Wowwwwwwwwwwwwwww! 85,000 hits on a site made for 164 people! That's not too bad! Somebody is interested in this subject of the rights of American Workers to bargain for a contract for sure!
.....and an interesting subject it is. We are having some really GREAT discussions at the negotiating table. When you spend time on a subject you find that there are many facets of that subject that need to be considered.
Your Reps are doing a GREAT JOB at all of the above! They are also representing the ATTITUDE and the COMPASSION and the DEDICATION that ALL OF YOU HAVE.
The company reps from St. Louis will surely be bringing back a positive report on what kind of people are employed in the Newburgh Plant. They see that you have class, are very intelligent and you are deeply concerned about your job and your families.
That says it all.
The IBEW Local 363 is very proud to represent a group of working people like all of you. This is what makes our job - helping good people- worth doing .
We made some pretty good progress in our meetings this week. Every issue is painfully disected and discussed over and over during the process. Your interests are being met every day we meet.
Stay Strong, Stay Solid.............support your reps.
It was a good week of frank and candid conversations. You should have seen the reps bringing forth the concerns of the people of the plant. Everyone at the table that represented the workers was open about the issues that we all deal with. We were trying to make the other side know what it feels like from our prospective.Im proud of all my brothers who sat together with Sam, Steve and John. We are going to get this right. We are dedicated to writing this contract so that we are protected and have a commitment from the company. We also want to make sure that the company stays productive and efficient. Its in our interests that Newburgh achieves its goals and keeps its ranking as the leader in our industry. That common goal is something we can build on. We just want to make sure we have balance in our relationship with the company.If both sides start with good intentions then there could be great things on the horizon. We dont live in a fantasy world, we know there is a long journey ahead, some of it is going to be up hill.We are already walking and moving down that road.
ReplyDeleteI want to thank everyone for their support. Its reassuring to hear all those words of thanks and support. That helps alot when we are standing up for what the wishes of the people are. We are going to keep this momentum going. Stay strong.Go 363!
For all you do, arep, this (insert favorite brand of beer here)'s for you!
ReplyDeleteWow, it sounds like you need a break. Don't get soft. Make em bleed!! Did you cover wages and pension yet? Remember that you represent the peoples voice. That voice wants improvement in the pension and wages. Stay strong! Go IBEW. Union made in America. Support the reps as well as THE HOURLY. After all thats why I voted yes to the union.
ReplyDelete3:17, We need a contract in writing. Thats what the people want. We need to work with the company not against it. Right now we just need it in writing.
ReplyDelete3:17 just a management asswipe bustin chops.
ReplyDeletewe all want improvement, let go of the anger its not good for your health or your mind.3:17
ReplyDeleteok hypothetical: we get a contract this summer, the plant stays successful, we stay successful. i work at the plant another 15 years and retire under an existing contract. do the terms of this contract follow me for life? can my benefits change(like they did to our recent retirees)or does the contract protect me. do i still have to pay dues in retirement for contract protection? just askin...
ReplyDelete12:54; actually a good question. and the answer is: I dunno. Maybe someone blogging away here knows and will answer. But before we get 15 years down the road let's get this first one done OK?
ReplyDelete1:46 lighten up, there's always time for questions.We got to where we are by questioning the company and their motives, right?
If we have answers and it doesn't directly pertain to ongoing negotiations by all means ask away. If 12:54 is a management person fishing then he just got the same answer from that any one else would get. "I'll get back to you on that one".
This is why its good to come to the meetings and ask questions. It saves getting mad over what most already know.
ReplyDeletenobody knows all the answers because nobody knows all the questions. get them out if you have them.It is actually beneficial to get all the truth out so we all can have the knowledge to make informed decisions.
ReplyDeleteOK...I agree, so let me ask the same question again. Did you guys cross the bridge for wages and pension yet? What are we looking for in the contract in those areas? Those two topics are very important to me as well as others in the plant. How many years is the contract for? If I dont like the contract and vote NO.then whats the next step since we are not aloud to talk about the contract. There are a lot of people already getting tired of the bullshit and are voting NO! Dont think thats what you want.
