Quite frankly, companies pay thousands of dollars for this same service that the IBEW Local 363 is providing - MOTIVATE PEOPLE AND INCREASE OUR PRODUCTION.
And it is not costing the company a dime!
To the management of ABINBEV, Why waste money and spend negative energy if we all really want the same thing anyway?
Think about that for a second. That is a fact - both management and workers want the same thing. The workers want to do everything they can to be profitable and productive - just like their managers want them to be.
What the workers don't want is WORRY.
WORRY about what is going to happen........and when....maybe without warning.
Can reasonable people see that the people involved here are not asking for anything unreasonable? I would have to say yes.
The people want what is good for the company and they want the company to feel the same about them. Isn't that a possibility?
See you other crews on Thursday.
You just cant throw pieces up in the air and expect them to fall in the right place with out support.
ReplyDeleteAnyone for taco bell?
ReplyDeleteSam's right, NO worries, come to the job do your thing go home. With your participation it will happen. Don't be afraid to ask the "hard question". Here it is about answers to issues. A and B had their say today. Show up and be heard. It's all of our contract. Be there or hope your friends want what you do. The ball doesn't roll without some kind of push. Otherwise it's all the same inertia. So show up and be a part of the Push. Pick your rep's wisely. It's not a popularity contest. But foremost be there and be heard. IT'S YOUR FUTURE, own it or blow it.
ReplyDeletelooking forward to tomorrow and another step towards solidarity..yes, it will require a bit of sacrifice, a bit of 'Discretionary effort' if you will, but nothing is worth more than this. If we keep it positive, professional, and motivated, even a manager could understand not to mess with a successful formula.
ReplyDeleteJust to break it down for you, Ken,Tony, and whoever else:
Fairness + Respect + Contract= Success for Newburgh. Take away any of those 3, and it stops working.
And don't take it so hard. Everyone's 'kids' grow up eventually.
YES WE CAN!!!!!!!! IF ANYBODY IS LOOKING FOR PROOF OF HOW WE FELT AS A COLLECTIVE GROUP AFTER THE VOTE WAS FINALLY :
ReplyDeleteTHE NEXT TWO DAYS WE RAN A VERY RESPECTIVE:
6 MILLION CANS AND THE NEXT DAY WE RAN
OVER A 6.1
CONGRADULATIONS to all (IBEW) TEAM BROTHERS AND SISTERS!
AN EXCEPTIONAL JOB BY ALL OF US.
I have noticed over the last few weeks how relieved everyone seems. everyone working together , socializing like we did years ago.
all the while putting fun back into our jobs but also doing it professionally.
I see it wont be long and we will be back on top of the world class status we once owned!
Too all team members yes or no voters.
you should really attend these meetings. this is your and our future.
WE.
WE THE PEOPLE
WE THE PEOPLE WILL MAKE THIS BECOME A MILE MARKER FOR ALL OTHERS THAT WERE AFRAID TO MAKE A STAND FOR THEMSELVES AND FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR FAMILIES.
WE ARE THE ONES YOU GUYS ARE THE ONES THAT CAN MAKE OR BREAK THIS CONTRACT .
SO PLEASE FOR YOUR OWN FUTURES EVEN IF YOUR STILL MAD OR JUST DON'T WANT ANYTHING TO DO WITH IT.
REMEMBER.
it is YOUR FUTURE !!!!!!!!!!!!
THE CONTRACT ISN'T GOING TO MAKE ITSELF.
WE HAVE TO MAKE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WHEN THE CONTRACT IS DONE YOU MAY OR MAY NOT LIKE IT. BUT IF YOUR INVOLVED THEN AT LEAST YOU HAVE INPUT.
input that you NEVER HAD BEFORE.
ALOT OF YOU NO VOTERS ARE SMART PEOPLE!!
WE COULD ALL USE YOUR INVALUABLE AND YEARS LONG EXPERIENCE IN HELPING AND PARTICIPATING IN PRODUCING A MARQUE CONTRACT FOR ALL TO FOLLOW!!
REMEMBER WE ONCE WERE A BENCHMARK HERE AT NEWBURGH! LETS GET BACK THERE AGAIN.
BUT THIS TIME LET US BE A BENCHMARK FOR NOT ONLY THE COMPANY BUT FOR (OURSELVES) AS WELL.
( WE ) AS WORKERS OF IBEW NEWBURGH HAVE THE MEANS,NOW THE TOOLS, THE FORTITUDE AND THE WILL POWER TO REALLY DO THIS RIGHT.
