Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Almost Everybody Is Right

Believe it or not, almost everyone on here or involved in the conversation is right about a portion of what they say. I say almost because there are a couple who are plain wrong and just try to fan the flames.

The fact is that there is nothing to argue about with each other at this time. Nobody should be against anyone or what they want. They are the same things that we told the company you wanted anyway. ALL of YOUR ideas hit the table. Every one. Now we are waiting for a confirmation of a compensation package from the corporate higher ups.

Our language is set and the Articles of the contract are in place and ready for review. Although some may never get it - the written contract is an extremely valuable document. Like I said many times before - I wouldn't sell mine for any amount of a yearly raise. Why? Selling that would give me nothing in return for the long run, my future. Mull that one over good - multiple times.

I know people are frustrated and that many are upset over the direction you think the company will be pointing you in.

Wait until you have concrete information before you react to it. I spoke the truth. They did tell us numerous times while we presented different compensation packages that you were already extremely well compensated and the highest paid MCC plant they have.

I believe that you should know that and factor that in to your expectations of what they are comfortable with in regard to your pay. Once we know all of the information, we will bring it to you for your approval.

One more thing, please keep the comments clean.

Stay Strong, Stay Solid, Stay together


82 comments:

  1. Thanks for saying that Sam, I think that is in so many, many words what the negotiating team has been trying to say all along. The document protecting our rights as workers for this company is by far of paramount importance. Monetary benefits are very important but they do not outweigh the importance of the legally binding contract, our guarrantees, for job securities, employees AND managements rights.
    If there was ever a time for us all to come together and support this effort designed to protect all of our interests in a secure and productive workplace it is now. Show the same unity as when we petitioned to join this union. The collective bargaining unit worked long and hard to create this contract with A-B Inbev, with everyone's best interest in mind. When everyone sees and reads it (and read it several times completely)they'll see what it's all about. US, our uncorruptable rights as employees. And that it's worth the effort and sacrifice. And worth agreeing to.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I agree the brewers are union so we should have the same bens of a contract nothing wrong with that. thanks reps for taking out your time with this sorry a little quiet lately just enjoying my dinner at taco bell

    ReplyDelete
  3. I like taco bell. Just like whats in the meat is a secret so is our contract.....a secret. But be sure to vote yes!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Pay one percent to the Union or the company eleven percent more in benefit costs?

    Knowing our current management team, they probably would want retroactive benefit payment back to the vote to make up the money that the Union saved us.

    Do the math folks.

    Remember Brito, Dan, and the people manager need new shoes.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Any chance those contract negotiations opened the companies eyes to how our plant is managed? A change in the management staff could be worth more than any raise I could see. Between Dan and Daves ignorance and the attitudes of some of our process superintendents, it makes it difficult to stay positive on a daily basis.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Can lock coupling, that is 11% of the contribution not 11% if your pay. Now you do the math Einstein. Please everybody stop the emotional wAve and deal with facts.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sam could you please inform everyone what to do in regards to showing up for work during this devastating storm that is about to take hold of the Hudson valley this weekend
    Thanks, your friend

    P.s. taco seasoning anyone?

    ReplyDelete
  8. Why dont we just shut the plant down for this weekend and shut down just for labor day monday. Makes better sense for everyones safety.What do you think Sam. Will you call the company and make that offer to them.

    ReplyDelete
  9. We don't really know what the storm will bring for the Hudson Valley. The best advice I can give you now is that IF there is a State of Emergency you cannot be on the road without risking a misdemeanor and a fine. When and if they lift it, you would have to go to work. If there is not a state of emergency and the plant is open, you need to go to work.

    ReplyDelete
  10. 8:45 I sure will call them tomorrow.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Local Governments will react tomorrow and/or Saturday, if it does happen. Pay attention to your local news before, during and after any announcements or declarations in your area or county. Local governments are very explicit about what you can and cannot do in a local state of emergency. Listen to or read the the announcements. No matter what, take in the picnic table umbrellas.

    If you are in doubt of what to do, attempt to go to work. You'll figure out if you should be out or not.

