow season coming up, other trucking companies might not be hiring and the replacement drivers who are slowly gaining Oak Harbor experience end up with the better deal. (staying employed)
Yes and Yes.
Most all of knew going into this that it would be a fight to the end. Most of us that are on the line day after day know that each day goes past that the chances of settlement are slimmer and the customer base is getting smaller. And even if this was settled now that maybe only 25%-30% would be recalled. Sure the replacements are getting experience but when a terminal has 900+ bills and they are down to 237 and Oak is rate discounting 80% or more they won't be there long. These numbers are from extremely reliable sources not my guesses. And Oak is saying they are at 100%? I say the "Good Christian Men" are stretching the truth.
