(e-mail sent to Bruce Hansen)
Dear Bruce-
In order to maintain complete independence of thought and speech I have found it necessary to withdraw from ATU757
Members can now stop calling me a 'traitor' since I am no longer affiliated with them.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm not happy with the performance of our union which is too busy fighting with itself and representing too many properties to give proper attention to Trimet members. I am not happy that our 'union' unilaterally gave away our right to strike without consulting and having a vote of the members. And I am not happy that the union will not negotiate with the company which allows the company to continue to violate the rights of union members. Get in that office and get a deal we can vote on! If it's a bad deal we can vote it down. But to do nothing is worse! We the members have no say in our contract the way its set up now. What's the point of being a member in a union like that? It also appears to me that union members are happy with the way things are going so I really don't fit in any longer.
3 comments:
I love the video. People are just relized that "is" the policy of those who were in power before Bruce. Go figure that people would like to go back to the policies of Hunt and his cronies, I still cannot figure it out,that people are still talking about what was in the past and not what "we" can do in the future.
HB
People, abandoning our unions at this time is a bad move. What happened over a decade ago is not indicative of today's movement toward renewed solidarity and a powerful voice against one of the most abusively powerful employers in Oregon. How can we EVER hope to regain the right to strike if you abandon the only tool you have to achieve this goal?
YES, past leadership failed us by giving away the most fundamental right of union workers. As a result, our bargaining power was severely diminished. However, "opting out" only strengthens TriMeth and weakens the only fighting power you have on our side. Our new union leadership is firmly committed to fighting to win back our power as a labor bloc, but it cannot do so without YOU. After several years of ATU caving into management, President Bruce & VP Henry are fiercely dedicated to rebuild ATU757 from the ground up. They cannot do it alone. We need to RISE and fill the union hall each monthly charter meeting. Be there, be heard. They listen. It's not just a few people who can affect the change you say on FaceBook is necessary. It needs to be ALL of us as ONE who march against the tyranny of Big Brother against those who "are the lug nuts of transit (RIP Thomas Dunn)".
Apathy only strengthens management while stomping upon our collective progress.
This is the first job I've held where I have the benefit of a union representing my best interests. Even though I may have disagreed with our leadership in the past, I never once thought of leaving it. My union reps have saved my bacon several times, all the while I have ranted and raved against management via my blog. I have fought for you FromTheDriverSide.blogspot.com for almost 12 years. Even when it seemed nobody cared anymore, I did enough to keep writing OUR story. Please join me as I throw every ounce of my support to the only people fighting for our very dignity as those who keep Portland rolling through the worst, and best, of times.
Along with Henry Beasley and thousands of fellow transit workers worldwide, I have worn a bandage on my door-side cheek for 10 of those, in support of all of US who have been attacked on the job. Each September, we ask fellow transit workers to wear a bandage during #BANDTOGETHER as we honor those of us who have been attacked simply for doing our job as public servants.
Where have YOU been? Sadly, too many sit on the sidelines and whine while a dedicated few FIGHT for YOU. I will NEVER sit down or back away. YOU are my union family, and I have the utmost respect for the jobs we do. I would rather risk my job and STAND for YOU, rather than sit and cry over what might never be while others fight for your best interests.
Sometimes, we lose, yeah. But you know what? If more of US stood and fought, more of these battles could be won. Our ATU757 needs YOU and ME to STAND! Raise your voice in SOLIDARITY, rather than constantly complaining about what you fail to fight against.
I STAND WITH MY UNION.
Deke this post is 12 years old and it was written by one of the best activists I’ve ever known, Michael Oliver, now deceased and he wrote if after Jonathan Hunt signed away our right to strike. No right to strike=no union
Post a Comment