ReplyDeleteHey everyone just calm down I am a rep that has been at almost all the meetings and things are going extremely well. We are working on all the key issues and everyone is not going to vote no because they don't know whats going to be in the contract yet. Lets stay positive and let us do the work at the bargaining table and very soon you will all know what is going on. Stay positive and lets not start all this bickering with each other. If management stoolies get on the blog just blow them off and pretend they are not there. We have come a long way and don't let other people get your goat. This contract will move forward and we will keep working hard at it. I am very committed as are all my other union brothers and sisters sitting at the table. Always remember without this contract we are at the mercy of inbev and upper mgmt. who care very little about us. Remember without this union you would be paying 35% for your medical benefits instead of 28%. Voting in the union and negotiations helped stop this move. We are already moving mountains and getting mgmt. to listen to our concerns. Trust me things are going well. Everyone stay union strong and super trust in Sam,Steve and John, they are the right men to lead us to where we need to be. We all love and want to be 363. WE ARE COMMITTED UNION STRONG.
ReplyDeleteRight on my union brother. Well said. I love you man lol
ReplyDeleteThen vote no.
ReplyDeleteYou will not get a contract to protect you, you family, your benefits, your pay, or your retirement.
Brito's manifesto wants the employee to bear the burden of healthcare, if his writing is any indication, EIGHTY-PERCENT!!!!! He's shooting for 35 percent now.
The retirement is already gone, you just don't know it. The monthly stipend is going away if Brito has his way. When you retire, a one time lump sum check at Brito's rate, and then taxed at forty-two percent. Can you say a years pay?
Can you retire on that?
Pay at the GLOBAL RATE, meaning that he wishes to level the playing field to world pay standards. That means you take a BIG cut my friend.
Short story, Brito's way. Less Pay, high benefit costs, and no retirement.
Still think what the reps are doing is bullshit?
Vote NO, and enjoy Brito's way.
For anyone wondering what the true cost for the healthcare increase to 35% would be, here it is.
ReplyDeleteFamily plan 80.77
Dental 16.15
Vison 1.38
TOTAL 98.30 every two weeks
That is $2,555.8 for the year.
By performing the reverse math you can figure what the company pays and the total cost of the policy would be $9,127.86.
The increase to 35% would cost $3,194.75 per year.
The difference is $638.95 from 28% to 35% for the family plan and a lot less for single plans.
For someone that makes $70,000 dollars, 1% of your pay is $700.
As you can see, percentages are funny. A seven percent increase in health care will cost less money than 1% of your total pay.
Funny how 8:01 has a lot to say ( all crap by the way ) and didn't have the squares to just come to the meetings and get involved like the rest of us who had questions did. One little crybaby who doesn't like the union (which is now himself and all of us, his coworkers) isn't worth the piss out of a union beer can and can do nothing to stop us from getting a contract for all.
ReplyDeleteI guess 8:01 forgets how bad we were getting screwed with what he keeps asking and demanding so much on, wages and pension (and throw in health care) before 363 came in and at least got us to the table.
He sounds like a fool, an ungrateful, unsatisfiable bootlicker or a management puke.
You pick it.
It's quite clear that he will be voting no (against himself and us) no matter what.
So stupid.
The good news? He is only one and most of us have brains.
Just go on suicide watch, you sound like you need it really bad.
Bye.
8:56---Well said. This is a long processs so i do not see why some people are in a rush. Let the reps do there jobs and hopefully everything works out good. I am sure all the reps are doing there best for now and our future. Britto is about himself and thats it. Thank you reps for your past and present work,,,,,,
ReplyDeleteFirst off has anyone aked the company whatwould be the total cost is for the new Anthem plan if we were not in negotiations?I dont mean just the employee costs but the total cost of the premeium to the company and the employee.It has never been transparent before, and never will if we dont get a contract. Ask retirees what they paid in 2010 and ask them what they paid will have to pay in 2011.
ReplyDeleteI bring this up because of previuos comments on this blog about percentages. The only reason Newburghs costs didnt go up for 2011 is that we are in negotiations and the company is not allowed to change anything until a settlement is reached. The other plants that do not have an agreement or not in negotiations had an increase. I hear that Anthems total premium cost for a retiree is about 1300.00 dollars plus the company kicks in 333.00 a month for a total of about 1600.00 amonth. last year the retirees paid 675.00 dollars. Thats about double what they had to pay for coverage. Now imagine what an employee will have to pay at 35%. If your wondering about numbers why didnt the company ever share with us the costs of the plan. The union has the right to see that number no more of taking the verbal word. Trust but verify. thats what we want to do.
