Your Comments

Research would tell you that you will not do better elswhere. If you could it would have been posted already.

If they really didn't want you back, they wouldn't offer the increases and bonus. They wouldn't take out ads in the paper. They woudln't waste their time.

It's a different world now. You have been extremely fortunate to have been sheltered for this long. It does make the sting of reality that much sharper though.

I heard on the radio this morning that the Union proposes that ya'll pay the 20% for insurance. So much for not giving in eh? Wil the small percentage increase in raises make up for your lost wages or ruined credit? I hope so. Good luck voting.

Smart move Rocco.
What is going to prevent Sikorsky from Laying off people.
Go to the meeting on Wednesday then if you don't hear what was the reason for not asking us to vote again. Well, QUIT THE UNION.
Rocco, it took me 2 and a half years to get back to work at Sikorsky after being laid off. If I had been hired a year sooner. I would have kept my senority. Instead the union allowed the company to hire family members of the union and Company. You didn't help me then and you won't help any of us when we lose our jobs.
See you on Wednesday.

I drove past the strikers this morning and I saw a lot of new signs.

"Will Work For Food... But My Union Won't Let Me."
"Honk If You're Horny"
"Let's Go UConn!"
"Kiss Me, I'm on Strike"

I truly believe that rocco cannot be that stupid to let us stand out on that picket line any longer. Most of the strikers will return to work after wendsdays meeting if he won't present us with a new contract to sign. I will be one of those people. i'm a union member who voted yes for the 1st contract and will not lose anymore money for a lost cause. I do believe rocco know's if this lasts much longer it will only weaken the union. a great lose of membership will not move him to his seat next to Hoffa.

Rocco better bring a vote for this new offer or his ASS will probably be on the line!! My husband works for Sikorsky's and this strike is old already!!

Do you people really think UTC would bend? They have the rest of the corporation on this health plan. Far more people involved than at Sikorsky. This issue will never be negotiable. To even think you could get them to change that was a pipe dream. As far as Sikorsky becoming an assembly plant, 1150 has accelerated those plans for Sikorsky. They proabably think they just won the lottery.

Hold on a minute, did he tell them NO on this new offer? Is he really not bringing this to us for a vote? What is the freaking deal with this guy? Anyone with facts, please fill me in. I heard the news last night about the new offer and went to bed hopeful. This morning, though, it sounds like he told them to shove it. What is happening? Anyone with facts?

Channel 8 reported this morning the union rejected the latest offer from the company.

anon 8:46 My question exactly.

Rocco is an idiot if he thinks people are going to stay on strike for his benefit!! I predict alot of people hopping that picket line Thursday bright and early after that meeting!! He needs to realize that Sikorsky will not budge on the insurance so take the deal and run so everyone can get back to their normal lives!!!

Where is Wayne this morning?

I may be stupid! But who makes up the union? Isn't it the members? We must!!! speak up at the union meeting. We want to end this and go back to work. Can we the people vote rocco out of office? I think the members can!

Excuse me while I pick my jaw up off the floor. I can't believe it was rejected without first bringing it up for a vote. Have we no say in this?

What ever happened to us U.T.C. workers brging on big Family ? Are all the Hourly worker the red headed stepchildren of U.T.C. Thats the way they treat us.

Last night Rocco rejected the offer put forth by the Co. and called it a "SHAM". I for one am Fed up with this guy and his Stupid decisions. WHY were we not given a chance to vote on that proposal? Are we to continue to allow this guy to ruin our lives? I for one say NO. Time to resign and get back to work

You Need to call HR before you cross the line. Send the union a letter of resignation so you don't get fined then you can go back to work under the old contract

LOSERS, you all are a bunch of LOSERS!!!

Go cry to mommy, cuase you didn't get everything you wanted. Me Me Me

This Might Help, Same letter I'm sending in

A sample union resignation letter is provided below.
[LETTER TO UNION: SEND BY CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED]
[your address]
[date]
[name and address of union]
[To the appropriate union officer (See your union constitution. For the Teamsters, for example, the letter must be addressed to the Secretary-Treasurer)]:
I hereby resign as a member of [name of union]. My resignation is effective immediately. I will continue to meet my lawful obligation of paying a representation fee to the union under its "union shop" or "agency shop" agreement with [name of employer].
Furthermore, I object to the collection and expenditure by the union of a fee for any purpose other than my pro rata share of the union's costs of collective bargaining, contract administration, and grievance adjustment, as is my right under Communications Workers v. Beck, 487 U.S. 735 (1988). Pursuant to Teachers Local 1 v. Hudson, 475 U.S. 292 (1986), and Abrams v. Communications Workers, 59 F.3d 1373 (D.C. Cir. 1995), I request that you provide me with my procedural rights, including: reduction of my fees to an amount that includes only lawfully chargeable costs; notice of the calculation of that amount, verified by an independent certified public accountant; and notice of the procedure that you have adopted to hold my fees in an interest-bearing escrow account and give me an opportunity to challenge your calculation and have it reviewed by an impartial decisionmaker.
[If you pay dues by payroll deduction, include this paragraph: Accordingly, I also hereby notify you that I wish to authorize only the deduction of representation fees from my wages. If I am required to sign a new deduction authorization form to make that change, please provide me with the necessary form.]
Please reply promptly to my request. Any further collection or expenditure of dues or fees from me made without the procedural safeguards required by law will violate my rights under the National Labor Relations Act and/or U.S. Constitution.
Finally, please consider this objection to be permanent and continuing in nature.
Sincerely yours,
[name]
[If you include the paragraph on the change in your payroll deduction authorization, you should also send a copy of this letter to the payroll department of your employer.]
Copied from the National Right to Work Foundation website.

Since the 1150 local took it upon itself to reject the last offer without asking us if we wanted to vote on it Wednesday,I can clearly see now that it only has its own interest at stake here..We were never told very much about this other insurance plan except that it would cost us 31 cents more an hour for the same coverage we now have,but not how much the 2nd & 3rd,year of the contract or if that 31 cents included a dental&vision plan, how much presciption deductables,nothing.Again I believe we are being misled .Its has become also very clear to me that its not how much its going to cost its members as it is about trying to ram down the companys throat another insurance plan that the teamster unions get a huge kickback from,and the last thing I want to hear on Wednesday is to stay strong,and more ra-ra pep rally bullshit.We must demand a revote on this new offer and that is counted by both parties involved this time..

You know thats like the 5th time that guy said he was sending that letter.... wierd huh?

I think all you Sikorsky workers9including mu husband) should strike your stupid union for unfair negotiation practices!!

Anon 9:11

First time I posted it, but it has been shown here a few times. That's where I copied it from.

Roc-co Roc-co

He's our man

if He can't do it.....

How about updating the 1150 website with details of the 2 offers?

9:07 is a union buster.

most of the other previous comments are people who are scared.

Hold on people, we will have a chance to vote again, even if it means a loss.

I, for one, would rather lose on the 80/20, and walk back in with the rest of the members, and hold my head high knowing we DID TRY to change something!

My oh MY sounds like they are going to need the State Police tommorrow. I hope you guys are ready.

>>>>>>>>>
1) OVERHAUL AND REPAIR UPDATE

An “Implementation of Evaluation and Rework� Kaizen event is expected to be completed this week. Tail rotor blade cell rearrangement is under way.

A batch of BLACK HAWK Main Rotor Blades has been sent out for processing. BLACK HAWK spindles are continuing to move through inspection and assembly.

Movement continues on Coast Guard AOG Main Gear Box shipments and H-53E rotor head and main gear box assembly work, sleeve and spindle inspections, and paint shop work for blade components.

Naval Hawk work includes main gear box and tail gear box testing and paint.

Four O&R employees completed shot peen training.

