Comments for 0 at http://www.everythingnrv.com , comment 1 to 52 out of 20 comments http://www.everythingnrv.com Sat, 17 May 2008 05:56:49 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.everythingnrv.com/content/view/93379/360/#comment-131 No one is or ever said Volvo employee are not good people. Over half of our friends and family work there. It's all of the negative items about Volvo you all keep stating. I have to say that after I read the comment from the tweny year veteran he is the first person that has actually made any attempt to better educate the community on why the strikes is taking place. As far as our children, your children, no one here wants to see a hardship on your families amother2...........again did you read anything ..your way to defensive......I hope you don't think we would wish anything bad on your families or your company, it's just that your strike has a very big impact on our community, it's not all about "YOU"...............sorry you can't see beyond yourself...........I hope that you all go back to the table and can work this out........by the way I am a spouse of a volvo employee thank you!!!!!!!! - Good People Mon, 11 Feb 2008 17:38:38 +0100 http://www.everythingnrv.com/content/view/93379/360/#comment-130 Can you read that? If we don't protect the benefits that we already have, we won't have a job. I know some of the people of the community would love to have us lose our benefits. We have children too and what we are protecting is their future. You came on here acting like we were terrorizing your kids, so you should expect some kind of defensive motion. BTW, I pay Pulaski County Taxes too, so I will stand by the road anytime and anywhere I like. - amother2 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 12:41:44 +0100 http://www.everythingnrv.com/content/view/93379/360/#comment-129 and by the way...... The people i have worked with over the years are decent, hardworking folks. So please do not judge people when you do not even know them. - Michelle Mon, 11 Feb 2008 10:57:32 +0100 http://www.everythingnrv.com/content/view/93379/360/#comment-128 well said 20 year.......... We all have something at stake. We all have families and children to support. When we mention strike everyone atomacticaly thinks it is about wages ...but simply not true. We and those before us have fought many years to get the wages and benefits that we have....Volvo surely did not give those willingly.We just want what is fair , nothing more , nothing less. - Michelle Mon, 11 Feb 2008 10:44:00 +0100 http://www.everythingnrv.com/content/view/93379/360/#comment-127 Let's set the record straight regarding the controversial "strike" at the New River Valley Plant(Volvo, White Motors, The Motors...however you refer to our plant).... As a 20 year veteran, I would not be truthful if I stated that I don't worry each day about our job security as a result of the unsuccessful attempts of both the company and our local union bargaining committee..anyone with any intelligence realizes not just the personal impact a production shutdown causes, but the obvious chain reaction that is created in the surrounding community and even beyond our area...both bargaining parties are aware of this, despite local personal opionions... We are all aware of the average wage that we earn at this facility, and as union members, we have to keep in mind that these wages, along with benefits, seniority, and the security of a safe, ergonomic work environment must be on the checklist at all times when negotiating an upcoming contract with the company. Open communication between management and not just our local as a whole, but with each employee individually is crucial to ensure that our facility grows and improves each day..these employees would include fellow union workers, supervision, and as we are in a "right to work" state, non-union workers.. As we enter into our third week of this strike, I have heard so many local comments, along with those of many people outside of the area, and have listened and appreciated all of them. Sadly, many people do not understand that this is not a "spite" strike, and as of midnight, Jan 31st, we had no choice but to leave the plant.. common ground could not be obtained by either party after three weeks of negotiations in Charlotte, and we were not offered a contract extension, that would have possibly enabled us to continue production while negotiations carried on...The question has risen on whether an extension would have been the answer regarding our inability to overcome important key issues concerning plant seniority and safety related items. Yes, we would be on the job, and yes, we may have still been at the negotiating table, but would one side of this bargaining attempt given in? Most likely not... We have all read the newspaper and television quotes from both parties, and the general concensus is that each group is "ready" to get back to the table...good idea, huh! The question remains as to who needs to make the first move.. the company has sent each bargaining employee correspondence via mail stating that the line of communication is open, and that they are ready to "talk"..I feel that we, as a concerned bargaining unit are in a position to accept this open invite to return to the table so that these key issues may be resolved, and negotiations may continue.. For those who can't understand why we cannot be "satisfied" because wages are above those earned at other local facilities, please remember that our wages are a result of the many years this union has fought during each contract negotiation..sadly, our country's minimum wage is so far behind our cost of living, that most people have been brainwashed