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| Volvo's New River Valley Plant Goes On Strike |
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| Written by David Grimes | |
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At midnight, 1200 employees walked out of the plant and headed to the picket lines, as the New River Valley Volvo Plant in Dublin went on strike.
The current three-year contract between Volvo and United Auto Workers Local 2069 expired at midnight. The union and Volvo were unable come up with an agreement on a new contract.
Union Vice President Tim Barnes told EverythingNRV.com early Friday morning that negotiations broke down and they were unable to reach an agreement. ”We told them [Volvo] what we needed,” said Barnes. “Our union workers are picketing the entrances as of right now.”
As sleet and freezing rain started to fall outside the plant at around 1 a.m. workers on the line shouted, “unfair labor practices, solidarity and we just want to work under fair conditions.”
In a letter to the UAW workers from Lester Hancock, UAW Local 2069 President, the focus surrounded health and safety issues.
“Despite our willingness to work toward compromises on the many issues that separate us, management continues making unreasonable proposals that would erode the wages and benefits that we’ve fought so many years to achieve and protect. Even worse, Volvo is seeking to dismantle many of the most basic health and safety protections found in our current agreement, “ Hancock said in the letter.
He further added, “ Volvo’s refusal to provide information that is critical to resolving the many outstanding health and safety issues is an unfair labor practice (ULP) under federal labor law.”
Attempts to reach Volvo spokesman, Jim McNamara were unsuccessful last night.
The Dublin plant also employees 4500 non-union employees and the majority of them plan to join the picket lines as well.
The last strike at the New River Valley plant was in 1991 and lasted about four weeks.
Photos: (Top left and right) UAW Local 2069 members picket outside the New River Valley Volvo Dublin plant after going on strike at midnight. (Photos by David Grimes) Comments (52)
  written by amother2, February 11, 2008
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. report abuse
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 written by Michelle, February 11, 2008
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. report abuse
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written by Michelle, February 11, 2008
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. report abuse
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 written by 20 year employee, February 11, 2008
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! report abuse
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 written by Prime Example, February 10, 2008
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...... report abuse
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written by Strike at the Redlight causes kids to be scared., February 10, 2008
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..........     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 report abuse
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 written by Randy Webb, February 10, 2008
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.
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 written by tommy lee, February 10, 2008
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.
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written by amother2, February 10, 2008
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. report abuse
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written by Randy Webb, February 09, 2008
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!!!!
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written by bean, February 08, 2008
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.
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written by Michelle, February 08, 2008
well Jerry i think you are mad at the wrong people ...i think Walmart is the one you should be blasting.
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 written by Jerry Mays, February 08, 2008
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.
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written by Strike at the Redlight causes kids to be scared., February 08, 2008
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.. report abuse
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 written by Jenny F, February 06, 2008
Forgot my r in my last post. Must be because I don't have a 4 year college degree hanging on my wall.
Fortunately I still have the gift of common sense. It should have read: Thanks for your post. report abuse
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written by Jenny F, February 06, 2008
Thanks for you post.
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written by Jenny F, February 06, 2008
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.
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 written by C, February 06, 2008
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. report abuse
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 written by Adam, February 06, 2008
I went back and re-read all the posts above. You dont claim to be a lawyer, but a specialist in employment law. I work in the service industry for employment...IF THAT PLANT EVER LEAVES THAT COUNTY...DO NOT, I REPEAT DO NOT EVER SAY THEY WERE UNFAIR TO LEAVE...THEY SHOULD LEAVE...they need to go to a place where people ware grateful to have a job that pays over $15.00 an hour...
How many other auto manufacturing plants in this country pay like that? Union or non, Toyota even pays very well... why should we expect bologna while management eats filet mignon? report abuse
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written by Michelle, February 06, 2008
Everyone talks like Volvo pays us millions. Get real. I am a single mother and thus i am the bread winner. Yes, the pay is good but we work hard for our money. I doubt if you are a lawyer you would bust your butt out on the assembly line.
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written by Adam, February 05, 2008
Youre a Lawyer, who works for a percentage of what your clients get, and you have the gall to get on here and say we shouldnt do the same? Maybe you dont, but I KNOW of other lawyers who do that.. Something youre not mentioning here, is a lot of people quit those jobs youre saying everyone else has to come to Volvo, being told of all the benefits of taking these jobs. So people gave up seniority, often many years of it, to move into Volvo only to be told later all of these promises offered to get us to leave our jobs are no longer gonna be valid. Hmmm, how is that fair? If you are a lawyer, you should know EXACTLY why this country is in the shape its in, not buying American products, letting lawyers make dollar after dollar filing frivolous lawsuits breaking companies like Volvo, and suing doctors causing malpractice insurance premiums to rise, thus raising health insurance costs. He who lives in a glass house shouldnt throw stones big boy. I am a welder, and a robot operator. I am trained at what I do, and so are my counterparts. I dont see lawyers who are trained to do their jobs offering services for $10.00 an hour.
