Saturday, October 9, 2010

The Union Is Behind Us - We Shall Not Be Moved



The spirit of the people at MCC Newburgh is high! The morale of the workers at the plant is high! The production of cans by those workers is high! Everything is right where it should be!

There is much work being done right now - everyday - by your reps behind the scenes in preparation of contract negotiations.

You have made great choices and selected reps who truly look out for their fellow workers. The people you selected are fair, experienced and level headed. These are the people you want at the table representing you.


We will be meeting again this week and will probably log another 16 hours in going over details of what should be included in your contract. The company would be proud to hear the logical discussions and fair sense of play for both workers and management that is spoken and displayed in that room.

I have received calls again this week from all over the country about you. More people are getting more interested in your story.

I am predicting that MCC Newburgh will be a story that can be told all over the country about when the people band together and organize, they can accomplish great things! About how the union and the company can get along and how the people can produce more product when they are worry free at their job.


After this week we will be contacting the company to arrange dates to begin negotiations. Pay close attention to your reps and to this site for information.

Play your part and let your feelings be known right here. Let the people in the plant, across the country and THE WORLD know what your concerns are.

Let them see and read that we are together. USE THIS AVENUE TO COMMUNICATE YOUR THOUGHTS.

WE ARE A UNION PLANT - AN IBEW 363 PLANT. WE WILL ALWAYS WORK HARD, DISPLAY A GOOD ATTITUDE AND WE WILL DEMONSTRATE OUR SOLIDARITY FROM NOW ON.


All we want is a fair written contract - nothing more.


The union is behind us - we shall not be moved.

45 comments:

  1. yes !! yes we will keep the spirits high!!!October 9, 2010 at 4:24 PM

    hello fellow 363 team members. it was a rough week for sure, but i certainly see more and more team members pitching in now then they have in a long long time. the renewed passion is such a great tool to observe in motion. It sounds corny i know, but this is true, sometimes it doesn't take much to pick up moral!

    But even on a very tough day i don't here the same negative comments about the plant anymore.

    keep up the great momentum guys and girls.
    In the end it will all be worth every sweet and tear we have shead!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  2. We are almost ready to go!We have worked very hard on putting a fair and equitable contract together so far. I want this plant to be the best in the system, if not the world.We have the capabilities to impact the can industry in ways most of us hourlies do not realize.We have changed the industry in the past by keeping our costs very low. Thats how Newburgh has become so successful.We are different than the rest of the industry because of our people and our relentless drive for being the best.For twenty two and a half years we have never stopped trying to get better and better. All we want is a commitment by the company that supports us while we support them . Thats it in a nut shell.We are not asking for the TAJ MAHAL. Just to be treated with respect and to honor our needs financialy and our benefits being compensated as we are accustomed too in the past 22 yrs. We havent changed,Our quality is at an all time high, and our customers want more of us.We are American workers, ready to do our jobs everyday at the best of our abilities. Just ask Brito, he is sending our cans all the way to south America! GO NEWBURGH, GO 363

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  3. I can't wait for the negotiation to begin. I want to see who was telling the truth during the election. They BOTH SAID they cared more, let's see what they do now on our behalf. Let's see who thinks about us now.

    I still have both sides campaign letters and I can't wait to see what they each do. I want to see what was real and if either of them lied to us. It's my own little experiment in trusting people.

    If there is a change it will come out now.

    Let's hope they both were telling the truth.

    I do want a fair contract out of all of this.

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  4. Good job everybody. I'm very proud of the team yesterday. They pulled together like a team should.

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  5. its been a struggle since the shutdown,believe it or not its getting better!Keep moving on the items that are stopping us from running smooth.The faster we get back to running better the faster life will get better.
    Remember to keep being safe and dont rush to the point of forgetting the safety basics.Your safety is priority.Number one.If you think you have to do something quick without knowing for sure if its the right thing to do, then guess what? Its usually not the right thing to do!
    No can is worth getting hurt over. Dont do something that causes a manager to tell you your doing something unsafe.Even if your a team leader.We have the time to do it safely.
    Lets take a minute to think about what happened at Arnold to the team member and rep from metal box. Our thoughts are with them and wish them a speedy recovery.I know management has spoken to all about the issues of safety, and I have to agree that WE have to responsible for ourselves and eachother.
    No guilt about safety.Take the time and do it right.

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  6. When can we see a copy of the contract? I would like to see it before the IBEW presents it to the company. Is there a rough draft yet?

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  7. All very well said and yes we are a happy team now it is my plesure to help my fellow team members love being part of a union now...

