Friends, I think it's time for a reality check here. We have a lot of emotions, thoughts, and considerations at this point in time at LTD, and it can all get a bit out of hand quite easily.
I would personally like to thank the LTD Joe Hill Project for the contribution it's made to all of us union members. The Joe Hill Project has not only voiced our own concerns and gotten them out into the open, but it's got us all talking about the real issues here, without all the rumors and bullshit that usually accompany contract negotiation time. Whomever is involved in this project is doing a great service to all of us, whether or not we as individuals agree with everything said here.
At this point I would ask for a bit of calming here. To Joe Hill, as well as those of us who write to him. If we reduce this discussion down to personal arguments, to virtual nitpicking, we'll lose sight of what's important here. What's important here is that we get a good contract, with the minimum of screwing, to be blunt.
As a "blind" member of the Joe Hill Project, I'd like to also thank all of you who have contributed a note, a thought, or a letter to this website, and I would encourage those of you who have not as yet contributed, to do so as you see fit.
The Joe Hill Project has given us this opportunity to share our feelings about what's going on at our workplace. This is, indeed, an extraordinary thing we have here. A website of our own, where we can share our knowledge and feelings of what's REALLY going on, as opposed to what we're fed from the management types. Let's remind ourselves of that opportunity every chance we get, and not blow this whole thing on petty crap. "Joe Hill" is not perfect. But it's one good thing that we've got at this time of little information.
And finally, never forget the vision we all share. That we can actually make LTD what it's been advertised as being: A team. I have doubts that that concept will ever be realized with the current LTD leadership, regardless of the PR spin we hear every day. But TOGETHER we can bring that back.
Be strong. Be brave. Be intelligent. But most of all, stay together. Don't get involved in petty arguments amongst ourselves. We are family.
Calm down.
Fraternally,
John Perry
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Thanks to John Perry for his thoughtful and helpful posting -- well said.
Emotions are running high, no doubt about it.
I appreciate the diversity we have in our union. I hope we will continue to respect each other’s positions and points of view. There are plenty of things we could argue about if we wanted to.
However, now is NOT the time to focus on our differences.
Now is the time to be unified in our support for each other and for our negotiating committee.
After reading Carol’s piece in the October 1 Northwest Labor Press, I have a feeling we’re still a long way from a contract. Conflict between our members only benefits the administrators who love to see a fractured union.
It is up to each one of us to stay focused on unity. If we have a problem with another union member, may we have the courage to speak directly (and kindly) to that person and either work things out or agree to disagree.
I join John Perry in appreciation for the Joe Hill LTD Project.
In solidarity,
Dan Dreier
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