I read 2 posts in this stream that misrepresent to the general BC population the proper course of action. This post was one of them.
Why would anyone tell a brother Teamster to "wait for them to discipline" (you). I am appalled to think that someone on this forum is advocating negative confrontation that will bring both sides a poor result. I can't even put into words how this sickens me.
The one positive aspect that I see and have seen through out the threads is that common sense prevails from the general BC population. The majority always seems to have good advice and realistic solutions to concerns that are brought up. My only fear is that impressionable folks can see through the negative and possibly detrimental advice a small percentage seem to advocate.
For example:
DO
1. Study on company time - Ask your supervisor or safety co-chair the best way to work this into the day. Maybe you can attend a safety meeting where the questions are reviewed.
2. The DOK questions are safety related - You, your co-workers and the general public benefit from the knowledge you gain - especially in an emergency!
3. Use good common sense - always seek information, instruction and guidance from more than one person and then formulate your action.
4. Listen to the voice of reason
DON'T
1. Listen to those that say it isn't in the contract so you don't have to do it. The contract wasn't meant to cover every aspect with specific language. There are many areas that have general language that cover those areas that are not specifically addressed. ....and where language is vague or left open to interpretation there is a dispute resolution process (grievance machinery).
2. Seek to be disciplined
3. Handle situations in a negative or combative or confrontational manner
Nice fantasy world you're living in. That isn't the way UPS works, at least not here. I've been issued
many warning letters over my 6 or 7 years with UPS and I've gotten them *ALL* removed. I'll repeat myself, not one warning letter has ever stuck to me. Fortunately, management here hasn't been stupid enough to try to give me a warning letter for failing to recite safety poems. You shouldn't seek to be disciplined, but you should wait for it because most times it won't ever happen. UPS has a very defined tactic of trying to get what they want and it's up to you to throw it back in their face.
Here's a typical morning conversation for me with management.
Management: "Gee, you were overallowed yesterday, what happened out there?"
Me: "The union doesn't recognize your time standards."
Management: "What do you mean. These are your numbers, this is your production!!!!"
Me: "That's nice."
Management: "You have a cavalier attitude! You're looking for problems and you're gonna get them!"
Me: "So are you going to discipline me? More importantly are you threatening me?"
This is usually where they get red faced.
Me: "Didn't think so. Bye."
If management isn't willing to demonstrate that they are willing to discipline over the matter -- I have no reason to care. Weak threats are just that, weak threats. My job has been threatened more times than I can count on both hands for a variety of reasons. Have I ever been fired -- nope. I'm not liked because I call their bluffs, I don't take crap and I take what's mine. I give out advice on this board that I practice everyday of the week, my track record that I've spelled out in this post speaks for itself.
P.S. (EDIT) -- Anyone who follows his "DONT" list shouldn't bother paying union dues anymore. This is a sure fire way to become a laydown boy for your management team. Question everything, bring the contract up frequently, hold them accountable and don't put up with crap.
... the ones who oppose the saftey standards could always quit and go elsewhere, where they wouldnt have to actually do what there employer wanted of them.just think then you wouldnt be on this forum getting your bloodpressure all up
....
