Rich , enjoyed reading your opinions on the union and the contract..
Glad you can see both sides of the problems the union faces. Back in the 60s I remember when the employers first wanted steady men. I knew it was a cancer that would hurt our union. With the hiring hall we could supply all the skilled men they needed. But we signed a bad contract that allowed them steady men. Some ports like Seattle don’t have steady men. And production proves that they are not necessary.
On the double back issue. Members can say all they want to try and justify doing it. It’s all bullshit. I’ve seen members work 15 to 20 shifts straight day and night Stockton and other ports. They couldn’t care less about the casuals or even the B men they double out ahead of. They get caught up in big checks and don’t want to miss a shift. Steady men will be at the hall looking for gravy. Now in this contract the union wants to allow the ship owners to pay extra money to steady men for high production. Like the Crane Operator does it all by himself. Anyone who has worked on the waterfront knows its all the people working together that makes it work..
The way this contract is written, it shouldn’t pass. But it probably will. Then for 3 years you will be hearing guys bitching cause they didn’t understand what they were voting for.
Well Rich, hang in there. You’ll make it. Just try and remember what you said about greed controlling one’s life. Remember what made this union the best union in the world. What the old timers had to do to make it. The jobs they had to do.
Your right, the PMA feeds the newspapers a line of shit. And they print it like it’s true or not.
Chuck Kole
6752