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  8. Im glad we picked the people that we did as our representatives. I trust their integrity and that they have our best interests in the forefront of their minds.I havent heard anything from any of them to make me think they are incapable of fullfilling the goals that we asked them to do.

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  9. 1:22Pm - there needs to be completed negotiations in order to have a contract to look at . What we have now is the ideas we collected from our crews. We take that and go sit and talk with the company, after that we will have a contract to see and vote on.

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  10. hawkeye ty4 saftey comment no money or contribution is worth being hurt over.safety is #1 in everyones mind or should be.i personally want to thank the team members who are working on the contract.ALL OF THOSE FENCE HANGERS AND NO VOTERS REALIZE WHAT IS HAPPENING.YOU COULD BE VERY IMPORTANT AND ARE IMPORTANT IN THIS ACTION.AS I HAVE STATED OUR CORPORATE MANAGMENT DO NOT HAVE OUR WELFARE AT HEART OR CARE ABOUT OUR WELFARE.WE NEED A CONTRACT TO PROTECT OUR WAY OF LIFE TY DAKOTA

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  11. I want to address the people who think that no matter what contract is presented they will vote no.
    If you think that the company is just waiting this thing out and that the union will be voted out next year, your making a wrong assumption.
    Do you think that if we hit an impasse that the company will give you more than what we are getting now? Do you think that Tony or above is going to pat you on the back and say good job now I will give you more benefits,money,or pension? If they were going to do that they could have done it before the union was called.They did absolutely nothing. Isnt it amazing that all the managers including Tony hasnt been out asking whats wrong? Asking if I have any questions or concerns? No round tables! I havent been to one since the union vote.Thank God!.I havent heard anything about employee communication meetings.Why?Ask Management.
    I wouldnt assume anything. Only the facts.Since the vote I have been treated with respect and have watched everyone else step up to work hard for the better good of all.We are ahead of schedule by two days and are moving towards getting back to our pre shutdown levels of production.
    I am only asking that you cautiously join your brothers and sisters in the union.Help us push towards making this plant reach its fullest potential.Work by giving input towards a contract,support eachother and give your best everyday.
    Think of who is being positive,who is trying to make things right.As a union member you will have a voice,a family,take some time and open your mind, ask questions, be a part. Make a difference in your life,for yourself and your family.

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  12. I hope the IBEW brings us more than the company. The contract needs to increase wages 1% just to break even. I think it would be a good idea if we saw the contract before the company did. I dont want to vote no to the contract but I'm not voting yes because of popular opinion either. I'm going to vote in the best interest of my family. Is it not the reason we work there!?!?!

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  13. I wonder if those who want to see and know everything about what the "contract" says ever came to a meeting. It seems that most of their concerns were answered at every one.

    There is no contract to look at until we negotiate one. There is no contract to loook at yet.

    Come to the meetings and you will not be confused any longer.

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  14. yes it is the reason why we all work here. Your voice has been heard and noted. Thank you for your concern.We will not give away the specifics of the contract so that negotiations are not compromised and any advantage is given away.We all are anxious to have a comittment from the company completed.I also have a family and want the best for mine as well.Be assured that the responsibility of being a representative is not taken lightly and we realize how important this contract is to all. Remember,the company is the only one who would say no to a reasonable contract and that they are the ones who have already told you no to a raise and money in your pension and yes to an increase to your medical,not the union.Thats why the plant voted for representation. I have to say that the IBEW has interacted professionally and has done nothing to make me think that they wouldnt represent us properly.Hang in there. Give us a chance.

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  15. Hello. No rush on the contract. I am sure the Reps we voted for will do a fine job. They are spending alot of their free time on it. Thanks you Reps. Lets continue to do our best with our production and also being safe. Rolling like a freight train..

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  16. ""Remember,the company is the only one who would say no to a reasonable contract and that they are the ones who have already told you no to a raise and money in your pension and yes to an increase to your medical,not the union.""

    Says it all to me.

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  17. I guess the ones that keep asking to see the contract are plants by the company or they dont read the blog much but it has been explained multiple times why you cant see the contract.Please dont waste your time explaining to the blogs wanting to see the contract BEFORE it gets presented to the company.They are managers or its an hourly who doesnt pay attention.

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  18. I want a contract so that I know what I have for the next few years. I dont trust our foreign owned company. This isnt AB anymore and they showed me real fastthat they dont care what happens to us.Please reps. give us your best,we are depending on you.

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  19. Grandpa - Oh how your wisdom shines through. Persistent little devils though aren't they? lol

    7:46PM - More meetings this week......they are doing an exceptional job you are in very good hands.

