THIS SHOULD MAKE IT EASY
Hate to give TOO easy of a clue, but try this.
I'm working now 'til Friday on the same route the first contest winner found me on. I'll be out there from 12:30-ish PM to 8:30-ish PM.
The driver who normally does this work is a very pleasant Native American guy who always seems to be smiling. I'm just hoping he doesn't come back before Friday and bump me off the work! If he does, I'll let you know.
Good luck!
I'm working now 'til Friday on the same route the first contest winner found me on. I'll be out there from 12:30-ish PM to 8:30-ish PM.
The driver who normally does this work is a very pleasant Native American guy who always seems to be smiling. I'm just hoping he doesn't come back before Friday and bump me off the work! If he does, I'll let you know.
Good luck!
posted by Jeanne Ree at 10:26 AM
4 Comments:
I hear the ATU (the Metro Transit operational employees union, representing drivers and mechanics), is saber-rattling about another strike. Just FYI, and you are certainly invited to share this around the garage, it is a bad idea to consider a strike before the election, because your union will only piss off the public and get nowhere. If you all want a better contract, which any worker would, you need to help us elect Mark Dayton governor of MN. If Emmer or Horner gets elected, you can bet that your union would get about what they got last time: a bunch of days on the picket line and a depleted union fund but no real financial gain. Republicans hate workers and love the very wealthy. Mark Dayton will increase taxes on the wealthy so we may have better schools, public services, and bridges that don't fall down. I hope to see bus drivers helping on the campaign trail before they even think about walking the picket line.
-Chris David
Bus rider and DFL activist
Well Chris David.. I would hate a strike too,,but you obviously didn't read the offer that was made!!!
Jane, I agree that the offer was bad. However, there is no way there will be any more money available or any willingness to negotiate in good faith under the Pawlenty administration. I'm not trying to be mean or judgmental, I'm just keeping it real, as the kids say. If you want a better contract, you'd better be working to get a DFL governor. Question: which party held the governors office the last two times, '95 and '04, when your union struck? The GOP. This is not a coincidence. The GOP is anti-tax and anti-union. I'm not saying sign a bad contract. I'm just saying don't strike until you've tried to get a DFL governor this year and if he wins, give him the opportunity to make it right.
If you strike prior to the election, not only will you be wasting your time, but you could cost Dayton votes, and I promise you, if Emmer gets elected, the contract offers will get very bad indeed. In fact, Emmer would like to eliminate your union entirely, likely be privatizing the whole thing so his buddies can make money off a public service. So know that I sympathize with you, but you have to keep your eye on the ball.
Chris - Thanks for your views. You should know that we are working without a contract right now. We are in negotiations for a fair contract. Unfortunately, our schedule doesn't fit the election schedule. None of us wants to strike. I hate that it hurts those that need public transit most, like those working minimum wage and those without other options...like having a car. I think if we strike, the governor should have his car taken away and not be allowed to use cab service. Most people can't afford to take a cab every day and he should be put in the same situation he is putting others in. Of course, that will never happen. I just hope we can resolve this without having to strike.
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