Saturday, October 2, 2010

Great Meeting, Another One Monday - Nothin' But Blue Skies!



We had a great meeting on Friday. It should have been on film because it is exactly what should have happened - much discussion, some debate, more discussion and then the result of it all.

This company is VERY LUCKY to have the people they have working for them. I BELIEVE THEY KNOW THAT. Just look at what it takes to get hired here. They don't just hire any person off the street here. They hire only quality and qualified people. They have created an ENTIRE plant full of ALL GOOD PEOPLE. That is an EXCELLENT BUSINESS STRATEGY.

The people are still the same now. In fact, they are BETTER. Now they have a VOICE. They can use that voice for the betterment of the worker AND the company. They are part of the IBEW Local 363 now. That was actually a great move for them and the company. Done the right and fair way, which is what we pride ourselves in, the people are protected by a written contract and the company has LESS EMPLOYEE ISSUES because everybody knows the rules.

The only thing left to do is go to work and make cans after that.


We are headed in that direction and we are moving forward. We are looking for a partnership - between management and the workers - the same one you guys always had with the company but with a REAL CONTRACT.

Fridays meetings were positive, enlightening and productive.

Monday is a new day and a new meeting.

Nothing but blue skies


Stay Solid, Strong Strong

50 comments:

  1. Agreed! As we start to see management crayfishin away from sound troubleshooting procedure, it becomes all the more obvious that data-driven reactions aren't the goall.

    Let's make them be better than that- for the company, and for the plant! Newburgh strong!

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  2. Had a great meeting. Lets keep the cans movein...

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  3. Great bunch of guys on c-crew. I really feel the crew coming together. Thank you IBEW. Now lets work toward a great contract. Please share your thoughts with your reps. Go Red Sox!

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  4. I like what I heard about the rep meeting too. Things are going just like Sam told us they would. They are working hard at it and putting it all together. I feel like I have a chance now where before I just afraid of what would happen all of the time. I couldn't be happier either. I actually want to come in to work again!

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  5. I know what you mean. I too share in the excitement. There is a new drive on the crew that I feed off of. Everybody is busting there asses. Hats off to all of you guys and gals that stepped up to the plate. The North American Zone needs to take advantage of this and give us a great contract. There is no reason that we all can't win with this contract. Tony, we are ready to roll up our sleeves.......are you?

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  6. Tonys Buddy From Way BackOctober 4, 2010 at 8:06 AM

    If you look at what has happened since the election the IBEW has promoted higher production and making more cans. The sky has not fallen and in fact the morale is better than it has ever been. It looks like we picked the right union. Things are stable, not all crazy. My fellow canners are happy.

    Now let's see about Tony. Before the election, he flew here to tell us how much he cared. He knows us. He was looking out for us when he came here. We need to see that Tony emerge again.

    He is now the linchpin. If what he said was really true, we should get a good contract. If Tony stays like Tony said he was, everything will be good.

    If I was Tony I would write us all a letter telling us that he respects us and he is happy that we have been working so hard and that things will work out for all of us and we will get a fair contract.

    Can you still feel the love Tony? We are still us.

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  7. We are all alone they really did not care.

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  8. well everyone we are finally working together.i know you can feel the unity amoung most of your team members. we still have some bridges to build.#1 telling the fence setters that they have to voice an opinion.to set back and ride the wagon will serve no purpose.to say at the end we won , well you didn't because you never got involved.IF YOU THING INBEV IS WRONG THEN SAY SO DON'T SIT ON YOUR BUTT WAITING FOR THOSE WHO WILL ACT DO ACT. inbev will hurt us bad wakeup.i'm done 4 now think about what i'm saying

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  9. Blue Skies, nothing but blue skies over me. Feels good to talk about our issues openly and to discuss issues among ourselves. Things are so much better now that we can speak our minds and actually have a discussion about work about things we want to discuss that affect us. The difference is unbelieveable in everybody. That is a real freedom.

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  10. I want to thank Sam and the Union reps from our Newburgh plant for working on our new contract. Alot of hours so far and alot to go. GO TEAM..........