TOP

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2) WCS SPARES UPDATE

Spares Shipping volume is currently running 20 percent above the original month-to-date business plan for March. Sikorsky continues to deliver critical spares including EIBF kits, A to A Collector kits, Spindles, and Blades to the war fighter with increasing productivity.

Shipment of all Commercial and Government spares has begun from an offload vendor location, including DCMA acceptance. This will streamline the shipment process, reduce process time, and eliminate unnecessary transportation costs.

The spares team will focus this week on the transition of kitting operations to offload vendors, and to implement process improvements in the warehouse storage and pick-up process.

TOP

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3) PRECISION OPS UPDATE

Our transformation game-changer activities are progressing very well. The paint booths have been removed and we are now preparing the area to be the new home for small parts bonding. We have already relocated the housing assembly cell and will begin moving the spindle assembly early next week.

<<<<<<<<<<

SPares already 20% above the monthly target- this even with a limited staff who wants to work versus a bloated union shop. The rest is the continued re-alignment to chop jobs.

ANyone notice SIkorsky's offer of the first 200 people who voluntarily leave? That means they no longer require 200 union jobs as of right now- more are being off-loaded every day.

If you come back expect to work for a change. No more 10 people on a helicopter while 2 work and 8 sit around drinking coffee complaining how the leather in their new Lexus doesnt feel right.

I took my regular turn on the picket line last night and, of course, the news release on the company offer was the main subject of conversation. The consensus was that the offer was a rehash of the original offer, with a measly $500 thrown in to make it look good. The feeling was that this offer was a shell game. Would I vote to ratify it? Yes, since I voted to ratify the original offer. Does it satisfy the reasons that the membership rejected the original offer? No, it doesn't. The company offer was rejected by the leadership without bringing it to the membership, and rightly so, because this is a new round of negotiations. They are not going to bring an offer to the membership that so closely resembles the one that was rejected.

I, too, read the New Haven Register article this morning. Unlike the reports from last night, which merely quoted the company press release, it gave some details of what the union was willing to do. It looks like the leadership went with an idea that I and some others have posted here: If the company is so determined to have us eat that 80/20 plan, make it worth our while in other respects so that we can afford the increased costs. The union proposal was a four year deal at 3.5% in the first year and 4.5% in the succeeding years. They also proposed an increase in the pension multiplier to $67 per month per year of service, an increase in the signing bonus similar to the company's offer and retention of the ability to get matching contributions to the savings plan. They also proposed increasing the number of "golden handshake" slots to 350. This is a fair offer and not beyond the company's means, especially since the union expressed a willingness to eat the 80/20 on those conditions. It is interesting to note that the company's response was the rehash of the original offer noted above. Hopefully, both sides will find a way to reach agreement in the near future, preferably with the final agreement more closely resembling the union offer.

We can remain unionized, folks, and just get rid of Rocco if we don't feel that he is representing us fairly. We can vote him out and start all over again. My question is if all of these layoffs do happen and membership drops from 3600 to say 2000 or less, will Rocco and the rest of them still get their same pay?

Obviously, there was no point in any of us wasting our time voting on a bogus contract. Good job, Rocco. I'm too busy with my family to be pulled away for a contract that is not one in good faith.

Teamsters are strong and unified. Have spoken to many, many, many... the only people unsatisifed with Rocco are the salaried folks whose eyes are tired writing the same old stuff on this blog, day in and day out.

Anonymous of 932AM -

If management has (or can) finally sort out the supply chain issues, you will not see anyone standing around. Get us the parts and we will build the aircraft in a timely and cost-effective manner. I, for one, do not like twiddling my thumbs all day (or night) waiting for the parts I need to get the job done. I don't like looking through the paperwork to find something to work on only to find we don't have the parts for that job, either, or the next or the next. I remember when we turned out 12 Blackhawks, 2 Seahawks and 2 E's a month. With the current supply chain bottlenecks, there is no way that kind of schedule could be met. Get rid of the bureaucratic BS and the supply chain bottlenecks and watch as the hourly workforce cranks out ships as fast as the parts come in.

GIVE IT UP GUYS.

The strike and this blog are an interesting study of human behavior.

I think union members are being seriously and possibly negligently misled, but I don't work for Sikorsky and it is just my opinion as an outsider looking in.

Comparing the company's first offer to the second offer, it looks like the second one is worse. The annual increases still amount to 10.5% over the life of the contract, so that hasn't changed. The signing bonus, though, is a piece of work. In the original offer, you could have a potential of $3000. In the second offer, the most you can get is $2500. You'd get a thou up front, but you might never collect the other $1500 if you get laid off before January. I noticed, too, that they lowered the pension amount and it's still the same 80/20. So it doesn't look like the company has offered you a better deal than last time. This one looks worse.

But on the flip side, union leadership doesn't seem to even be playing ball on the same field as the company. The company told the union it wasn't interested in anything that didn't include the company's medical plan. Rocco's proposal didn't include the comany's medical plan as-written, so no one should be surprised that the company laughed it off.

I know hindsight is 20/20, but I think the offers from the company are only going to decrease in desirability. Maybe the first one really was the company's "best" offer, as they stated a month ago.

While you walk aruond outside people are learning your jobs inside and new policy and procedures are being written and the 80 people who showed were all skilled labor from another UTC division we need to get back in before this goes extremely bad for us !!

As far as what the unon offer was, it is all speculation, as I need to hear it with my own ears. As for the company, something similar was to be expected I guess. I voted against the contract the first time, but anything close again, I will honestly have to think about accepting the company's offer, as lets face it, the 80/20 is here to stay. My idea is to have Rocco get the company to stay put on the dollar amount insurance will cost us in the 3rd year of the contract, which is only 6 weeks, and on the next contract after that, start negotiating on the lower dollar amount instead of a higher amount for those 6 weeks. Also, how about maybe a 4.5% increase the first year, 4.0 the 2nd, and drop to 3.0 the third, to offset the company's dropping the 6 weeks of insurance increase the 3rd year of the contract. The rest of the deal to me is okay, maybe the dollar multiplier of retirement can get better, but try maybe to $55 ayear, not the supposed $67/yr? We had 1,000 plus accept the first offer, now being out of work 4 weeks, I have to sat any proposal will get ratified, and I suspect that better be like soon, or we will not have many union members to walk back in with! Rocco, I wont cros any line as long as I have a say on issues, but if you take this fight in your own hands, with no hope of a victory, you may be surprised to see who will cross the picket lines? Bottom line, we all need this job, and isnt a $1000.oo/wk check better than a $232.00/wk check, so lets get some stuff done here , by tomorrows meeting I say, and let us, the union members have a say!

Rocco for Prez 2008

Don't you people get it!! Rocco and the rest of his "mob" don't really care what any of you members want! They are making money off of each and every one of you! They raise their dues, just like the company raises health care. Do any of you have a say about that! NOOOO!! It doesn't really matter to them what any of you think. Just keep paying their big old salaries! This was the unions way of sticking it to the company. They thought the company would cave in and guess what, they were very wrong!!! They used you all as pawns. That is obvious in the fact that they did NOT give you a vote on the new proposal! The way I see it, this union is damned if they do and damned it they don't. If they agree to the new proposal, they look like fools for going along with the original health care plan, and if they don't agree they look like fools to the rest of you, and how many of YOU will be crossing that picket line, to be forever known as "SCABS"!!!!!

I wonder if Rocco has FORMALLY rejected this offer the company made yesterday. Because when we rejected the first one, the company pulled it off the table and it was no longer up for a revote.

Here's a scary scenario: If Rocco formally rejected this offer, who's to say SIK won't pull IT off the table, too, before anyone even gets a chance to vote on it? By the time we ever do get to vote again, things could be even worse than this second offer!!!

