Your Comments

Just go back to work.. The contract was not that bad... If you are looking for somthing better, go find it and don't come back!!!!

Everybody is getting paranoid... even the blog admin..

if you want to help, shut down the blog!

As I pulled into Sikorsky's parking lot today, and stepped out of my car, I stepped in a large pile of horse sh*t.

Then, I realized it wasn't horse s*^%, it was the speech notes from Jimmy Hoffa's less than moving madman rant from last week!

Is there anyway, after the strike is settled, that sikorsky can play that speech on loop over loud speakers 24//7 throughout the factory? Maybe after a few years, it would sink in to some people how stupid that whole rally was.

Goz is not paranoid, hes just stating things for you people to ponder. None of you even knows Gozzi. I do know Goz, a long time too, he is not a typical know nothing, like alot of the writers on this blog. Gox did this thing as a school project basically, now when things are getting out of control, hes taking the blame, I dont see any blame on his part. As for the blog administration, Goz is the administration, with help from a few others, and the others are not paranoid either. Lets face it, most of us workers have been at Sikorsky a long time, and know many in management, so whenj I am told corporate has bloggers on here, I accept that as the truth, and anyone who doesnt think so, they are the naive and paranoid ones. I am just saying as Goz's friend, one from Blade Shop softball teams, penny roll's , etc, that this blog is great, you get to see some good stuff, and absolutely ridiculous stuff also.....keep it going Goz, until this strike is over!

The practice of strike busting is as old as the practice of, well, striking. But to evaluate the possibility that the company may be involved in psychological operations as a method of busting the strike, we need to determine what the company's ultimate goal is.

If the company wants either a return to the status quo or to eliminate the union, then they may consider strike busting tactics. However, if the company's plan is to relocate many operations out of state, then they would probably not want to bust the strike. Keeping the strike going would give the company continued momentum to keep outsourcing, to eliminate certain jobs, to hire "temporary" replacements and to eventually relocate the entire works out of state.

Before we can determine if the company is using strike busting tactics, we have to know their ultimate goal and I don't think any of us posting here has that information. If we take the company's comments to the press at face value, then the statements on Thursday that some operations are being sent out of state could indicate a desire to relocate the entire works. In that case, the company would probably not care one way or another if or how this strike is resolved. And it is almost certain that they would not waste any money on a campaign to influence workers that they are planning to lay off, anyway.

If the company does want a return to the status quo or if it does want to deunionize it's hourly workforce, then they may employ union busting tactics. But again, we just don't know the company's intentions. On the one hand, they are putting out ads letting workers know that they are welcome to come back. On the other hand, they are shipping stuff out on a daily basis.

It becomes, then, for us to wade through the information presented and decide what course of action we as individuals should take to prepare for any eventuality. Instead of taking the paranoid knee-jerk route of considering all pro-company comments or comments from salaried employees as beomg "propaganda" or "psy-ops," perhaps it is best to consider these comments thoughtfully and calmly. Instead of accepting all pro-union comments or statements made by union leadership as absolute truth, maybe we should evaluate those statements in a calm, clear and rational manner.

The best weapon for everyone, no matter which side you are on, is factual information. Unless a statement has been 100% proved or disproved, don't discard it, but retain it for future use. It may shed light on the situation on down the road as more facts are illuminated. We all need to educate ourselves as to the actual facts, keep our minds open to all possibilities, shrug off the hateful and abusive comments and form a plan that will work for our families. That's really all any of us can do at this point.

We need to at least give this through the end of March. We haven't even gone one whole month yet. Sure, we hoped it would only take a week, but we were told it could take months. We need to just calm down and take it one day at a time.

ANON 10:16

I couldn't have said it better. Thanks for the insight.

We all have some degree or another and we have Sikorsky to thank for it. For us the education comes from collage and some from the production of the best in the air. Being proud to tell our kids we work on that thing flying by or making that rescue. We all have a stake in the situation here and we all should speak out. It is disheartening to tell a 7 year old we are not at work and then later see her in her room crying because she thinks we are not going to have money to live on. Lets talk about that education! Finding the words that were needed to let her feel assured that I would do anything to not let her fears be realized was tougher than any “A� I could have earned in school. If I personally had to get 3 jobs to make money, I would for my kids. But I will be on strike for those same kids if needed and for my friends (not brothers. only my father gave me that right and I would fight harder than a strike for them!). We all make good money and are thankful for it. And to this we are truly grateful to Sikorsky.
The insurance is a stress on all of us. To all Salary employees! We wish you had a means to fight for yourselves and get a better package. We feel bad that you didn’t get better because we think many deserve it and should have it. But you had no choice and were stuck with it. The simple analysis of countrywide trends tells all of us it is inevitable and we should accept it. Well even if we go back with what is being offered there was more education involved. We know we are not worth .31 cents an hour. We know we are thought of as expendable because they feel we can easily be replaced. And we learned that money talks and if we don’t have it they can talk us into turning our backs on our beliefs.
The time to go is now. Please stop the playground bully tactics, I’m taking my ball and going home…..The time to talk has come up for the company and the union. Please use all the education we all have to resolve this and get back to what we do best in the world. Both sides know its gone on long enough. Lets all get smarter in the near future.

Two very well spoken comments and all within a matter of minutes. Both are right. Everyone needs to get the facts, get reasonable and get on board with any plan that will get the strikers back to work.

Maybe after all this is over and everyone gets back to work,we all have learned a lesson. I did not vote to strike but I did prepare for it. I listened to what was going on around the shop. In november when a lot of us were working 7 days a week through the Christmas holiday and right up until the strike I began to put that overtime aside. This is what is helping right now. So when we get back to work, instead of buying all these personal toy's and living buy the seat of your pants, and what I here a lot this paycheck to paycheck thing. Put some of that overtime money away and save it for a rainy day till the sun shines again,it takes a lot of stress out of the situation. So remember when you get that vacation check when we get back don't go and visit the indians and think your going to find your fortune, pay off your bills put some away and start saving for the next rainy day because I'm sure there will be more to come. So stop all this negative talk about money, it's in your hands do something about it

As an outsider, I don't understand why this has become an hourly vs. salaried problem. Why all the vicious attacks on each other? Wouldn't everyone's time, money and energy be better spent dethroning the politicians who have ignored this healthcare crisis until it assumed monstrous proportions?

Press Release Source: Keystone Helicopter

Keystone Opens New State-of-the-Art Facility
Monday March 13, 10:57 am ET

COATESVILLE, Penn., March 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Keystone Helicopter, a leader in the rotorcraft industry for more than 50 years, is preparing to move into the newest addition to The Heliplex(TM).

Keystone recently received its certificate of occupancy from Sadsbury Township, for the second phase of the The Heliplex. "It is so exciting to finally open the doors of this beautiful facility to our employees and our customers," said Bob Ferrucci, Vice President of Quality and Project Manager for expansion of the Heliplex. Nearly 250 employees occupy the existing 55,000 square feet. The new building is adding more than 75,000 square feet of hangar, office and shop space. The remaining 250 employees who currently occupy the West Chester, Penn. facility will move to the newly expanded facility in Coatesville over the next year.

"We designed the facility from the customers' perspective, investing heavily in new shop capabilities and making sure the layouts would be more conducive to efficient, timely work flows. Our ISO-9000 initiatives and Kaizen innovations have helped along the way. We have room on this new site to grow in place literally for decades to come," said Dave Ford, President of Keystone Helicopter.

Keystone Helicopter will break ground in late spring for the next phase of expansion that includes a 30,000-square-foot building that will house three new state-of-the-art paint booths.

