#12 - The Surreal World…

It is starting to feel surreal.  Is it really true that we may have to go on STRIKE?  What will we do?  What will my family do?  I thought we were "Team LTD"?  It is true that the District is trying to roll back everything?  Certainly they must feel that I am worth what they pay me and that there ought to be certain rules to work by?  Right?
LTD must know that I work not for LTD, but for what LTD provides me in exchange for my labor!  Can they be so foolish as to think that we work because we love being on the "Team"? I’d say this is déjà vu all over again, but you know what, we ain’t been here before.
It is true that LTD expects us to pay for the terrible mismanagement of the District that Ol’ Joe has told you of previously.  If you need a reminder, just check back a few messages ago.  In my day in 1915, we used to talk about Mr. Block.  This was a code word for putting a block in the gears to slow down, or bust up the gears of the Company.  We didn’t have many rights in those days, so we had to do what we could. Mr. Block is gone today.  Plus we have to be a lot more careful.  LTD watches what we do all the time with their supervisors, cameras on the bus, and their other hidden cameras.  Betcha didn’t know that the operators lounge at Eugene Station has a secret camera watching us?  Yep, they do.  Heard about it from a very reliable source.  As you go in the lounge look to the corner on the far left side, and you will see what looks like a motion detector.  Nope …it is a secret camera!  If you are in the Union and have access to LTD email be careful.  They have the right to read anything you send on email from LTD.  These are the wonderful "Big Brother Hamm" innovations.
Plus don’t forget rats and supervisors.  A rat is someone with loose lips about our union activities to the bosses.  Supervisors aren’t rats, but as the song says, they might "be goons and ginks and the Company finks."  Be careful, cause they are watching and taking names and notes.
Some say "well Joe you are scaring me."  "Are we really going to have to Strike?"  Sadly, it may come to this, and that is why I have said to you, be prepared.  What can we do to be prepared?  Well, let me tell you a few things.
Joe Hill’s Top Ten Things to Do to Prepare for a Strike
Number 10   
Talk to your family and friends about the possibility now.  This should not come as a surprise to your parents, brothers, sisters, wife, husband, partner, friends, or any other people in your close relationships.  Tell them you will need moral support.  You might need to turn to them for other help.  If you are a person of faith, include your fellowship there as part of your support network.  Build your relationship circle of strong support and belief in you, and what you might have to do to for Dignity, Fairness and Justice.
 
Number 9
Get out of debt if you can.  Debt is a killer, and if you are living from paycheck to paycheck like most of us, sit down and figure out a worst case scenario budget.  Stick to it, if and when the time comes.
 
Number 8
Consolidate debt now, if you have equity in your home. Refinance, or take a second mortgage.  Ditech.com only charges $395.00 for home re-fi and second mortgages.  They are owned by GMAC, a good union company.  Stay away from high interest finance companies.
 
Number 7
Learn about E-Bay if you haven’t yet already.  This online perpetual yard sale is how some folks make their living.  You will always make more money on Ebay than a yard sale, on junk that you don’t need anymore, that someone else will treasure.  I know, because I made $20,000 selling my junk and other’s stuff on Ebay last year.  It is a true story.
 
Number 6
SPEND LESS and SAVE MONEY NOW!  Make a commitment to save as much money as you can for the foreseeable future. Saving money means don’t spend money now.  You can wait for the Plasma 46 inch TV for a while.  The prices are falling anyway.  Repair your car, don’t buy a new one.
 
Number 5
HELP KILL BRT BEFORE IT KILLS YOU.  Write or call your Congressman Peter DeFazio.  Write to Senator Wyden and Gordon Smith.  Give them your opinion.  Help kill the BRT Project by writing to every city councilor and Mayor in Eugene and Springfield.  If you know a business owner on Pioneer Parkway or Coburg Road, tell them that LTD plans to interrupt their business access by building a BRT – By the way, a dedicated driver and union member has dubbed BRT - - Boondoggle Raising your Taxes. Be sure and tell these businesses that LTD is raising taxes to build BRT.
 
Number 4
Store Non-Perishable Foods.   Now I know this sounds hokey or scary, but look for sales and build up food stores that you usually eat.  Buying it now and storing it will cut your expenses when money might be tight.  You can buy 25 lbs. of rice at Costco for under $7.00!  Rice, if you like it, is cheap and very storable.  Case lot sales are a thing of the past it seems to me, but sometimes they happen. Stock up now. If there are other essentials that you use regularly (oil for the car, ink jet ink or things like that) store a few extra.
 
Number 3
Attend your Union Meetings.  YOUR union is working for you, and the only way you can get the straight scoop rather than the regurgitated poop, is to be there and hear it.  Speak up for what you think and believe.  But know this, the Union officers are working for the good of the all, not the few or the one. Solidarity starts and ends with you. If you don’t show, or worse, scab if and when there is a strike, you are only hurting yourself.
 
Number 2
Take Care of Yourself.  If you are scared, worried, angry, fighting with your spouse or partner, troubled, not sleeping, or any of these things, then contact the Employee Assistance Program.  They are free, supportive, helpful and confidential. You need to have your head screwed on good for what may lay ahead.

And the number one thing to do to get ready for possible strike is:
NUMBER 1
BE PROUD TO BE UNION AND COMMITTED TO THE END!  Margaret Mead said "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world.  Indeed it's the only thing that ever has."  Now is the time for you to look your co-workers in the eye – with that knowing look – the one that says, I am with you. Together we sink or swim.  Comfort the uncertain.  Inform those that lack information.  Stand united.  Believe me if the worst happens because LTD’s mismanagement, and we do go out, it will be the proud story that you tell your kids and grandkids.  Fighting for your rights will make them respect you even more. That swelling warm feeling in your chest will be your heart swelling with pride.  Make Mr. Block proud by sticking together and honoring your commitments to each other. We will be ready!
Joe Hill # 12                                                           You can contact Joe Hill directly at Joehill_1915@hotmail.com