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  11. When will we see a copy of the contract?

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  12. When we negotiate one. We went over all of that at our meetings.

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  13. we are working on it.Be patient.

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  14. looks like the plant is still a little choppy but its getting better. Thanks everyone for your efforts to getting things back on track.keep it going

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  15. Can't wait to see the contract. I know it will be great.

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  16. Can anybody find a written copy of the break policy? It's not on the sharepoint site on the intranet, not posted on a board. Seems like it's known in content to everyone but not published on any company communications. Maybe have to Dave Lehman for it. Oh, well.
    Negotiating team keep up the good work!
    Team members, keep up the good work!

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  17. looking forward to a contract.Finally we are going to have a commitment from the company to the people.The people to the company. fair and equal. We are going to show the country how to protect our jobs and our employer at the same time.We are going to make our employer very happy.We are different than any other company and any other plant.I cant wait to set the benchmark for all to follow.We are Newburgh MCC local 363. it even sounds good.

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  18. I know what you mean Norton. Ive been waiting along time to find away to ensure that we will be compensated equitably.Tony always found a way to short change us and make it sound like it was good for us. Finally we have a way to say to him,Your full of shit and we are not going to accept you keep taking from us while you keep getting more.

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  19. I want to ask the company to negotiate with us fairly and without an ax to grind. We are going to and have already begun to prove that we are good employees and good people. Work with us and we will all make this place shine.

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  20. Who makes the decisions anyway? Brito or Tony? Whoever does I hope you know that we have to supply cans to americans in america.Both of you are from other countries. Both from different cultures.Neither has ever worked yourselves on the floor in Newburgh for more than a few hours. You might think because youve managed hourlies you know whats best for the company, why dont either one of you or both come to Newburgh and sit down with us and talk. Build something that no other company has done in the U.S..Dont be afraid. Come talk and listen. we have ideas that you havent heard yet. Worse case you waste a day with your employees and learn something about them. This time Tony, people will open up. Will you? How about you Brito, are you up to learn alittle.

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  21. YOU GUYS ROCK !!!!!!

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  22. I am all with that! That would be a fantastic move in the right direction. After all, it is us they are negotiating with. Why not give that a chance? I know that could work with Sam and 363.
    This is different. Tony get over here and lets talk, just a group of us. Really talk.
    Anybody else see what I see?
    Anybody think they should give this a try?
    Anybody else think that would be a great beginning?

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  23. Just a word of thanks to those who serve us as Stewards and Negotiators, for their willingness to give up free time for the betterment of all...keep up the good work, and know that it is appreciated! It will be a good day when that first contract gets signed!

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  24. keep up the good work A crew.

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  25. Not enough Pizza last night, some people didn't get any pizza at all. When front office ordered pizza for day shift they had more than enough, I guess they wanted to make sure they had enough. In fact 3 pizza's got thrown out! Night shift got 11 pies for 34 people. Do the math 88 slices divided by 35 people for 12 hrs is 1 slice every 5hrs each. My stomach was growling when I got home. Don't forget we can't leave the plant either.

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  26. why didn't the supervisor order more pizza?

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  27. yea I got last break and the Pizza was gone when I got in break room. I didn't bring lunch, was told we were having pizza, so it was pop tarts and potato chips for me.

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  28. Hi. You should have called me at home. I would have brought stuff in for the team. I wonder if somebody put a few slices in there tool box for another day? I have seen that before. Anyway, we had an injury the other day at the plant. We had a good run. I hope that person is feeling better. It happens.. Lets keep our heads up and keep moving forward with safety and quality. The plant is not running to good--but we will get there..Remember--Rolling like a freight train....GO TEAM...

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  29. Dosn't Larson have a credit card? He could have ordered more.

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  30. Yeah right(sarcasm).

