Among Friends

[suzyQ3]

My husband has been a labor arbitrator for more years than he would want to say.

I can tell you categorically that it is misleading to say that it is difficult to impossible to fire a unionized worker. It's just that fair procedure must be followed, unlike at-will employment.

If a unionized worker is terminated or suspended, he may file a grievance. If not resolved by management and union, the union can take it to binding arbitration.

The arbitrator is a neutral and makes a decision based upon the information presented by both parties. He is as likely to uphold management's decision as he is to nullify it. His judgment is final.

[Mominohio]

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@kjae wrote:

I am glad that you are pleased with the outcome.  I do want to relate something that happened today at school.  Los Angeles will probably authorize a strike coming in October.  A colleague and I are over 65 and ready to retire probably at the end of this year.  If we go on strike I lose credit for the entire year on retirement benefits.  I need this year. to count  The question was asked by someone else if it affects retirement and the answer was given.. The response from our union rep was-well, you owe the rest of us your support and you just have to do it.  Really?  Will these people help to pay my bills when I am short $ each month?  

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This is just one of the many things that aren't good about unions. 

There are good things and there are bad things when it comes to unions. I really tire of those that only see one side of this issue. It is so much deeper and more complex than those on the far ends care to see or admit. 

Your story truly brings that to light. And I'm sorry this happens this way for you. It just isn't fair (gee isn't that what unions were supposed to be about, getting fair treatment and benefits for it's members? Hmmm)

@kjae

And to the OP, I'm glad the uncertainty is over and good bad or indifferent you will be moving ahead with what will become a new normal.

[on the bay]

As others have said, there are unions and there are unions.

The good and the bad.

I think a good union would insure in strike situations that those who have worked hard for years and nearing retirement, do not have to lose in order for others to gain. Especially after supporting and being in that union for years with dues.

And I too strongly believe in "

do unto others"

so that would mean I would feel terrible if I knew that participating in a strike would cause some to lose an entire year of money or benefits etc. Not everyone can afford to do that. A union was set up to protect all members if it is a good union.

[CrazyDaisy]

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@reiki604 wrote:

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@CrazyDaisy wrote:

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@reiki604 wrote:

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@kjae wrote:

I am glad that you are pleased with the outcome.  I do want to relate something that happened today at school.  Los Angeles will probably authorize a strike coming in October.  A colleague and I are over 65 and ready to retire probably at the end of this year.  If we go on strike I lose credit for the entire year on retirement benefits.  I need this year. to count  The question was asked by someone else if it affects retirement and the answer was given.. The response from our union rep was-well, you owe the rest of us your support and you just have to do it.  Really?  Will these people help to pay my bills when I am short $ each month?  

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I was going to pass this post by but I couldn't. You have reaped the benefits of union membership that was hard fought and won by the sacrifices of those you came before you. Working where you do, you have excellent salary and benefits that will carry you into retirement. Yet you begrudge the same opportunity to people who work just as hard as you did for a few extra dollars. Since you are over 65, retire now so you won't be losing anything and leave the space open for someone who might appreciate what they are getting. I am sorry you 'need this year to count'. Unless it means vesting into your retirement package, at your age, the difference will be minimal. If you will be retiring where you will have trouble paying your bills, then stay for longer than one year. Personally I believe that's an exaggeration in an attempt to explain your selfishness to those you work with. It is about the many, not the one. Will you help pay the bills of those who need the money and benefits they will be striking for. I think not.

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"It is about the many, not the one"  that is unless you are the one.  Do you follow that concept in other aspects of life?  In a world of diminishing resources, more people are going to be finding themselves being the one left behind.

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Yes I do follow that concept especially if I have benefited from the work and sacrifices of others. If someone accepts a benefit one has a responsibility to make sure that others can too. The only reasons that resources are diminishing is that the selfish are trying to hoard everything for themselves on the backs of those who do the work. I believe in a  do unto others as you would have others do unto you kind of thing.

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So then you would be in favor of cutting current retiries pension benefits in order to extend benefits for future retiries?  That is the current situation many unions are finding their pension funds.  Or would it be selfish to want what you feel you earned and deserve at the expense of those who are currently working.

[reiki604]

@CrazyDaisy we can go around and around ad infinitum with no meeting of the minds. I guess we have to agree to disagree. I will not argue simply to argue or right fight. You have your beliiefs and I have mine. I wish you well.

[CrazyDaisy]

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@reiki604 wrote:

@CrazyDaisy we can go around and around ad infinitum with no meeting of the minds. I guess we have to agree to disagree. I will not argue simply to argue or right fight. You have your beliiefs and I have mine. I wish you well.

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Was not arguing just trying to clearify what your position is with your previous statements. 

As I stated it is easy to make the grand statements or ask others to scarifice till you become that one.  And until you are in that position you should not stand in judgement.

[reiki604]

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@CrazyDaisy wrote:

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@reiki604 wrote:

@CrazyDaisy we can go around and around ad infinitum with no meeting of the minds. I guess we have to agree to disagree. I will not argue simply to argue or right fight. You have your beliiefs and I have mine. I wish you well.

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Was not arguing just trying to clearify what your position is with your previous statements. 

As I stated it is easy to make the grand statements or ask others to scarifice till you become that one.  And until you are in that position you should not stand in judgement.

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Not playing your game. Be well. 

[CrazyDaisy]

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@reiki604 wrote:

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@CrazyDaisy wrote:

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@reiki604 wrote:

@CrazyDaisy we can go around and around ad infinitum with no meeting of the minds. I guess we have to agree to disagree. I will not argue simply to argue or right fight. You have your beliiefs and I have mine. I wish you well.

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Was not arguing just trying to clearify what your position is with your previous statements. 

As I stated it is easy to make the grand statements or ask others to scarifice till you become that one.  And until you are in that position you should not stand in judgement.

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Not playing your game. Be well. 

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Not playing games, will just asking questions concerning the position you stated.

[kjae]

@reiki604You use the term "selfish" to describe me after 44 years of service to my district and the union.  It affects my + 2 years on the formula and that is over $400/month.  You have no clue, yet you characterize me and my particular situation in a derogatory manner.  Mob mentality.  "Leave the space open for someone who might appreciate what they are getting"-just plain nasty and perhaps sheds light on the union mindset.