One out, all out... Striking and Unions

[Harold_Shand]

The men who work for the Highways Department at our council are losing their 'bonus' scheme and use of council vehicles to get to work and from work. Now the latter, I can understand... using a 7mpg White Liner to get to work and back doesn't add up. The bonus system will see them lose about £400 a month, bringing their wages to about £1000 a month. So, they've been hit hard.

Me and a few buddies from a different department were talking about the likleyhood of strikes and i was a bit surprised at the attitude of 'I'm alright Jack'. The upshot being that 2 of the 4 of us would still go in because they don't want to lose a day or whatever's wages.

2 years ago, they went on strike because a pay increase wasn't want the union wanted. So most blokes went on strike, but a lot still went in. The strike was succesful and an increase was given. So those that didn't go on strike, reaped the rewards of the sacrifice of other blokes. It fucking reeks. I don't think the people of this country will unite, we're too fragmented, too selfish and unwilling to make a sacrifice for the greater good.

I believe if the union ask you to strike, you fucking well strike, and you don't make it easy for anyone to pick up the slack. Park a van in an awkward place and take the keys home, lock the gates with a different padlock, get the point across.

Everyone is out for number 1, it's become the popular way of thinking, but it makes the people powerless. End of rant, I think.
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BCF's 6th favourite poster 2009-2010

Harold_Shand's theory might be the best explanation.

[Raffles]

If every council worker in the country (with the possible exception of refuse collectors) went on strike indefinitely then most people would not even notice.
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A good loser will always be a loser.

[stinkwheel]

A strong, unionised workforce who stand together and know their rights are what made the British car industry what it is today.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Skudd]

[Skudd]

Unions have their place, but they also need to know their place.
You never see a union running a successful business. Many councils are where they are at because of the unions and the short siightedness that they have.
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Petty Anarchists look at "1984".............. The Visionary looks at "Animal Farm".

[colin1]

I can sympathise with both sides to this argument.

I have worked at places, where workers were idle, lazy, overpaid and crap and management had no balls.

I've also worked at places where workers were set against each other and managers ruled with a rod of iron.

I have to admit, I prefer to work in a place where things get done even if you get treated like shit.

Council workers are overpaid, and although such a sudden drop in income is unfair, it's necessary.
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colin1 is officially faster than god

[chrisw]

[drzsta]

[UnknownStuntm...]

[Black Knight]

I'm in a railway union. Not the RMT but their bedfellow.

I have never voted to go on strike and it would take a hell of a lot for me to take to the picket lines.

The unions have made huge progress for lowly workers in terms of safety, working conditions and general wellbeing.

I think they often don't do themselves any favours by taking every little thing to the ninty ninth degree and generally being awkward.


I have been in from day one. The only reason being to give me a fighting chance if the company ever try and fuck me over. I've seen it done to others. Pal of mine went from £70K job to working security at little above minimum wage. Couldn't get a job ANYWHERE in the industry. He was effectively blacklisted because he fell out with a senior manager.
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Where does a turn end? 'Where you can do anything with the gas you want to, where you are brave again, where your attention is free from the turn, where you are sure you can do it better next time; that's the end' - Keith Code.

[yen_powell]

I went to a union meeting where a crusty old irishman stepped onto the stage to give a speech.

"Can ye hear me at de back lads?"

"Noooo".

"Well come up de fuckin front den!"
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[bazza]

Brothers and sisters - we will never give up the struggle...

[cyberglass]

I used to work in hampson/erlson in skem. the company fell on hard times and couldnt give us a yearly wage rise. we were already getting miles over minimum wage so honestly nobody was out of pocket that much. Unfortunately when the union got wind of it they added a few things to the wage rise issue such as ,extra pension less working hours more breaktimes ect and went and kicked up a stink and got everyone out on strike.
The company lost vital orders on parts when they didnt deliver on time taking them even more into the red for the year. So the union deceided to go on strike again.

This time the company gave in and gave everyone a wage rise...... At the expense of 70 jobs including my own as the lost orders meant they couldn't afford to pay there current workforce let alone give us all a rise.

Everyone was so happy when they received a few K redundancy money happily saying what they were going out to buy with theres. I dont think they realised there weekly pay was a thing of the past.
2 years later i have seen a few of the around most still out of work and on the dole and 6-7k don't last long when spread over 2 years when you dont have a job. They all regret it now. Those i have seen that have found work have always complained there on near minimum wage and are struggling without there old salary.
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DL650 Vstrom 2004
DRZ400S 2003
Yamaha R1 2005

[JonB]

Whilst the idea of a union is good.

The fact that they are generally devoid of the reality of the situation just creates resentment elsewhere.

Case in point, BA.

Those pretty female air hostesses won't be so keen to take to the picket when they get handed a redundancy notice due to an unsustainable and ancient business model.
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Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it?s worth.

[scorps]

[quote="drzsta"]

[panrider_uk]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdOCWUgwiWs

Mark
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Current bikes: Honda ST1100 Pan European. Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel

[bazza]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3a9OAvqyjn0
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[ms51ves3]

[bazza]

[ms51ves3]

[Suntan Sid]

[Raffles]

[Suntan Sid]

[Raffles]