to believe that it's normal or okay to have to work two jobs to "maintain" a decent life with a family, and to enjoy the dream of home ownership...we all know that by doing this we sacrifice our time with our families and other responsibilities. In closing and in summary, I hope that as a union, we can come to the decision that we attempt to meet the company half way, and if their "invite" to return to the bargaining table is sincere, we can move in a positive direction that will steer us back to building a product that we can be proud of as in the past...we should look forward to negotiating a contract that is "fair" to both parties, and one that we feel protects our seniority and safety most of all. Wish us luck! - 20 year employee Mon, 11 Feb 2008 07:26:20 +0100 http://www.everythingnrv.com/content/view/93379/360/#comment-125 Get them out of the plastic bubble that you keep them in and learn to be a PARENT!!! You act like these people are running up to your car shoving picket signs in them. Get real!!! No wonder the police didn't run out to stop them. They were probably laughing their butts off at your ridiculous accusations. The last time I checked there's more than one way to get to Walmart. And it's really that big of a drive to go the other way especially if you are so concerned about the strikers. These comments are the example of and type of people that are turning Volvo towards a relocation..........look how you talk and the choices you make......talk about me being a good PARENT.....I have kids in college and kids in high school a strike would destroy their future.....are any of you truly not concerned about your family's future and if you are, do you really think this company is just playing or toying with this idea..........If you were a good parent then you would have thought twice before you put your home, children, at risk..I have spoken with many of your spouses and believe me Pulaski County not all of the spouses are happy about what they are doing to their finances by walking away from their jobs right now......... oh well I guess my taxes will go up once you all loose those jobs, you will have to file for unemployement ...oh but wait, then your will need welfare also......don't under estimate others in the community.......Volvo is not a bad company to work for...... - Prime Example Sun, 10 Feb 2008 20:28:00 +0100 http://www.everythingnrv.com/content/view/93379/360/#comment-124 Excuse me ..but screaming and yelling and horn blowing......grow up......my kids in a bubble, no I am teaching them to be thankful for who, what, and where we live........I can't help it if your job at Volvo is not a cake walk like you want it to be........ Great White Hunter if you keep up this strike your kids will grow up on the system......instead of being the Great White you will be known as the Great Guppy.........since when is it appropriate for adults to act this way.... And amother2.......I pay property taxes in the county and I have the right to drive everywhere and anywhere without being harrassed at a redlight...... you people are standing in the cold, with the wind blowing at your face.........eventually the wind will be behind you when Volvo picks up and moves on.....think about still no talk between the union and the company by now....what does this tell you......The ball is in Volvo's court and I believe they are going to take the ball an go.............. Each of Should have listened to the Mac people and the elders in our community....not a good time to strike.......... :D ;D >:( :( ;D Truth is people on the line, our family and our community will be in constant prayer for you and your families. We not bad people just because we feel that it is better to compromise than loose the largest employer in the NRV. God Bless You All - Strike at the Redlight causes kids to be scared. Sun, 10 Feb 2008 20:08:42 +0100 http://www.everythingnrv.com/content/view/93379/360/#comment-121 I live to hunt the Great White!! Bring 'em on! We will never join the Mack council, for the same reasons you want us to join. Job Security!! Thats what this whole deal is all about!! As for The Red Light chicken. Please!! Every kid that we see has a smile from ear to ear!! Waving just as hard as they can. So your's are crying, huh? Get them out of the plastic bubble that you keep them in and learn to be a PARENT!!! I have two kids that are going to grow up and know that thaey have options in life, and that standing up for themselves is a good thing. - Randy Webb Sun, 10 Feb 2008 12:08:35 +0100 http://www.everythingnrv.com/content/view/93379/360/#comment-120 I am a union worker at Mack Trucks, Allentown PA and I have to tell you guys and gals that your swimming with a Great White here. Volvo is an apex predator of the worst kind, and very effective at getting what they want. You should of joined the Mack council when you had a chance. We need as much solidarity as possible here, think about it. Its been taking Volvo on average 15years to Aquire, Integrate, Synergize and Consolidate. Remember White/Gmc and Autocar? We do. We used to be #3 in the market for a long time, now our market share has been "synergized" in favor of higher profits. They told us no single truck company could ever stand alone, my reply to that is one word --- International. - tommy lee Sun, 10 Feb 2008 08:30:31 +0100 http://www.everythingnrv.com/content/view/93379/360/#comment-119 You act like these people are running up to your car shoving picket signs in them. Get real!!! No wonder the police didn't run out to stop them. They were probably laughing their butts off at your ridiculous accusations. The last time I checked there's more than one way to get to Walmart. And it's really that big