THERE'S NO BETTER TIME IN YOUR LIVES THEN RIGHT NOW TO GET INVOLVED!
GET INVOLVED WITH THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS.
PLEASE STOP RELYING ON OTHER PEOPLE TO MAKE IMPORTANT LIFE ALTERING DECISIONS THAT AFFECT YOUR FUTURE!!!
THANKS AGAIN TO EVERYONE INVOLVED IN THIS EPIC EVENT! ALL OF YOUR EFFORTS CANNOT BE THANKED ENOUGH!
THE ONLY WAY I CAN THINK OF A PROPER THANKS IS TO MAKE A SOLID CONTRACT HERE AT NEWBURGH N.Y.
WE
WE CAN
WE CAN DO THIS!
YES WE CAN!!!!
Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill.
ReplyDeleteBuddha
Lets try and be better people and work together. We are all IBEW brothers and sisters now. I love each and every one of you in my own special way. IBEW strong and union made cans.
Ok C/D your up. Lets finish this.
ReplyDeleteTo all the guys at local 363 union hall. Thank you again.Since the vote management has been behaving differently since we are a union.It actually has been pleasant to come to work.I dont dread the interaction with management like before.I like my job again.
ReplyDeletei hope the people who voted no for the union move forward with those of us who voted yes. most of didn't want to merge with inbev but the company did, and we worked together and thru it. once the contract is drawn, its for all of us. so even if you voted no, go to the meetings, ask questions and give your input. We'll ALL benefit from it!
ReplyDeleteI heard Rich Bailey of Ball metal container fame was in a meeting with management yesterday for four hours.I thought that it was supposed to be a superintendants meeting? Why was he in there to begin with? Is it true?Why did he leave Ball anyway? Ball is our union brothers and sisters.Whats up with that?
ReplyDeleteDon't worry I heard Sam instigated that and sent him in there. Don't believe everything you think you see. There is more to that than meets the eye.
ReplyDeleteGee,How come Dan and Tony dont come out to ask us how things are going anymore?I think they just wanted us to think they care.How come Dave Lehman doesnt come out and ask me if I understand everything anymore?How come nobody in the front office gives a shit about how things are going? Who the hell is Warren anyway?
ReplyDeleteC-crew has a lot of great people working there! Its a strong crew with some really good mechanics. I wish that we would come together more as a team. Open a bottle of Yellow Tail and fire up a Cohiba and most importantly, RELAX!!!!
ReplyDeleteDan has come out on the floor to ask how things are going since the vote.
ReplyDeleteThe thing that blows my mind is some of the no votes wants us to loose money in this contract. What are they looking for an i told you so! I think we need to grow up a little and try and make this work, we did it their way for 22+ years, and we have had a lot of good people fired for no good reason. Also any one of us could be the next james or steve. Make management responsable for poor decisions and not blame the hourlys for their inaction.
ReplyDeleteEven if you voted no this is still about all of us not just the yes votes, if you go to the meetings you may learn why we voted yes. Try it you may like it. Come to the meetings, participate, and listen to sam you will like what he has to say.
I work in the corp office in St Louis and I am very proud of Newburgh they took a gaint step in the right direction they were going to lose more.Good Luck to all of you.Listen to your team you need to stand together.
ReplyDeleteHEY ANONYMOUS AT 4.55 POSTING.
ReplyDeleteREALLY NOW!! ARE YOU THINKING WITH YOUR BRAIN AT ALL???
THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU SAID.
ANOTHER GOOD MANAGER SAID A LONG TIME AGO.
BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU ASK FOR.
NOW AS YOUR WORKING YOUR 12 LONG HOURS ON THE FLOOR do you REALLY WANT TO SEE DAN , DAVE OR WARREN?? EVER???
IS THAT REALLY WHAT YOU WANT IS TO SEE SOME MORE OF THEM ON THE FLOOR??
REMEMBER THROUGH OUT THE BARGINING PROCESS BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU ASK FOR!!!!!!!!!!!
THINK ABOUT WHAT YOUR SAYING .
THE VOTE IS OVER!!!!!!!!!!!
ENOUGH WITH THE MANAGERS AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF. CANT YOU JUST MOVE ON . YOUR POINT HAS BEEN MADE!!
