Maybe we should go back to bashing repubs

OK, I’m game, lets bash em. Watch this You-tube clip, from Fox noise, and at the 2:30 mark or so check out the stat…….then ask yourself one simple question, you pay dues, you belong to a union, why would you ever support a party hell bent on destroying the organizations that helps set the standard for the middle class…….I have never paid a bill with “IDEOLOGY”, only with currency. I sure as hell dont want to make less so others can have more just for the sake of having more.

Milwaukee business round table discussion

We have prospered because of the unions.

The previous post on health and welfare dealt with some good issues, the most important question should be is “health care a right or a privilege?

Another problem that has been brought to my attention lately, is that we have members that are off work because of injury and they have been off long enough that their insurance coverage has lapsed… not enough hours. Surely we could have some sort of waiver for injured brothers and sisters, it only seems right to take of each other during hard times.

So watch what the clown in the following clip says then you decide…

Don Prudhomme Racing announced today that the United Association was a major associate sponsor for their top fuel dragster driven by Spencer Massey. Full story here:
United Association and top fuel drag racing

Also, the NHRA announced that the United Association had secured title rights sponsorships of NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events in Chicago and Englishtown.
Full story is located here: United Association title sponsor of two NHRA full throttle events

It looks like from reading both stories that the United Association has pursued these sponsorships as a means of creating interest in our apprenticeship programs.

Thoughts?

One of the hottest topics on the job site is health and welfare. It’s usually not because people are excited (in a good way) about our health and welfare program.

The biggest complaint I hear is that we are not getting our money’s worth. I hear a lot of people comparing our coverage to their spouses, uncles, cousins or sisters coverage and our coverage comes nowhere close to what these others are getting.

I don’t know anyone personally that has any of this amazing insurance, I’m sure it must exist. I do know we have had various BA’s say that they have had people look into our insurance and we are getting the best deal we can because of our demographics. Don’t know if it’s true or not, can only go with what we are told.

I think part of the problem is that we are self-insured. We might, emphasis on might, find a better deal by actually taking our contribution and buying coverage outright. Not sure how the logistics of that would work… pretty sure it would have to be negotiated in the contract. It certainly seems like something that should be explored.

If anyone knows exactly what we are contributing to H&W right now, could you comment and let us know?

Another problem that has been brought to my attention lately, is that we have members that are off work because of injury and they have been off long enough that their insurance coverage has lapsed… not enough hours. Surely we could have some sort of waiver for injured brothers and sisters, it only seems right to take of each other during hard times.

Lastly, I hear from very many that we need more dental and vision coverage. In fact this was brought up at the last meeting under new business. The BA assured the members that this is something that is going to be looked at the in the very near future.

Thoughts?

The traffic here has slowed to a snails pace. I know part of the reason is because not enough members know about it yet. And I’m still unsure of the best way to get the word to spread.

There are a few that visit fairly regularly and a couple which participate regularly (which is good). But for the most part, the visitors are fly bys… you know, one time visitors. Which leads to me to believe that they are just not that interested in what is going on here.

Which baffles me. I thought a site where we could discuss the issues would be a good thing, especially since such a low percentage attend meetings and meetings are where things get discussed. (note to self… jump on the clue train… they don’t attend meetings because its not that important to them and they don’t join in here because its not that important to them)

Which brings me to the point of this post. I’m thinking of starting another site. Similar to this one, except that I will open it up to all the building trades… maybe even all the unions. I think it will be easier to get the word out for one like that and quickly build traffic and activity.

Nothing dies a slower more agonizing death than a web site that has little or no activity. I think by fishing in a bigger pond, so to speak, more activity can be generated more quickly and the site can have a better chance of survival… and it will be a lot more fun also

Anyway, I haven’t given up here yet, I still have high hopes for this site. I will continue to try and increase traffic and encourage everyone to participate.

In the meantime, feedback is always welcome.

Okay, I’m going to provide a little bit of what went on tonight… feel free to censor me if you think I’m putting out too much info in a public place.

The report of the finance committee went amazingly well. The guy that gave the finance report was really on the ball.

There were no fireworks tonight, everybody was well behaved.

There are 18 plumbers and 1 apprentice off. 27 fitters, 25 welders and I think 17 fitter apprentices on the bench.

The general consensus among the officers was that work is picking up and should continue to improve.

Darren and whoever is serving on the negotiating committee went through some negotiating training last week. Some guy from back east came in and conducted the training.

Better stop there. Feel like I’m starting to say too much… don’t want to get carried away.

United Association General President Bill Hite was interviewed by the web site www.chiefengineer.org, about the coming construction boom and how the UA is equipped for handling the boom.

You can see the entire interview here: www.chiefengineer.org

FEEDBACK REQUIRED:

Do y’all like these story links I provide, or would you rather have a summary/sypnosis with my slant added in? Or something else completely different?

I went through the apprenticeship program back in the early 80′s

Back then, you applied. Then you took an aptitude test that involved a written test and a hand/eye coordination test. Then you interviewed, and if you were deemed worthy, you made the list and patiently waited for the call to go to work.

Today, as I understand it, there is no aptitude test. And I would like to know why. I thought back in the 80′s that the aptitude test provided for a really good screening process and I think it would be very beneficial for us again today.

Does anyone know when and why the aptitude test was removed from the application process?

So I see that the all-knowing “Bill O” has been spewing the anti-UAW rhetoric again by stating that UAW members are making upwards of $70 + an hour. This kind of misinformation only breeds contempt for unions & must be d-bunked ASAP!!!
This hit home this week, as a co-worker & I are in a training class with union and non-union workers. The anti-union talk starts , and we quickly dispensed of it. Facts and a well prepared “offense” will shut up most bashers quickly!
But it made me think, do we only defend our own interest? Or does solidarity mean all “UNIONS”?
I know several people directly affected by the GM closing………I wonder how the middle class plans on sticking around when the standard setters are being run out. Anti-Union talk is prevalent everywhere, even in our own circles.
What do you say to it?