Chuckles got it right the Teamsters are splitting up.

[7thson]

The teamsters lost the respect of the general public when it gave the companies their 2 tier wage system. Prior to this, teamsters were known as the "equal pay for equal work union." From then on the teamsters have been a story of "give backs" and concessions. Union leaders and companies have benefited from this while rank and file members have suffered. The teamsters union is no longer a fraturnal (brotherly) organization.

[7thson]

My experiences with the teamsters union have been similiar to those of Apostolic's. I to have been a long time teamster, but the treachery and deciet from teamster officials have betrayed my trust.

I have seen Roadway management, time and time agian get everything they want in lieu of grievences, contracts, and objections from membership. On the docks, it was known as "Roadway's union".

[Bird-Dog]

Originally Posted by 7thson

My experiences with the teamsters union have been similiar to those of Apostolic's. I to have been a long time teamster, but the treachery and deciet from teamster officials have betrayed my trust.

I have seen Roadway management, time and time agian get everything they want in lieu of grievences, contracts, and objections from membership. On the docks, it was known as "Roadway's union".

I agree with what you just said there and it is the same for LCP for Yellow too. You should talk to the guys there and what they have been through the last 2 years!!! Example, we went from beginning of Jan to the end of May with only 3 days at best with work, on-call. In addition, the guys behind me were lucky to get 1 or 2 days a week, on-call. At the same time, the other 80 percent of bid guys were getting 6 punches the whole way through with 2,3, or 4 hours ot offered EVERY shift!! Brotherhood, I did not see it at all ,and in fact, most of these animals enjoyed watching us on-call suffer! Also, the contract, does not apply for everyone and is open for interpretation. In short, the company makes deals with the union stewards and that usually means the company gets what they want and those indiviaduals get security, a free pass. Perhaps this goes to a panel hearing for a dog and pony show? Once again, both parties stroke each others back and it comes back again to special interests. Finally, I have experienced some incrediable times with my brothers close to me in senority and formed very tight bonds too. When you are being exploited as a group this tends to happen in life. In closing, look up the word "Mokita", that explains the teamster way of life. Good luck guys and on all sides of the fence keep talking!!!!

[7thson]

Yep, you got it Bird Dog, the word, "Mokita" pretty much sums up the current situation.

[stldude44]

While you guys are hashing out the conspiracy theories and all that, just keep in mind that seniority has been earned, not given. In todays world there isn't alot of cohesiveness in any aspect of life. Your day will come, as it did for those who came before you. Be patient.

[7thson]

In 1994, after being on strike for a month, we got, $72 ea. as strike pay. Out of that $72, our local union took out $37 union dues. What a slap in the face! That's when I realized, this union was all about money. Just like any other corporation, NOT about members as it claims.