LETS START TO THINK ABOUT WHAT WE (NEED) IN OUR CONTRACT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It seems that the people who want to see failure in the contract negotiations are also the same people who wanted to parlay their ass-kissing abilities into a management job. Throw out your chapstick and buy some K-Y, you are using the wrong orifice. Also just to burst your little bubble you are now in a very, very small minority, small enough to be ignored. Make that 2 orders of K-Y. While you were grabbing your ankles to the management "carrot" you have "managed" to piss off your fellow union members. My advice to you is don't let your anger cloud the reality in front of you. There really is no such thing as a free lunch. Use your dissatisfaction to give feedback. Go ahead and criticize, but do it in the union meeting forum, it will be helpful. Even by spewing venom it helps. So re-aim your anger and help yourselves.
ReplyDeleteC and D have a good meeting and make smart choices.
By the way, rumor has it that the infamous Mr Bailey is to be made a superintendant. If you look at the internal job listings the company is chucking their own rules out the window. Who may apply? A-B salaried personnel only. He's an hourly. Where'd you go to college? Degree? in what? Once again selective rules! How about that, anti-union wannabees? You swallowed, just about everything, everything they said about moving up the ladder, how you should behave, go back to school, that is on you now because we aren't paying unless you are a role model (but you all are, aren't you?)(lip gloss please), what political stance you should take. You believed, they sold you a bill of goods. Wake up!
Yes, it is time to look forward and it is time to produce cans - lots of cans. Those are the two most important issues right now. It's not even about who wants to help make the decisions. That is everyones choice and no one has to do anything - EXCEPT make the cans. The decision makers always emerge.
ReplyDeleteThe majority of people are interested in helping to put this new contract negotiations together. They are already working hard at it.
We know the company said no raises, you make too much, they are raising your health insurance to 35% and they are talking about doing away with the existing pension plan.
That is the company non-union plan FOR YOU.
LUCKILY, YOU ARE IBEW 363 and the majority of your coworkers know they need to be at the table to talk about every one of those issues!
I do have a question for any workers who fear the union, negotiations and who are afraid and saying they don't want to "lose" anything.
First, not having a contract and nothing in writing means you have nothing to begin with.
Does ANYONE BELIEVE that we should tell the company to just do whatever it was they were going to do PRIOR to the union coming in and to go ahead with their plans to cut hourly compensation?
If that will result in you keeping what you have - I am all ears.
If rejecting the opportunity to bargain about or even discuss changes to your salary and benefits, pensions, health plan, hours etc. will result in you keeping what you have, AGAIN I am all ears.
Someone, while making sense, just explain to me how that would be the result.
If the company plan calls for you NOT "losing" anything, we can save hurt feelings and time and just make that the contract - if that is really what the people want!
Heck - Maybe they even planned to give a small raise someday!
Can ANYONE possibly believe that not having a voice can produce more than HAVING A VOICE. Can you? Anyone?
If you do, let's propose that the company just puts their plan in a contract form. That will be "safe" negotiations. You can't lose. Right?
I know there will be NO TAKERS ON THAT OFFER.
See everybody from C,D,M on Thursday
that kind of spelled it out I'd say.
ReplyDeleteHate to do this. really.
ReplyDeleteBut wtf is up with someone putting jokes and sappy bs on this blog using a handle I chose weeks ago? Is that maturity? or team spirit?
Tell you what, Faux Dog. You want to be the black dog, fine. I'll post anonymously from now on. If not, then leave it alone. But I don't get what inspired you to do this in the first place...when unity is supposed to be the focus...
The contract should be the only focus. We need a big turn out for Thur. Think about who do you want to represent us at the table. Its time to roll up our sleeves and work on what we want in the contract. Pension is on the top of the list for me. Start thinking what you want and start talking with your union brothers and sisters for ideas. Everybody has a say, a voice, shame on us if we do not use it. See everybody in Harriman.
ReplyDeleteTo 8:36 PM I like Dan and Warren, and Dave Lehman. Why dont you? I want them to be interested in what we do. Thats what good managers do.Dont you want them to know whats going on with their employees to help motivate the plant to its highest potential? Everyone knows the vote is over, why do you think that THAT was ever on my mind?Besides the contract to which we will finish in due time. We should all be trying to fine tune this plant and be the best in all catagories so we ensure that we will still be here long after that Manager you quoted retires.But based upon your comments its sounds like your ready to sit on your ass and not do any work.Is that why you dont want any managers out on the floor?If you do think again. Managers will be out on the floor to make sure you do your job as soon as we have a contract.Remember the golden rule. It works.