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  20. Take your time do it right I'll have another drink in the beverage car. Rolling like a freight train

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  21. Reps.,Thank you so much for putting in so much time on our first contract,the time spent is needed and worth the effort, I just hope all goes well at the table.,Thanks again all

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  22. Thank you IBEW. I never felt part of a team like I am now. The crew is really coming together and things at work a running like a train. Everybody is working hard for a better tomorrow. I know the reps and the union is rolling up there sleeves and are doing an outstanding job. Cant wait to go back to work and run another 6 million. This contract is going blow them away at the table. Just want to say.....this Buds for you!

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  23. how come i have to choose my vacation days by october 15 or they will be scheduled for me when they cant tell me if they are running the plant on the holidays ??? wether or not the plant is running is important to how i chose my vacation!!
    have some respect for us and our families and give us a fair amount of notice so we can chose our days wisely. i dont believe this bull...t that they dont know what their commitment to sales are, its just another case of holding the power. one provision of this contract has to be ample notice for holiday work

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  24. hey here is a good test: about the vacation day issue ask one of the "I don't want the union no matter what" people to go to management and get it all fixed for ya.
    yuck yuck

    we can bring that up at the table for ya and see what the company reaction is to it.

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  25. Vacations are probably covered in the contract. I would think all of this is covered in the contract. Sam is there a way of knowing what, "we can bring that up at the table for ya and see what the company reactions is to it" ? Is there a list somewhere?

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  26. Can someone please tell me about how much our union dues might be.Are they based on our basic rate for the first 8 hous or for first 40 hours.Thanks

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  27. they are on your base pay for up to forty hours on straight time work only

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  28. We got great news last night TONY is actually coming to the plant, can't wait see him. I just hope he finaly keeps all his lies and his fake smile at home. And actually tells us the thruth from once.. GO IBEW!!!!

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  29. very good idea,about advance notice on vacations,we should have the right to know about hoilidays well in advance of oct.15,are you lisening reps.,talk it over at next meeting,thanks.

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  30. Tony reach out and call Sam to meet. this can have a happy ending. We willgive 10,000% to make this your best plant ever. Move this forward Tony and do what is right for everyone.

    Or Sam you call and ask to meet him.

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  31. You may be deceived if you trust too much, but you will live in torment if you don't trust enough.

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  32. Why can't we see the contract we won't tell.

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  33. I dont think Tony has the "juice" to negotiate with Sam! It probably will have to be above him.
    Rumor has it Tony might be in the mood to pursue other interests soon! Ken the negotiator will be the one who gets to sit down with us at the table.Why do you think that Tony didnt really try to stop the union entrance like he did back in 1994?
    Is it sinking in yet.I know your a little confused, let me clear it up.Brito is the puppet master.I bet when they all sit down in the OPEN office space in St.Louis they can appreciate why Brito makes all the big calls and no decisions are made in front of the lower tier managers.AKA packaging group.
    When are they going to tear down the walls in Newburgh to emulate Inbevs principles.

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  34. grateful for my reps!October 13, 2010 at 10:52 PM

    IBEW thank you for listening.I need my job and want to make sure I have something in writing to protect me from being left behind while the ceo's laugh all the way to the bank on my back. Thank you IBEW for standing up with me and making the company stop,look and listen.

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  35. Good seeing you Sam and Steve.

    A nice boost to morale for me.

    Thanks for keeping us straight and fair.

    We need to make cans, great cans, and lots of 'em.

    We need to work safely, for our families and ourselves.

    We need to watch out for each other.

    It's our job to show our bosses that the Union is not a foe, but an entity that will inspire all of us to do better.

    Come on folks, hourly and salaried, lets work together to make MCC Newburgh the pinnacle of can making!

    WE CAN!

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  36. Great blogging everyone!!! Keep up the good spirits we all have not seen this in a long time. I think the mgmt. and IBEW will come together and hammer out this contract. Lets all keep working hard and make the plant the best it can be. We are all proud to be union canmakers, I know I am. GO 363. Wear it proud everyone. Guys and girls at the table keep up the great work!!!!!