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  31. Dont worry about Dan Larson, he hasnt learned a lesson. I dont think he is capable.He will shut down the fillers again or just our plant because of his better than thou attitude.Why Dan K. puts up with this I dont know but he is a danger to our success.While the team leaders bust their ass , Dan Larson sits on his. He still lives in the cafeteria or in front of his computer all night and weekends. Maybe Dan K. will ask him why his crew has run so poorly and left the plant in such rough shape. If he asks them Im sure he will find out that he doesnt supportthe crew. He doesnt have to do the work ,just coordinate and get the resources that the crew needs.

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  32. Your right he hasnt changed at all.

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  33. Who Said Thaaat!!!!! Who Saidddd Thaaat !!!!

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  34. You aint seen nothing til you work with the five personalities of Mark Piatt. Just think our upper management staff thinks the three cabajeros are the greatest!

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  35. How many can remember Piatt when he was just one of the Ohio boys? Hated NY and those in the front office and look it now he's one of them like he was always there. Wait and see how he will change even more when he becomes the sector leader for half of the BE.
    D crew will be relieved.
    Uffffa!

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  36. They didnt listen before what makes you think they will listen now?

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  37. Hey guys, I was in upstate - real upstate -Johnstown tonight meeting with our IBEW 363 Frontier telephone members and they told me to let you know that they stand behind you and welcome you all into 363. You have many many people supporting your efforts all around the country and it is only growing.

    We anticipate and it is our goal, that we will tell them what a great company ABINBEV is and that they can support us by supporting ABINBEV and buying their products.

    We can make this all work and have everybody satisfied - if we all want that - I do, 363 does, you do. Let us see what the company REALLY thinks and if they REALLY want that too.

    We think they will.

    We will let you know about that as it develops.

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  38. YES WE ARE AGAIN. MOVING FORWARD!!October 7, 2010 at 3:29 PM

    I had the great privledge of attending one of our 363 meetings where our neg and stewards continued the process of putting together a new contract for (ALL) OF OUR 363 NEWBURGH TEAM MEMBERS!!

    THIS IS A MILE STONE FOR ALL OF US.

    This group followed a previous group that did a great job getting the contract started.

    We all stayed at the confrence table for more than 7 hours.
    I HAVE TO TELL YOU ALL THIS. BECAUSE THIS ISN'T ABOUT BRAGGING ABOUT WHAT WE DID . THIS IS ABOUT PRIDE AND DEDICATION THAT WE PUT FORWARD ON THIS DAY.
    THIS PRIDE AND DEDICATION THAT IS BEAMING THROUGH ALL OF YOU CAME OUT AT THIS TABLE!!!

    AND (ALL) OF THE TEAM MEMBERS NEED TO KNOW WHAT PEOPLE ARE DOING FOR (ALL) OF US.

    IT WAS A GREAT AND PRODUCTIVE MEETING AND I AM REALLY,REALLY PROUD TO HAVE BEEN A PART OF THIS PROCESS AND AS DIFFICULT AS IT WAS TO STAY AT THE SAME TABLE FOR THIS AMOUNT OF TIME I WOULDN'T CHANGE A THING.

    I WAS IMPRESSED WITH EVERYONE'S POSITIVE INPUT AND DIFFERENT IDEAS THAT HAVE BEEN PRESENTED FOR ALL OF US TO BENEFIT FROM IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
    THERE WILL BE MANY MORE MEETINGS BUT THE FIRST ONE COULDN'T HAVE GONE ANY BETTER IF YOU ASK ME.

    I AM EXCITED AND I CAN'T WAIT TO GO TO THE BARGINING TABLE TO REPRESENT US ALL AT THE

    (NEW)-BURGH 363 BROTHERHOOD FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!

    I WANT TO ALSO THANK EVERYONE OF OUR TEAM MEMBERS FOR ALL OF THERE INPUT AND IDEAS BEFORE THESE MEETINGS EVEN TRANSPIRE .
    YOUR POSITIVE AND HELPFUL INPUT AND IDEAS IS WHAT WILL MAKE THIS A GROUND BREAKING CONTRACT.