ReplyDeleteWe love working for ABINBEV We want to help make this company profitable and WE will! we will work in a safe manner make quality beer and beverage cans that the customer craves! We will contribute 100% making this the better beer company in a better world! That is our promise our integrity will be on the line we CAN once again!
ReplyDeleteWe as a unified voice ask ABINBEV to give us the tools to make this happen
I somtimes wonder, what are the managers thinking? I voted no for the union, yet I see that the company hasn't learned a thing for what has happened. If they promote this new guy Baily, who has a questionable background to manager while passing over other people whom have put their time and effort into Newburgh. i have to say that i will be inclined to back the union. the management is showing that all a manager has to have is the ability to follow orders regardless of who or what they are told. to promote a new production tech to a managers job, to lead people he wouldn't even speak to when he worked with them. this is not a person that will get much respect. I for one will advocate on behalf of the union and make sure that a contract is passed if Mr. Baily is moved up, outside of the normal process and qualifications that management has used to prevent people from moving up in the the past. way to go guys, moving someone from a "NO" to a YESSSSS!! i hope you get the point.
ReplyDeletegood guy,
ReplyDeleteI agree. We need to be focused on making cans. Thats how we are going to be around years from now. This is not about the front office or anybody. Its about a contract. Remove all the bullshit blogs on this site and there is only 1 or 2 that make any sense. If you want to make a constructive difference then show up today for the meeting and be heard. Stop hiding behind this site. Stand up like you have a set!!
Somebody keeps stealing my handle too. My handle is "Anonymous"!!
ReplyDeleteWe need more sensitive mother hens in that plant.
Productive meeting today. Good people were voted in for the positions of shop steward
ReplyDeleteand negotiator. That helped reduce my level of apprehension about going union. Listening to Sam explain things also helps.
I couldn't be happier with the results of D crews negotiators and shop stewards. I think we're going to to do quite well for ourselves. Thanks Sam. You've given us hope again.
ReplyDeleteThis is my first post....not normaly one to do so but...I am estatic...came home after our meeting, WE elected a bunch of good people to hold office, (Walter put your hand down!) that know what I want! I feel I have made the first real choice that affects my life at work in many YEARS! Thanks for that feeling AGAIN 363!
ReplyDeleteIT'S ALL ABOUT US NOW....REALLY...THINK ABOUT THE RATIO OF MANAGERS TO WORKER THAT HAVE BEEN AROUND THE LAST 20 YEARS AND MAYBE YOU'LL SEE WHO REALLY CARES ABOUT THE PLANT!!
ReplyDeleteDo you think St. Louis regrets selecting the smartest people they could find to work at Newburgh now?
ReplyDeleteWhat a great turn out today for C and D crew meeting. I am very happy who was chosen for shop steward and negotiators. I also would like to thank the Ball plant chief shop steward for making an appearance and offering his support..It was great to hear that they are behind us as well. I believe that we are heading down the right path. Thanks 363..
ReplyDeletewell I went to the meeting today and I feel that we the workers in the plant are more at ease now that we have our foundation together we voted in good outspoken members. I am on D-crew and I think Rick Lewis as shop Stewart and Tony Scotto as negotiator was a great choice I would like to thank Sam as well for all the information he provided I know that there is lots more to come I just want us to remember that even now that we are a union we all still have to work together with management not against them we all need to be a team and produce lots of cans so we all come out ahead
ReplyDeleteWho is Rich Bailey? Did he come from Ball?
ReplyDeleteAn excellent day for the Newburgh Team! WE are energized, focused, and ready to do it right! Good people elected, good people supporting them, good to feel like we are a team again!
ReplyDeleteGreat meeting tonight.Thank you all who attended.Now thats how a union is supposed to work.Its the best decision I ever made voting yes.
ReplyDeleteTony the Ball shop steward,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your guidance and attending our meeting. I know we are a different plant and how we operate is different but it sounds like the advice you gave us is sound and solid. Glad to be part of the same organization with you guys.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteyeah I heard the same thing and it is definetely true!! Hopefully our managers still read this blog and they don't make a mistake with this guy. I hear he is a bible toting person and he was cheating on his wife with another girl at the plant. Worse of all they caught him doing it at the plant, lol lol what a schmuck.