About Keystone Helicopter

Keystone Helicopter is a full-service maintenance and completion center anchored by the Heliplex, a new, state-of-the-art technical services depot in Coatesville, Penn. Keystone is a factory-authorized service center for Bell, Eurocopter, MD Helicopter, Rolls Royce, Turbomeca, Pratt & Whitney, and Sikorsky products. Keystone was acquired by Sikorsky Aircraft in 2005.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacturing and service. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX - News), based in Hartford, Conn. UTC provides a broad range of high-technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.

Everyone knows about Keystone, nothing new here.

A brave man will admit to defeat before his entire contingency is killed. Only a coward who fears for his image will lead his contingency into an ambush.

No, nothing new about Keystone. Just interesting to point out that neither Sikorsky, UTC or any of their holdings seem to be suffering. Just continued growth per the plan.

And your job with that plan.

Sorry, 1119, don't understand your comment.

I have been a part of this strike for 3 weeks. What i see is union members who seem to forget what they went out on stike for. 1st it was for medical insurance. now it's corporate greed. yah it could be all the same. Still having a hard time wondering why we did it. All i know enough is enough i'm done. I will be picking up my last union check today. Not pay my union dues! send in my letter and go back to my normal life on monday. This stike is just not worth the fight. I didnot want the strike in the first place i stood by my brothers and sisters on the picket line. Relized my brother and sister don't work for sikorsky. so on that note i say goodby to all my so called brothers and sisters.

Then what's the point of the plan then to take away all our jobs.

Just released! Yup were not going to build
jack shit outside........
This strike accelarated the following statement.
Well I guess the strike helped someone.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Keystone Helicopter Receives Customer Satisfaction Award From Rolls Royce
WEST CHESTER, Pa., March 1, 2006 — Keystone Helicopter Corporation has been honored for exceptional customer service by Rolls Royce. Rolls Royce presented Keystone with its Customer Satisfaction Award during a Feb. 24 award ceremony.
The Customer Satisfaction Award is given to an Authorized Maintenance Center (AMC) for superior satisfaction evidenced by customer feedback and field representative input. “It’s an honor to receive this award because it comes directly from our customers,� said David Ford, president of Keystone Helicopter.
About Keystone Helicopter
Keystone Helicopter is a full-service maintenance and completion center anchored by the Heliplex, a new state-of-the-art technical services depot in Coatesville, Pa. Keystone is a factory-authorized service center for Bell, Eurocopter, MD Helicopter, Rolls Royce, Turbomeca, Pratt & Whitney, and Sikorsky products. Keystone was acquired by Sikorsky Aircraft in 2005. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp (NYSE: UTX), which provides high technology products and services to the aerospace and building industries.

*yawn*

The strike is old news. At this point its just boring and annoying. Either get something accomplished or move on... otherwise, you're just p*ssing into the wind... and screwing over the town and your family in the mean time. The inside has moved on... I think its time for you as well.

I was speaking of the overall business plan for the company, not this minor labor dispute. Obviously the plan for the company is to continue to grow an expand, as is true with every company. If the plan is to grow and expand in another state, then I suppose some CT jobs could be lost. Whatever the company's ultimate plan is, it seems to be going accordingly. I don't see much negative impact on the company when looking at the big picture, which is the point I was trying to make. I see a minor snafu for the company, a huge debacle for the union, but the ultimate winner will be whichever state they relocate to and the biggest loser will be the state of CT.

Alabama thanks all of the strikers for the work!

OK, let’s see - - -everything is conspiracy

The Web has eyes…..
It knows all….
It see’s all……

This blog knows everything…..

I think all the negative comments on this blog are being posted by aliens from outer space.

yall r screwed, u got to take the company's offer
or you want have a job, what part of that do you not understand

Just thought all of you still out there should know that I just spoke to my husband (who has the brains and courage to think for himself and has "crossed that line")and he told me that they brought in 80 more replacement workers today. He is also starting to see more and more familiar (and not so familiar faces) coming back to work. Just something to ponder!!

There needs to be some kind of happy medium in this country. We need some type of organization that can continue to help protect workers' rights and lobby for laws to keep workers safe, sound and happy, but that does not tie the hands of companies in the process. You cannot grow and expand as a company when you are shackled by a union. And employees, too, cannot grow and expand personally if they are locked into the "it's not my job" scenario. The work environment should be one where people are assigned certain tasks, but have the flexibility to reassign themselves or be reassigned to different tasks as the need arrises. Unions as they exist today do not allow for this flexibility and this, in my humble opinion, only stifles the company and the employee.

Anon at 11:37

Now THAT is the most intelligent thing I have seen on this blog!!

Did Tommy the scab Stabler really get hit by a fork truck. Who hit him?

1137 thanks you muchly. I'm a Sikorsky salaried spouse, but both of our families had strong union roots. Unfortunately, we both grew up to see what devastation unions can do if left to run unchecked. Plus, we have both had benefits as salaried employees that our parents and grandparents didn't have as hourly laborers, even with union protection. So we both see that there needs to be some meeting at the middle if the average American family is to continue living the average American lifestyle, whether hourly or salaried. Hopefully, this situation will raise some awareness and maybe a candidate will run for president in 2008 who's platform consists primarily of preserving the American middle and upper middle classes and raising the standards for the lower classes.

I'll second that yawn Shrimpy. ;<O

why ? do you want to take a collection for him ?

Shrimpy could really use a collection about now.

SCAB=someone who heals and protects.
Oh yeah it seems like people are starting to finally think for themselves. I do fine it intersting from reading this blog that most of you have given yourselves a time frame for this strike to be over. Let me see if you wait 4 weeks to cross does that make you a better scab?

Regardless of where you stand on the strike, there is one positive thing that has already come out. We've all had the chance to stand in anothers shoes.

For union members on strike, perhaps this is your husbands or wives shoes. Taking on their tasks. Developing a better understanding. Maybe when this is over, after a hard days work, you won't ask "Why isn't dinner ready?" and instead help.

For salary now working the line, now you get to run that test procedure that was written 10 years ago and needs revision. I already know of cases where test procedures have been revised cutting the time to run them in 1/2.

Even this blog has been educational. There's been a lot of garbage, but I've gotten pretty good at filtering after reading a few lines and can pick out useful insights. The benefit of free speech (as long as it isn't vulgar or threating) outweighs having to do a little filtering.

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SpongeBob says: "Go Back to work"

Has anybody checked out the union site today, the list has Decreased from 1.5% to 2%. Down to Approx 60 workers. Man, you have to love the way they do math. Does this mean my dues rather agency fee will Decrease down to $60?

Hey it's review time for the salaried people. We already pay for the insurance but at least we;re still getting our raises.

I believe that the vast majority of BS that has appeared on this blog has come from the hotheads of both sides, along with trolls and spammers. It is basic common sense, however, if one looks at things from a management perspective, to try to get the weaker strikers to cross the line. To do that, a certain dissension must be sown within the ranks. Are they carrying it to the extremes Goz parodied in his initial post? Of course not. Are they watching us with the legal means they have at their disposal from company property? They'd be fools not to, and to exploit anything they see that would be to their advantage.

The thing we have here is that the union, the company and the community have not experienced this sort of thing in over 40 years, and everything is new to most of us. Some of us have worked for other companies, and dealt with labor relations tactics and how they have changed over the years. Can I say from my own personal knowledge that the company is using these methods? I can only go by what I am seeing, and it does not take a rocket scientist to recognize propaganda (from either side) when I see it.

I just love to see all the strike pictures and blog writers that have over 20 years service with Sikorsky...you guys and gals haven't been out in the real working world for such a long time, how can you know what others are paying for health benefits...it's a lot more than 20 percent in most cases. You've been babied and suckled for so long and maybe the company will give in eventually but you're not learning anything towards a new career standing next to your barrels and sloppin' down hot dogs everyday. Show a little self discipline and don't let the union dictate the rules of war on which might possibly be the last good job of your life.