    WE ALSO APPRECIATE YOUR PATIENCE DURING ALL OF THESE WAITING PERIODS. NOT KNOWING WHAT IS BEING PUT ON THERE BUT I CAN TELL YOU ALL FROM BEING APART OF THIS PROCESS THAT EVERYTHING YOU ALL THINK ABOUT IS WHAT WE THINK ABOUT.

    SO YOU ARE ALL VERY WELL REPRESENTED BY ALL THE GROUPS OF INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE INVOLVED.

    MOST IMPORTANTLY KEEP POSITIVE LIKE YOU HAVE BEEN.
    KEEP SUPPORTING YOUR FELLOW TEAM MEMBERS AND KEEP THE IDEAS AND INFORMATION FLOWING DURING THIS PROCESS.
    IT IS NEW TO ALL OF US.
    WE NEED AND EMBRACE YOUR INPUT.
    NO MATTER WHAT YOU HAVE BRING IT FORWARD TO ONE OF YOUR CREW MEMBERS.

    WE ARE THERE FOR YOU ALL!!!!!!!!! REALLY!!

    KEEP THE BLOG GOING AND FLOWING WITH IDEAS , KEEP THE TRAIN A BLOWIN WITH PRIDE.

    CHUG-A-LUG, CHUG -A LUG TOOT, TOOT.

    THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE. YOU ALL HAVE BEEN GREAT.

    KEEP IT UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  39. 3:29PM - That is about as clear as you can say it. It really is exciting and to me it is even better. I get to listen to, help and watch people who have never had a say in what happened at work, talk between themselves, discuss the senarios and finish by putting it in writng.

    Many times they would see an issue the same way from the start, with new ideas being added by people at different times as things come up.

    It's great everybody.

    And here is one of the thngs we all agreed upon .....

    the company is not the enemy -

    ..................but neither are we.

    At the conclusion of bargaining, this is ALL going to work out for the good of the workers and the company.

    Attitude is EVERYTHING. We Have a good one.

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  40. 3:39 don't know who you are but I'm proud to know we have people like you. Thank You for your help in getting us a good contract.


    ALL KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK !!!!

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  41. Forget all the superintendants. Concentrate on helping to make a contract a reality.We are working hard to get past the things that dont matter.Once we have a contract then and only then can we have a written commitment by the company and protection against the very things you dont like about your job, bad managers. Give your stewards and negotiators your ideas and your support and they will give you the same in return tenfold.

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  42. I agree with iamaunionman, When can we see a copy of the contract? What is the next step?

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  43. Dear MCC Newburgh IBEW #363
    We need to stay focused at the task at hand.
    We need to work on the contract 1st
    We should not talk bad about our supervisors and sector leaders or team leaders
    We need them to do their job and we need to just do ours
    We still need to work together as a team
    They might not like it and we also might not like it but we all have to get along.
    We are adults, and we need to start acting like one
    Please can’t we all just get along?
    Stand proud and strong because we are MCC Newburgh IBEW #363
    You’re Friend
    PASSION

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  44. Hey you guys stay strong. I heard the company is starting to see that this is not so bad. Looks like we may all get onto the same page.

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  45. I'm feeling more like part of a team with everyday that goes by. I see people working side by side again. I wasn't going to give to the United Way because we didn't get a raise. But with everyone coming together the way we are, heck I'm starting to feel like helping some others again. Stay strong & proud we're part of IBEW 363.

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  46. Bad day!!! We should have a clause in the contract that we are aloud to drink on the job on shitty days. LOL Now I know what"s it like to give birth.

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  47. I would like to thank all the stewards and the negotiating team for dedicating their time. This is a very important transition and looks like we have the right guys and gals supporting all of us. Rolling like a freight train!!
    We are spreading the taste of the land shark lager not bad at all thanks brew guys!!!
    Everyone please be aware of your surroundings lets get through the rest of the year without an injury!

    Rolling like a freight train!!

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  48. What a day we had today. I thank my team for all there help today everyone is just so positive. You got love it management could not get us to work like we are now we are a real team. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK !

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  49. Keep up the good work Ya'll.

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