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 written by mike, February 05, 2008
So when volvo made billions upon billions of dollars for the last 4 years and the employees are a major part of that profit, when the recession hits, they automatically want to take benefits away from the workers. The last contract they gave concessions eventhough the volvo was making tons of money. I take it you are a lawyer, as you referred to employment law. Does a lawyer care if you make 21 dollars per hour or 15 per hour when they come in needing assistance... NO !!!! all they want is the money in the end whether or not he/she gets what their client wanted.... same freaking scenerio.... big companys **** on their employees everyday, and its time for it to stop... fight for what you got, cause YOU would do the same if you was in the same prediciment...support your blue collar workers !!!!!!
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written by Dublin Resident, February 05, 2008
I think each of the readers need to review the article found on this website today.
Jobless Rate Increases Across The New River Valley Written by David Grimes Tuesday, 05 February 2008 The jobless rate continued to rise across the New River Valley during the month of December and things don’t look any better for the future. According to the latest figures released by Virginia Employment Commission, not only was the jobless rate go up throughout the NRV, it was also up across the Commonwealth as well. In December 2007, the state’s jobless rate was 3.3 percent, compared to 3.0 percent in November. Both of these figures are below the national unemployment rate of 4.8 percent in December, up from 4.5 in November. Locally, the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford area unemployment rate increased from 3.4 percent in November to 3.7 percent in December. In Pulaski County, the jobless rate rose from 3.9 percent in November to 4.3 percent in December. In Giles County, unemployment jumped to 4.6 percent in December compared to 3.7 percent in November. The leisure and hospitality industry saw seasonal reductions of 2,700 to 334,800 at resort hotels and recreational facilities. Private education and health care employment declined 1,700 to 420,100 as some private schools and colleges were starting year-end holiday breaks. Construction employment was reduced 1,500 to 250,700 by the seasonal completion of projects. Year-end factory furloughs lowered manufacturing employment 400 to 286,400, according to William F. Mezger, Chief Economist. Northern Virginia continued to have the lowest unemployment rate with 2.5 percent in December, compared to 2.3 in November. The Danville area was once again the highest with 6.2 percent in December, compared to 5.5 percent in November. However, there was some good news, Virginia’s 224,000 factory production workers earned an average weekly wage of $746.10, which was $14.18 above the November average weekly wage and was $30.82 higher than the December 2006 average weekly wage. The average length of the workweek rose 0.4 hour to 42.2 hours and was 0.1 hour longer than the workweek the previous December. The average hourly factory pay rate of $17.68 in December was $.17 above November and $.69 higher than in December 2006. report abuse
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 written by Austin, February 05, 2008
You know what, I see people everyday who would love to simply WORK, be it minimum wage or the ludicrous amount Volvo pays you.....I do not support illegal immigration, but at least those people realize there is a world that is much worse out there than the one you work in.
I find it funny, illegals have nothing, and everyone hates them, heck even I complain about them, yet they fuss and whine less than a person that has made twice the median wage (industrial) in this country for more than a decade?! People support this strike less than the current writer’s strike, (and yes folks, people DO see you that way, as sad as it is to my NRV brothers and sisters, people see you as greedy as a TELEVISION WRITER). Sad times indeed… report abuse
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written by Austin, February 05, 2008
A. Jenny: "then replace us with cowards." Why call people who would be grateful for a job, not just good pay, BUT A JOB PERIOD, cowards?? I think the real cowards are those who expect companies and government to supply their every need. (P.S. I am a specialist in employment law, see last post, so yes I know what recall rights are.)