MEDICAL COVERAGE
You can select either a preferred provider program (PPO- no restrictions on provider selection) or an Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). Both are sponsored by Blue Cross, one of the largest healthcare providers in the US. The charge for employee-only coverage under the HMO plan is $1.00/mo. and $9.00/mo. for the PPO. You can elect to cover your eligible dependents under either plan for an additional monthly charge. Vision benefits are available under the HMO and prescription drug benefits are available under both plans. Dental coverage is also available under both plans as an additional cost option through Delta Dental. Enrollment is 30 days after hire.

http://www.keystonehelicopter.com/bene.htm

Too bad Keystone's GREAT Medical benefits package won't last for long.

It has got to be illegal what Sikorsky has done. They refused to negotiate the Health Care forcing the workers to go on strike so that they would have just cause to expand operations elsewhere. I wonder how much money they will save?

I'm a Teamster - Strength and Pride
I ate Rocco's cyanide
Now I cannot pay my bills
While George David signs our wills!!

I'm a Teamster - 22 days
I walk the line in a foggy haze
Impovershed, hungry, mad, and bent
I wish I could just pay my rent!!

I'm a Teamster - United and Strong
I'm on strike for far too long
I wear a sign around my neck
Should I cross the line - Oh what the heck!!

I'm a Teamster standing in line
Collecting strike pay - It's all mine
Next checks available on Saturday
With $232, which bill should I pay??

I'm a Teamster - With my Picket
I get free coffee - that's the ticket
Stratford, Shelton, West Haven too.
We'll walk the line at plant near you!!

I'm a Teamster - Proud and True
I'll walk the line till my feet turn blue
Collect my Strike check on Saturday
And in a few weeks - Unemployment pay!!


I'm a Teamster - United and Strong
I'll walk this line till my job is gone
I think I'm special - Don't you know
Cause I graduated High School long ago!!

I'm a Teamster - Keeping the Faith
I'm Proud and Strong and it's scabs I hate
I got my 15 minutes of Fame
By keeping my name off the Wall of Shame

I'm a Teamster - It's the new Craze
22, 32, 42 Days
We know this strike ain't no joke
If it keeps up - We'll all be broke

I'm a Teamster, Proud and True
I walk the line, with the rest of my crew
Greedy, dumb, spoiled, and mad
I want my job back - WELL, TOO BAD!!!!

well if people just used their brains, they would understand that alot of people have to pay 20% of health insurance..

I have a question - why do you write things like how you are not going help people, those people are going to be lonely, sitting by themselves, etc... re: people who cross the line - SCABS as they are called? Why? I don't get it? It's no win situation whether you are a supporter or not of the union - whether you HAVE to cross the line no matter how much you believe in the union but your have to keep a roof over your family's head. I don't understand? Please explain and not in harsh, unsolicited, obnoxious way but in an adult way - as if you had to explain it to Jodi Rell!!

I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR THAT ALSO...WHAT WILL ROCCO SAY TO JODI RELL?

Why do the salaried workies get abused verbally by the strikers? What are we supposed to do? You must remeber, we did not and do not have a choice in this whole exercise in stupidity. I, as a slaried worker, must report for work. If I do not, I get fired and get to walk the unemployment line. So back off of us slaried workers. I will gladly give you guys and gals you jobs back when it is all said and done.

for you salary guy.. i feel for you my husband has to deal with it too..

Why is the “UNION� allowed to bully people around?

Gee they get to beak laws.
Prevent people form going to work.
Prevent people from leaving work.
Blacklist their own Brother and Sisters.
Affect local business.
Affect the Town of Stratford Police Dept.
Affect the Town of Stratford Taxpayers.
Etc..etc…

Gee I’m surprised the “UNION� is not wearing Black Hoods and praising Allah!!!!

I feel for very one - I do. I thought I could handle it - I did - truly. But then I had my first experience of what it must be like for people who HAVE to cross the line or for the salary workers. I just don't get it! I just want a simple answer. You know, it's like religion in a way - you can't force your opinion on others - you can't. People have to do what they have to do - their beliefs are their beliefs. I understand that the more people that stand behind something and fight for it the better chance but when it comes to something that may not win and people just were never in the position in the first place - no matter what education level you have no matter how much money you had in the bank - things happen in the life that take toll sometimes unexpected and your life savings can dwindle then this hits - what do you do? Hate these people? Make them feel more uncomfortable then they already do? Put more stress on them? Just please again, explain as if you had to explain it to an elementary school class? And again - no need to call me names or be nasty and no need to be imature about it - I just want to understand it from a die hard union point of view b/c I truly don't!

Keystone Opens New State-of-the-Art Facility

Coatesville, Penn., March 13, 2006 – Keystone Helicopter, a leader in the rotorcraft industry for more than 50 years, is preparing to move into the newest addition to The Heliplex™.

Keystone recently received its certificate of occupancy from Sadsbury Township, for the second phase of the The Heliplex. “It is so exciting to finally open the doors of this beautiful facility to our employees and our customers,� said Bob Ferrucci, Vice President of Quality and Project Manager for expansion of the Heliplex. Nearly 250 employees occupy the existing 55,000 square feet. The new building is adding more than 75,000 square feet of hangar, office and shop space. The remaining 250 employees who currently occupy the West Chester, Penn. facility will move to the newly expanded facility in Coatesville over the next year.

“We designed the facility from the customers’ perspective, investing heavily in new shop capabilities and making sure the layouts would be more conducive to efficient, timely work flows. Our ISO-9000 initiatives and Kaizen innovations have helped along the way. We have room on this new site to grow in place literally for decades to come,� said Dave Ford, President of Keystone Helicopter.

Keystone Helicopter will break ground in late spring for the next phase of expansion that includes a 30,000-square-foot building that will house three new state-of-the-art paint booths.

About Keystone Helicopter

Keystone Helicopter is a full-service maintenance and completion center anchored by the Heliplex, a new, state-of-the-art technical services depot in Coatesville, Penn. Keystone is a
factory-authorized service center for Bell, Eurocopter, MD Helicopter, Rolls Royce, Turbomeca, Pratt & Whitney, and Sikorsky products. Keystone was acquired by Sikorsky Aircraft in 2005.

"It has got to be illegal what Sikorsky has done. They refused to negotiate the Health Care forcing the workers to go on strike so that they would have just cause to expand operations elsewhere. I wonder how much money they will save?"

It is not illegal for a business to choose to relocate from one state to another. It's the free enterprise system. Check it out.

Also, it is not illegal for Sikorsky to implement one medical plan for everyone. They are not legally obligated to provide you with ANY medical plan, in fact. What they are giving you is a benefit, not a right.

The company didn't force you to strike, your union leaders did. Each and everyone of you is equipped with a brain. You have the freedom to think for yourself or to let your decisions be made for you by a union.

If the company relocates to a right-to-work state, they will save truckloads of cash. Let's take some parts of North Carolina or Virginia, as an example. Property taxes are less than half of what they are in CT. Personal income taxes are much lower. The cost-of-living in general is so much lower that Sikorsky hourly employees could earn less than half of what they make in CT and enjoy a comparable standard of living. Also, when you are in a right-to-work state, people compete for jobs, which means the company can fire you for poor performance and replace you immediately with someone who will do the job. So there are no more slackers, no more absenteeism, no more promoting someone just because they have been there forever, no more sandbagging and no more unnecessary overtime. That in and of itself will save millions upon millions of bucks.

But there will also be other financial advantages. Sikorsky's customers will be getting their products made just as well, but quicker and cheaper than ever before. This will result in even more contracts, worth even more billions of dollars. In short, the gravy train you used to ride before you went on strike is NOTHING compared to the one that awaits Sikorsky down south.

In August of 338 B.C., the Athenian orator and statesman Demosthenes was an infantryman at Chaeronea, where a great battle took place between the Athenians and the Macedonians. The Macedonians were victorious, and 3,000 Athenians died. Demosthenes fled from the battlefield and was subsequently censured because of his desertion. To anyone who later called him a coward, Demosthenes retorted, "The man who runs away may fight again." From that line is derived the modern day version "He who fights and runs away will live to fight another day."