    ReplyDelete
  12. a simple recorded message on the phone system at work would probably work, is that something we can rely on?. are these things really that difficult to figure out? state of emergency stay home--------state of emergency lifted get to work.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thank you Sam sounds like your clearifying the situation.
    your Friend

    ReplyDelete
  14. It aint worth leaving our families and go to a tin lined plant.just to babysit the building while our entire management team stays at home.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Theres no place like home,theres no place like home,theres no place like home.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hurricane party at Billy Jo's Rib works. Tin man, scarecrow,lion, all gonna be there! Fuck Can plant!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Man behind the curtainAugust 26, 2011 at 9:13 AM

    Call state police before coming to work. They will tell you if there is a state of emergency near Stewart airport!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Call the plant Im sure they will direct you. I hope theres something in the contract that protects us when we dont come in because of something just like Irene.I was written up because of a snowstorm that others didntshow up and they didnt get written up.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I dont understand why we dont shut down this weekend. It will help power company,local officials,the saftey of our employees,and accomplish whatthe company says the problem is. Too many cans in inventory.All the other plants can run just like they are next weekend. We are the only MCC plant that is down I hear anyway.I wonder why?

    ReplyDelete
  20. where are we going to put all the cans when there is no shipping because the trucking companies and fillers shut down.........should we put them out back and cover them with plastic?

    ReplyDelete
  21. Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York City ordered the mandatory evacuation of around 250,000 residents as ordinarily jaded New York City residents threw themselves into a frenzy of preparation for Hurricane Irene.

    The National Weather Service issued a hurricane watch for the city and much of the surrounding region, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency. Torrential rains, flash floods, and winds of more than 100 mph are expected, beginning Saturday evening.

    Irene itself is currently projected to hit the city on Sunday afternoon as a Category 1 hurricane -- meaning a major storm -- but both the timing and the severity could change.

    Because the city's hundreds of miles of coastline are densely developed, hurricanes can do more damage in the city than those of similar strength that hit the southern United States, the city's emergency management agency said.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Guys always looking for someone else to say whether or not they should go to work. Sick of it, if you don't feel safe going to work, font go! Simple as that! Need a few of them to get in any trouble anyway. Time to grow up and make your own decision on some things.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Here i am ---Rock you like a Hurricane...........

    ReplyDelete
  24. 4:47 you are right on. Why does everyone need to be told how to act and how to think. It explains some of the banter we see on this sight. Use the part of your body on the upper side of your neck guys.

    ReplyDelete
  25. We voted in the union so our hand could be held so deal with it

    ReplyDelete
  26. They are cutting the coils at 5:00PM and the plant is closed to Monday.Please say safe every one.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I think this was the right decision. Good call.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Yes, it was a good call. Speaking Frankly, you are a waste of time. Go away,I really dont care what YOU think.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I spoke to the company reps yesterday about altering the schedule to balance out the storm this weekend and the proposed Labor Day shutdown.

    Happy that worked out. It makes it better for a nervous family at home.

    We will be meeting with the company reps again this coming week maybe Tuesday or Thursday. Aftre that we will schedule meeting times to go over the contract. You will be notified of the time and day as soon as it is set.

    ReplyDelete
  30. don't change a damn thing for the shutdown next week, some of us have already made plans

    ReplyDelete
  31. I want to thank Sam for making sure that the storm we are faced with is done with the appropriate actions to ensure the personnel and their families are safe and that the best response for the business is kept at the forefront. I can see that Sams influence has made an impact and that the response from the company has been appropriate and responsible. Thank you to both.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Its about time that the company did the right thing .Im very relieved that I know I wont have to risk losing my life coming to work.

    ReplyDelete
  33. It is good to see that the right decisions were made for the plant in this state of emergency for the hurricane that is bearing down on our state. It has taken 23 years for our mgmt. to make the right decision and that is truly in thanks to Sam calling Mike and getting the ball rolling without having to worry about Dan waffling and making the wrong company decision. This is truly why we voted to bring a union in for our best interests in keeping ourselves and our families safe. For that I say Much thanks to you Sam for sticking up for us and letting us know we are truly the ones that are important here. People remember this is only the beginning for us. Go local 363 we are truly the best union and only getting stronger. WE CAN!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  34. dirty harry calahanAugust 28, 2011 at 1:07 AM