Maybe a good old fashioned layoff is needed for Union workers, maybe calling back those 600 laid off non-union members last Friday would do a world of good...get folks appreciating work again!! B. David, Barack or Hilary will make socialist healthcare availible soon enough...P.S. check and see if Sweden is a Democracy  C. I'd really like to see some stats on this "so-called giving" to the community...folks that does not mean shopping at wal-mart or McDonald's, we all do that...giving means taking 10-20% of your income and giving it to the town of Pulaski or Dublin or Goodwill, etc...can you honestly say you do that?? D. To all of you putting Randy down for not being "a good little union bee"...who really are the bullies here Volvo or UAW??? E. In case you forgot it is Tuesday...a workday, now jump off the computer and head back to work...Thanks! report abuse
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 written by Vanessa Gentile, February 04, 2008
As a wife of UAW 171 I completely support and back UAW 2069. I am glad to see men and women stand up for what they beleive in. I myself work for a company that we take what they give us with out question. I just wish I had the oportunity to stand up for what I beleive in. As far as other ignorant people stating that you need to stop the strike and work or they will move the jobs somewhere else with Mexicans doing the work, this is what is wrong with the US today. Let the foreigners come in and take over everything for free, which is the reason the US is in the situation it is. We continue as americans to bow down to upper authority and gave them what they want and not stand for what we believe in. If the US would take better care of the workers of all kinds the US would not be in the state it is today. UAW 2069 continue to stand proud with all of the non ignorant people standing behind you and supporting you. If myself was closer I would bring you the coffe and donuts and stand right there beside you and help you stand for what you believe in. All the ignorant people that have trashed this strike just need to go back to you jobs.
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written by Jenny Fisher, February 04, 2008
Complain about your own jobs and leave ours alone!!
Do you have any idea what Recall rights are? Probably not if you work for a non-union company. If we accept what Volvo is offering us right now, within a year we probably won't have a job. All they would have to do is have a layoff (which I might add happens at least 1-2 times a year) and then replace us with cowards. Believe me it won't be a fair game. Of course, then again, maybe if we do go back and lose the rights we have WORKED hard to protect Volvo will hire people like you to come in and work for minimum wage. Then get back on here and tell us to go back to work, tuck our tails between our legs and accept whatever Volvo wants to do to us. Until you actually know what you are talking about go back and hide in your holes until WE can build your community back up. Because apparently none of you are willing to stand up for anything! report abuse
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written by David Gentile, February 04, 2008
Randy you say they need to do this to support the community but think about it if Volvo gets their way the community welfare will not be good because it is the people working at this plant that make the donations to the local community no the company. If they stop and go back to work with what they are being offered they will not have the money to support the commnunity and the value of the community will go down so that means for people like you will not go the benefit of the community value. So think next time you decide to voice your opinion and not support these men and women. I completely support their decision to to stand up for what they beleive in. Just because you let people push you around doesnt mean everyone should.
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written by David Gentile, February 04, 2008
Austin you think you are so bright but think about it when your family is sick or deathly ill who do you think helps pay your ridicously high medical bills. Volvo is a swedish company that the government pays for the medical coverage. This is what they are standing up for.
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Austin Comments Make Good Common Sense, Lowly rated comment [Show]
written by Austin, February 04, 2008
"Take a look at Michigan and the industrialized north and ask yourself, "Why did all those plants pick up roots and move to the South or other countries?"
Folks if you make over $15.00 an hour, get back to work, if you don't I agree strike... But the big picture in all this: A. Virginia will not let them run an unsafe work enviroment, so drop that arguement... B. The American notion that "Insurance comes with working" is not only outdated it is morally wrong, scripture tells us that we are each responsible for ourselves, not that VOLVO is responsible for me, my wife, kids, dog, mother, father....THEY HIRED YOU, not your family. I work in the service industry for employment...IF THAT PLANT EVER LEAVES THAT COUNTY...DO NOT, I REPEAT DO NOT EVER SAY THEY WERE UNFAIR TO LEAVE...THEY SHOULD LEAVE...they need to go to a place where people ware grateful to have a job that pays over $15.00 an hour...perhaps if you live paycheck to paycheck you should look at reducing YOUR expenses...This strike is an insult to every worker in Pulaski County, SouthWest Virginia, the state and the COUNTRY....PepsiCo, Gatorade, James Hardie, they all work with chemical products and heavy lifting...Do you see them striking... You people have reached a new level of "ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS" Don't give me that crap that Volvo is more dangerous than a Coal mine ever was...Please, and they worked for PENNIES.............P-E-N-N-I-E-S GO TO WORK! report abuse
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 written by Angela, February 04, 2008
You say right on to support for Randy!! Support for Randy says he won't support the strike. You ARE a volvo employee you ARE UNION if you don't support the strike then go back to the NON UNION job you came from. No one is making you stay!! We have what we have because we fought for it. I'm not so far from the rat hole I crawled out of that I don't remember what I came from. I remember what my job was like when the workers layed down in fear and took what they were handed. They took it without question I might add.