More from the Waterbury Republican.

http://www.rep-am.com/story.php?id=4093&p=0

I hear you salary guy. I think swearing and screaming at a neutral party is stupid. Don't these people realize they may have to work with u guys again one day. I hate 2 facers. Hope to see you all soon.

From the SIk intranet:

1) MAC UPDATE

Staffing levels continue to climb, providing increased capacity and speed on the assembly line. Several factory transformation projects are under way to enable “lessons learned� to be applied in the future. Ground run tests are complete on two UH-60Ls, one of which will be presented today to DCMA QA for final inspection. Several aircraft are being prepped for water testing.

TOP

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2) WCS SPARES UPDATE

Spares Shipping last Friday recorded its highest volume day since the strike began, shipping more than $2M of critical customer requirements, including EIBF kits, A to A Collector kits, Spindles, and Blades.

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. Sikorsky continues to deliver critical spares to the warfighter with increasing productivity.

We continue to off-load and outsource as quickly as possible or go lean.

Precision Ops has had a lot of machinery dismantled in preparation for newer machines as they realign it for lean. 40% or more of the former precision ops people will no longer be needed when it is done. SO far I have heard about 400-500 hourly jobs have been effectively eliminated between outsorcing, cell realignments, and lean cells.

Management is in no hurry to settle now. Productivity is climbing- albeit slowly- with all of these realignments and new machines. Word on the street is Sik will look to settle by mid- to end-April after they have finished the bulk of outsourcing and cell transformations. WHen they do about 1/3 of the hourly work force will no longer be required.

I predict that there will be no meetings between the company and union for the purposes of negotiations. There may be some passing back and forth of comments/documents via the mediator, but no return to the table. Ever.

I predict that the union members' meeting on the 15th will likely result in the union convincing its members to continue striking. I predict, however, that the number of those resigning membership and crossing the picket line will continue to steadily increase.

I predict an announcement late next week or early the following week by Sikorsky outlining it's plan for relocating some operations out of state.

I predict that the congressional delegation and governor will be just as successful as keep Sikorsky in-state as they were with MedWestvaco.

I see that no one can answer my question but instead we're back to swearing and screaming at each party. It's pathetic and at times I am embarrassed to say I have a spouse that is or has to be part of the union b/c I have not seen on any of the messages on this blog, in the newspaper, or on TV any display of professionalism, maturity, etc... If my spouse decides to cross the line I will make sure I follow in my car, I'll pull over and I'll write their name on the Wall of Shame broad then wave as they go in being proud of doing what they need to do.

From the Waterbury Republican AMerican

"We'd been living life large," Beth said, pointing to the 61-inch television in their living room and the Lexus parked in the driveway. "We just redid our kitchen and we took vacations every year."

From a combined income of $140,000 a year..."

I have zero sympathy now- they make 3 times what my wife and I make as we drive 4+ and 8+ year old cars and have the same 32" TV we've had since 1998. The last vacation we took was 3 years ago.

And you people are striking for 31 cents an hour? Puh-leeze! I hope Sikorsky moves out of state now or gets rid of you all. Then you can come live like the rest of us live in this state.

1:06 pm NO KIDDING, isn't that why the US economy is suffering so much and so many people are unemplyed because the only loyalty BIG CORPORATIONS have is to MONEY.

Talk about GREED...

Actually the above quote is from a UNION worker- that article really didnt put the union in the best light. It showcases all of these poeple complaining about not being able to eat out every night, how they actually have to drive to the grocery store instead of using a delivery service, etc etc.

Their making as much or more money then some executives.

Zero sympathy to the union parasites sucking every drop of blood from corporations until a huskis left.

I'm not connected in any way to your union or your company. I'm just an outsider who likes reading your blog. Your entries have been beneficial to read. I've been on both sides of the labor world and I believe you are doing a great service sharing your thoughts here.
Thanks!

This is what bothers me most about the scab situation. How many people on the picketline that are yelling "scab" are in the same financial shape at the people in the Waterbury Republican article? Can they even fathom the financial situations some of the linecrossers are living with? I'll bet some of these linecrossers have disabled spouses and/or young children. What about if these same people have only been with the company a short time and haven't had time to save anything?

The union goes on and on about how the company is not being fair to them, but are they being fair to their own members? Is it fair to expect your members to not take their babies to the dcotor? Babies go to the doctor every 4 weeks. Unless the union makes provisions for people in extreme situations, they will get no respect or support from the public.

I thought we were going to take today off now I find out it's Wednesday?

80 new guys started work today on the line.

There was a question asked twice, and no one seems to want to answer it.

Why are union members that have decided to strike berating, swearing, and defaming salary people that have no choice but to work & the so-called scabs that have returned obviously because of financial hardships.

How many of you people labeling the scabs knows they’re situation. Many people had no idea this strike was actually going to happen because they figured the membership would realize that this type of fight is senseless.

They figured, once the 4-3 day work week was taken off the table, everyone would more or less agree with the contract. At first this thing was about members not wanting to pay more for insurance, then it turned into the members protecting the rights of future workers, now it's the members protecting the rights of the free world. Which one is it?????????

Seems to me like you all keep changing your mind every time your approval ratings go down. The public is disgusted with you, the town of Stratford is disgusted with you, and your all for the most part viewed as a bunch of overpaid babies that are spoiled rotten.

If someone is about to loose everything, and they've gotten sick to boot. Who the hell are any of you to make them feel bad for making the hardest decision of they're life.

They know they're going to be taunted and ridiculed, yet they drive through those gates anyway. Not because they’re trying to BUST your precious union, it's because they've run out of options, and it's not your place to judge them and say what they could have done or should have done.

You call yourself adults.............. only children behave as badly as you. I pray none of you are ever in they're shoes.

Now please, somebody answer the question, why ridicule people for doing something they feel as though they have to do? Is anybody threatening to slash your tires just because you walk a picket line? Or are you afaid of attempting to answer the question because you know in your hearts there is no good answer?

Jeez, my heart bleeds all over their Lexus.

What about the people that voted to accept the contract because they read it and thought it a fair deal. Should these people be forced to ruin their lives because others voted to reject a contract that some are now screaming to accept? You have just as much right to resign from the union and go to work as the others do to walk the line. Don't belittle sombody just because they don't agree with you. Last time I checked, this was still a free country

Coming right from the mouths biting the hand that fed them...

Beth and Jim Miller state:

"It's a good company, you know," Beth said. "It is one of the better paying companies in the area and it has helped us get the tools to get another job. They have treated us fairly."

what? what??? what???? What are all those unfair labor practice signs for than???

Wow, and not to mention, earlier in the article, they said they went on strike only because the rest of the union wanted to. That's thinking for yourself... might want to think about trading down your lexus.

Thank you, Tired.

Why is there not more salary people walking the line with us after you get out of work?
You can come after work and show support. With 6000 of you only about 50 ever show up. Come stand we us and show your support.

Don't vent your frustrations here for the public to see. It does no good but to make salary and hourly look like asses. If salary could walk the line they probably would.
Go to the meeting on the 15th and make no excuses as to why you can not go. This meeting is for all hourly UNION members only and is important for you all to be there. Ask your questions and don't leave until you're comfortable with the answer.
Good luck to all both salary and hourly. We need to work together on this. All of our jobs depend on it.

Why is there not more salary people walking the line with us after you get out of work?
You can come after work and show support. With 6000 of you only about 50 ever show up. Come stand with us and show your support.

Well said Tired.
I believe that there are people in the union, who don't understand that sometimes,life happens. Things that weren't expected, take their toll on the person that they happen to.
My husband crossed the line last week, due partly to financial circumstances, I am extremely proud of the fact that he did what he needed to do.

