"Maybe I am being picky here, but I didn't see much in the way of qualifications for those mentioned, and I even know some of them to be decent people.
I guess my point being, while there an agenda and seemingly nice enough and well-intention enough people on the New Directions slate, that doesn't mean they know what they are doing (not to say the IAM All-Star Team has impressed me all that much either in the past two years).
Mashing bags doesn't an effective experience make. How about something about their backgrounds? Education? Training as it relates to their desired positions? Work experience? I don't think this is being unreasonable as I hope this election does not get down to being a popularity contest with bright promises followed by dismal performances.
So Opines Jester. "
Okay, I have to jump in here and give you my two cents. First let me say I'm not one of "Canale's Boys" but I have had the opportunity to work with them on some things. These are educated and experienced men who want to do the right thing for our membership. They have been given a difficult job in trying to get a merger contract, and to represent us in this difficult time of bringing two totally different work cultures together. These guys are in a no win situation right now. There is no way to get the company to agree with something that's going to make both sides happy. The company will not let that happen. The IAM cannot force the company to give us something they have no intention of giving to Fleet Service. You all seem to forget the company has an agenda also. You guys are making the company SO happy right now. The company LOVES you guys on here! You are dividing us and making us a weak Union. DP and his boys are drinking their coffee, reading this, and laughing their as*es off at us!!! You are giving the company more than they could ever ask for! Redirect your anger, it needs to be towards the company! Not those trying to help you! If you all had done your job and read what the district put out at the time we voted on the TA you would have seen where the company started and where IAM wound up, and what happened in between. I know it was a lot to read and rather time consuming but it was enlightening. Can't help but wonder now if any of you are even going to bother reading all of this! As far as concessions in the TA, the West side were the ones to lose the most. Sick Pay, Paid Short and Long Term disability come to mind first. Higher Insurance costs, but more pay. Loss of outsourcing protection, was HUGE! The East side is not in Section 6, you are just getting a gift, with any small improvements that were in there. Ok, profit sharing, that was a big mistake to give that up! Keep in mind the company does not have to give you anything better. They are NOT obligated to improve on what you currently have. I know that won't be popular, but guess what, I'm not here to make new buddies, just to tell you guys the way I see it.
These men have put in a lot of time and effort for you, away from their families only to get sh** on by those of you who think you know better, or those of you with your own agenda. You guys who are promoting the "New Direction" team are the same ones who have been trying to get rid of IAM. The same ones who gave false information about the TA. The same ones who are promoting a bunch of people who have very little experience and education. I know a lot of the guys on the "New Directions" team. They are okay people to hang out with at the conventions, but, as a whole, they LACK THE EXPERIENCE AND THE EDUCATION we need to take us forward, with the exception of a couple (2), who I will most definitely vote for. Jester is right to question the training, work experience, background and education. PF has a Masters degree in Labor for starters! You can not find someone who can do a better job than him. Does anyone on the "New Direction" slate have this? Just what does the "New Direction" team have in the way of education and experience? The other men, at minimum have had training at Placid Harbor, which is something all of you need to try and do, ask your local to send you.
I do not endorse all the guys on the Districts slate, I don't follow blindly. I do endorse most however. We need the knowledge and the experience these guys have, to take us forward. It would be self defeating to get rid of all of them. To do so would be erasing history and then repeating it, taking us backwards instead of moving us forward.
I do not agree with all that's gone on as far as appointments go, but let's look at changing some of the by-laws. Let's have some positive action instead of just complaining. If you were in Canale's position and had to make an appointment according to the by-laws, how would you do this? Most likely it would be to someone you know. Walk a mile in someone's shoes before you pass judgment. Canale is the right man to lead us! Maybe Rich will be someday, but at this time...he's just not ready...IMO. I say find out who's who, don't listen to the same few people on here bickering. Go get some real valid information. Then make a decision based on facts and qualifications.
Just my thoughts, not going to engage in any online conflicts. Have at it y'all!