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  37. Another great job this week by all getting out the shutdown bugs. our moving average is getting higher for production,still alittle volatile at times but better than last week.Keep chipping away at the nagging problems its in all our interests to get the levels of production higher.
    It seems that like the plant personnel are working together, hourlies and salaried.Of course there are those few exceptions who for whatever reason think that neglecting their responsibilities is ok.A superintendant still doesnt see the light and puts the entire plant at risk by sitting on his ass in the cafeteria all night or doing nothing in the office all shift not giving support where its needed. I hope Tony finally addresses this issue when he comes here on the 27th.We need this place to run good.we need to be better than the other plants.Its the best thing for us to do for now and in the long term. Go 363

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  38. Another great session today on contract items.....We are becoming a machine

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  39. YES YES THE SPRIT STILL MARCHS ON!!!!October 15, 2010 at 8:31 PM

    I as a rep want to thank all of the other reps that came together again today to continue our long awaited march to putting together a collective contract, were we the people now have a means to have each and every one of our voices heard, in controlling and directing OUR future!

    AGAIN I CAN'T STRESS ENOUGH HOW PROUD I AM TO BE APART OF THIS TEAM OF TEAM MEMBERS WHO ARE TAKING TIME OUT OF THERE DAYS OFF AND LIVES TO MAKE ALL OF OUR FUTURES - (WITH THE COMPANIES FINAL SAY) A MORE PROSPEROUS AND LESS STRESSFUL FUTURE. FOR ALL OF US INCLUDING THE COMPANY!!!!

    It is amazing after years of rumors floating around when you finally sit down with a dedicated group of people and just talk about all of the issues over the years how on almost all levels that everyone (INVOLVED) is on the same page with these issues. Its lengthy but we are discussing all aspects in dept that can be thought about and ironed and sorted out as professionally and fairly as possible..

    AGAIN WHAT A GREAT TURN OUT AND MORE GREAT INPUT AND IDEAS WERE SUBMITTED.

    WE USED TO HAVE THE TABLE OF KNOWLEDGE

    NOW SOMETIMES IT SEEMS LIKE WE HAVE THE

    KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE.. LOL WOW!!!!!

    WHAT A COLLECTIVE SET OF PEOPLE FIGHTING FOR A BETTER FUTURE FOR ALL OF US!!!!

    THAT'S HEAVY PEOPLE!!!

    ALL OF YOU DEDICATED TEAM MEMBERS ARE KEEPING OUR FIGHTING SPIRITS ALIVE..

    THANK YOU ALL AS WELL


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

    THANKS SAM AND STEVE FOR YOUR PROFESSIONAL INSIGHT,WISDOM AND MOST OF ALL

    ( HONESTY ) AND ( DEDICATION )

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  40. good luck to the reps and thanks for volunteering, we appreciate it.

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  41. Nice to see that someone is listening to us again and this is why we have embraced IBEW 363. I know that they have a vested interest in this but they do put in the effort and they do have a value added to the process: helping the human resource be happy because they feel a bit more secure in the days ahead. We were always told that the union does not add any value and just collect dues. Not so as we see now, they bring in the value of their expertise in the matter of negotiations, they provide a venue for us to be represented and above all lift our spirits with hope of stopping the bleeding initiated by the company.
    We can't have printing paper, it is being rationed like metal was in the second world war by Mighty Marie the administrative manager, same time the top 13 in the company split 73 million dollars (matter of record see Wall Street Journal) and you know how that goes ... Brito gets 30 million and the last guy gets 0.5 million. And we get no paper. That's value also, for Brito though.
    The union does add value, it will be undeniable when the contract gets signed.
    See your reps for input you may have, they need you now more than ever. This is when the contract is born.
    We've come a long way and have a little more to go, stay the course.

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  42. I'm so proud to be an american! I pray everyday for our union brothers and sisters. I know deep in my heart God is with us all. He will shine his divine light on our reps giving us the best contract on heaven and earth. God bless the IBEW and God bless all our union brothers and sisters.

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  43. What a beautiful day to be out in the woods with the foliage changing colors. Wish I could post a picture.
    Bow season ope ed up today and I couldn't be happier. We're organized and are working to get a little stability in our future.
    All good.

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  44. Hey, just wakin' up from a little hibernation. I've been under the ice. Keep on working at it reps. I hear it's going well. Pizza is not an issue, the competence of the supervisor is, and he gets to write your review! Imagine what we could write about his! Actually, we have, on this blog. Whether the powers that be listen? Well, you know how that works. Just look around. I for one am not going to help them do their job anymore, whether or not it makes mine easier. The information tap is shut off. I will do what is expected of me in the performance of my duties. I will do it to the best of my abilities. But managers DO NOT ask me how to do it or fix it that is your job to tell me. Make your own decisions. Let your incompetence shine. OK I feel better now. Let's back our reps and get the contract we need and deserve. Then let the pompous ass and those like him watch the grievances pile up. See you at the table!

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