I just came from a meeting of fellow salary workers, and we all agree we are tired of being used as pawns in this labor dispute between the Union and UTC.
We would like to ask all of our salary workers, from all UTC divisions that are working in Sikorsky, to take Wednesday March 15, 2006 off, to force the two sides together.
If we all just take off one day, hopefully we can go back to our normal work life.

When you accept membership into a union, you lose the right to bargain for yourself. It's supposed to protect you from your evil employer, but sometimes it just bites you in the ass!

Salaried don't picket because they have nothing to protest.

Thank you, Tired. It seems as if no one - union member - can answer this question. I guess it is true what my spouse says - it's a mob mentality! That's how riots start and when some of them are arrested or approached by the public or families that they hurt and asked why? They can't answer it b/c they don't know why - they just got caught up in it and got caught way too deep. I heard of people yelling to drivers crossing the line that they have their license plate #s - well it is a lot easier to get the union strikers license plate numbers b/c they are all lined up on the side of the road. I jsut don't get it! With no answer or response just seeing more ridicule and stupid comments - I can honestly saw I am proud that I am not a union believer and especially after I read that article in the Waterbury Repulican. They took all they could and now they are think they can find a company that is going to treat them better - I don't think so. Healthcare is the same ALL over the place. I pay $10 more than they will when they return and it will be $10 more 3 years later believe me. Thanks again, Tired!

We don't walk the line with you because we don't support your strike. If you were marching in DC or Hartford, then we would sympothize with you, but we don't feel it's UTC or Sikorsky's fault that health insurance is expensive. HEll, I'm just happy that we only have to do 80/20, it's only going to keep getting worse. How many years do you think it's going to be before it costs 30-50k per employee for health coverage? Prob only like 10-15 years, I don't blame the company for not wanting to pay for MY health insurance.

i agree with 208.

I voted for the contract.

People were saying "oh it will only be a week"

well, I've only been at sikorsky for 8 months. I need the money. I have a family. I saved in case of a strike, but now the time is up. My kids need health coverage. I will wait until the meeting, see what those BOZOS have to say, and then go back to work.

Unless the strike ends this week, I have no other options.

Just ran into an old friend of mine at the Credit Union, he has been retires for 2 years, was a salary, then an hourly worker, he does not know all that much about working on the "floor", funny thing is, the company called him to see if he is interested in working again!! A 66 year old guy, with not mush work experience, that is the replacement workers they want to hire, and they arent feeling the heat.....okay, tell me that, I have a bridge for yous that believe that one! He also knows alot of salary guys still on the job, they ALL tell him there is not much getting doen inside, so dont believe anything that you hear. As far as Sikorsky outsourcing overseas, these helis are built with US tax dollars, Im sure an over seas company has a great chance of getting our work, even though The Presidential was given to Augusta, I have been told that will be coming back also, so anyone who thinks the company isnt hurting, think again. As far as permanent replacement workers, thats all fiction, it CANT happen, we HAVE to be callee back, and then you say we will be laid off, well a layoff can ONLY happen do to lack of work, and there is no lack of work around the corner, so all union people relax, it should be settled soon, one way or another, but even if we lose, this healthcare thing is getting the attention it desereves, so we did do good in any event!

Your very welcome "Question" post 02:23

Seems like the question is still in the air and will remain.

Any takers??????????????

to rip rap, you are the reason we are on strike, to at least try to do something about health care in our case, and country wie if we can. Instead of being like you and all the others that just want to keep paying, and paying, until you dont have anythging to live on. You keep ghoing and paying while your companies keep getting richer. With idiotic comments like those, that makes me feel good to at least be trying to make a difference instead of getting the corporate shaft up my butt!

Hey Anon 2:23, is that the same salary meeting you went to on Friday, and Thursday? hahah, you are so stupid, go put your head in your toilet and see if you can really breath underwater.

Salary workers aren't paranoid of paid bloggers on here. It's funny though, that the paranoid are the ones trying to act like salary.

Go take a nap, you are making Teamsters look stupid, and you all aren't, but whoever is making these stupid ass comments is really making you guys look dumb.

Whatever you think, 2:27. It's your funeral. Just be careful, though. What is happening in one part of the plant may not be true for the rest of it.

good comeback 2:32, now get back to your comp before UTC lets you go...

Do I hear a mass flow of pissed off , lied to , soon to be line crossers?...........Hell Yeah!!! I gaurantee and promise you this, if this wednesday's meeting dosen't contain the words, RE-VOTE, SEE YA !!!!

If you freaks want money so f'ing bad, then go out there, dig up a little entrepreneurial spirit and make a few million of your own, but demanding that someone else give you their hard-earned cash just because you want it is nothing more than GREED.

Tired, that is exactly the point, it does turn into a mob mentality. I know alot of people in SIK that joined the union because of the agency fee law that was passed a few years ago. Myself included. I thought, since I have to pay, I may as well pay the extra 2 bucks and get the union "support". well in all those years, this union did absolutly nothing for me. I never once filed a grievance to get a promotion. Now when it comes time to think for yourself, if you don't agree with the Mob you're a scab. Well then call me a Scab, a Proud one at that

to Anonymous @2:27 - I hear alot also but who's right and what do you can you believe? I work for corporate america - big corporate america - SIK size corporate america - unfortunately, anything can happen. You may / will get your jobs back but within a second - one smart a** remark like the ones that I read here - you're out! No warning - no protection from the union - but a legal, affirmative action. It's call no tolerance. There are no guarantees in life - not even for die hard union members or faithful hourly or salaried workers who have given 25 year to life for SIK or anywhere else. It's like your health - no guarantees. You do what you can to know that whatever you did you did what you thought was right - and here we go right back to what I have been asking and writing about - everyone should keep their opinions to themselves and do remember - Rocco has his weekly paycheck waiting for him - where as the other union members don't!

I'm 2:32 and I don't work. I don't have to. I've already made my way.

I just went down to the hangar, and not only is everything running smoothly, they are ahead of schedule. I also spoke to one of the hangar managers who indicated that a ton of his guys have called him to discuss getting their jobs back.... he has no reason to lie to me.. he even listed names. And from the names I heard, I really hope you do come back.... I knew you were the smart ones.. you are also the hard-working ones... and Im glad it was confirmed. You're missed.

to Anonymous @ 2:27 - I hear alot also but who's right and what and who can you believe? I work for corporate america - big corporate america - SIK size corporate america - unfortunately, anything can happen. You may / will get your jobs back but within a second - one stupid (and you know what I mean by stupid) remark like the ones that I read here - you're out! No warning - no protection from the union - but a legal, affirmative action. It's call no tolerance. There are no guarantees in life - not even for die hard union members or faithful hourly or salaried workers who have given 25 years to life for SIK or anywhere else. It's like your health - no guarantees. You do what you can to know that whatever you did you did what you thought was right - and here we go right back to what I have been asking and writing about - everyone should keep their opinions to themselves and do remember - Rocco has his weekly paycheck waiting for him - where as the other union members don't!

hey anon 2:31:

You missed my point, you must have only read the first sentence of my post. I said, we WOULD join you, if you were protesting at a useful place, like a government building. Why are you walking at Sikorsky? It's not their fault healthcare is out of control.

If I followed your reasoning, I would go on strike and protest at Sikorsky because I'm sick of paying 25% of my paycheck to taxes (might be 20%, but you get the point). Do you see why we are all perplexed??? Shouldn't Sikorsky pay for my taxes, since they are "SO RICH" and "SO GREEDY"?

That's why we don't support you, you fighting the wind. Go fight the root of the problem, not the result of it!

Exactly, the root cause of this problem is not this company or any company. It's the way our government continues to allow the health care industry rip us off. It's the fault of people faking illness/injury to get more money for nothing. It's the fault of ambulance chasing lawyers and malpractice insurance companies. Sikorsky makes helicopters. Period. You want to fight the good fight, then fine, but at least know your enemy before you start slinging bullets.

Sorry, almost forgot one... the drug manufacturers are ripping us off, too!

Guy at 2:06 - Did you ever hear of a period???

But it's still "SIKORSKY", that will not stray from CIGNA to better suit they're so called family. Why?,....because they own too much of it. Is it entirely the company's fault?, of course not, our legislators should have stepped in and done something about monopolizing of heathcare.

To Tired and Also Tired - it's a shame isn't. It's like screaming in the wind and no one hears it or wants to hear it. You have chosen good "names" Tired it's perfect. I'm tired of the whole thing as well as every other individual who hears it. Unfortunately, the Teamsters where something to be "afraid" of and to "respect" all in one breath - the where the grand poo pas of all grand poo pas and now they look like the poor old god fathers getting killed off on the Sopranos. How desparate it all sounds - I know this sounds pathegic like that rest of the blogs and I'm not trying to say it in the tone - it saddens me. I know many individuals who have parents who are union members and yet when discussing this particular strike they just shake their heads - the loss of trust and belief in the union is a shame - not to me - but to the ones that truly believe that the union is - now I should say - was there to help them and do good for them. I haven't seen one good thing yet. I hope for everyone's sake they come back. I did hear an interesting thing though - sorry for the long winded note - that SIK took away the Union sections w/in their building - I am sort of starting to fear for them when they return if this doesn't sort out - not fearful for the ones that cross line but the ones the have been carrying on w/the mob mentality - when they return there will be no corner for them to hide in

I mailed my letter today to the union ,been a teamster for 14years it was very hard to come to this conclusion.Anyone that may hate me for going back to work can walk a mile in my shoes then judge ,but not before.I know when everyone is back those of us who crossed will be the"outcasts"thats alright because my family needs me

Right on back to work..

to those who cross - a little something to keep in mind!

LIFE IS NOT A JOURNEY TO THE GRAVE WITH THE INTENTION OF ARRIVING SAFELY IN A PRETTY AND WELL PRESERVED BODY, BUT RATHER TO SKID IN BROADSIDE, THOROUGHLY USED UP, TOTALLY WORN OUT, AND LOUDLY PROCLAIMING

-- WOW --

WHAT A RIDE!!!

FOR THOSE CROSS!! GOD BLESS! YOU'LL BE THE ONES TO SUCCEED AND HAVE THE MOST RESPECT FROM ALL!

Tommorrow's a full moon, should be interesting

Everybody is getting paranoid... even the blog admin..

Self distruction is coming. Sounds like the Union
or un-Union is coming apart. Who do you trust?
Snapping at loved ones? Can't even trust Rocco, or Jackson, or can we? Soon each will be out for
themselves.

Oh and I'm sure the company is watching this blog.
Maybe they are watching you too!! What about the new guy (or girl)? How about the old timer?
Uhhmmmm???

New t-shirts are coming for you when you
return strikers
"Will fold in a moments notice"

Hey I'm looking for a used F150 or F250.
Any teamsters selling them yet? Could put a lot of
food on the table!!!

Wow - what a waste!

Here's you list - no but I think there was a Lexus right?

HEY I WANT TO SEE IF ANYONE WANTS TO BE INVOLVED IN
A STRIKE CHRISTMAS PARTY. I'M THINKING AROUND THE BEGINING OF DECEMBER!!!!

SINCE YOU GUYS LIKE STRIKE PARTYS!!!

On all of our tombstones there will be two dates.

The date of our birth and the date of our death, with a dash in the middle.

It's not the dates that are important........... It’s the dash.

What you did with your life, how you treated others, how you treated your family, what you stood up for, what you believed in, what you had to do during the hard times.

Everyone is doing what they have to do.

All I ask is that we do it respectfully and with compassion for each other.

None of this is easy, why hate each other making it more difficult than it already is?

I love the fact that there are fewer of you on the picket lines, yet some of you still yell
things at me as I drive through. I'm sure HR has you
right on the top of the list to bring back!!!

I hope the company cuts all OT for you strikers for the next 6 months!!!

serves you right!!!

I am on strike, 25 year employee, but I dont like being out, and Id NEVER cross the picket line, how come noone is congratualting me or any other self respecting strikers? I will tell you why, its cuz the company has there people posting on here, and alot of them, and only the crossers(I hate the scab word myself) are being praised. I mean honestly, I have seen alot of strikes on T.V., and never questioned why the picketeers were doing it. Here I see alot of doomsday people, putting us down as lazy, un-educated, thugs, mobsters, etc, I dont understand it? I have never done anything to any salary workers going in to work, that is their responsibilty, they HAVE to go in. I wave to the ones I have come to know and like, and they wave back, its nothing personal. I have seen salary try to organize a union about 12 years ago, so if they could, you could bet your paychecks on it salary would unionize, depsite what they say here. Anyways, just dont believe too much you see hear, we have all kinds writing here, and noone would know who they are, so they can write what ever they like, but one thing is for certain, when this is settled, hourly and salary will be back in working together, as is needed. Bottom line, with no salary, we have no hourly and vice versa, so get over the name calling, cuz I never saw it on the inside before, and hopefully wont when we get back to work.

Hey on strike:
Went outside to get the mail before and heard a loud cracking sound.

I'm pretty sure that was the bank closing your accounts!!!
Or it could have been the repo man coming for your shinny new truck!!!

lololololooolooololololololololololol!!

We are not congratulating you because we think you are all nuts!! None of you are self respecting either! And I DO NOT work for the company>

Don't worry, Buffet. UTC is taping the picket lines 24/7. All their mideeds will come back to haunt them.

Popping in to remind all that Teamsters should listen to 600 AM radio instead of being on this blog. Great support. Also reminding all teamsters of that comment I've read a couple times here and there, the person who spoke to the two people who started union and retired salaried management from AT&T, I think it was, that they both replied SCABS suffer the most from all of this. Also reminding teamsters of the other comment I've read about the guy who put 41 years in and went through the previous strike for 3 months, came back, and everything was just like they left it. Remember, this is all company propaganda on this site. Even the people on here saying I'm fed up and am crossing the line and going back to work, blah, blah, blah, all company. Scare tactics. Bully tactics. I encourage all Teamsters, if there are any, to enjoy the beautiful weather, listen to 600 AM radio, and to stay off this blog. Let salary duke it out with salary, thinking that it's the Teamsters. That's funny. Have a great day all, and remember to hang tough. We've got the support. Oh yeah, rally at Gate 2 this Saturday but forgot which Local was doing it.

I like it too that the union tells you not to go back (cross the line) because you will be judged on
your job performance!!!
Welcome to the real world boys and girls. If your quality or your attitude sucks, your gone!!!

AAAhhh I think its called accepting responsiblity for ones own actions!!!

should read misdeeds

Hey Yup!!!
Rocco is selling his Lexus for the Cause??

Thats funny. I got a bridge for you!!

to heres your list,
the word is shiny, not shinny, and I have a truck, an F-250, not for sale though. Does my owning a 250 make me a union member, lazy, etc, whats the context of your stupid post? Or maybe, you are losing your job and need a landscaping vehicle to make ends meet, funny, thats what I use mine for, and I make good money too, especially with my full time job at Sikorsky, so go away, get alife, and learn to spell, and God help us if you are working on anything of impoprtance there!

25 year employee - I can tell you why at least I can guess why no one is congratulating you it's b/c of the others that are speaking out in a manner that is unappealling - they are representing you. I'm sure you were taught and if you have children - you taught them - that you are judged by the company you keep. Think about it. I commend you for standing by what you believe in. God bless and I hope it works out for you - but I think what people are trying to say is that your co-partners are calling these people SCABs - I realize that this is a term that goes back years and years ago - but they aren't thinking about what these individuals are going through - but they are quick to judge aren't they? Maybe you are keeping quiet and being respectful and all but they aren't and they are representing the union which you are a part of. I read about that poor man who has been a die hard union member for 25 years and all he did was drop paper off and look what your peers did to him look what his peers did to him. How can we pat these people on their back? Thank you too for explaining your side and explaining it in an adult manner and professional manner - I wish more people were like you speaking out not these others who are giving the union a questionable reputation. Good luck

Thanks question, its not that I am looking for congratulations either, its just I wonder why so many are anti union, most of us are hard workers, just like most salary are too, and I would hope more people would support us, not just 1150, or any local for that matter, what is happening here is middle America trying to fight the big guy, and if, and I mean if we had support from all over, this would be settled, and the much larger problem facing all of AMERICA , which is a national health care crisis would be fought.

To Anonymous @ 3:19 - I know

If everyone took the initiative to live a healthier lifestyle, maybe costs wouldn't be so bad? Stop waiting for the government or Sikorsky to do something. You can do your own part everyday. Stop smoking, stop drinking, stop eating fast food.

Less trips to the doctors = less claims paid by insurance companies.

Less claims paid by insurance companies = lower premiums for employers.

Lower premiums for employers = more money in your pocket.

I was in a parking lot this afternoon and a woman noticed the "TEAMSTERS ON STRIKE" sign in the back seat of my car.
She told me that she wanted to thank me for walking the picket line.
I thought that was the so nice. But i was confused about why she was thanking me.
She informed me that she feels that this strike is not just about healthcare for the Teamster, but it is about healthcare for our children and our childrens children.
I was moved to tears. What a nice lady. And she is a relative of Al Balis. You have a nice family Al.
Isn't ashame some of us couldn't even hold out 1 month.

For what its worth..Just came out of torque training and there were 70 people with yellow badges from all over the country with prior aircraft experence. 30% had A&P licenced... and 90 more coming tomorrow. Sikorsky is in this for the long haul!

I thought her sign said "Honk if You're Horny!"?

I sit and wonder here about what people are thinking? I personally dont care what a person is, hourly or salary, or what amount of money they make. George David has no bearing on any of us to put it bluntly, so why worry about him? I myself dont even care about strike crossers, I just wont ever talk to them, and they have to live with themselves,I hope they are happy with their choice, as I am with mine to sit this out. This is typical Sikorsky mindset, worry about all others, not yourself, always has been, so I see nothing changing. I just want to hear at Weds meetint union hall, where we stand, where we are heading, and any new developments, I want to hear them for myself, not from radio, nor this forum. After Weds meeting, hopefully this will go to a re-vote, with some twist to the contract, but if not, I shall stand with my choice to strike, not cuz Rocco mislead me, cuz I have a brain of my own, just cuz what I see, corporate greed is killing our GREAT country, and a stand has to be made somewheres! We have money for Katrina,Israel, we have money for Africa for aids, lets get real, this country is going down the tubes, and we are just standing by watching, I dont get it? We march on Washington for aids, million man marches, and all other self serving things, why dont we have a march on Washington, demanding health care for all, sounds too logical to me.

I believe people are anti-union because they see lazy workers that the union protects while if your an individual with several job talents its "not my job discription "attitude which leads to atiquated work forces and people feeling they can show up not work and be paid

Can anybody tell me how much (on average) you pay for health insurance now? How much has it gone up in the past six years?

Have you heard of HSAs of HRAs?

These are the facts:
From 2000 to 2004, National Employer Health Plan Premiums have INCREASED 57.1%.
The National Health Expenditures (NHE) per Capita INCREASED 35.1%.

Everything is getting expensive, step up to the plate and face the music before you lose your job to replacements. Don't be a bunch of crybabies.

To post 03:28

I agree with most of your comments concerning the crisis of healthcare in this country.

But it sounds like you've already made up your mind as well to play judge & executioner to the people who crossed the line.

That's sad, your determined to not talk to a group of people that made a decison that is different from yours.

Since they don't or can't do what your doing, that makes them worthless. Worhtless to the point that they'll only receive hatred from you.

This strike is a sad commentary on the human condition and what people are turning into.

I have only ever had two employer-provided medical plans... the one I have now with Sikorsky and the one I had through the military. I gotta say that I had better coverage in the military and never had to pay a dime for anything health-related, but it's worth the few extra bucks to not get shot at on a daily basis.

Bottom line, we should all agree to disagree but carry enough respect for each other to stop the hurt.

Hurry up and go back to work before you lose what little support you have with the general public. Imagine if SIK really does bring in new people, outsource, or just move down south. When you all end up on unemployment/welfare everyone will hate you because their taxes will go up to support you because you did not want to pay your fair share for your healthcare. You won't get an ounce of sympathy from anyone.

"I have a bridge for yous that believe that one"
anon 2:27

"Yous" is not a word, unless you are either 1)an Italian mobster 2)ignorant or 3)a union guy! Oh wait, you are probably all of the above!!!!

One good thing, all of the overweight union people walking around are probably getting healthier. Keep on walking!!

No they are not. They are eating like pigs with all the free food Stella's if bringing them!

THIS IS FOR POST 3:28 I AGREE WITH YOU TO A CERTAIN EXTENT! BUT I BELIVE IT IS GOING TO TAKE ALL OF TEAMSTERS NOT JUST 1150 TO STAND UP TO THE HEALTH CARE ISSUE AND THEY NEED TO TAKE THIS TO UTC HEADQUARTERS AS A UNITED FRONT. 1150 MIGHT NOT WIN THIS ONE BUT AT LEAST WE HAD THE BALLS TO STAND UP FOR IT! LETS SEE IF OTHER UNIONS IN THE COUNTRY DO THE SAME A MAYBE WE SHOULD HAVE ALL THE UNIONS IN THIS COUNTRY GO TO THE WHITE HOUSE AND LET MR. BUSH HEAR IT LOAD AND CLEAR THAT WE DON'T LIKE IT!

sorry about that one 3:44, just a typo, I am not Italian,far from ignorant, unlike yourself to critize a typing error, but I am a union guy, so your hitting .333, now in baseball you would be great, but in life, hitting .333, you suck!!

I am not ignorant either, I am getting my paycheck every week!!

Heres one for all the might salary people that think they are doing our jobs. I had a check not delivered to me on 2/16, from pay date ending 2/12. I never received the check, so I had to fax a form to payroll(another out sourced dept), they sent me the fax confirmation last Monday. As of today, still no check, so I just called back a few moments ago, was on hold for 20 mins. The woman tells me we just got confirmation from the bank, your check will be mailed tomorrow. Bottom line here, if this one small outsourced dept cant even get my check to me in 4 weeks, how the frig are all these salary and outsource places gonna build a Black Hawk!!

they still continue to lie !!!
please put me on the list Jas s.

Here is an idea. If the union has all of the know how to build a helicopter, and claim that Sikorsky treats them so unfairly, why don't they get together to form their own company and build a helicopter that would directly compete with Sikorksy?

That way they can pay each other whatever they want including free healthcare! I'm sure the union knows everything about engineering, aerodynamics, business economics, sales and marketing, research and development, technical support, infrastructure, law, patents, contracts, accounting, material procurement, staffing...

none of us claim to be able to build a helicopter all inclusive, unlike the salary people claiming they can do our jobs! But we ARE the ones who build them, and make this company what it is, whatever you may think, so go away, and get your rattle and blankie!

JUST LIKE YOU KNOW HOW TO BUILD HELICOPTERS RIGHT POST 4:01

You've seen those commercials with the one guy making his presentation (probably hourly dude), and all the monkeys he's got in the room? Ring a bell? Think monkeys. Give 'em a banana and they'll tell you anything you want to hear. Monkey see Monkey do.