    Wow this was a very good decision on the part of the plant to close because of the Hurricane. I have heard that Sam went out of his way to make sure the right decision was made to protect the employees and not to worry about the almighty dollar as usual. Sammy I don't care what they may want to offer for our benefit package I just want to know that we have your backing and local 363 in which I am very proud of to stand behind us. When has the right decision in an emergency situation ever been presented to us this way. SAM we just want to thank you for helping us and please keep fighting for us, we have your back as you have ours. MCC=LOCAL363 People always remember this, trust nobody but ourselves and stay union strong!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. let me clear up something. Sam was not a factor with the company closing for the storm this was an event that was watched with great concern for a week and the company made an appropriate decision.
    Hope all are safe and dry in NY

    ReplyDelete
  36. 363 supporter but don't like what I saw hereAugust 28, 2011 at 11:18 AM

    Reps, I dont believe we should take advantage of this potentially tragic situation guys. Those posts thanking Sam ate just trying to make it appear that 363 was necessary to get this done. Sam is working in many good ways but give Dan his due here. The union is already voted in and for many good reasons. But lets stay on high ground and walk proud. Union or not, this decision would have been made and we all know that. I voted yes so we could stop the game playing. We hope all are safe and let's just keep it factual going forward.

    ReplyDelete
  37. They are the facts and no ill will was intended.I do applaud Dan for his sincere actions but Sam did take action also. Just because he doesnt put up everything he does on the blog, doesnt mean he didnt take action. He did. And sadly for 23 yrs those decisions werent made time after time blizzard after blizzard many of us came to work under that were equal to or worse than this storm all because the company would not make the call. This time they did. Those are the facts. Undeniable.

    ReplyDelete
  38. This was a wise choice whoever made the call, and thank you to the company for getting it right.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Can't wait for this to be over! It's embarrassing.

    ReplyDelete
  40. I agree with 7:53 I also feel the same I actually work with a bunch of children

    ReplyDelete
  41. Agreed. Spoiled adult aged children that are never satisfied with anything. Nobody has really ever been hurt. Please stop crying about everything.

    ReplyDelete
  42. little Steve , I wrecked my car going through a snowstorm for this company and yes I did get hurt and no I never said anything to the company because if their fat ass doctor kept me out of work I would have lost my house. So go play by yourself .Nobody wants to hear the sucking noises you make anymore

    ReplyDelete
  43. slurp it up little stevie

    ReplyDelete
  44. stop thanking management for closeing, that was purely a deciction to save money,and cut hours,and they based,it on thier concerns and needs, not ours,management is only here to make money,no matter what or who gets stepped on along the way. thats why we need our union so badly.

    ReplyDelete
  45. can you feel the love?

    ReplyDelete
  46. People that are a train wreck at work, are probably train wrecks in their personal lives as well. They get angry at management because they are angry about their spouse telling them what to do at home.

    ReplyDelete
  47. You can call it what you want.... the bottom line is that the CORRECT decision was made to close the plant...I do hope everyone understands that it was a smart business decision... and that we all need to move on... make good cans.. and lots of them.. The negotiations are winding down, and let's hope the offer that is agreed upon is a respectful package that everyone can live with!!!! Times are very difficult right now for everyone.. I hope we can all come together as one!! and be the MCC we have been for the past years23 years... let's move forward... Nothing is gained by throwing rocks at one another... stay strong!!! we will pull out of this a better organization for the future

    ReplyDelete
  48. sam that was a great article in the paper today. i just wish more people would believe what you wrote is true union or not. if more people would listen to there grandparents or great grandparents they would understand how things worked back then and how it should work these days but like you said its all about politics and foreign owners taking over American workers. and remember most business owners were foreigners that became American citizens before we worked for them/ thank you SAM for all your help trying to show how the American way should be 363 the only way to be for me.

    ReplyDelete
  49. I too owe a great thank you to Sam for helping me. Thank you to all the reps also for their dedication to making our jobs more secure. I had asked Sam for help and without hesitation right in front of me started getting me the help and answers I needed. I will always remember his kindness and hard work he did for me. I will always be a Sam and 363 supporter.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Sam, when can we see the contract for review?

    ReplyDelete
  51. Whatever happened to Ken the negotiator?

    ReplyDelete
  52. Can we have more steak please!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Knock it off. Thats just soooooo old

    ReplyDelete
  54. See. Embarrassing. Thanks for making Newburgh lose respect.

    ReplyDelete
  55. lets go team...we r better than this. we r gonna have a contract in writing.

    ReplyDelete
  56. One's who live in the past stay in the past! the one's who look to improve the future automatically do so.

    That was an outstanding article in the paper sam. if we were in the 1700's you sam would be one of our fore father's!!!!!!!!!!!

    no doubt in my mind.

