Stugots Posted January 22, 2009 Share Posted January 22, 2009 Constant negative media attention warrants a new public image for our union. All we must do is be an employee and pay dues. This has to stop if we are to be the organization we can and should be. The union should make it required of its able bodied members to complete a certain amount of community service. We would put in some hard work for those who need it ost, feel good about doing it, and gain the type of attention we need. Also workin in a Ford plant for over 11 years I have heard rumour after rumour lie after lie. The leadership should have a rumour control sheet in the union office where employees can anonomously report rumors in the plant and on a weekly or monthly basis the leadership should post throughout the plant the factual rumours. Guaranteed that would stop a lot of the bull and create better morale and a better work enviroment. Any other suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trimdingman Posted January 22, 2009 Share Posted January 22, 2009 (edited) Constant negative media attention warrants a new public image for our union. All we must do is be an employee and pay dues. This has to stop if we are to be the organization we can and should be. The union should make it required of its able bodied members to complete a certain amount of community service. We would put in some hard work for those who need it ost, feel good about doing it, and gain the type of attention we need. Also workin in a Ford plant for over 11 years I have heard rumour after rumour lie after lie. The leadership should have a rumour control sheet in the union office where employees can anonomously report rumors in the plant and on a weekly or monthly basis the leadership should post throughout the plant the factual rumours. Guaranteed that would stop a lot of the bull and create better morale and a better work enviroment. Any other suggestions? We need to do something to expose and explain the reasoning behind this sudden surge in hatred of auto workers. We should come up with a name for it : Anti-(....?)ism. Who has something to gain by demonizing us? I hear Dofasco ads. "Our product is steel, but our strength is people." Ford never has anything positive to say about us. I have worked with steel workers. I worked at Stelco in 1981 for a while when I was laid off. They are good people, but the work was very easy compared to the assembly line. We work our asses off, but all we hear from our employer is that we are inefficient and overpaid. The public picks up on that. Why is it legal to constantly vilify your employees to the public? Myself, and I am sure you also have been "injured" at gatherings. Because of being slandered, I am constantly defending myself at parties. I dread attending any function with my wife because I know that I will be barraged with negative comments. I don't expect for the company to start gushing with praise, but I just wish they would stop referring to me in public. If you are unsatisfied with your workforce, there are other avenues to take rather than slandering them in the media. Edited January 22, 2009 by Trimdingman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
half way there Posted January 22, 2009 Share Posted January 22, 2009 We need to do something to expose and explain the reasoning behind this sudden surge in hatred of auto workers. We should come up with a name for it : Anti-(....?)ism. Who has something to gain by demonizing us? I hear Dofasco ads. "Our product is steel, but our strength is people." Ford never has anything positive to say about us. I have worked with steel workers. I worked at Stelco in 1981 for a while when I was laid off. They are good people, but the work was very easy compared to the assembly line. We work our asses off, but all we hear from our employer is that we are inefficient and overpaid. The public picks up on that. Why is it legal to constantly vilify your employees to the public? Myself, and I am sure you also have been "injured" at gatherings. Because of being slandered, I am constantly defending myself at parties. I dread attending any function with my wife because I know that I will be barraged with negative comments. I don't expect for the company to start gushing with praise, but I just wish they would stop referring to me in public. If you are unsatisfied with your workforce, there are other avenues to take rather than slandering them in the media. i could not agree more.... i avoid parties, gatherings, most interactions with people i know are gonna make assinine comments about ford workers uaw autoworkers etc etc.....JUST SICK OF IT!!!!!! i am afraid i am gonna snap... so i just avoid most people..........we just cant seem to win with the media tv radio newspaper.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the new eye Posted January 22, 2009 Share Posted January 22, 2009 (edited) Constant negative media attention warrants a new public image for our union. All we must do is be an employee and pay dues. This has to stop if we are to be the organization we can and should be. The union should make it required of its able bodied members to complete a certain amount of community service. We would put in some hard work for those who need it ost, feel good about doing it, and gain the type of attention we need. Also workin in a Ford plant for over 11 years I have heard rumour after rumour lie after lie. The leadership should have a rumour control sheet in the union office where employees can anonomously report rumors in the plant and on a weekly or monthly basis the leadership should post throughout the plant the factual rumours. Guaranteed that would stop a lot of the bull and create better morale and a better work enviroment. Any other suggestions?I couldnt agree more , the current leadership does nothing to address any rumors at all , and lies have become an art form and noboby speaks up its a shame . The company and the union should come to our defense. They expect us to do it for them its time for them to show us alittle LOYALTY . Edited January 22, 2009 by the new eye Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Makeastand Posted January 