of a drive to go the other way especially if you are so concerned about the strikers. The next time you take your kids by there tell them see honey we live in America and those people are exercising their right to assemble and have their voices heard. BTW, local business owner, what are you doing in Walmart isn't that double standards when you are pointing a finger at someone else shopping there. - amother2 Sun, 10 Feb 2008 01:34:32 +0100 http://www.everythingnrv.com/content/view/93379/360/#comment-118 Just so everyone knows, that wasn't me that left the first comment. You all know where I stand....Out there with you on the line!!!! - Randy Webb Sat, 09 Feb 2008 09:50:58 +0100 http://www.everythingnrv.com/content/view/93379/360/#comment-117 I think all of you just need to lighten up a bit. Maybe if you would jump out there on the line with them you might you might see the cause. - bean Fri, 08 Feb 2008 22:36:03 +0100 http://www.everythingnrv.com/content/view/93379/360/#comment-116 well Jerry i think you are mad at the wrong people ...i think Walmart is the one you should be blasting. - Michelle Fri, 08 Feb 2008 22:06:54 +0100 http://www.everythingnrv.com/content/view/93379/360/#comment-115 The UAW is the reason many people don't have jobs today. NAFTA was simply the tool to make that happen. - Henry Fri, 08 Feb 2008 18:16:20 +0100 http://www.everythingnrv.com/content/view/93379/360/#comment-114 Amen to "Strike at The Redlight". We get it every morning and every afternoon. I, too, have contacted the state police and reported this. I have nothing to blow my horn for.......you ask us to stand up for the American worker: the red, white and blue speech. Then I see the same bunch of you in WalMart buying food from Mexico, clothes from Central American and electronics from China. The strike is not going to affect my business one way or the other because none of you shop local to start with. Maybe if Volvo doesn't agree to your terms WalMart will go out of business and the local business person will have a chance again. - Jerry Mays Fri, 08 Feb 2008 18:07:06 +0100 http://www.everythingnrv.com/content/view/93379/360/#comment-113 You know if your going to strike you need to go to the front entrance of the plant next to the interstate and stop harrassing those of us that have to use this road to get to Walmart and other business. It's harrassing when your yelling at us and acting like a child. You have scared my children.............please stop yelling when we are stopped at the light. I will not blow my horn, I will not yell at you, I will not encourage this type of behavior. I am..... along with others will be contacting the state police to see what can be done. I still do not agree with what your doing. And acting like you do just confirms that Volvo may have good reasons for their decisions not do meet your demands.. - Strike at the Redlight causes kids to be scared. Fri, 08 Feb 2008 16:47:46 +0100 http://www.everythingnrv.com/content/view/93379/360/#comment-109 Forgot my r in my last post. Must be because I don't have a 4 year college degree hanging on my wall. :D Fortunately I still have the gift of common sense. It should have read: Thanks for your post. - Jenny F Wed, 06 Feb 2008 21:03:54 +0100 http://www.everythingnrv.com/content/view/93379/360/#comment-108 Thanks for you post. - Jenny F Wed, 06 Feb 2008 20:45:26 +0100 http://www.everythingnrv.com/content/view/93379/360/#comment-107 You know what's really sad Austin? When people like you complain about other people's jobs and benefits. How does our strike affect you personally? We are not complaining about our jobs, we are simply trying to preserve what benefits we have. I am very grateful for my job at Volvo but that doesn't mean that I am going to accept whatever they decide we "deserve". That's why I chose to be a member of the Union, so I will have a voice in my workplace. I take it that you are a white collar worker and have a fair environment to work in. Well without our Union at Volvo we wouldn't have that. We are only trying to protect our future. It's sad that you can only see things from one side of the desk. - Jenny F Wed, 06 Feb 2008 20:44:24 +0100 http://www.everythingnrv.com/content/view/93379/360/#comment-106 First of all, obviously those of you who do not agree with the strike never had a job worth fighting for. Wouldn't you want the most benefits that you could have? If you say take what you can get and be happy, then you are a liar!! 2nd- Volvo is the one that everyone shoud be mad at not the employees. If Volvo wanted this settled, they most certainy could. They won't even try to negotiate with the union. Let's face it, the strike couldn't have come at a better time for them. Instead of extending the contract that they had to keep the employees working they just stopped talking with the Union altogether. I am sorry, Volvo is not as innocent as they are trying to appear. 3RD At least if you are one of the ones getting layed of due to this strike, at least you can draw unemployment. It's not enough to live on you say, well, urge Volvo back into negotiations so that everyone can get back to work. These men and women have worked for years and years for their seniority, pay and benefits. It is a shame that so many people think that it is unfair for them to want to keep them. They arent asking for more, they just want to keep what they have. Put yourself in their shoes. If your employer wanted you to decrease your benefits after being on the job 10, 15, 20 years or more, you wouldn't be so eager to cave would you? No you wouldn't. If you don't know first hand what those employees are going through, you should just keep your mouth shut. - C Wed, 06 Feb 2008 19:55:02 +0100