    The company first tried to discredit the union and you by showing us how much you made $$$.
    I can most certainly tell that money has absolutely nothing to do with your drive,tenacity and spirit to help people.

    It's a shame that most people at the plant don't get to work with you as much as the negotiating team does. They would get to see how much time and energy you put into working to help us ALL. ALL OF US.
    NOT JUST PRO UNION PEOPLE.
    But in do time the people will get to see just how dedicated you are to helping people in general. NO BULLSHIT PEOPLE - - SAM WILL HELP EVERYONE HE CAN. I CAN ATTEST TO THAT!!

    No offense to any current or past managers here. But we have to admit that over the years there has been many inconsistency's and walls built up, with many of these do to policy interpretations,inconsistent hi-fi holds and releases,sneaky investigations, ect,ect. I could go on but i don't want it to be about negativity anymore.
    We all have vented, were adults and by now you should be moving on past the negativity and thinking of ways to improve our way of life.

    some will disagree i am sure of that! I think even if the union can and will help those few that they are still too STUBBORN TO ADMIT IT. SHAMEFUL. But that is the way life is.
    But hopefully the few can see that we are way past time for some new direction in the plant.
    Hopefully We as a group can see that we need some sort of real profession support!!!!!!!
    Don't you want someone that when they get home after work or go to bed at night that there still thinking of ways to help us have more say in our own futures??? I most certainly do. I have not seen that in many years at the plant.
    Here's a reminder for those that forgot some things.
    A few years ago we were told that our H.R personal (not dave) was in St. Louis fighting for our benefit package.
    That statement was laughable. That guy couldn't stand most people. He treated people like he owned us.

    Any way you can't find a better person with what is going on in the world right now to represent us.
    THINGS HAPPEN FOR A REASON.
    Sam for what ever reason has entered our lives at a time which will probably be the beginning of the most trying times of the next few generations to come.
    you either get anchored in with groups motivated spirited people or get mowed over.
    Sam is not a god i understand that for those that are thinking about how to stir the pot some more with your negative thinking of how can i slam sam or Dr. Phil,
    But you don't need God for this. you just need a spirit of freedom driven,dedicated honest person that probably puts more time in for us then he gets to spend with his family!!

    Pay attention.
    READ SOME HISTORY
    STICK TOGETHER PEOPLE!!!
    Or lose everything
    you may not like it but
    ALL WE HAVE ARE EACH OTHER!!!

    ReplyDelete
  57. Vote for change. hmmm... Familiar. Thanks for reminding me how I feel, dr feelgood.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Dr Phil is a quack that needs his license revoked. Founding fathers, not fore fathers.

    Dr Phil got his degree from youneeversatee of feenicks.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Cmon Phil and others. Sam didn't sweep in and save the ship out of the goidnes of his soul. He's here at the request of many who wanted to organize and asked for his services. He's done a good job and that's great, but I don't think we should paint a picture of a savior. I think it's time to just get on with finishing the contract and stop trying to sway opinion. Everyone has already made up their minds and just wakeful see this thing finished and want a cash infusion included. Like it or not.
    Dr Phil, you should stick to questions about metabolism.

    ReplyDelete
  60. 9:42, that's THE youniversitee of feenix!

    ReplyDelete
  61. Are you with me saidAugust 30, 2011 at 10:50 PM

    Im sure glad Shawn is back doing conveying, its one thing Warren has done right lately.

    ReplyDelete
  62. The person or people that are hammering Dr. Phil could care less about us as a group.
    You have a chance to pull together in the same direction and go longer and farther than we can by ourselves. What is it going to take to show you that since the union has showed up we have changed the dynamic treatment of us considerably. Shutdowns,severe weather,write ups for whatever,so many issues that were arbitrarily decided upon by different people in management in the past,unchecked,unfair,out of reasonable action. All these reasons why our lives have stabalized should be the light to all that we are a union.
    We ARE a UNION. We have been since the vote and the company has treated us as such.
    That means that WE expect eachother to work together and secure OUR work force. We will protect our way of life. We will ensure that our members and employer will comply to the agreement we will agree upon. To the people who are worried about their jobs after the contract is signed, it will be more secure, it will be in writing. Finally we will have something in writing to refer too, touch, wave in the air and say you signed it, you agreed to it, you abide by it!