According to the American and English Encyclopedia of Law, you can request not to have your name be printed on the wall of shame if for whatever reason you return to work, ie; out of money, sick family, tired of being lied to , etc. It is a form of Defamation of character, ie; libel, or slander, and can have serious recourse for the originator(s).

It's the people with ideas that make a company. Whether they are salary or hourly.

THE JACK-ASS COMMERCIAL IS MORE YOU THAN THE MONKEYS! STOP BEETING YOUR SELF UP SO BAD YOU SOUND MORE LIKE A COLLAGE PROFESSER!

Don't Judas me.

FYI - I believe those are chimpanzees in the commercial you are refering to. And what is funnier than a chimp lighting a cigar with a $20 bill??

To post 03:53

Your right, this fight is with the politicians and the health insurance industry.

I personally think losing thousands of dollars in pay, sign on bonuses and what ever else ALL of us have lost was not the way to go.

It probably would have been better to work while the union tried to negotiate something with the company. Then be honest with the membership by telling us that they’re was no way UTC was going to budge. (Which they're not)

We should have as individuals come together and rally to fight the rising costs of healthcare, and not just local 1150 but as a nation. This strike has gained nothing for us.

Yes there is a temporary spotlight now, but once this all blows over, the media, the papers, and all the politicians who were on the picket line will be back to business as usual. (and will forget about us and the strike) The only things that will have transpired is a reduction in work (because of the outsourcing) and a reduction in staff, a community that has contempt for us, and a very unstable future for all.

Using bully tactics to get a better health care plan was a bad decision. This isn't 1930, the company wasn't reducing our salaries down to $10.00 dollars an hour, they weren't letting people go because of frivolous reasons.

Many of the practices that former corporations of yesteryear practiced are gone. This contract didn't justify a walk out, and we're all going to pay for it in some small measure.

A Teamster with no cigar and no twenty would be funnier.

Things are happining, FAST! Small Parts Bonding - GONE!!
Replacement workers arrived today (at least 60)for training and deployment. More coming Tuesday and Wednesday.
At this rate there won't be jobs left for long!

A salary guy gets on a plane and finds himself seated next to an hourly guy. To occupy his time on the trip, he figures he'll stroke his own ego for a bit, turns to the hourly guy:
"You know," he says, "I've heard that flights will go quicker if you strike up a conversation with your fellow passenger. So let's talk."
The hourly guy, who had just opened his book, closes it and says to the salary guy, "What would you like to discuss?"
"Oh, I don't know," says the salary guy, smiling. "How about health care?"
"OK," says the hourly guy. "That could be an interesting topic. But let me ask you a question first: A horse, a cow, and a deer all eat the same stuff -- grass. Yet, the deer excretes little pellets, the cow turns out flat patty, and the horse produces muffins of dried poop. Why do you suppose that is?"
The salary guy is dumbfounded. Finally, he replies, "I haven't the slightest idea."
"So tell me," says the hourly guy, "How is it that you feel qualified to discuss health care when you don't know shit?"

Having the "balls" to stand up for something is not admirable when its a lost cause.Be smart and choose a battle worth fighting.When these events take place eveybody loses in the end balls and all!!

You know, it's kind of pathetic, really. The company sends you letters offering you your jobs back and they are assholes. But if they'd hired replacements without giving you the opportunity to come back, then they'd be assholes. Jeez, what do you want already?! They give you up to $3k for a signing bonus, guaranteed annual raises of 3.5% that you don't even have to EARN and increased contributions to pension/401k plans. And THEY are assholes. Well, they might be assholes, but they are MY kind of assholes. You, on the other hand, are a bunch of dumb schmucks!

I vote for a re-vote.

knighthawk321- you are an observant fellow, it was in part a parody.

in other shoes - great comment- easily top five thus far

ALL- I also have developed the ability to cull the lousy, nonsensical comments from the ones that are not.

Goz

Okay, all together now...

THERE IS NOTHING FOR YOU TO VOTE ON ANYMORE! YOU REJECTED THE CONTRACT. THERE HAS TO BE A NEW OFFER BEFORE THERE CAN BE A VOTE.

Anyone but me getting tired of having to repeat this for all the slow learners out there?!

Heard Rosa Delauro on WICC this morning.She was in North haven for a meeting with labor leaders on healthcare issues, but guess what labor leader did not attend? Thats right ROCCO!

Oh, crap, did we forget to pick him up from the Marriott! Quick, someone send a car!

It is so curious why the 1150 website is not updated more frequently. Seems like people would want up to date information yet Saturday's information is still on-line Monday afternoon. Are they dealing with a bunch of mushrooms here?

Psychological Operations

General Overview

Psychological operations (Psyops) are "planned actions to convey selected information and indicators to target audiences to influence their emotions, motives, objective reasoning, and ultimately the behavior of governments, organizations, groups, and individuals. The purpose of psychological operations is to induce or reinforce attitudes and behavior favorable to the originator’s objectives."

Psyops can be an integral part of the broad range of business strategies connected with political, economic, and informational activities that may be undertaken to achieve short, medium or long term business objectives.

Psyops can, if implemented properly, lower the morale and reduce the efficiency of corporate opposition and can also create dissidence and disaffection within the target organization. Conversely and concurrently, Psyops can enhance the probability of strategy success.

The site was updated today, apparently Rocco and Harvey and their lawyers were up all weekend working on some kind of proprosal to give to the mediator this afternoon. Hope it included the 80/20!

The article in the paper said that the cost of providing medical insurance in Connecticut is the highest in the nation, second only to Alaska. Why is that? Perhaps that is what we need to be asking. What is it about CT that makes it so expensive to insure our residents' health? It seems to me that all the politicians who supposedly support your efforts to combat the rising cost of health care are probably the real cause of it!

DOES ANYONE KNOW IF ROCCO'S OFFER INCLUDES THE 80/20? THIS COULD BE A MAJOR BLOWOUT IF IT DOESN'T.

Just wondering if anyone knows where Hoffa is staying. I mean, didn't he promise to stay with you during this fight?

With your wife while your at work

I think all Stratford residents should be assigned a member of the union, which is on strike. We should strike at there homes.....
Make lots of noise, see if we can cause the police to come out and watch these demonstrations. Lets try and run up there town taxes.

GET OUT OF MY TOWN or GET BACK TO WORK.
and BY THE WAY....

I could Careless if Sikorsky leaves the state.
I could come up with a million other things to do with that land and generate more $$$. Then your lazy A$$es.

We all have crazy health care costs. If that's your real concern, get your "Leaders" to do some real lobbying in Washington.

THE FAT AND LAZY

Most of us in other words. We smoke to much, eat to much, and excercise to little. Why? I have no idea. A women from Canada once asked me if fining Americans for unhealthy lifestyles might help. My off-the-cuff answer still rings true: "If someone is behaving in a way that's going to prematurely end their life, do you think a $200 fine is going to make difference?"
What is my solution for soaring health-care costs?
I only can give a diagnosis. But that should make it clear that there is no single cure--because there is no single problem. Any serious fix for the system will require six or eight pills, not one. And even that will be a treatment not a cure.

Sorry, hon, I'm not a lesbian. I don't have a wife. Bet you won't have one either by the time this is all said and done!

Yes I will cause it's not all about money. Glad she's not as shallow as you are.

Yes, we can all see that it's your personality she's so crazy about. LOL! What a schmuck!

These personal attacks are quite entertaining, but I just watched the 5pm news and nothing new is being reported. Does anyone have anything of value to add to the old blog this evening?

It was a nice day out.Got the yard cleaned up.

No, man, she's crazy about his Teamsters jacket and beer gut!

Joe Blow your ol'lady don't seem to mind.

Sikorsky presents new offer to Teamsters:

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060313/nem044.html?.v=30

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 partic