Hey buddy, what do you sit around the barrel all day with a laptop or are you just so frustrated you stay at home and aren't even picketing anymore? I must say you are much better at spelling than the rest of the hourly workers and their wives who have the nerve to blog here.
Please try to convince everyone about how skilled and educated your line workers are...c'mon, just look at yourselves...if it wasn't for the union protecting you, you would be down the street working at the city dump. Again I have to remark on the title of "Precision Assembler"...10 minutes tops to learn that job and no schooling needed for those licensed tow motor operators either.
Yes, the more I read in the papers, the more I see you guys folding real soon...too bad you and your families lost all those wages for a union that is passe and not needed in this day and age.

PLEASE ANSWER... DO ROCCO, HARVEY, ETC. STILL GET THE SAME UNION PAYCHECK EVEN IF THEY LAY OFF HUNDREDS OF US? LAST I HEARD, 400 JOBS ARE ALREADY GONE WITH MORE TO FOLLOW.

yes is the answer

Of course they get the same paycheck!!! Do you honestly think they would have done all this if there was the slightest chance that they would not get paid!!!??? You have all been duped!!

Rocco and Cheney 2008!

Two guys you can trust your money and country to!

Hmmmmm -

I agree, it certainly is. On one hand there are those who want to discuss the issues in a civilized manner regardless of their baseline positions. On another hand there are the flamers, spammers, trollers and nincompoops who make it difficult to filter out the trash. There are hotheads on both sides of the issue. There are the company and IRM vendor psyops types (Thanks, anonymous of 437PM on yesterday's thread for the definition and overview) using every means at their disposal to get us to cross. All in all, it is an interesting study in the conduct of a labor dispute.

Am I the only one who sees the irony in this? We are paying someone to cause our employer to eliminate our jobs!

Lets see, Bush sends military "members" overseas to be fight for a lost cause with no support, and abrushes off the fact they are dying by the hundreds. Rocco, recomends that we also fight, what seemed to be a lost cause from the get go, and he to could care less that our families are literaly dying as well. Sure whats another dead beat for president. Thanks leader!

Yes, that is exactly what you are doing!! Paying the "mob" to screw yourselves! Sikorsky isn't looking like such the bad guy now, is it!

I just don't think the company really wants you to cross. At least not enough to pay money to have people post comments on a blog. LOL I think all the ads asking you to come back and all that BS is just to promote a corporate image of being a caring and concerned employer. The ones who do come back are treated just fine, but ultimately the company doesn't give a rat's ass if you come back or not. I think they are engineering this situation to keep you OUT, not to entice you back in. Any fool can see that.

And any fool can see that it was the UNION who talked everybody into leaving in the first place! It amazes me how people can STILL blame the company for this! Do you honestly think that a company is going to REWARD it employees for walking out on them by giving them a better offer!? Maybe the company saw the walkout as an opportunity to get rid of all the baggage. Good for them. They took a bad situation and used it to their advantage, but you all allowed them to do that by walking in the first place!!!!

Come on now, honestly, is Sikorsky going to outsource all our jobs? The answer is a resounding NO! Any jobs that have, or will be eliminated were already scheduled to be gone, not because of this strike. Problem here is, too many of you people at Sikorsky have only been there a few years, when many of us, myself included have 25 years plus. This job outsourcing is nothing new, its been going on a long time. Maybe its time our state politicians wake up, and actually see whats going on with our jobs, and put a stop to it! I am not saying we cant be replaced, as we are ALL just mubers here, but when a states delegation puts all its efforts into something such as Sikorsky work, lets get them to KEEP our jobs here, not done anywheres else! I ffel for the young workers, but although I have 25 years at Sikorsky, I am far from old, at 43 years old, I have the same bills, kids, school, etc as the young ones here who keep saying all the 20 year people have no bills, but that is the farthest from the truth! I just want to get back to work, face it the 80/20 is gonna be it, so lets get Rocco to hear us Wed at union hall, and take our jobs back....soon!

To Down with Giarratano Jr -

As a United States Marine with over twenty years of activity duty and counting, I object to your statement. For Marines, there is no such thing as a lost cause. Please be more respectful.

Real smart! vote no! lose another 4,000 plus dollars! for a 1,200 dollar co-pay! you have to be on some kind of stupid drug. I hope anonymous at 10:23 gets laidoff when he goes back to work we only need the smart ones. Get back to work people vote YES and take the family out for a nice dinner.

Our state politicians don't give a crap about any of you either. They are only interested in getting your votes! Geez, some of you are sooooo naive!!!

I bet that if the Union put merit increases rather than automatic raises into the contract, you would be back in a minute.
Think about it, work hard and be rewarded. Rather than continue at a sloth like pace and continue to recieve a raise every year. Where is the incentive to work harder and think smarter when all the Union wants you do do is just show up and walk upright.
I'm not a union member/SIK worker and you do not have my support but I do feel bad for the families/ workers that are used as pawns. I'm a big supporter of hard work = compensation.
Any reason you should automatically get a raise every year even if you don't work as hard as the next guy. What makes one person better than the other in regard to performance vs compensation.
Can anyone explain this Union mentality to a non Union outsider?
Thanks,
Wondering

As the wife of a retired military member, I have to agree with the PROUD MARINE. You don't speak for us, Down with Giarratano Jr.

I'd try to explain it to you, Wondering, but there is no way to do it because it just doesn't make sense. They want their money for nothing and their scripts for free. This is what unions have bred in this country... slow, lazy "workers" who refuse to work, bad attitudes, a misguided sense of entitlement and greed.

I agree 10:31. The union unfortunately has made it easy for lazy people to get what they want! Companies hesitate to do anything about lazy employees because the union will fight for them and the company does not want to deal with this. Unions are there to protect people who don't want to work. It did not start out this way, but unfortunately this is how it has become over the years. Why work hard if you don't have to? I myself was not raised this way, have never worked for a union, and have done just fine!

The 3 letters to the editor in today's CT Post are not "paid bloggers" Believe me when I tell you that there is maybe 2% of public support for your strike. The one or two cars that blow their horns when they drive by you get you all pumped up -- how about the other 98 cars that go by with people just shaking their head wondering how someone could be that stupid.

Time to drink the Kool Aid!!

I work when i go to work! I see they can easily get rid of half the work force. Smoking, taking hour lunches. 4 breaks a day! these are the members complaining! Not the hard workers! We want this over! If you are smart ask to take sikorsky's offer!

anon 10:31, I echo your thoughts exactly, and I myself am a 25 year union guy, but sometimes I sit around and wonder why the frig I have to get the same pay as some drunk next to me, another guy out on comp 3 times a year, etc, but I guess I have to accept it. But any way of changing to merit raises, Id vote YES!! Us kind of workers who actually work get the short end of the stick, but being union or not here at Sikorsky, if you are not salary, you get what they give ya.

Semper Fi, Marine! My father served proudly on Iwo Jima. I went down to New York on 9/11. How can people say that this is unjustified???? I am proud to help supply you and all servicemen with the best helicopters I can help make. Hopefully, a fair agreement can be reached soon and I can go back to doing that for you and yours.

From a squid veteran who respects jarheads, Thank you for your service, Marine!

Hey 10:37, you should not have to accept it! You work hard, and have the right to make more money then the lazy ones! Maybe everyone who is honest and hardworking should stand up and say ENOUGH! You can still have a union, just one that will protect the hard workers instead of the bums!

Cross now, then, anon 10:37 and secure your spot. If you are as hard a worker as you say they are, then the company would welcome you back with open arms. But when the axe falls, it will start with those on the picket line. The replacement workers and the "scabs," so to speak, will get preference over anyone who struck.

LESS HOURLY = LESS SALARY

There's more to this contract than 80/20 folks. The battle of corporate greed and medical reform needs to start somewhere. Why not here? Can't tell me that the salaried folks are happy with their medical. It's just misery loves company.