    ReplyDelete
  63. Wow someone is a little high strung i think. Maybe you should see the real DR Phil. I don't know but i think that the person on here is just using the name of Dr PHil. I really don't think that they are trying to actually be Dr. Phil. Maybe you should ease up on the T.V just a little.
    I think DR. Phil is right you can't even get past a silly name i mean really.

    8.08. i don't see were Dr Phil said any thing at all about (vote for change) are you that same lone pot stirrer?????

    SEE EVEN THE DECEASED NORMA RAE GETS IT!
    RIGHT ON THE MONEY NORMA.


    Or is that the real Norma Rae. ???

    wow unbelievable cant even get past a silly name.

    ReplyDelete
  64. Phil spoke the truth and that's a fact. Thank you Dr. Phil some people are in denial I guess. If that person above has a big problem with what he said, he is against us all anyway. Let's not waste time on him or her.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Lets all get along, work safely, and hopfully get whats fair for us and the company..

    ReplyDelete
  66. 2morrow is sept 1 and still no contract.....wtf!!

    ReplyDelete
  67. how hard did you try help support it to make it work south plank? ok then.

    ReplyDelete
  68. 7.15 WHAT DID YOU HAVE BEFORE THAT?????????

    YOU HAD NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!
    AT LEAST NOW YOU CAN GET ON A BLOG AND CONTRIBUTE AN ALL IMPORTANT W.T.F. STATEMENT.

    SO WHAT'S THE RUSH ALL OF A SUDDEN ???
    PLEASE BE PATIENT. GOOD THINGS TAKE TIME.

    ReplyDelete
  69. The pot stirrer is in full force.

    It's ok to disagree with the union or some of the opinions on here because that's what they are. someone's opinion.
    But beware of the one who keeps throwing out the negative comments towards everyone Else's opinions.
    if you disagree that's fine but at least put up some valuable informative information so we can all be educated.
    if you disagree that's fine but put up something worth reading, if not.

    like someone said a while ago. The negativity is just wasted time and energy.

    ReplyDelete
  70. when can we see the contract?

    ReplyDelete
  71. when is the next contract meeting?

    ReplyDelete
  72. We are meeting with the company tomorrow to go over the entire contract and we will all be meeting next weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  73. ok thank you sam. good luck

    ReplyDelete
  74. P.S. good luck to stewards and negotiators also.

    ReplyDelete
  75. I agreed to a "contract" the day I was offered a job. They promised to pay me a wage and I agreed to work for that wage.

    Has that changed with the new ownership?

    No?

    My check still cashes.

    Are we asked to pay more for our benefits?

    Yes, but that was begun under previous ownership, along with Ocean Blue RIF measures.

    So, here we are; Already working under a mano-mano contract, and somehow we are to think it will behoove us to be under IBEW's thumb and that will be of benefit to us?

    It matters not what the company profits are. (They better be profitable for all of our sakes.)

    Profits did not matter when you were initially hired, and it does not factor in today.

    You agreed as men (and women) to work for a fair wage and the company has paid you that fair wage.

    ReplyDelete
  76. I Call Them As I See ThemSeptember 1, 2011 at 4:47 PM

    Hey, 3:53 can you show us your "contract" in written form? Does it have provisions for the possibilities of job security? A disciplinary procedure that offers you better recourse than the current "injustice" for all system? Please show us all your "contract" so we can compare it to the one being written between the union and the company. If yours is better, Break It Out for all to see. We'll compare the two and if yours is superior we'll start the whole process over, OK? AS FOR ME: I trust in the integrity of those reps and negotiators to do what is best for us and the company, to have a focused workplace, better relations between management and worker. So BREAK OUT YOUR CONTRACT ASAP! Because the real one is going to be voted on in the very near future. Capische?

    ReplyDelete
  77. What a loser with his unwritten contract....lol

    ReplyDelete
  78. I can't wait. Like a new start > a new day. Lets go TEAM...Stay strong and SAFE...

    ReplyDelete
  79. 3:53 thanks for being honest. There are many that appreciate and agree with your opinion but just don't want to rock the boat. I hope we get a fair and sincere offer with the written contract. Those that are making demands that you show them something are exactly why so many are just plain tired of it all. The contract cannot bring the promise land everyone believes it will. It's the same all over, union or not. Thanks for speaking up and doing it professionally. No pot stirring here, just honesty. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete