Old dominion or abf

Loose lips sink ships

 

Hi Shaggy, thanks for the thanks. I thought you didn't like anything I said?

 

You're growing on me.

 

[QUOTE="semi" retired;4421377]Hi moloko, I agree with everything you say, but I'm very careful what I say here, as the word "union" must trigger some red flag with the mods, and like they say, it never goes well, and the thread gets closed. I was always a non-union driver, for 20+ years and worked for some great companies, like you say, never needed a union, as the relationship with the boss was usually really good, or I moved on. I did a good job for them, and was rewarded accordingly be it with an increase in pay, or even the seldom heard "atta boy, good job". When I got my one and only union job with a bread maker, I was shocked at the difference. It was something I was totally unprepared for. Once, I came in from my run, and was talking with the boss, like I always did with my other non-union jobs, and as I left, the union steward, who was an older man, been with the company for 25 years, cornered me and said, "I see you were talking to management, what was that all about"? I thought he was kidding, but was dead serious. I said, nothing really, just being friendly. He said, "I don't EVER want to see you talking to management again, if you have a problem, come to me and we'll schedule a meeting". I couldn't believe he said that, and that was just the tip of the iceberg, and quit a short time later. Just wasn't for me. I then found out, a couple of years after I quit, the company fired all the union drivers and went with outside carriers.[/QUOTE]


Yes, some of these 'top seniority' guys think they have you by the balls. They don't. If anybody approached me that way at work, I'd tell them to eff off and never disrespect me like that again. Then I'd be giving the business agent a ring, and screaming in his ear for a good 45 seconds until he could get a word in haha, and I am being serious...

Absolutely agree with you, this is the dynamic in many union environments; shop steward thinks he's a lawyer, but doesn't know the first thing about employment law. It's all this political rhetoric; have you ever been in a Teamsters union hall? At 439, they have a mural of jimmy hoffa posted up. Honestly, I don't need a union to protect my rights and extort my paycheck. They're useless for the most part, and when I need to use them, they blow me off. Now I'm not going to make this a debate bout whether or not unions are good or bad, because they serve a purpose. But with DLSE , OSHA, NLBR, and a number of other government agencies that are protective of our rights; I just don't see why I have to pay some gangster organization 2 hours a month of my salary, to half-arsed represent me. If you actually have a case, an employment lawyer will take your issues on a contingency.

They sell vulnerable people the feeling of job security. But it's a racket just like anything else. First and foremost, it is a business. And just because they are 'non profit' on paper, doesn't mean they can't pay their staff; their business agents and vice presidents, very, very well.

On that note, let me end by saying that I'm glad I've been able to land these union jobs. I think however, that my next job in trucking will not be a union position. The union tends to foster a culture of nepotism, inbreeding, and hostility that just isn't present in a normal work environment.

And this is specifically towards the Teamsters union. I know other unions, are stronger, and take much better care of their employees. And this is just my experience with unions; I'm not trying to get this thread closed down by talking about controversial topics. So take it for what it is, in the interest of free speech.

 

- Moloko, You have every right to complain and offer a opinion. You experienced it.

What I really hate, Some one who's never came from a family, Not even a friend or them self experience of the union and just spit stupid stuff and go along with the sheep and assume it's Doom and Gloom UNION is EVIL !

I thank your post, because it's just part of the big situation and every location is different and nothing is perfect, The Teamsters is slowing eroding away.

 

OD doesn't pay overtime, period. they also only pay 7.50 an hour for breakdown and layover, and you will pay 96 a week for mediocre insurance if you have a family.

 

I don't know what union you think is doing better than the Teamsters, they are all on the ropes. union employment is not for everyone I guess. but good luck getting OSHA or an employment lawyer involved, I know its VERY hard to go up against a company at the NLRB if you don't have some smart guys on your side. my BA won me 17,500 dollars, and had my termination overturned, during a union organizing drive.

if you have only worked union employment, you are going to be in for a big surprise with non union employment, in my opinion. skipping breaks and throwing other co workers under the bus is the common way to try and get job security. every time I have worked non union I have been screwed over worse.

 

Sir, I am just being real.

Good of luck with OSHA ? They are extremely helpful. You have to know your rights sir.

I don't need luck getting osha involved. I communicated directly with the federal whistleblower protection program and forwarded those written correspondences to our boss about his misconduct. After several months of commendations and nothing but hard work, three weeks after I drop a dime to OSHA, the d bag fires me without union grievance arbitration for some made up safety violation. Can you guess what's happening next ? Federal lawsuit. And as far as luck with an employment attorney? I have a former state attorney representing me and fronting all court costs. Where were the union ?? I think the business agent was probably screwing hookers and stuffing his fat face with restaurant quality food and sniffing cocaine with my union dues, in between sending my very urgent calls straight to voicemail. And that's all I have to say about that.

 

On that note, I am not anti union. In my very serious situation, the union refused to help me on any level. Maybe that's just my experience at this particular local with this particularly worthless group of people

 

If you communicate with your BA like you post I can see why you get the voice mail treatment. You have a problem you start with your steward, then your BA. You go around everyone, that is called disrespect. Disrespect does not win you too many friends. Your dues barely pay the light bill. The companies contributions are where the real money comes from. All this complaining and you never mention the company paid health and welfare. That is what your representatives negotiated for you and your fellow employees. Plus above average wages. Like Already Gone commented. No OT at OD, kinda shows the degree of respect they have for their employees. Greedy scum in my opinion!