Chrysler workers canned for drinking on the job reinstated

[RECHRGD]

I was a union worker for 31 years. United Steel Workers local 1010. For 6 of my last 10 years I was an hourly supervisor, still under the union blanket but a supervisor.

Some of the things we had to do to avoid the union was incredible. It was a real joke, the only way for a union worker to loose your job was to stop coming to work, literally. A poor worker could not be fired, it was impossible. Drinking, drugs, poor attendance, etc. all had corrective action programs that had to be administered before a "troubled" worker could be "discharge". Fighting was the most serious offense a person could be "suspended preliminary to discharge" for. And even fighting only meant it would take longer to get his job back. The company had to jump through so many hoops it was easier to just ignore or hide a problem worker. There was so much documentation that had to be recorded to justify a reprimand it was not worth my time. I had a crew I had to manage.

The unions had a place in our history and still have a purpose today. Unsafe working conditions, unfair work rules and labor practices, abusive managers, etc. all the reasons why unions were implemented in the first place. Workers may in some situations still need protection from these abuses. But, unions have taken there "power" to a whole level never envisioned by the founders. That "power" problem seems to have manifested itself through out the leadership in our country, and more so the world.   

Quote; Teamsters Union leader James Hoffa, speaking at an event before President Obama, said of Tea Party activists  "Let's take these sons of bitches out" . That is the mentality of the Unions today. It is sad.

Maybe we should start a thread listing some of the outrageous union employee activities we've witnessed over the years.  List them one at a time and let the pro-union members defend the described actions.  No, probably not a good idea.

[stripedelete]

I was a union worker for 31 years. United Steel Workers local 1010.

Pension?