Good decisions? Looks like the stock market has fallen flat on our stock again. Whats going to be sold next to pump up the price. Us? Oh they tried that once and the government said no.Beer isnt moving in the U.S. Whats the dream say to do next? Investors just arent buying the stock because the slash and burn and expand doesnt work if the base isnt strong. I wonder if the management staff , I mean Brito and the boys take less of an income while the share holders take a beating.We will see. So will investors.
ReplyDeleteLMAO.................support our reps. Go IBEW. We are union strong.
ReplyDeleteAh!!! I love being in concert with such an upbeat and sunny dispositioned group. What a rush!
ReplyDelete8:01; NO we didn't cross the wage and benefit bridge, hell, we're not even in line at the toll booth yet. But we have covered a lot of ground in other areas. No one said that this would just magically appear as a signed contract overnight. Patience was asked of the team members. The reps and management teams are trying to insure that nobody, read: team member or company gets screwed on this contract. So I suggest that you and your army of tired no votes take a seat and see what pans out. Perhaps you and your disaffected horde should take a positive interest in what's happening instead of the impatient pessimistic approach you are trying now. Just remember this if you vote no just to vote no to the contract and all other negotiations fail; the company can impose whatever conditions it wants until an agreement can be made. So if you are with us act like it. If not, enjoy being in the minority.
We all need to support the IBEW and our reps.We need a written contract. Stay strong. Stay union strong. Proud to be an American. These are union made cans. Proud of my IBEW union brothers and sisters. Well written 4:53. Maybe the minority should seek employment elsewhere. Dont they know it takes time to get a written contract. Dont know why they are even asking questions here. They should just go away. If they want to be part of the minority then they have no place in the union. Good job!
ReplyDeleteI agree the stonger we are the stronger the union is. To fight it is assinine.
ReplyDeletei wish i had the gift of communication that 5:21 has . Great job thats exactly what I was thinking. Thank you. Keep strong stay solid its going to be a while.
ReplyDeleteHey you other reps? We made a mistake by not allowing these so called no voters not to be the ones that negotiate for us. With their brains and know how we could've been across that big bridge by now and almost home to a contract. If only we knew who they were so we could make that happen. We've wasted our free time by not allowing these people to bail us out. How bout you no voters speak up and contact a rep now ....you can have my seat I'm only holding up the works. Please help us, I'm sure the negotiators from corporate would love to hear from you. I'm sure with all your experience you could dazzle them into submission.
ReplyDeleteWhy do I have the feeling that this will not happen. If it did the place would become a hanger instead of our bread and butter. And thats all I got to say bout that.
Merry Christmas to All !!!!!!!
hey rep i am a rep. I agree with you. so come on all you geniuses contact your local reps and let them know you will take over the reigns and drive your christmas sleigh home!
ReplyDeleteI say if you dont like whats going on, take over and represent the people of the plant and speak with their voice and not just your own. Contact Sam and let him know your objections. I am sure you will have your chance to contribute. Better clear your schedule for a while.
A rep dont waste you time with the company suck ups or ya never know it might be a manager stirring the pot. Either way its not worth wasting the effort.
ReplyDeleteWe want the reps we have. Don't listen to these whiners they are just trying to throw us off for the benefit of the company. pisson em
ReplyDeletepssssssssssssssssssssss ok I did.LOL
ReplyDeleteLMAO!
ReplyDeletelets settle down,lets keep the cursing to a minimum. We need to be professional. I can understand your frustration with people that do not want a union. However getting that angry over comments that are designed to make you feel that way doesnt help you , us, or anyone trying to reach an agreement. I bet if you dont respond negatively these individuals will fade away. They will because they do not have the drive to help all of us. Thats what this is all about.They think that some how they will be rewarded by the company for speaking out against the majority of the plant. We, the people of the plant who voted to bring 363 in to represent us,did so to help us protect ourselves and our futures by asking the company for a commitment.A contract between us to show us that for our professional dedication the company would reciprocate gauranteeing that our policies and benefits and wages would be put down on paper,in legal form. No more interpretations from crew to crew. legal recourse ensuring that everything is done correctly and the comfort of knowing what your wages and benefits will be in the future. How can anyone other than the company not want to have these things. its forthe benefit of us all.
ReplyDeletesorry been quite for almost 2 weeks.cannot believe everything i've tried to tell you was wasted.#1 contract if it cannot be done properly itcould take decades to finally get it right.so don't rush your reps.#2 if you have a solution or a question ask that's why we all have reps.we elected to have union representation by a majority.#3 poor attitude against your reps is really dumb these people are giving there time their families time to help us // you and me to protect and care for [[ our familes]] in the future .DO YOU THINK TONY OR BRITO CARE ABOUT YOU OR YOUR FAMILY.MY ADVISE WOULD BE CLEARLY STATED.back your representives , allow them and 363 to get a proper documented contract [[AT THIS POINT YOUR BACKING IS CRITICAL]]] //////////OBSERVATION DON'T BE A WHINER OR WHANKER BE STRONG BE UNITED BE 363 now you can prove to the world who you ARE who we are we are leader in our industry we set the trends of the industry not by holding back but by leading .since we made this step to protect our families all the world is watching not just can plants /// as i have said before show the world that acting as #1 we can be #1. BE STRONG BE UNION BE 363 BE SAFE RESPECTFULLY DAKOTA
ReplyDeleteI am a rep also and would like to say to the negative blogger: The cauldron of antagonistic dissent you are trying to stir is really an empty pot. All you are going to get out of your approach is a pair of sore arms that with out a contract may cost you 35% or more of your income to be treated by a physician. God forbid you'll need surgery. And if you need to be wrongly disciplined by the company, you can go it on your own. If you have a legitimate issue, voice it. As for your claim of lots of people fed up with the BS as you so eloquently phrased it I find your argument lacking for facts. Why don't you and the other person you referenced as "lots of other people" both put your 2 heads together and come up with something constructive. I have had my share of questions asked of me about the negotiations and from what I see the reasponse is positive and supportive of the effort being made. And your predetermined "no" on the contract, well, I'm glad you are smart enough to read the contract and made a well informed decision to vote against yourself and your future and are more than willing to pay out the ass to make a statement and help propel the American worker down the Brito highway heading for the exit that says "Welcome to Britoland" and becoming a third world peon. The demise of the American worker. And you helped.
ReplyDeleteSupport your UNION.
That person needs to update his/her resume and apply for a job elsewhere. There is no room on this blog for questions about wages and pension or contract negotiations. They are counter productive and go against what the union stands for. Why do you want to be the demise of the american worker? The union will stop us from paying 35% for health care. Thats money in your pocket asshole. To all my union brothers and sisters: only answer constructive and union supportive questions. "Britoland!" thats where those assholes live. LOL. Support your reps, proud to be an american worker. Go IBEW!
ReplyDeleteA side note to cost. The union already saved everyone at the plant money for next year just by being in negotiations thus eliminating any changes.
ReplyDelete"A side note to cost. The union already saved everyone at the plant money for next year just by being in negotiations thus eliminating any changes." + 35% saving in health care costs + 0% inflation last year = $ saved. The union is going to pay for itself. Great post 5:47. Stay strong, stay solid and support your reps.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to all.
ReplyDeleteThank you reps for all your hard work and time spent during the negotiations. I know it is a long process. Merry Christmas to all and Happy new year. :)
ReplyDeleteHOWWWWWWWWWWWDY !!!!!!!!! I'd like to wish Everyone a Merr.......Eh.....BA HUM BUG why be nice now. Ok you No Voters I need some more dirt on these people....They are too strong and United. They don't flinch or become weak. We must brake them down or we are in deep shit. You do this for me and I'll teach you a little dance I know.
ReplyDeleteSeason's Greeting Everyone
I was a no vote to the contract but you guys have show"in me the error of my ways. Thank you. I am now a yes vote. Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all my brothers and sisters of Local 363
ReplyDeleteho ho ho cockal doodal doo!
ReplyDeleteI say I say I say boy.....listen when I'm talking to ya boy.
ReplyDeleteAnother one of our Flealess Leaders in trouble?
ReplyDeleteAugust Busch, the guy who sold out an American Icon to a foreign company?
He's in the news!