ReplyDeleteWannaknow, yes he did. The Wallkill Ball Plant (Middletown Plant). Apparently (depending on who's story you hear) he was an EHS manager there and was canned (no pun intended) for whatever reason you want to believe. If MCC wants to make him a manager, go right ahead. His anti-union stance and his past record (real or rumor) will make him another fine choice to our already stellar management staff. It's all about respect in the work place. You get what you deserve.
ReplyDeleteGreat meeting tonight looking forward to our future with local 363.
ReplyDeleteGood meeting today for everybody. Bet that next time there will be even more to show up. Takes a while to get used to the new format. I think that for the most part we're doing OK. One step at a time. Today was just one more, the next one will be another challenge.
ReplyDeleteWe need to be realistic and ready for the next steps now that we are on this road.
If we keep in mind that the outcome is a result of the quality of our input then let's make sure that we do our share so we won't ever feel like we could've done more...
Let's get it on!
Windsor and Mira Loma don't waste any time getting your drive started the things coming down the pike are not good.Save what you have.
ReplyDeleteWent to the meeting today great turn out.People
ReplyDeleteare getting on board. We have a lot of work to do. We are all union strong stay together and we will get though this contract.
Keep making lots of cans.
I work at Ball and Rich was told to resign or get fired he is a snake Metal Container watch yourselve.
ReplyDeleteJust got home Great meeting got a good shop steward and neg. Thank You Sam for answering
ReplyDeleteour questions you are the man.
speaking of MR.Bailey, he likes to listen on other peoples conversations., I listened in on one of his one day he was asked "what are you sitting with all your friends" he said "I'am my own best friend" this is what they want as management someone who doesn't care about people at all. We are better then him We can work with anyone .If management was smart they will let him suffer for the rest of his working days on the line,but they won't TONY was so impress with his little speech in the round table they are breaking their own rules and hiring someone with out a degree So MR . BAILEY YOU NEED TO BECOME A PEOPLES PERSON . if not, your in for a long hard road, one that we do not want to go down. we only want things to go smoothly. but if you choose to stay your path it can be rough just ask KEN CARR. SO DAN , you but him on the right crew one that will work with him because that guy needs some help !
ReplyDeleteWe are ready to rock and roll!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat meeting today. Thank you Sam. Was very pleased with the shop stewards and negotiators, I think they are all good choices who will be fair for both the people and the company. Thank you also to the chief shop steward from Ball for coming and offering their support. Nice to see how so many people care. Moving foward its a nice feeling.
ReplyDeleteIt really was a great meeting today AND tonight. We are understanding each other and what we need to do to accomplish our goal of getting a contract in Newburgh.
ReplyDeleteIf you are wondering, I removed a comment here tonight that may or may not have been true but I felt it was in the interest of being fair to do it.
Let's keep up the good work and move toward our goal.
On the other hand, someone needs to explain why the qualifications for manager are HS diploma and not so much else....
I can see a lot of people taking that as an insult when maybe they were told in the past that THEY were not qualified.
Good going C&D and M. The team is in place.Time for intense study. And co-operation. Sounds like good people were chosen all around.
ReplyDeleteDon't waste your time or effort even dwelling on the Rich Baily flap. Everybody's past sneaks up to bite them on the ass sooner or later. Maybe MCC management (who still read this blog) should take note of the Ball employee comments. Sounds like your candidate has already been compromised. Send him back to us, the union he vilifies. The legend preceeded the man, we knew more about him than you did when he was hired. We may be rival companies but a lot of us know each other, and we talk. Send him back where he belongs, with the classless hourlies, not moved up by by your own selective criteria for management hiring. Play the smart card because I think if you should go ahead and promote him this will be bad, because right now your PPk is well below 1.33. Follow your own SOP's.
Once again, thumbs up to C,D,and M crews.We Can!
We should plan an informal meeting with the Ball guys. A sit down for a Q/A session to share some thoughts. Where do Ball employees go after work? Where is the local gin mill? Thirsty minds want to know.
ReplyDeleteLet me see if I have this right... We have technical and mechanical experienced college grads that work with us on the floor instead they focus in on someone with a checkered past. Please tell me I'm having a very bad dream. We kicked butt last night! Lets continue to saturate the marketplace with quality cans.
ReplyDeleteThe key for a union to work successfully are the people. The people elected for C/D at our meeting will provide a very strong foundation.I am a D crew team member and I could not be happier with our results.
ReplyDeleteWith everything I've heard about Mr. Bailey, I don't want him in my management team.
ReplyDeleteHow can Dan and Dave even consider this guy?
What can we do to stop his appointment as Superintendent?