posted 15 February 2006 08:48 PM
The local news people showed up and all the correct things were said but what really happens after the strike is over.We battled the company for thirteen weeks and obtained a contract we could accept.Not the best not the worst. The bitterness of the strike was evident the first day back.Neither side willing to move on. The first issue to be dealt with was the state of the plant.In short if it wasn't nailed down or invisible,scabs took it with them. The washroom walls were smeared with feces and machines were left in dis-repair.Those things could be fixed. What is much harder to fix is the resentment the management feels towards its employees. Discipline is the order of the day and out right firing common. Many employees accepted early retirement on a reduced pension rather than take more of the companies jacked booted discipline. The company laid-off approximately twenty per-cent of the work force and rewarded their own people with multiple firings. Today the place is like walking through a morgue.If it was ever a fun place to work its not now. The one thing both sides agree on is the issue of scabs.Most supervisors were glad if none of the scabs got hurt or worse on their shifts.The work they produced looked like it was made by retarded chimps.Firings were an hourly event.For its part the company would use them again if for nothing other than the irritation value they provided.The union still hates them but we've learned how to handle them better for the next time. The next time? Yes.It should be another battle come next contract.Welcome to the labour scene...2006.
From: Ontario | Registered: Apr 2005
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Diane Demorney
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 6183
posted 15 February 2006 08:50 PM
Which strike are you talking about?
From: Calgary | Registered: Jun 2004
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EL Corazon
recent-rabble-rouser
Babbler # 8849
posted 15 February 2006 09:00 PM
The strike at IMT in Ingersoll Ontario.
From: Ontario | Registered: Apr 2005
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radiorahim
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 2777
posted 15 February 2006 11:54 PM
I guess it shows how stupid companies can be when they decide to scab an operation.
The scabs wrecked the facilities...hell they knew the job wasn't going to last forever. Generally speaking, even in the most bitter of strikes long term employees aren't going to wreck their workplace...they have an interest in seeing it maintained.
The company now faces a totally demoralized workforce.
It illustrates clearly why scabbing should be outlawed. Its not in anyone's long term interest.
From: a Micro$oft-free computer | Registered: Jun 2002
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