This is from the UTC site. I am not an employee, just an observer. The job listing for Aircraft/Structural Mechanic is in Jacksonville, FL. I thought Sikorsky was only in West Palm Beach, FL. Is this a new plant?

http://careers.utc.com/joblist.asp

anon 10:43. sounds good and I hear ya, but in unions it just does not work that way, sad as that sounds. I have even been laid off twice from Sikorsky, am a good worker, do a side job as well, and while laid off, have been directly told, "we dont hire Sikorsky workers", to my face. These people should look themselves in the mirror, thank God we still have a job, and ratify this contract!

I just started working here and I already can't stand you Union people. Un-educated and lazy but you want it all. Grow up and realize what world we live in. You work for what you get. Not strike. If this was my company, I'd say to hell with all of you. This place is getting along fine without you and it can continue to. SEE YA LOSERS.

anon 10:46, in addition to being a good worker, I have self respect. I voted to NOT accept the contract myself, and that was decide on principle, against UTC's corporate greed, and now I will honor my choice, no crossing the line here. I have been working part time, and will get by, so I was one of the few who knew what to expect here. Also, when this is done, the ones who crossed the line, I feel sory for them, read up on strike histories in this country, these people are looked upon by salary as weak, and untrustworthy, and they will be the ones out, as a favor to the union when all is said and done.

Oh, I read up on my history...

Organized crime had been active in some Teamster locals, particularly in the garment industry in New York City, as early as the 1920s. Labor racketeers made inroads in other cities, such as Chicago, Cleveland, Kansas City and Detroit, in the 1930s. Hoffa and other Teamster leaders made strategic alliances with organized crime, in deals that benefited both the Mafia and its associates, who obtained sweetheart contracts, and the union leaders, who received kickbacks and other forms of assistance.

In many cases organized crime played an even more direct role. Hoffa depended on the support of a number of "paper locals" from New York established by Johnny Dioguardi, an associate of the Lucchese crime family, in running for the presidency of the Teamsters in 1957. Other locals were likewise controlled by racketeers, which exploited them by skimming dues, creating "no-show jobs" for associates, and extorting employers and selling sweetheart contracts. In some industries, such as garbage hauling in New York, the line between union and employer became blurred, as both sides might be controlled by the same crime family.

The reports of corruption, given nationwide publicity by the McClellan Committee, led the AFL-CIO to expel the Teamsters in 1957. Ironically, the McClellan Committee only served to strengthen the role of organized crime in the IBT by bringing about the conviction of Dave Beck, Tobin's successor as General President, for tax evasion and misuse of union funds. At the 1957 IBT convention held in Miami Beach, Florida, Jimmy Hoffa was elected president of the union, which then had 1.5 million members. Another response by the union to its expulsion from the AFL-CIO was to raid other unions' jurisdictions, and expand by organizing manufacturing, service and public sector workers. At the same time, the AFL-CIO fought back by organizing some of its own unions as alternatives to the teamsters' unions, e.g., the Laundry and Dry Cleaning International Union.

anon 10:47, I hear you also, but at Sikorsky, you will find it does not benefit you to hold those thoughts, as you are just a number, when work is slow, I dont care if you are worker of the year, build 3 blades a day by yourslef, you will be out the door, so get used to it. I still have bosses say to me, I wish I could give you a raise, but cuz of the union, I cant, and this is after 25 years, so I am used to it. My advice to you and others that are good workers, use the scholarship program, get a baiscally free education, and look at salary, or leave altogether and get a better job. I am half way to a degree, thanks to the company, and when this is over, I will make sure to finish to get my degree. Sikorsky is a great place to work, I can attest to that, but it could be better, and hopefully it will get back to where it was.

Wondering -

Since you are not directly involved in this dispute and do not know the back story, I don't know if I can help you to understand. It is like explaining color to one who was born blind. I have posted several posts explaining the issues that interfere with the timely and cost-effective execution of our jobs. There are slackers in ANY workforce at any place of employment. In non-union shops, if that slacker happens to be the boss's fair haired boy, he will be just as protected as someone who depends on a union to cover him. As for merit raises, that won't fly, either. That same fair haired boy will get the raise while the politically unconnected but hard working employee will not.

Good one Knight hawk, people dont understand here, its a tough issue. Just like the old attendance policy, you could take 2 days off in 6 months, get a warning, the company kid can stay out once a week, no warning, so the point system had to be implemented. Btw Knight Hawk, if you are close with Goz, you probaly know me also..

i agree with 9:16. AMEN!!!

Disagree with the 1057 post. I have been in a management position at another company for all of my working life adn I have always only terminated or retained on the basis of merit. Obviously, there may be some supervisors and managers out there who play favorites, but not everyone is like this in my company and I am sure the same is true of Sikorsky. Everyone salaried has to perform to a certain standard and if one of your direct reports isn't cutting it, then you have to get rid of them before they make you look bad, whether they are a "favorite" or not.

anon 11:01, I have to disagree with you, you do not work here, there is SO much nepotism, being unfair is THE Sikorsky way! You would have to see it to belive it, believe me!

To anon 10:47,

That job in jacksonville is for SSSI, I have a friend that works there.
So to answer your question, no it is not a new plant.

With all this back and fourth on here doesn't anyone think it is really sad that you have to come here for info instead of getting it from the so called UNION!! Stay strong stay united we can't lose my ASS!! Where the hell is Rocco with the input on your life? This isn't a game of monopoly, cause if it was the mortgage company would except that pink money!!

Yep, I agree, Rocco better hear us tomorrow, something HAS to get done, I dont know how or what, but we want to get back to work...soon.

I know that the supervisors on the floor have had it with the slackasses and the disrespect. They have upper management on their backs to meet goals that union workers are making it impossible for them to meet. This strike has shed new light on an old problem, so now the floor supervisors are finally being vindicated here. Upper management is seeing firsthand how supervisors' hands are tied behind their backs by the union. That is why supervisors were asked who to keep and who to get rid of inthe early days of this thing. Some of these behaviors that have been so detrimental to the company simply will not be allowed to continue once this strike is over. Some of the authority that unionism has taken from the supervisors is being wrested back. Going to work will be a whole different ballgame soon. But that's only for those of you who don't get laid off upon your return.

Anonymous of 1101AM -

I am glad that managers like you DO exist. It gives me some small hope. I speak largely from my own observations over the years. You sound like the kind of manager I have talked about who knows how to treat his people. Such managers get far more out of their people than those who play favorites and subscribe to the phrase "The beatings will continue until morale improves." Sikorsky does have several such managers. I respect them and enjoy working for them. Unfortunately, such managers are often paired with other, less skilled managers, which makes for a less pleasant and productive work environment.

Merit is a thought but I don't believe it'll work. Interestingly, though, you could have the same effect and an even stronger family, hourly and labor, if the big guys would reward you properly for your hard work. If Mr. Rich would unravel his corporate greed just a little and let it flow down to the salary and hourly workers in appreciation for what it is we all do for him, everyone would be more than happy to come to work, give it their all, and be proud. That's what they used to do. Companies were loyal to their workers. Sure could turn things around if that loyalty would come back to reflect on all of us. Could be the best company in the world to work for if the big guys would go back to what used to work.

anaon 11:06, stop with the stupidity already, EVERYONE knows that parts shortage is the major reason production can not be met! You ask anyone, its the byers, the business people, and those are the ones who are the real slackers. In Shelton, you have all these planners, what the hell is a planner? You have salary guys that as bosses, cant handle themselves properly, instead of being out the door, they all of a sudden are a planner? So dont tell lies here, as s ome of us actually know the real problems that plague this company.

I have an opinion that would serve Sikorsky so well, if we ALL had a chance to make money off the company, how about some sort of profit sharing, I have said this for years, but again, inside the plant, I am hourly, all my ideas fall on deaf ears?

