Transit Union

greenspun.com : LUSENET : I-695 Thirty Dollar License Tab Initiative : One Thread

I've been out of town for a while and just returned to find out the transit union has decided to be the "bad boys" and contest I-695 in the courts. Poor boys... they're angry because some of their members are losing their jobs. So, why is METRO still advertising for part time drivers on the radio??? Could it be because part-timers aren't part of the union??

Anyway, I'm sorry some drivers will lose their jobs, but downsizing has been a fact of life in the private sector for the last ten years.Funny how public service-type jobs have never been subjected to reorganization, mergers, down-sizing, etc... Well, guess who's time has come? Gee, I don't remember any employees of my company (or any other company) filing a lawsuit following a 10-15% across the board RIF.

A message to the Union: make sure you tell all of your rank and file about how much of their dues you will be spending on this little folly. By the time the dust has settled, you'll be well into 7 figures and will have nothing to show for it. Do you really think a court of law (of elected judges!) will overturn the wishes of nearly 60% of the VOTING population? That money you are spending could probably be better spent at a slot machine on one of the local casinos.

Face the facts: there is no such thing as a "job for life" (at least not in the U S of A!). Get over it and start looking for a new job in the private sector(Greyline, American Sightseeing, Airporter, Greyhound,etc...).

-- just a guy (torijosh@yahoo.com), November 22, 1999

Answers

My best buddy is forced into being an ATU member, he is in a closed shop.

He is opposed to having his Union dues being spent on political causes which may be in opposition to his own political views. He never had a problem with his Union voicing an opinion on issues and candidates. He does a have a problem when they spend his hard earned money on their political agenda.

Recently, they have spent dues (printing, postage costs etc. for letters to voters) on getting a tax RAISED for the western side of Kitsap County. Blackmail, since service would be discontinued for ACCESS (Elderly/disabled) passengers in the event the proprosed tax failed. I believe this was part of the sales tax equalization.

His Union dues were spent to place billboard signs plastered all over busses in opposition to I-695.

He believes his Local ATU will probably make a sizable donation to the Local ATU that filed the court action.

So what is my point? Every Citizen should be entitled to hold a job without being required to join a Union in our state. My friend feels double taxed.

In addition, Unions protect the jobs of unproductive employees who are dead weight. MANY times, if a fiscally responsible manager wanted to get rid of these Union deadbeats, they can't.

Unions are costing us as taxpayers, and it is time to give every Employee in the state the right to decline Union membership. An open shop can help lead to no Union at all.

-- Marsha (acorn_nut@hotmail.com), November 22, 1999.


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