The favoritism culture of Belvidere

[Iapetus]

If any of you are from BAP and read the 1268 talk forum, you might have noticed how attention has been brought to the fact that there are TPTs and people off the street being hired in the plant before laid off seniority employees. You may have also read that there is a rather incestuous relationship between the local and management (as far as favoritism goes i.e. awarding positions to people who have otherwise not accumulated enough years, or are not qualified for the position). As a former BAP employee, I am curious if many of you have taken the time to ask (demand) of your "leadership" about the ins and outs of this utter bullshit that has been allowed to perpetuate, fester, and otherwise divide the once strong and proud local?
How many know of (or care) for example--about the union office above H26? Why was there a sofa, DVD player, large screen TV up there? Why did so many of us have to listen to some of the "leadership" show off about spending time up there eating pizza from Ambrogios, watching DVDs, and otherwise DICKSMOKING eachother/management???
Item #2: Anybody ever wend thier way over to the east dock under the Material office? There is a union office down there. It is a gray metal door with the UAW logo on it...Can't see THROUGH the damn thing--can't even open the door when you hear voices inside!!! Shouldn't our reps have been "open door"? Why can't we see what's going on in there, but I can see/walk into any supervisor or area manger's office no problem? What are they doing in there?? Are we job bank circa 2003?
item #3: Favoritism...I saw a lot of it off and on over the years, and it was exasperating then as I am certain it is now! I thought everyone learned a few things since the days of CD Graham and Marvin Hightower. I don't doubt a single thing I have read from you guys, and I hope the best for you all. Keep this outrage fresh, strong, and in the spotlight--that is the only way to change your situation for the better.

Lastly, For anybody who says so what are you bitching about, run yourselves and vote these guys out...hmmm.
Consider this: It is a common practice over the course of history to falsify ballots, stuff the boxes, and otherwise run a shady unfair election. WHY WOULD THE UAW BE ANY DIFFERENT??
WHERE ARE THE CHECKS AND BALANCES?
The same people sit on the election committee and you all are not allowed to observe anything after voting has closed, so who polices them?
As far as run yourself LMFAO!!
This is the equivalancy of the high school Pom squad, my friends...If you are not part of the dick sucky club, well...
I know TOO MANY PROUD hard workers who wanted to help out the membership, but doing it on one's own merit is in these days unatainable and unrealistic.

I, however--want to let you all know at Belvidere...that so many of you are so strong, too intelligent to let this divide you. I wish you all greatness in the days to come, because that is what you all are capable of--and made of.

Peace.

[1 Ton Dually]

I do not work at Belvidere, but I just wanted to say that was an excellant post!

[110_READY 2 GO]

SO VERY TRUE!

[Sacrificial Lamb]

It all starts at the top. Need a cleaning of house rally to be heard.

[Iapetus]

A word of encouragment to those who chose to stay on at BAP: Sacrificial Lamb has hit the nail on the head. This has been attempted by people in the past--believe me--I witnessed flyers with pertinent information magically appear in the breakrooms, bathrooms, picnic tables. It is discouraging when your rep. "listens" to your concerns, but only pays lip service by saying: "I'll get back to you" "I'll file a greivance" or the classic: "Let me go ask--" and the subject is thus dropped. Who amongst these people are really after the interests of the membership, and who amongst these people are so fearful of management or Union leadership threatening them that they cave into the status quo? It really takes a unified group of members to come in agreement and say in no uncertain terms: "WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH!" It will take a group of several people--a good cross section of Trim Chassis BIW Paint Stamping--and Trades, not just an isolated group from a single line--or section of the plant.
It really is too bad that the media is oblivious to a lot of the practices (hiring TPTs instead of recalling laid off workers, using bailout monies for purposes other than intended, etc.)
Anybody from Rockford remember when our local paper lauded Nardelli when Cerberus brought him in as CEO--because he was a graduate of Auburn high school.
Ya know--cause he once lived in Rockford--that automatically makes him trustworthy!

[girlie]

wowiiee kazowiee, we all know what you are saying is true , but what can we do about it??? you have written everthing we all know is true, but we do not know what to do about it. any suggestions???? i know when i flag down my rep, he gives me a look like oh god , what does she want, and is in such a hurry, mind you i said flag, because he is usually flying by on a cart, or walking as fast as he can with his head down.. is that any way to represent yourself to your people. i think not. i am embarrased for him , if he only knew that he will be back on the line with the rest of us, after his term ,

[BAPWORKER]

There giving the new hires one week to train on their job then getting laid off. I trained my person 2 weeks ago. We have had 90 new hires quit since we started training them. Last week 30 people didn't show up on Wednesday after training Monday and Tuesday. People hear how great it is at auto factory on the news, but until you get in your eyes will be opened.

If you are laid off from Chrysler they know you should be able to handle working the line. New hire's are not that is why they where brought in before you. To see if they can handle it. They are only working 1 week then getting laid off. They will start on Nov 17th just like you.

