One contract meeting was enough.. You know, amidst all the screaming and swearing and people wanting to jump over the table and strangle the Union rep for lying to us.
Decent wages - Yes, cutting delay/detention pay by 50% and later, increasing dues by $5 without telling us.
Pension - Who cares about a POS pension that may not be there in 20 years..? Ever hear of Bethlehem Steel, United Airlines..? I assure you, the union got their money though.
If this was a great Union, there would be a national contract. Companies at least are honest about wanting to screw you over.. Unions do it under the guise of wanting to take care of you.
You sure do like beating the same subjects into the ground don't you? Well lets look at some facts that you seem to be conveniently over-looking.
First of all, you talk about the cut in you delay and breakdown pay. True, but how often does this effect you. Chicago has all the best equipment, and everyone else waits on you guys cuz you're always late.
Still on the subject of money, what was your raise in 2008? Oh yeah, you didn't have a contract and there was a wage freeze. On 1/1/09 your LH rate will go up 1.5 cpm and city rate will go up .50/ hr. Just last week the non-union personnel were told that the 08 wage freeze would continue, while you get your raise per the contract. In fact, you know exactly when you'll get your raise and when it'll be every year for the next 5 years.
Another gain is the $5 for going to a meet point. Another plus for you guys, since you all go to meet points.
Your opinions on the pension are just that, unless you have a crystal ball. As far as the contribution, if you're not happy with that, talk to your stewards that negotiated your contract.
Health insurance is another upside. I think you're an original expansion driver. I'm sure you remember being told insurance was gonna be a certain amount when we started in August, then surprise, it went up in January. Your rates are now locked in for the next 5 years. I think the Ohio terminals got a better deal, and I have no idea why your stewards ok'd the 4 tier system, but at least you know what you're gonna pay. You also have vision coverage as well.
Another plus to the union is a grievance procedure that protects your seniority. I know that at least 2 of the Ohio terminals have had people terminated, and brought back thanks to the union. And before you say that maybe they deserved it, one case in particular was a driver that they wanted to terminate his probation (cuz they were laying off), only to be discovered after the fact that he was no longer on probation. He was back the next day from what I understand.
I think I've made my point that you can nit pick on two or three things, or you can look at the deal as a whole. Your choice.
Be safe out there driver.
