Uh oh.

http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news...ed_20100923_dk

Video is unreal. Now, this may not come as a shock to some people who have worked in manufacturing plants before. But now it's front and center with everything else going on. The worst part is, some of their "brothers" are defending these clowns and attacking the TV station for reporting this (even though it was a tip from the inside).

 

But unions are essential!

 

The fact they are Union is irrelevant but good job at starting yet another Union bashing thread.

 

There's countless news reports like this. I remember one where they followed one of the high up UAW managers who was putting in time sheets for 65 hours a week to Ford, but actually worked a small fraction of that time (20-25 hrs?)... he was coming in late, leaving early, taking 2-3 hour lunches, etc.

 

Didn't mean it as a "union bashing" thread. There are idiots in every line of work. I (and obviously others) thought this was significant in particular because of the extreme sensitivity about the American auto industry at this point in time. I mean really, you're not being very smart doing something like this are you? The UAW has an image problem with a lot of people to begin with, in case you aren't aware.

 

It's actually very relevant.

The #1 criticism of the UAW is that it enables its workers to become very relaxed with their job standards without reasonable fear of being terminated or seeing a reduction in pay as a result.

 

In this case, the workers on tape have all been "suspended without pay" according to Chrysler. It will be interesting to see if it's business as usual going forward - will the union file a grievance, get their back pay and put them back on the line or will they rightfully be terminated?

 

Have you read any of the Union threads on this forum? The majority of members here are vehemently anti-Union, most without any relation/involvement of any kind. This type of garbage happens everywhere, in every job category regardless of a collective bargaining agreement. Posting this news story will only accomplish one thing: give the Union bashers one more reason to froth at the mouth.

Did you even read the article? All workers have been suspended without pay. Their complete termination is pending an investigation. The UAW made it pretty clear that they don't condone these workers actions.

 

Now that it's made the news that is.

 

This has the potential to be a huge PR win for the UAW. And their reaction will define the American public's view of them.

If I were the UAW president, I'd put together a campaign along the lines of "The American Worker..."

Does not do drugs
Is competent
Treats his workplace and co-workers with respect
Is ethical
Is a hard worker

As a good-faith gesture, I would support the termination of these employees and put up half the costs to initiate a frequent drug-testing program in coordination with the Big 3.

There are two issues that the UAW may not have fully grasped yet. For one, after the bailouts, the American taxpayers are your stockholders. So yes, we do have every right to scrutinize and criticize until those debts are repaid.

Secondly, my opinion is that many union positions in the auto industry offer no benefit over hiring and training a non-union equivalent - particularly in the unskilled positions ("My job is to tighten lugnuts!" "My job is to install an ashtray over and over). So give your employers a reason to actually want to hire union other than a binding agreement.

 

Union or not, these folks were in the wrong and should be terminated. Actually, the union would win a lot of points in most peoples' books if they get behind getting rid of the offenders.

Quite frankly, if I was on Chrysler's board of directors, I would demand drug/alcohol tests for all--including management. There is no way that supervisors didn't know about this kind of activity. How can they not smell it on them.

 

I'm betting the part in bold is what happens. I'm glad I don't have to work around the UAW everyday anymore. I got tired of seeing this stuff (although not quite to this degree...still pretty bad though).

 

And if there was no union, there would be no investigation....they'd be terminated on the spot. I said in the last thread where you tried to spout you pro-union bull**** that I work with a union everyday. They are lazy, useless, and deserve to be fired, but instead, they are protected and get $40/hr to screw everything up.

There is no need for unions unless you have the skills of a retarded ape and can't market yourself. Guess what, if you show up, do your job, and do it well, you have little to worry about.

/rant

 

Most Unions have very solid anti drug policies. Not for one second would I ever think these guys wouldn't be terminated and the President/local BA not stand against drug use.

I'm looking over my locals drug policy right now.

If any worker under the CBA is found to be in possession, sale or use of drug/paraphernalia on the job site will be terminated from employment. Same as alcohol use.

We're required to maintain a clean card that's valid for 2 years. We need one for new employment but are also subject to random drug tests and post accident drug tests.

If a worker fails a drug test, they go to a counselor to determine if the worker is dependant. If they are, they enter a drug rehab program before they can go back to work. If not, they are on probation and subject to 4 random drug tests over a year at the workers expense. If any come back positive, the worker is terminated.

If any worker under the CBA is convicted of any criminal drug statute will be terminated.



I'm not saying the UAW has a similar policy but I wouldn't doubt if its close.

 

All I read is " If If If If If If If"...........

Too many exceptions and second chances.

I work with heavy steel. 100 ton lifts out at our shop are a daily activity.

If you fail a drug test....there’s the gate....no ifs or but or anything...

You can be under the influence and be employed where I work. My Industry though, the EVIL oil industry, has no unions I’m aware of.

My Company policy reads "......the employee will be considered in this violation of this policy and will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment".

I've yet to see one employ fail and not be fired on the spot.

Safety and Quality take precedence in my industry.