[Belviderian]

Blah!!

[Iapetus]

Well...as a person who had been at BAP since 98, I have worked (been leant out to) every department with exception of the trades. I have seen quite a lot of things all while having to keep a tight lip about it. One thing that frustrated people at the last contact vote (2007) was that they were angry with their lack of representation--some felt that we were sold out by allowing ETEs into the plant--it was divisive to say the least...let me tell you first hand that I endured a lot of verbal abuse from these people because of my seniority.
One thing I repeatedly and actively told people who were working the line was that you have a choice when you vote:
1: vote for the incumbent
2: vote for the new guy
3: cave into peer preassure and either vote incumbent, or for some douchenozzle who has an "in" with the union enough to get his name on the ballot, or...

4: DO NOT VOTE FOR EITHER

This is printed for emphasis. Voting is your one most powerful right, no?
Many times when I went to vote, I would excersise my option of neither--that's right--if there is no spot for neither, then write it in--write in you cat, Bea Aurthur, Count Basie, or whomever you choose...just don't choose who is on the ballot.

What would this do?
Well, simply put--this is a message that 1268 is on notice. Questions will certainly be asked won't they? Maybe they have to have a townhall or canvass the dept...whatever.
Secondly, they have thier own choice--STEP DOWN FROM THE BALLOT OR PUT UP A BETTER CANDIDATE.
It is the pricipal of how to handle an annoying person sitting at your picnic table during break: Ignore them totally, or come together collectively as a group and put that person on notice. a reasonable adult will realize that they must correct said behavior or take it elsewhere. DO IT TO YOUR UNION!
Also--once again--never underestimate the power of anonymous distribution of flyers. Have a problem with a rep or policy?
NAME SOME NAMES, state times, dates, places! Be careful of your wording--one can do little if you are stating clear cut facts--one can also do little if it is your opinion as a group that you have been wronged.
Some of you brave folks have your cellphones--at least you did when I still worked there...use it to take necessary pics/audiofiles. Youtube them or share them amongst fellow workers.
If I can think of anything else helpful, I will share =)

[Doug]

the sen. people that were not called back to the plant for the very temporary gig, were the ones that are in Kenosha on a long temporary gig. they didnt want to come back because kenosha is easy work and it is for a lot longer then 5 weeks.
At the last election canidates had their own appointed people in there looking over the process, guess you didnt vote or you would of seen it.
You are yet just another person who took the buy out trying to convince yourself you made the right choice.

[JIMXTEP]

If you can accumalate anything more than annecdotal evidence, I'm pretty sure the feds can invstigate. Remember the Teamsters?

[devildog]

If you think your situation is bad, come and work at S.H.A.P STERLING HEIGHTST ASSEMBLY PLANT. You might see your union rep 1 time passing by during the week. I have much love for my co-workers, but the stewards, and committeemen, need to do there job. I guess they think they dont have to represent us, but we are all in it together. If the plant closes as planned in december 2010, they will be on the street just like us, there is no difference. You want the position, but dont want to do the job. STOP THE BS

[uawguy]

devildog wrote:

If you think your situation is bad, come and work at S.H.A.P STERLING HEIGHTST ASSEMBLY PLANT. You might see your union rep 1 time passing by during the week. I have much love for my co-workers, but the stewards, and committeemen, need to do there job. I guess they think they dont have to represent us, but we are all in it together. If the plant closes as planned in december 2010, they will be on the street just like us, there is no difference. You want the position, but dont want to do the job. STOP THE BS

lol!! You get to see your union steward once a week. I think its been a month and a half since I seen mine. I gues he was by about 3 weeks ago but I had to leave early to take my kid to a Dr. appointment. What ever happened to the days when you seen them at least once a day. Even had one for a while that made it a point to come by every morning. Then again after lunch to give the answers he didnt have in the morning. Or in case something else came up.

[girlie]

our local 1268 has become a full fledged not at all funny, "HUGE JOKE" , i really wish and hope and pray that at least one of them will read these posts and get the word out on how we as a whole feel about them and what an embarrasement they are to us and themselves..what is it going to take?? shutting the plant down?? i certainly hope not. we are a great bunch of hard workers who need a great bunch of hard working represenitives who are not afraid of doing whats right and being there for the people!!! not to busy or bothered by us. because if it were'nt for us they would not have a job-- get it!

