Rocky,
I sure wish you would enlighten me how you are "approaching" the issue when it concerns betraying your brothers and sisters on a picket line. I really don't understand that comment.
I'm approaching it as a hard-working, honest, reasonable individual. If a strike was called for the benefit of UPS'ers, I'm OK with that. Calling a strike because UPS wants to can our health insurance? Sure, I'm behind that. Strike because UPS doesn't want to add X number of friend/t jobs? Maybe, maybe not. Strike because UPS won't raise the p/t wage rate? Again, maybe, maybe not.
IT DEPENDS ON THE BIGGER PICTURE!!! A strike in an effort to save the IBT's Central Mistakes Fund? I'll defend myself appropriately on my way into the operation. A strike will
probably not be called for one reason. It'll
probably be combination of them. My point is this: I'm not striking unless its for
our benefit. I'm no dummy, by the way. I have a way with finding answers on the Internet and reading through B.S. public statements. I'll get my answers if the union won't answer my questions.
Also, a lot of good hard working men and woman died for the labor movement so I can't imagine Teddy played a bigger role than they did. They had the laws and LE against them plus the hired goons the employers pitted against them. Amazing how some gave there life while others can't even walk the line but cross it instead. That isn't the example I would want to set for my kids.
Teddy was the U.S. President. Just like today, politics ruled the day. But, keep in mind you had the Progressive Movement in full-swing at the time. THAT had a
serious impact!! I won't turn this into a history lesson, though. I believe I've added "probably" to my comments about crossing picket lines. Its my decision to make. If a union rep or management official came to me tomorrow and asked if I would cross, I'd ask them to go away. Its none of the union's business now and its not management's concern until a strike is called. Remember the air traffic control strike of 1981, Krash? UPS may just decide to TERMINATE all Teamsters in the event of a strike. Let me put it this way: I'd
probably honor Teamster picket lines as long as my conscience doesn't start screaming foul. My "Board of Advisors" (people I trust explicitly) would have to weigh in as well. After that, I'd make a decision I'd be at peace with--morally and professionally. If I did cross, I'd defend my decision to my dying day. I don't look back with regrets. The way some people on here talk, that dying day might come sooner than I'd planned or like. And if Eskew went on television and announced he was terminating ALL UPS'ers if they didn't return to work by X date for their regularly scheduled shifts, I'd promptly report to my hub. Saber-rattling? Possibly. But I'm
not gambling my livelihood!!!!!
But I will make it a point to read the book in the future. I just ask you put some thought into what your saying and the argument you chose to use.
Read the book and then come talk to me about the goons, etc. I haven't read the book in years but it was an eye-opener when I did. In my Illinois school district it was required reading. I think it was 8th Grade but please don't quote me on that. It was also set in the Chicago Stockyards. All the horror stories you hear about today from the meat processing plants? Those were a daily occurrence in 1906 and NO ONE put a stop to it!
Anything else, Krash? I'll be glad to answer questions and/or defend my position. PM is fine, by the way. I'd rather not make a public scene, my friend. -Rocky