If there is a better job out there take it and don't come back, if not shut up and come back to work!!!! The union is leading you to a poison drink of water...

See, these things are all just too logical. Laborers built this country from the ground up, and they used to be appreciated for that. But then the big guys got greedy. Why on earth would they profit share? It just makes too much sense. It's just so sad to me that we're all in on this together. We spend more time at SIK than we do our own family. We're all PROUD of what we do. But big guy wants to reap the rewards while the little guys, all of us, struggle to make ends meet.

did you also know that the teamster corruption elimnation commitee also resigned in 2004. Some reports attribute this resignation as being caused by pressure implied on the commitee's members. Got to yahoo, type in teamsters corruption, and start reading the facts everyone. Do we want to associate ourselves with organized crime?

good morning all, its funny, I just read in ths mornings paper that our so called leaders were up all weekend putting together they're latest and greatest.....Askig myself, what the hell were they doing over the last 4 weeks?

Poisonous water Poisonous water Poisonous water
Poisonous water Poisonous water Poisonous water.
Keep Drinking it...

What were they doing? Beating their heads against the stone wall erected by the company. The mediator seems to be getting both sides off the dime a little bit, even if the company offer is just a slight rehash of their original.

I want to comment about jobs being outsourced. If all of these jobs have been outsourced, how come the unemployment rate in the U.S. is less than 5%?

Corporate Greed? How about the government's greed. TAKING money out your paycheck every two weeks and pissing it away. Last time I checked, UTC put more into my retirment than Uncle Sam ever did. A corportations job is to make money and reward it's shareholders for investment. It's called capitalism. If you don't like it, move to a communist country and try this bologna.

JUST A CORRECTION...

Neither Rocco or any members of the executive board, or any line Captains, or any Stewards are being paid during the strike... other than the same $234.00 every other member is receiving. Rocco and the executive board agree to frofeit their pay for the duration of the strike. This is a matter of pulic record, and the Local 1150 books are open to inspection at all times.

For Release on March 13, 2006


STRATFORD, Connecticut

Sikorsky Presents New Offer to Teamsters

STRATFORD , Conn. (March 13, 2006) – Sikorsky Aircraft negotiators met today with the federal mediator and presented a revised proposal to end the current strike by Teamster Union members. The company is hopeful that the union leadership will present its new offer to the membership for approval. Sikorsky Aircraft, based in Stratford , Conn. , is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

The proposal, presented to the federal mediator who has engaged both parties in earnest discussions with a view to resolving the present labor dispute, better aligns wage increases and bonus payments with concerns previously expressed by the union.

The proposal was presented after union negotiators made a revised offer that significantly increased the economic costs to the company.

The company's revised proposal includes:

General wage increases of 4 percent, 3.5 percent, and 3 percent in each year of the three-year contract.

A $2,500 cash bonus – $1,000 upon ratification of the contract and $1,500 in January 2007, when the new 80/20 health care plan is implemented.

An increase from $45 to $52 in the monthly multiplier for the pension benefits and a cash-balance pension increase from 50 to 60 cents per hour.

An increase from $56 to $62 per week in employees' allowed 401(k) contributions – matched by the company at 50 percent.

38 paid holidays over the life of the agreement plus three floating holidays.

A voluntary severance program for up to 200 participants, providing one-week's pay per year of service, a $15,000 lump sum pay out, and one-year of company-paid medical & dental insurance.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacturing, and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford , Conn. , provides a broad range of high-technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.

Just got off the phone with my foreman, yes he and I are friendly. he says, and I believe him, jobs are going out the door, management has seen what the main percentage of the hourly people do(not much), and when we get back, management is gonna take control over what has happened over the years, the inmates running the show. And listen, again, I have 25 years, amd considered a good worker, but I know what hes talking about here, and all you people do too. I dont want to lose my job, outsourced. laid off, etc, and we are going nowhere with the 80/20 plan, so accept it as a part of life now, and lets get back to work. Honestly, in my 25 years, I needed the union 2 times, both to no avail, so I say , lets get a revote, vote accept, and try saving our jobs, before we have nothing to save. Now as to the salary side, I know who and what gets done there also, they have workers, and they have cheaters also, lets face the facts. I am just saying, I dont want to throw 25 years away for nothing, we have lost more in 4 weeks than we will gain, so cut the losses now, before real financial woes hit us.Listen to the people Rocco, before you kill us all, start using your head, like you advised against ratification, the majority now may tell you accept this offer, so start thinking for us, not just your personal vendetta!

Why do we have to go to the company website inorder to find out what the new contract offer was, instead of being able to find it on the teamsters site....that shows how united and prepared this union is.

http://www.teamsters1150.org/contract_2006_update.htm

Everyone please read today's update on the 1150 site and then answer me this: IF THE COMPANY IS SO DESPERATE TO GET YOU BACK, THEN WHY DID THEY MAKE YOU AN EVEN WORSE OFFER THAN THE FIRST ONE YOU REJECTED?!

Hmmmmm!

Anon 1:38, the update is for yesterday. There is nothing updated for today. This is starting to look like last month when the contract wasn't available until the day of the vote.

"Why do we have to go to the company website inorder to find out what the new contract offer was" Because your leaders are just dumb! No different than anyone else out there walking around in circles.

Time to get back to work, if the jobs are still available for all of you.

It's just stupid how they update the site a day after....makes no sense!

THIS, JUST IN FROM REUTERS:

It has become a very nice day outside in Stratford, CT where the Sikorsky union 1150 of the Teamsters is on strike. Rocco Calo is encouraging all picketers to come out and enjoy a nice day of tanning. “Please…all overweight and lazy members of 1150 come out! Wear your “ballbags�, i.e. Speedos. Flip flops with white socks are also encouraged.�

Leave your wallets at home…we all know you don’t have a pot to piss in, nor a window to throw it out of anyway.

Calo continues with: “Please remember to bring your union dues with you to the meeting tomorrow. I need to buy my wife something nice over the weekend.�

…more to come soon.

Crying shame that with so many people out of work and unable to find a job that some folks would voluntarily leave an above-avg paying one.

Pretty foolish.

Anon 11:30 a.m.

Wonder if they would add years of age and or service for retirement? Just like they gave Pratt a few years ago. Give me just a $10,000. bonus and after 30 years, so long. $5000. should be able to buy say 2 years.........

For me, I think unions should be considered the same as a terrorist organization. They do nothing but hurt the American economy. You have guys in toll booths making over $100,000, why? Union. Assembly workers doing work a monkey could do making $$$$$$ why? Union. I hope all of the lazy folks at SIK jobs end up in India. Quit your crying and get back to work. Looks to me that you all have lost more then the orginal contract will cost you. Great Plan!!! I have a close friend that relocated to the area who works in the aircraft industry that says thanks for giving him a new job with great pay!

One of the best tings Sikorsky could do is to give all these old, retirement age workers, who are out on comp, sit around and do nothing detriments to the company, an early retirement package to get them to leave. That would be a great step to bargaining in good faith if you ask me.

haha

Outsider, tell him he better relocate again when this is all done, he wont be neeeded here anymore.

Bring your resignation letters with you to this Wed. meeting. If there is nothing done, resign and go back to work. Enough is enough

Hope this ends tomorrow. The union has done a piss poor job informing all of us hourly employees on the negotiations. I think they knew all along we wouldnt win but wanted to look like the heros they think they are. I didnt want to strike to begin with and still dont want to. I have stood by the union so far but tomorrow is the last chance I will give them. I dont need the union. I show up to work everyday and out perform all of the veteran employees so what do I have to worry about. As long as you work when at work and respect your place of work what the hell do you need the union for anyway. What do they really do for us anyway? This company is a great place to work and for all of you fellow hourly employees who dont beleive me then go work somewhere else. Within a week you will be contacting sikorsky for you job back and you will be more then willing to except these more then fair health benefits that are offered. This is not the 60's anymore, health care cost money. Everyone is paying what makes you think we are different. Lets all revote and end this stupid strike.