[uaw1984]

Iapetus wrote:

Well...as a person who had been at BAP since 98, I have worked (been leant out to) every department with exception of the trades. I have seen quite a lot of things all while having to keep a tight lip about it. One thing that frustrated people at the last contact vote (2007) was that they were angry with their lack of representation--some felt that we were sold out by allowing ETEs into the plant--it was divisive to say the least...let me tell you first hand that I endured a lot of verbal abuse from these people because of my seniority.
One thing I repeatedly and actively told people who were working the line was that you have a choice when you vote:
1: vote for the incumbent
2: vote for the new guy
3: cave into peer preassure and either vote incumbent, or for some douchenozzle who has an "in" with the union enough to get his name on the ballot, or...
4: DO NOT VOTE FOR EITHER
This is printed for emphasis. Voting is your one most powerful right, no?
Many times when I went to vote, I would excersise my option of neither--that's right--if there is no spot for neither, then write it in--write in you cat, Bea Aurthur, Count Basie, or whomever you choose...just don't choose who is on the ballot.
What would this do?
Well, simply put--this is a message that 1268 is on notice. Questions will certainly be asked won't they? Maybe they have to have a townhall or canvass the dept...whatever.
Secondly, they have thier own choice--STEP DOWN FROM THE BALLOT OR PUT UP A BETTER CANDIDATE.
It is the pricipal of how to handle an annoying person sitting at your picnic table during break: Ignore them totally, or come together collectively as a group and put that person on notice. a reasonable adult will realize that they must correct said behavior or take it elsewhere. DO IT TO YOUR UNION!
Also--once again--never underestimate the power of anonymous distribution of flyers. Have a problem with a rep or policy?
NAME SOME NAMES, state times, dates, places! Be careful of your wording--one can do little if you are stating clear cut facts--one can also do little if it is your opinion as a group that you have been wronged.
Some of you brave folks have your cellphones--at least you did when I still worked there...use it to take necessary pics/audiofiles. Youtube them or share them amongst fellow workers.
If I can think of anything else helpful, I will share =)

If you think your being helpful think again. Your showing your lack of knowledge.

[Belvidere]

girlie wrote:

our local 1268 has become a full fledged not at all funny, "HUGE JOKE" , i really wish and hope and pray that at least one of them will read these posts and get the word out on how we as a whole feel about them and what an embarrasement they are to us and themselves..what is it going to take?? shutting the plant down?? i certainly hope not. we are a great bunch of hard workers who need a great bunch of hard working represenitives who are not afraid of doing whats right and being there for the people!!! not to busy or bothered by us. because if it were'nt for us they would not have a job-- get it!

Im not sure where you work but I see my rep up in paint quite a bit. Grievences get paid it isnt like the old days where deals were made to make up pay. Times are different with the changes in the contract but we were not closed down because of how well we work. So all of you who came here and don't like it go home. You remember your way of doing things got your plant closed. Not every rep is perfect and it is our job to get rid of them if they cant do their job. So follow the steps that need to be done but remember it takes something valid not just empty rumors of bitter employees that didnt get their way on one thing, or their sen will not get them the job they want, or they lost an election and are spreading rumors. We need to band together not jump on bitter bandwagons. We made it through so far and we will keep making it together. If they (management) think we are divided or cause problems we can kiss product goodbye. Shap will be happy to say all the right things. Parker (president) is smart and has a way with words he will use them.

[uaw 284]

uaw1984 wrote:

<quoted text>
If you think your being helpful think again. Your showing your lack of knowledge.

here here

[uawguy]

Belvidere wrote:

<quoted text>
Im not sure where you work but I see my rep up in paint quite a bit. Grievences get paid it isnt like the old days where deals were made to make up pay. Times are different with the changes in the contract but we were not closed down because of how well we work. So all of you who came here and don't like it go home. You remember your way of doing things got your plant closed. Not every rep is perfect and it is our job to get rid of them if they cant do their job. So follow the steps that need to be done but remember it takes something valid not just empty rumors of bitter employees that didnt get their way on one thing, or their sen will not get them the job they want, or they lost an election and are spreading rumors. We need to band together not jump on bitter bandwagons. We made it through so far and we will keep making it together. If they (management) think we are divided or cause problems we can kiss product goodbye. Shap will be happy to say all the right things. Parker (president) is smart and has a way with words he will use them.

I will agree with you the paint shop reps do a good job for the most part. I got bumped from paint when the second shift was cut. It didn't bother me one bit I got to go back to trim pretty much the same job I had when I transfered to paint. But it's a whole different world in assembly than in paint. Exspecially trim. Since I've been back in trim nearly 3 months now. Ive seen the union steward 2 or maybe 3 times and one of those I had to go hunt him down. Wasn't to hard though he was sittin in his office with his feet proped up on the desk. The old committee man made a couple pass down my line before he took the buy out! The new committee man came around the day after the election but probably won't see much of him till its time to start campaigning for the next elections though. Thats what I've found so funny with the last several union officials we've had in trim. You never see them. When you ask them why? Thier answer is they are just so busy and have so much work to be doing all the time. But come election time there out there on that floor all day long campaigning there ass off. At least for those few weeks every three years we get a little representation i guess. Maybe we should just start paying our union due during election time. Seems fare I think only pay when the reps accually represent us!!!!

[Belvidere]

You can still call your old rep from paint if you need to. Get rid of them if they don't do their job. Call and complain to international about a rep it will straighten them up. It needs to be a legit complaint though.

[BAPWORKER]

uawguy I see the trim steward every day on line 2. He is always talking to someone on line 2 every day.