If these are LTD’s non-economic issues, then I am not sure I could stand to see the economic proposals. These roll back proposals from LTD are motivated by the worst possible motives. Proposals that include losing the over time for over eight hours per day alone will change the nature of our work across the board. When you include the increase in the number of min-schedules –up five percent you will no longer see "hog Runs" but a bunch of DOG runs. Thinking of it gives me the runs. So what you get is a bunch of long runs with no overtime. If you get overtime for your work now, you can kiss that goodbye if the LTD gets its way. So lets see that certainly isn’t an economic item.
Oh and now we have to personally care for the property of LTD by maintaining the uniforms and never mind the shoes – no allowance for that. And how about the big cut in safety boots in the shop? The District’s concern for our safety is touching don’t you think? Of course, this is not an economic issue. Since it isn’t an economic issue for us according to LTD, then it is not economic issue for them? So why make the change? Is it because LTD is an employer of choice and cares about its image? Or is it because LTD just wants to be cruel to workers? I think that if there are standards for the uniform then they should pay us for the time it takes to "maintain these uniforms." Oh and by the way, if it is requirement of the job, then it is the law that they pay us to maintain these uniforms. I have never been paid $18.45 an hour to wash and iron shirts and pants before, but I might be willing. Oh, and it will likely be overtime for me, so make that $24.65 an hour to wash and iron my uniforms. If they don’t pay me then I think I will just take the issue to the Wage and Hour Division. Then LTD will have to pay me double as liquidated damages. Has the management of LTD lost their minds – no they seemingly never had them. I predict it cost two hours per week for me to maintain my uniform in the condition expected. Hand over $49.30 per week please, or if they refuse that will be $98.60 per week please. But this is not an economic issue.
And speaking of safety, the 15 minute prep time is what it takes to do the job. So cut the prep time and sacrifice safety in the process. The Bosses also are saying take away the five-minute turn in time. It takes this long to do these jobs they require of us. So LTD wants us to give them ten minutes for free for free. Not only is that against the law, but it is stupid. LTD better learn now that we will not work for free. Slavery is unconstitutional. There is so much crap in this, ol’ Joe can hardly speak. This is so bad, that it must be remembered whom the heartless creatures that make such proposals for our labor. So lets see, this will cut some workers to the tune of $799.50 per year. Nah, this is not an economic issue, is it.
I am so mad about these proposed rollbacks that I am up for the fight. I stand with the Union. We must be united. We must be ready to defend our ground gained. And we cannot, must not and shall not give in.
Never forget that the fish rots from the head down. So look to the Board of Directors first. They are supposedly calling the shots. But whom are they telling. Well, lets start with Ken Hamm. Rumors have it that Hamm has run everyplace he has been into the ground, and gets away just in time for the damage to show up. But lets face it, Hamm knows nothing about LTD, doesn't care about LTD, has no history with LTD and has no vision about employees who make things happen.
Former Screen Actor Guild President Ed Asner said it best when he said "I can be a patient man with stupidity, but not with those who are proud of it." This is how I see Hamm. Because of his stupidity and mismanagement Hamm likes to blame everyone else in his sight. He seldom takes responsibility for failures. We must speak out about this misguided hapless leader, and soon.
I will speak more to you about the management proposal in the near future. But trust me brothers and sisters – the money is there and is being saved for the BRT Boondoggle which we must do all we can to stop. Have you contact Congressman DeFazio. DeFAZIO: E-mail Me (00991) Do it now! The Boondoggle bleeds us and takes from our families and does nothing for the future. It has a dubious future and no committed funding, unless they get it from us. I don't intend to give them my paycheck for this Boondoggle.
Well, now you can see why Joe has been calling for solidarity.
Joe Hill #11 You can contact Joe Hill at joehill_1915@hotmail.com
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