AGREED!!

After listening to pee-wee and the ignorant callers on WICC (who think they speak for everyone)its obvious to me this strike is going continue for at least another month if not longer...I will be bringing my letter of resignation to the meeting tomorrow and cross over the line...Its the only choice we really are left with..

Me too

Type em up kids. Bu Bye Teamsters 1150

To union members crossing the line later this week, please don't take my parking spot close to the building.

You know what, monkeys, I can stay out as long as it takes. Your propoganda on this site is so repetitive that it's obvious who you are. Now, I would recommend to all union members to boycott this site and listen to AM 600 radio, read the papers, call up your fellow union buddies, and get the real info. This site is monopolized by the monkeys and there is no truth to it whatsoever. Head on down to the picket lines and feel loved. Rally this Saturday with fellow unions!

Does that mean you Ted Harvey?? Or Bob Garbian

I dont think we need to worry about crossing I think everyone will be walking out on the union tomorrow. That is there last for me to have faith. See you all at work monday

Resigning from from the union is something you should have done from the get-go. Be smart and try to salvage what you have left of your jobs, marriages and families!

If healthcare is so important, why do I see so many strikers smoking on the picket line? Health is primarily YOUR responsibility, NOT your employer, or the government.

Shut up Hitler bully boy.

LMFAO@ HITLER BULL BOY LMFAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Now that was original!

Over 25% have crossed already.

I am rubber, you are glue. Everything you say bounces of me and sticks to you.

GROW THE FUCK UP!

Sorry 1150,but you have really screwed your members with their pants on..you don't give a shit about them....get off your ego trip, your not jimmy hoffa.face it UTC whipped your ass,

Little Hitler Playground Bully Boy

Where are you Bully Boy??

Don't forget about the pizza, hot dogs, sausage, and donuts being served. This is where the real healthcare crisis looms, obesity.

It's funny how you support me and my fellow Democrats when we always vote against defense.
Another example of the mob mentality run amuck.

Thanks

Rosa

WICC is union propaganda..we want the truth and what you read here are the true feelings of the people. Time to get back to work. Rocco KNEW if he gave us the chance to vote on this new proposal it would have passed. So much for him listening to US.

by the way there are 3 blackhawks on the tarmack, waiting to be delivered & guess what ..... I'M GOIN TO DISNEY...... with your overtime

Little Hilter Playground Billy Boy - come out and playeeya

Anyone have any K.Y. This getting dry hummped sucks

As a person not involved with Sikorsky either way...I have to say I am disappointed with the bulk of the postings here. Very little information is given and the comments are nothing but pure anger. Trickle down economics dont work in a society where greed is all around. A union is only as strong as what they fight for. My solution:

Make it a 5 year contract with 4 to 4.5 raises and the insurance costing $105 in the end of year 5. From 27 to 50 in year 1, then 65, then 80, then 90 then 105. Scrap the signing bonus and offer early retirements. I will say that the longer this goes on the more liklihood the more damage will be done for all.

Bully Boy Where are you?

Don't listen to these salary geeks. Hold a dollar and point to your zipper and they all drop th their knees

Hey Frank you should take a ride to Union Hall and join the team

At least they work for it Sarge! STFU!

Salaried workers unite

WALK OUT WEDNESDAY

Rocco says he's not "collecting" his paycheck while SIK's workers are on strike. How nice. Except that his paychecks will still be there for him when this is over. He'll get caught up on his bills. The striker's won't have that same luxury.
On another subject, for those that have said the strkers were warned of this:
The union may have warned of an upcoming strike that would last 6 weeks, but that doesn't mean everyone can prepare for that. Lots of households are living paycheck to paycheck just to get by. Not everyone has a 401k to dip into or spouses with health benefit plans they could go onto. So yes, they were warned, but that doesn't mean anything.
One more thing:
Why didn't Rocco bring the proposal to the members to vote on? Isn't the union supposed to REPRESENT it's members? Who made it a dictatorship? Where does Rocco get off? He's pompous to say the least and a definite blow hard. He's only doing this to look good for Hoffa Jr. He must think he's the heir apparent to Hoffa's throne. VOTE HIM OUT!!!!!!
The man has no concerns for anyone except for his own.
I only wish I could attend the meeting tomorrow. It should be interesting. The union members want to go back to work, and Rocco is making that impossible.

Salaried workers unite

WALK OUT WEDNESDAY

Bring back Bruce Peters!

Funny - it amazes me - the only ones that seem to be having a pissing match and talking all big a tough are the Union boys! Why?! Because right now there many of you - after tomororw's meeting - you'll be beggin to unzip someone's zipper! Better buy some of those knee pads you were talking about previously - you'll be needing them when you return!

It seems that no one really takes an of this seriously. I will thank you when my husband gets a job with sikorsky so you can be replaced.

To Wife, Yup leave the Union. They have given it to us long enough.

Salaried workers unite

WALK OUT WEDNESDAY

STRIKERS WON'T BE BACK LONG ENOUGH TO KISS ANYONE'S ASS... THEY'LL BE HANDED THEIR PINK SLIPS AS THE DRIVE INTO THE GATE AND SECURITY WILL BE WAVING THEM TO CIRCLE AROUND AND DRIVE RIGHT BACK OUT.

You go Dolly & Teamster Wife!

Where can I find details on the counter offer that the Union made to the mediators?

I looked at the union's website and all they had was what they didn't like about SIK's offer.

They are united and wont walk out. They have learned from the Unions SNAFU

WALK OUT WEDNESDAY

K, you're back? Must be sitting at the desk again. What a bummer. Guess you didn't wave to my family the other day like you said you would or you would've fallen off the banana truck.

Curious Observer: Check out the article in today's New Haven Register. It was posted earlier today above. It gives some details on the union's proposal, but not many.

SALARY PEOPLE: Teamsters have invited us to join the lines. They know how unhappy we are with the health insurance and the other issues we've been having. We're tired to. WALK OUT WEDNESDAY. Let's make this a fight like none other. SALARY WALKOUT WEDNESDAY.

I think this is a good thing, just look at all the walking those fat people are getting, this must be real hard for them as they can not sleep and walk at the same time.
Yay Rocco he be my hero

Did you really look at what the Company offered to sweeten the deal. In my opinion it is worse than before. $2500 sign on bonus with $1000 this year and $1500 in 2007, what happens to the $1000 match in your 401 did that just get thrown out if so the company just made $500 plus will retirees of 2006 be entitled to the $1500 or did the company just gain again, if you leave will you be entitled to all of it? Same increase just spread different, hummmm makes alot of sense to me why the union would not agree, it looks worse than before and the real issue is health costs not pay increase. Give a pay decrease as the union asked for but let the insurance remain the same, if needed increase the cost of insurance premiums but do not decrease the coverage.

Actually as I see it the union has wonderful benefits for REAL TEAMSTERS but what is offered to Sikorsky is ridiculous. All those dues for what. Talk to a retired Teamster in the freight industry and you will see that your dues have bought you, nothing in comparison. Teamsters Health and Pension are wonderful to bad Sikorsky is not part of that.

FLASH!!!!!!

1150 New Health Plan, walk in circles, eat doughnuts and smoke.
Warm up by the fire, roast your nuts

George David
Total Compensation: $88.7 mil (#5)

George David's salary is not the issue - the issue is what is fair pay for your jobs. Just because he makes millions doesn't mean a custodian should make 100k. Leave him out of this.

All I keep seeing here is sarcasm, and its getting old. If any of you people really have an interest, one way or another on this strike, I say you better get serious, as we all need our jobs back. I am tired of people saying the union is misleading us, we are all adults, well most of us anyways, and we voted with our own intentions. Then we hear the comapny is outsourcing as fast as they can, wellthats nothing new if you have been at Sikorsky for a few years. I know most of the writers here are neither Hourly, nor salary, just writing to stir trouble, as I myself do on Yahoo, etc, so we get the drift of your intentions. As for the real writers here, gotta do what ya gotta do, stay strong, or cross the line, tomorrows meeting will be a telling point in this battle, thats for sure!

If this strike is about the negative economic impact of the proposed healthcare plan, what is it about now? At what point in time does the negative economic impact of the strike overtake the cost of the healthcare plan? If it is not already past that point, it's really close.

Everyone having anything to do with UTC and Sikorsky have stated from the beginning that the healthcare plan is not negotiable.

There is no way you can look at Sikorsky's last offer and conclude it is not worse than the first. Everyone having anything to do with Sikorsky has stated that the first offer was the best they would put on the table and at this point they are true to their word.

This is not a lockout, so there is no way to collect unemployment.

This is not a strike over unfair labor practices therefore Sikorsky can hire permanent replacement workers.

The union rejected the newest offer, so there is no longer an offer to vote on tomorrow. You cannot vote to revote if there is no offer. So what's the meeting about tomorrow?

Is Sikorsky hurting as a result of this strike? Absolutely. Are they nevertheless taking advantage of the strike to accomplish things that would have been nearly impossible to accomplish with the Teamsters under contract? Absolutley. Does UTC have the resources to let this go on for months? Absolutely. Would Sikorsky love to oust the union and have a management represented workforce and merit based promotions. Absolutely.

If there is a settlement:

If Sikorsky has outsourced processes that can be performed less expensively, are they going to bring them back in-house after the strike? Absolutely not.

A year from now, even with a settlement, will there still be 3600 Teamsters at Sikorsky? Absolutely not.

Membership in the Teamsters means that you have chosen them to manage your professional and economic well-being. All this talk about standing proud and tall, supporting the brotherhood, etc. etc. is window dressing. The Teamsters have to justify their existence by how well they have represented and protected your economic interests. If what you want is fraternity, join the Elks or the Masons. The Teamsters have a job to do for you and you pay them to do it.

They will not change the company's stance on healthcare.

The offers are not getting better they are getting worse.

Look at the last rejected offer. Look at your lost wages. Do the math. Are you better off than you were three weeks ago if you took the latest offer and reported to work next Monday?

The Teamsters want to make this an issue of pride, brotherhood, unity and principle as well as an economic one. They can afford to. They are at least as big a business as Sikorsky. It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out that they are now in survival mode, because if the offers do continue to worsen, any settlement would put their viability and their perceived value to thier membership in very serious jepoardy.

But to the strikers, this was an economic issue to start with and it always will be. Next week -in three weeks - in ten weeks - however long it takes to get this settled, when both the company and the Teamsters will be declaring victory, how will the strikers measure if they won or lost?

George David
Total Compensation: $88.7 mil (#5)
George David
Total Compensation: $88.7 mil (#5)
George David
Total Compensation: $88.7 mil (#5)

This strike will end in one day.

if the

Salaried workers unite

WALK OUT WEDNESDAY

Good post anon 12:58, I as a 25 year employee, and union member, have lost anything I would of gained already, and when the rest of the union realizes this, maybe then we can get a revote? I will never cross the line, but when I see all others going in, I may have no choice in the matter. Isnt is better off we re-vote, go in together, accept we lost, but live to fight another day, rather than going in as a joke of a fragmented union?

This strike will end in one day.

if the

Salaried workers unite

WALK OUT WEDNESDAY

So Rocco rejected the offer without bringing it to your vote...why wasn't he invited to the Snookers Party where ya' all could have settled this before the 15th?????

My spouse - a Sikorsky salaried employee - and I both feel that the health plan we have is fair. Paying less would be nice, but we don't feel we are getting ripped off. In fact, we feel that we have it a lot better than many folks. I don't like paying $2.40/gal for gas, but I do it. I don't like paying more than $2.50/gal for milk, but I do it. I don't like paying over five grand in property taxes on a lot the size of my dad's old Buick, but I do it. It's called life, folks. Fair or unfair, right or wrong, it just is and you can either jump in and live it or keep walking in circles. Life is not going to stop for YOU.

How about Welcome Back Wednesday!!

Don't be a pawn for UTC

This strike will end in one day.

if the

Salaried workers unite

WALK OUT WEDNESDAY

SIK went and posted the offer on their website, but why didn't the Union?

I'd hate to state the obvious here, but it's all a bunch of propaganda...and I don't see it getting the union anywhere.

This strike will end in one day.

if the

Salaried workers unite

WALK OUT WEDNESDAY

Don't be a pawn for UTC

William W McGuire
Total Compensation: $124.8 mil (#3)
5-Year Compensation Total: $342,284 thou

William W McGuire has been CEO of UnitedHealth Group (UNH) for 14 years. Dr. McGuire has been with the company for 17 years .

The hourly and salary workers including the comapny and the union are all FULL OF SHIT!!!

THERE IS NO TRUTH!!!
ONLY LIES FROM EVERYONE!!!

Edwin M Crawford
Total Compensation: $77.9 mil (#7)
5-Year Compensation Total: $93,563 thou

Edwin M Crawford has been CEO of Caremark Rx (CMX) for 7 years. Mr. Crawford has been with the company for 7 years . The 56 year old executive ranks 2 within Health care equipment & services

Who gives a flying fuck what someone else made. Lets worry about geting a strait answer from someone somewhere. Again everyone is full of crap.

William P Foley II
Total Compensation: $33.9 mil5 (#32)
5-Year Compensation Total: $61,742 thou

William P Foley II has been CEO of Fidelity National Finl (FNF) for 21 years. Mr. Foley II has been with the company for 25 years and is the company's founder. The 60 year old executive ranks 1 within Insurance

An outsiders view-Nice job by Goz, keeping fairly neutral in this, but making valid, legit points. Unfortunately, SIK is a monster and they won't give in. Brothers and Sisters-consider returning ASAP, or face firing..

If all of you union people don't like the job Rocco has done then voice it at the meeting instead of acting like a bunch of sissy's here.
Go to the meeting on the 15th and don't make an excuse as to why you can't go.
Pratt and Whitney's second offer was crap and they ate it. What makes you think ours will be any better.

MEETING MARCH 15th AT UNION HALL!!!! BE THERE!!!
MEMBERS ONLY.

This strike will end in one day.

if the

Salaried workers unite

WALK OUT WEDNESDAY

Don't be a pawn for UTC

We have already lost guys lets see out of work 4 weeks I'm out 6000 dollars for what $52 a week no matter what we get we will never get that money back. We are fighting over money breaking our banks in the process this makes no sense .I saw earlier the comment about the marine now there is someone who goes into battle prepared if he doesn't he dies ,lets get back to work!!

anon 1:35:

Too late, the salary workers have already united! We show up for work everyday, do our job, and drive past the strike line for hours on end. Now that is unity!!!

Oh ya, plus we still build and sell helicopters

We all go down together.
If the hourly workers don't come back.
WE ALL GO!

Invite Channel 8 to the union meeting!!

You got that right.

Well Rocco, LETS SEE YOU PULL A RABBIT OUT OF YOUR A**. I'm sure you scan through this blog or maybe one of you agents could relay this message to you. Get us back to work or you will see many of us go back on Monday.
The next few negotiations will be worse and yes we have bills that need to be paid.
When I cross I want to put my name on the wall of fame.
You had no experience in strike talks and what quarantee do you have that there will not be a lay off as a result of you recommendations.

How much did you make this week, I left the union, I will be able to pay my bills. the union has done nothing for me except make me loose a few weeks pay, let's get rid of this bunch of crooks

Tomorrow, Demand that Rocco go to the mediator, take the offer from the Company to present it to the membership. Then call for a general meeting to vote on that package. He can do that, don't allow youself to be told otherwise. If he refuses, resign from the union, go back to work and we can start the process of disolving this Dictatorship and getting a union that will work FOR US.

We all go down together.
If the hourly workers don't come back.
WE ALL GO!

SALARY PEOPLE: Teamsters have invited us to join the lines. They know how unhappy we are with the health insurance and the other issues we've been having.
Lets walk out with them.

LETS SEE HOW MANY HAVE THE BALLS TO STAND UP TO ROCCO IN PERSON. HE WILL GET YOU ALL HYPED UP AND THE ONES THAT BITCH ON THIS BLOG WILL SIT BACK AND SAY NOTHING. ALL COWARDS. THAT'S MY PREDICTION.
GET READY FOR LAY OFFS AND THIS WILL INCLUDE SALARY.

YOU'RE WRONG - WATCH!

I am sorry to have to be the one to break it to ALL of you on ALL sides, but the company is seriously restructuring. Many, many jobs will be lost. More hourly than salaried, but there will be some salaried lay-offs, too. Why is this happening? Personally, I think it is the result of unionism. The used to perform a valuable service to their members, now they just destroy companies. It's a shame.

Normally I would agree with you, but not this time. I think people are too pissed and lost too much money. If nothing is said, we deserve what we get, and have gotten so far, Nothing

Channel 8. Channel 8. Channel 8.

i'm irish, will there be any corned beef up on the picket line friday?????? if so will there be any mustard??? Rocco pleses supply rye bread and mustard. p.s. what about green beer???

Offer given last night was not as good as first. It was rejected, next one will surely be much worse. Some will cross the line but contract will be rejected. In about another 3-4 weeks company will get back close to original offer with a bunch of qualifiers in it. By then you will have lost over 2 months pay and company will be in position to do just about anything because of all the wage and benefit monies saved they will have made a profit. You really showed them!

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Tell Rocco Eddy's Bakery in Ansonia has excellent rye.

That's it. Sit in your lawn chairs eating salty beef sandwiches and drinking green beer, while you're screaming that the company owes you free healthcare. You're all a bunch of Homer Simpsons.

This whole strike has been one giant CLUSTER F**K

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Better make sure Rocco insists on some kind of security in the next contract, like no lay-offs and no relocating.

SALARY PEOPLE: Teamsters have invited us to join the lines. They know how unhappy we are with the health insurance and the other issues we've been having.
Lets walk out with them.

Great! Now whenever I hear union, I get heartburn.

Wasn't there an episode of The Simpsons where Homer represents the Union in front of Mr. Burns and the works at Springfield Nuclear Power Plant go on strike over the dental plan and eventually Homer gives in and they get rid of the union? I haven't seen that episode in awhile, but I think that was the general plot...

may who post here seem so negative, it seems that's half the problem. Those who are actually trying to do something about this are out on the picket line.

I'm a college student so many of you will probably not take me seriously. Call me idealistic and naive but really a little idealism wouldnt kill many of you. My dad works there and I just picked up another job to help. I told him if he ever crossed that line I would disown him as a father..but he would never do that anyway. This issue is way bigger than your personal lives, it's a nation-wide crisis that must be resolved. I feel this strike is going to set an example and could quite possibly become a gateway to change. Everyone has to do what they can to get through this with integrity

Many people may say it is hopeless and a lost cause, but what can be said about those who do not even try? Cowards. Corporate greed only prevails because people let it.

We could call it the Homer union!

Who's the idiot who keeps posting comments to salaried people? Shouldn't you wait until after six pm?

GO AHEAD AND TRY TO CONTACT ROCCO. HE'S PROBABLY SH*****G BRICKS RIGHT ABOUT NOW. HE'LL HAVE TO FACE ALL OF US TOMORROW AT THE MEETING AND TELL US HOW HE F***** UP.

WHERE IS HOFFA NOW ROCCO. YOU DIDN'T RESPOND ABOUT WHY YOU DID NOT SHOW AT THE UNEMPLOYMENT HEARING. I KNOW THAT PEOPLE HAD CROSSED THE LINE BUT YOU SHOULD HAVE GONE THERE ANYWAY. YOU KNEW THE COMPANY WASN'T GOING TO SHOW AT THE MARRIOT. THEY SENT YOU A LETTER TELLING YOU THIS. HOW MUCH OF OUR DUES DID YOU USE TO RESERVE THAT ROOM? HOW MUCH WAS SPENT ON THE RALLY? WHERE DID THE MONEY GO THAT HOFFA HAD FROM DONATIONS?
MANY MORE WILL BE ASK TOMORROW AND YOU BETTER HAVE THE ANSWERS.
I WILL NOT LOSE MY HOME FOR YOUR CAUSE. I VOTED YES TO THE CONTRACT DO TO THE FACT SOMEONE I KNEW HAD MORE KNOWLEDGE AND WAS ABLE TO EXPLAIN THE INSURANCE PART OF THE PACKAGE THE WAY IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN PRESENTED.
YOU MISLED THE UNION MEMBERSHIP AND YOU KNOW WHO THE UNEDUCATED ONES ARE. THEY ARE THE ONES STILL WALKING THE LINE.

teamsters local 1150 .... BEWARE OF THE IDES OF MARCH............... in like a lamb out like a lamb

I have only been with SIK for only a few years, and have heard many older employees bitching about how bad the company is and how many times they have been screwed over in the years. Walking The Line, the same people are bitching about how bad they need to get back to work. After a slap in the face with reality, how bad is SIK now? Losing about $1200 a week and going with no health insurance for about 4 weeks, the 80/20 plan is better than none at all. To all the local 1150 members who have never worked any where else, try and find a better job.

Lauren, Youth and idealism go hand-in-hand. Just be careful not to judge others who don't agree with you. Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs and to live their life as they see fit. I'm sure we're all learning important life lessons here.

Many people may say it is hopeless and a lost cause, but what can be said about those who do not even try? Cowards. Corporate greed only prevails because people let it.

If the union wants to help us so much, then just accept any contract that we can get from Sik, and lower the union dues to offset the cost for medical insurance.

Lauren,

You're in collage -- Do some research and find out why healthcare and insurance is so expensive in this country and then get an education and become employed in the field so you can make a difference.

Not only is this country lacking in well-educated sciencists and engineers, we're lacking in successful strategies to decrease the costs of healthcare, insurance and prescription drugs.

Make a difference yourself, and quit complaining about it.

misery loves company

SALARY PEOPLE: Teamsters have invited us to join the lines. They know how unhappy we are with the health insurance and the other issues we've been having. We're tired to. WALK OUT WEDNESDAY. Let's make this a fight like none other. SALARY WALKOUT WEDNESDAY.

George David
Total Compensation: $88.7 mil

This strike will end in one day.

if the

Salaried workers unite

WALK OUT WEDNESDAY

You are asking the Salary workers to walk out...
What did you do for us when UTC had us work OT for free.... "NOTHING" How many Salary workers will walk off there jobs for you... "0"

Be an Adult!!! Go back to work....

Why didn't you fight back, fight for your ovretime pay? walk with us and we will win together.

Yea right, and you are winning now!!!
You know the truth, look in the mirror and be an adult. If you do not like what you get here go and get a better job. You have plenty of time to look for one...

When I saw last evening that Sikorsky presented the Union with a close version of the original offer I was totally amazed. I was certain the members would have evaluated their decision to strike;

1. calculated what they were gaining by accepting the offer
2. calculate what they were losing each week by rejecting the offer
3. seriously evaluated outsourcing comments
4. seriously evaluated the numbers of agency workers and "SCABS" (horrible term)
5. taken into consideration their own financial stresses and the toll on their family
6. factor in the COBRA insurance you are paying which is tremendously more expensive than any incre