22, 2009 Share Posted January 22, 2009 We do have a bad image but we are the union, we are Ford Motor Co. We are the ones who need to step up and talk to people, I never have any problem with talking to people about the union or Ford. They may start the conversation with an attitude but after talking to me they change their outlook and agree with me. It’s not that hard to talk to people about US. I do agree that Ford and the union should do more for pr but staying home to avoid a crowd isn't helping either. If people aren't willing to listen to what you have to say then they aren't worth talking to and shouldn't be any sweat off your back. Generally if you stay calm and provide a few facts they will usually say "man I didn't know that, I've been misinformed this whole time". Most people just need a little direction. The media and the government have gotten the public so screwed up they don't know what to think until they talk to a human being instead of seeing/hearing it on tv. A lot of people do think we are over paid but Bill Ford said (I believe it was on Larry King Live) about a month ago on tv when asked are we paid too much, "No the workers are paid fair wages and I wouldn't want to take anything away from them. I consider these workers my extended family". That’s not word for word but that is what he said. I was going to post it but I couldn't find it. I know times are bad and depressing but we have to keep our heads up and keep spreading positive news about our union and company. If you are a proud American and buy American you are a part of the solution. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trimdingman Posted January 22, 2009 Share Posted January 22, 2009 (edited) We do have a bad image but we are the union, we are Ford Motor Co. We are the ones who need to step up and talk to people, I never have any problem with talking to people about the union or Ford. They may start the conversation with an attitude but after talking to me they change their outlook and agree with me. It’s not that hard to talk to people about US. I do agree that Ford and the union should do more for pr but staying home to avoid a crowd isn't helping either. If people aren't willing to listen to what you have to say then they aren't worth talking to and shouldn't be any sweat off your back. Generally if you stay calm and provide a few facts they will usually say "man I didn't know that, I've been misinformed this whole time". Most people just need a little direction. The media and the government have gotten the public so screwed up they don't know what to think until they talk to a human being instead of seeing/hearing it on tv. A lot of people do think we are over paid but Bill Ford said (I believe it was on Larry King Live) about a month ago on tv when asked are we paid too much, "No the workers are paid fair wages and I wouldn't want to take anything away from them. I consider these workers my extended family". That’s not word for word but that is what he said. I was going to post it but I couldn't find it. I know times are bad and depressing but we have to keep our heads up and keep spreading positive news about our union and company. If you are a proud American and buy American you are a part of the solution. It is our own employer, Ford, who is responsible for making it difficult for us to enjoy our social lives. Retirees, who have devoted their whole working lives to Ford, are referred to as "legacy costs". It is really nice to be appreciated. I come from a broken home. I have guilt feelings deep down over my parents' break-up. I really care for Ford, and I don't know what I did wrong for them to dislike me, so I have the same kind of feelings. It is wrong what they are doing to us. Why should I have to constantly defend myself against slanderous derogatory inuendo? In other similar situations, there is legal recourse. My wife is a professional. I am often in the company of professional people. I used to fit in. I don't any more because my line of work has been trashed by negative publicity from none other than my employer. I am a social pariah. I can no longer have any pride in what I do for a living. I would like to avoid talking about it, but it is on everybody's mind and is brought up often. I could just retire, but that would be worse. I would still be dragging the company down with my legacy costs. I am only good to Ford dead. First, they lay people off, and then they complain about paying them. They are paid out of a fund which is made up of money diverted from their wages. If that money had been paid to them directly, and had been put into a savings account, they would just be drawing on their savings, instead of being portrayed as leeches. People who are made to feel inadequate often turn to substance abuse. They shouldn't punish people for doing what they cause them to do. The public has been so whipped up into an anti-autoworker frenzy that now even the government is demanding that sanctions be imposed on us to appease a blood-thirsty electorate. It is like a pogrom. Thanks a lot, Ford. Edited January 23, 2009 by Trimdingman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry Bennet Posted January 23, 2009 Share Posted January 23, 2009 I couldnt agree more , the current leadership does nothing to address any rumors at all , and lies have become an art form and noboby speaks up its a shame . The company and the union should come to our defense. They expect us to do it for them its time for them to show us alittle LOYALTY . For once I agree -NOBODY stands up for the actual people who put together engines and trucks. The CO. don't care and Solidarity house is more interested in Casino workers 'We're not Bankers' is a horrible counter measure - After I read it, my very next thought was, 'yeah bankers only make $25 an hour' 'tough as steel' is much better But what really turns people against the UAW and the Detroit Big 3 is EVERYONE has a story about a bad car or truck Maybe some stories about workers fixing cars before they leave the factory or saving the company money by reducing work-- instead of some story of a drunk chairman or some worker's 8th trip to rehab Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gravedigger Posted January 23, 2009 Share Posted January 23, 2009 Why not form an organization to popularize the Solidarity philosophy and fight for good jobs for all? We could call it a TRADE UNION. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Makeastand Posted January 24, 2009 Share Posted January 24, 2009 It is our own employer, Ford, who is responsible for making it difficult for us to enjoy our social lives. Retirees, who have devoted their whole working lives to Ford, are referred to as "legacy costs". It is really nice to be appreciated. I come from a broken home. I have guilt feelings deep down over my parents' break-up. I really care for Ford, and I don't know what I did wrong for them to dislike me, so I have the same kind of feelings. It is wrong what they are doing to us. Why should I have to constantly defend myself against slanderous derogatory inuendo? In other similar situations, there is legal recourse. My wife is a professional. I am often in the company of professional people. I used to fit in. I don't any more because my line of work has been trashed by negative publicity from none other than my employer. I am a social pariah. I can no longer have any pride in what I do for a living. I would like to avoid talking about it, but it is on everybody's mind and is brought up often. I could just retire, but that would be worse. I would still be dragging the company down with my legacy costs. I am only good to Ford dead. First, they lay people off, and then they complain about paying them. They are paid out of a fund which is made up of money diverted from their wages. If that money had been paid to them directly, and had been put into a savings account, they would just be drawing on their savings, instead of being portrayed as leeches. People who are made to feel inadequate often turn to substance abuse. They shouldn't punish people for doing what they cause them to do. The public has been so whipped up into an anti-autoworker frenzy that now even the government is demanding that sanctions be imposed on us to appease a blood-thirsty electorate. It is like a pogrom. Thanks a lot, Ford. Sorry to hear about the broken home thing, been there done that myself. I have never heard Ford bad-mouth us or say we are over paid. I have heard the media say it. Chrysler, nor GM are eager to say hey "these workers earn every penny they make". Although Bill Ford said on tv that we are not over paid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trimdingman Posted January 24, 2009 Share Posted January 24, 2009 (edited) Sorry to hear about the broken home thing, been there done that myself. I have never heard Ford bad-mouth us or say we are over paid. I have heard the media say it. Chrysler, nor GM are eager to say hey "these workers earn every penny they make". Although Bill Ford said on tv that we are not over paid. Who coined the term "legacy costs". That is a slap in the face to retirees. Who constantly bitches about paying its workers over $60 an hour, and saying that they are not as efficient as Japanese workers? Why is the public close to forming a lynch mob? Why can't I go out to a party without being constantly badgered about my job? You can't just go to the media and knock a whole definable group of people, even if they work for you. I have had enough, and I am sure that lots of others feel the same way. I have never heard auto workers publicly shown any respect that I can remember by their employers. You can't go around slandering people. It is really causing me a lot of grief. Edited January 24, 2009 by Trimdingman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maislebandit Posted January 24, 2009 Share Posted January 24, 2009 Trim, I know where you are coming from. I think most of us have felt the same at some point or another. If and when our industry comes about, I think they should "imbed" a few select media people throughout our plants. Let them work a couple weeks per location. I would bet they have a different take on our industry then - that is if they aren't to sore to type on their keyboards!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stugots Posted January 24, 2009 Author Share Posted January 24, 2009 Trim, I know where you are coming from. I think most of us have felt the same at some point or another. If and when our industry comes about, I think they should "imbed" a few select media people throughout our plants. Let them work a couple weeks per location. I would bet they have a different take on our industry then - that is if they aren't to sore to type on their keyboards!! I like that Maislebandit. Place them right on the assembly line. I'm sure everyone on this site can remember what it was like during their first week or so. Hands, feet, back all cramped up. Who would set this up? Local union, international? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trimdingman Posted January 24, 2009 Share Posted January 24, 2009 (edited) I like that Maislebandit. Place them right on the assembly line. I'm sure everyone on this site can remember what it was like during their first week or so. Hands, feet, back all cramped up. Who would set this up? Local union, international? It is not right to use blanket terms to stereotype a whole group of people. We are all individuals. We have more depth than the two-dimensional way we are depicted in the media. Why are we constantly depicted at all? Somebody has an agenda. Our people are losing their jobs. Normally, the public would be sympathetic towards us, as they were to the people of Flint, Michigan when GM pulled out. Now, they are demanding our heads, and are more sympathetic towards our bosses. What was the cause of this change of heart? There are other examples in history when the public was incited to hatred against a certain group. Hatred of a whole group of people is illogical and morally wrong. Edited January 24, 2009 by Trimdingman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Makeastand Posted January 24, 2009 Share Posted January 24, 2009 Trim, I know where you are coming from. I think most of us have felt the same at some point or another. If and when our industry comes about, I think they should "imbed" a few select media people throughout our plants. Let them work a couple weeks per location. I would bet they have a different take on our industry then - that is if they aren't to sore to type on their keyboards!! That is most ingenius. How do we follow through with that idea? Do we get our locals to contact the local news channels or what? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Makeastand Posted January 24, 2009 Share Posted January 24, 2009 Who coined the term "legacy costs". That is a slap in the face to retirees. Who constantly bitches about paying its workers over $60 an hour, and saying that they are not as efficient as Japanese workers? Why is the public close to forming a lynch mob? Why can't I go out to a party without being constantly badgered about my job? You can't just go to the media and knock a whole definable group of people, even if they work for you. I have had enough, and I am sure that lots of others feel the same way. I have never heard auto workers publicly shown any respect that I can remember by their employers. You can't go around slandering people. It is really causing me a lot of grief. I believe that the term "legacy cost" came from a financial adviser that GM hired during contract negotiations. Not a %100 sure though. The media constantly bitches about our pay and legacy costs and now the gop jumped on the band wagon. The general public doesn't know any better. I totally agree with you and we all feel your pain but now is not the time to give up Trim. We have to be strong and keep spreading the word about ourselves. Yes it would be nice to get the union officials and the company to help and thats why we need ideas like what Maislebandit is talking about and act on them. Your a smart guy Trim, I know you have some good ideas and I know you can act on them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trimdingman Posted January 25, 2009 Share Posted January 25, 2009 I think that I am being censored. It takes over a minute for me to log on or go to a new screen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trimdingman Posted January 25, 2009 Share Posted January 25, 2009 The off topic forum works ok. I am just having problems with the employee fprum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maislebandit Posted January 25, 2009 Share Posted January 25, 2009 If it is any condolence, it has been doing that to me since yesterday, so it isn't just you. I think something is wrong with this site. It seems to load to a certain point, then stops. Just try reloading until it works. Very aggravating, I hope they fix it soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheEagle Posted January 25, 2009 Share Posted January 25, 2009 If it is any condolence, it has been doing that to me since yesterday, so it isn't just you. I think something is wrong with this site. It seems to load to a certain point, then stops. Just try reloading until it works. Very aggravating, I hope they fix it soon. I have the same problem. It's either the web site or someone is very interested in what we say on here? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trimdingman Posted January 26, 2009 Share Posted January 26, 2009 (edited) It took me a long time to get on this thread, but I would like to make one more point to put things a bit more into perspective. There are oil workers in the oil fields who do an admirable job under harsh conditions, much like assembly line workers. Many of them have incomes in the six figure range. We all know how much we have been paying lately for gas at the pumps. Why isn't any blame being laid on the workers in that industry like it is being laid on us? Of course, the reasons for the high gas prices and low car sales has nothing to do with the workers. I would not like to see the oil workers have to endure the hate that we have to endure. But why are we talked about and maligned so much? We did not break any laws to get where we are. We just exercised our rights under the law to negotiate better wages and benefits. Now we are "greedy"? I am not a greedy person, and I object to being stereotyped in that way just because I happen to work in the auto industry. We are real people. Our kids go to school. Do other kids give them a hard time because of the negative things they have heard about us from their parents? The Prime Minister of Canada singled us out on national TV, basicly ordering us to take pay cuts. When did the government get that kind of power? What he is saying is that we, as a group, are getting paid more than we deserve to get paid. What are we, some sub-human species not as entitled as real people? This just adds fuel to the anti-autoworker pogrom. We are dying off as a people, I know. We would like to do it with a little dignity. When I go, I would like to leave behind a legacy, not be referred to as a "legacy cost". I would like future generations of my family not to refer to me with shame because I was an auto worker. Edited January 26, 2009 by Trimdingman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
228electrician Posted January 27, 2009 Share Posted January 27, 2009 my phishing filter is going off and delaying this site lately, might be what you guys have been seeing slowing the site down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trimdingman Posted January 28, 2009 Share Posted January 28, 2009 Trim, I know where you are coming from. I think most of us have felt the same at some point or another. If and when our industry comes about, I think they should "imbed" a few select media people throughout our plants. Let them work a couple weeks per location. I would bet they have a different take on our industry then - that is if they aren't to sore to type on their keyboards!! They have to toe the "party line". Right now, it is to discredit us auto workers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheEagle Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 Call Local 600......... Who would be the best person to talk to at 600? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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