Union Roll Call

[Frank Steffens]

Happy Labor Day to all!

So, How many of us are (or were) in Labor Unions on this board?

I'm currently a member of the Communications Workers of America Local 1104 in Nassau County, New York. I work for Verizon as a Special Services Field Technician

Before that, I was a member of CWA Local 1109 in Brooklyn, New York where I served as a Shop Steward, Chief Steward and Business Agent. I was a Field Tech (Construction and Maintenance Splicer)

How 'bout you?*

*I'd like to preemptively and respectfully request that all those who have negative opinions about this topic refrain from posting their opinion in this topic. Its just a request, not an effort to censor anyone. Though you may have a negative opinion about labor unions, there are many who are proud of their affiliation with them; it is a source of professional pride. It would be like throwing tomatoes at us during a parade...just kinda rude, ya know? Thanks in advance for your kind consideration! I know I'll catch heck for this little disclaimer, but I'd like to find out who else on the board is in a union before it degrades into a brawl.

Edited September 1, 2008 by Frank Steffens

[Steven Zimmerman]

Steve Zimmerman, Steelworker USWA loLocal 1917 member for 28 years,grievance rep for 20 years at Channellock,Inc (blue handled tongue and groove pliers).....before that,building trades union,before thar Penn Central and Bessemer & Lake Erie railroads,both union...............

[Fuel Coupe]

While we're not union there are some rumblings in the wings.

Happy Labor day to all.

Im working today. Its my Birthday. and Hurricane Gustav just made landfall a few miles down the 10 from us.

What a day...

[Frank Steffens]

Happy Birthday Shane, and stay safe with Gustav that close!

[Harry P.]

  Frank Steffens said:

Happy Labor Day to all!

Here's an alternate take on Labor Day:

I'm self-employed (have been for over 20 years). I have the "privilege" of paying double the Social Security tax that an "employee" does. An "employee" pays only part of his SS tax, and his employer pays part. Being self-employed, I have to pay in both the "employee" portion (me) and the "employer" portion (once again, me. ) ) And so while I am required to contribute twice as much, I will only receive the same amount on retirement that everyone else gets. That's assuming, of course, that SS will not be bankrupt by then.

And being self-employed, I have no benefits, no employer-provided health care or paid days, no sick leave, etc. And no union to represent me.

Don't mean to rain on the Labor Day festivities, but I thought I'd remind you that not everyone sees Labor Day quite the same way.

[MikeMc]

Proud ex member of ACTWU local2332.....We bankrupted a 50 year old family run company with our greed!!!!

Like HP selfemployed...pay double...banks don't like us to ask..........

WHO CARES ....THIS IS STILL THE BEST PLACE TO BE.....GOD BLESS AMERICA

[george 53]

Proud Union retiree of UAW Local 22, and member of former Local 12 of the UAW. Always have been a Union man an now, I'm a union retiree supporter.I will ALWAYS support unions and their members. Have A GREAT Labor Day!!!

[ricky12]

hi and thanks im a mechanic and work for a teamsters factory 364 elkhart ind

Edited September 1, 2008 by ricky12

[Frank Steffens]

  harrypri said:

Don't mean to rain on the Labor Day festivities, but I thought I'd remind you that not everyone sees Labor Day quite the same way.

Perhaps, if you had read my post in its entirety, you would have known that I didn't need that reminder.

Thanks Harry!

[Harry P.]

It's not unions I have an issue with... it's the "system" that cheats self-employed people. Labor Day is just a painful reminder...

On the bright side... I can never be laid off!

[Aaronw]

People should remember, Labor day isn't about the guys who get you an extra nickel an hour. It is a day to remember those who died to get kids out of factories, to ensure you get paid for each hour of work, your right to have a union etc. Into the 1930's there was a lot of violence between employees and management, in a few cases outright limited war.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labor_history...e_United_States

  harrypri said:

It's not unions I have an issue with... it's the "system" that cheats self-employed people. Labor Day is just a painful reminder...

On the bright side... I can never be laid off!

I bet you have a better than average management / employee relationship too.

[Harry P.]

  Aaronw said:

I bet you have a better than average management / employee relationship too.

Yeah, my employer and I usually get along pretty well...

[Eshaver]

Harry , I completely agree with you in your comments regarding self employment. I too am currently self employed . There was a time , well ten years ago when I worked for Pet Dairy as a route salesman. We Had the Teamsters. Im personally for a union as I lived in Texas for many years.. Seems that every timre I tried to get a fair price for my work, I was always being threatened by having the work farmed oput to an " Illegal Mexican" operation if I didnt go along with what I was told I would make on a given job! VOTE LIBERTARIAN! Ed Shaver

[Rob Hall]

For the last 10 years, I've alternated between being self-employed (1099), having my own LLC for corp-to-corp contracts, doing W2 gigs through a contracting firm, and normal regular corporate employee... there are pros and cons to each type of arrangement... I do like W2 contracting for now as I don't have to do my own health insurance and payroll taxes, and still get a better hourly rate than I would with a normal salaried corporate cubicle dweller position.

Edited September 1, 2008 by Rob Hall

[Dave Wood]

Happy Labor Day

I just had my 25th year with American Airlines as a Mechanic TWU Local 501

[locoengr]

PROUD member of Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers/Trainmen Teamsters Div 671...BLET is the oldest surviving union in the U.S. of A. I pray for everyone that has been injured OR lost their life in any work related accident and for the those along the gulf coast as well! Please take a minute EVERY day before you do that routine simple task and ask your self if it is safe to do so.

GOD BLESS THE USA!!!!

[lordairgtar]

My Gramps was a member of the machinists union (don't know the acronym) and the UAW while at Briggs & Stratton. My father was a member of the railway workers union with the Milwaukee Road and later the Soo Line. I am not a member of any union myself, but know the benefits of union membership. I would have to say that in the early days of union organization, the Socialists had their greasy hands in there. I was fiddling with the radio in the car today and came upon NPR programming of classical music. The host of the show was playing all Russian composers in celebration of Labor day. HMMMM. Had I continued the listening, I probably would have heard the Marseillaise and the Internationale.

Edited September 1, 2008 by lordairgtar