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written by Jenny, February 03, 2008 I just wanted to respond to the people who think we are striking because we are spoiled and greedy. Yes, it is true that we make good money and we also have good benefits. Do you think Volvo volunteered to give those to us? NO we, as a Union, fought to obtain everything we have. We are striking because we want a safe work environment and we want to preserve the benefits we have worked so hard for. We have families and face the same struggles that many of you do. There’s no rainbow over my house just because I work at Volvo. report abuse
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written by Angela, February 03, 2008
I know the people of this valley believe we are spoiled, lazy brats up here at the plant. Most of us are not, we go to work every day and work very hard for what we get. Personally, I don't plan on my body being 60 before I am even 40! Most of us have physically hard jobs and many of us have some form of a permanent injury from those jobs, even when all the precautions were followed. I will leave the plant before my body is destroyed! I will fight like hell to leave the people who come in behind me a decent place to work. We are tired of losing every contract! They take from our new hires and they take from our retired!!! They are playing a game of divide and conquer! WORKERS UNITE! This time WE fight!!
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written by David Gentile, February 03, 2008
To all of those who dont believe in the strke you need to know what volo is trying to take away.Instead of local 2069 lying down and taking it like you would and complain every day they go to work. Their standing up for what they believe. Dont go around put them down for standing for something. My wife and I stand behind those men and women 100%. I work for local 171 and stand behind local 2069.
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Unions in General, Lowly rated comment [Show]
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 written by Someone who would like to retire someday, February 03, 2008
To those who don't agree with the strike:
Your not seeing the whole picture. Volvo profits have been WAY up in the last few years. Now they want to drastically cut workers health benefits and total do away with benefits for the retirees. Your saying it's ok to treat man who has spent 30 years making the company what it is like that? How can you say it's ok to take food off of that’s man table, and fatten some foreign share holders wallet? Were not asking for any thing unreasonable. We want Volvo to make money so that we can too. Volvo doesn't care about it's employees, they just care about the bottom line. Just ask any one who worked at Winnsboro (SP?) South Carolina plant. For the last several years Volvo has done nothing but take from it's AMERICAN workers. It's time to say the enough is enough! report abuse
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Votes: +13
 written by A MACK RETIREE, February 02, 2008
I stand behind Volvo Striking Workers 100%. If the plant was not so far away from Allentown, I would walk along side the the striking workers. I am sure in the near future that UAW Empolyees at Mack will follow them to the streets. I am a retired Mack Worker (Volvo now owns Mack) and in April 2008 they are taking away most of the retires health benefits and the company is doing this without any negotiations with the UAW. Volvo is from Sweden where the entire population is under a health care system with is government-funded. Here in America we do not have government funded health benefits until we reach the age of 65. Throughout Mack's 107 year history Mack has provided it employees with benefits during their employment and retirement. Volvo could care less how difficult it will be for the Retirees. I hope the Striking Workers from the Volvo Dublin Plant make sure the negotiate contract that will benfit the workers and is also good for the company.
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Votes: +14
 written by An Employee of Volvo, February 02, 2008
Jim, I suspect there are many who do not understand this strike and what it is all about. I know that other businesses will be affected, but they need to know that we want to get back in the building and start working again, just as they want us to do. The strike will be rough on my family financially, but it will be even more severe on my family in the future if we do not get a contract that looks after us and our families.
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Votes: +15
 written by Volvo Worker, February 02, 2008
Jim: You might want to pull up the Roanoke Times Volvo article for today. David at EverythingNRV had much information, more than TV station and wesbtes, but the Roanoke Times hits on some good points.
As for Support For Randy, right on! report abuse
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Votes: -3
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 written by Jason C., February 02, 2008
Randy, not all of us out there on the "line" make great money. That is a wrong perception the public has. Many of us just live paycheck to paycheck. We have families, medical needs and a need for greater sense of security. Most of the people I work with are very hard workers and many really want to be back in there working, not for the money, but for the fact that we love our job. And that goes beyond what we are paid.
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Votes: +12
 written by a supporter, February 02, 2008
You say most folks would be afraid to strike. Heck, most folks I know would complain about the high cost of gas and get all the strikers complaining that they aren't at least getting gas money to drive to the plant.
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Votes: +0
 written by jim simpson, February 02, 2008
Randy brings up a good point about strikes. It not only affects the strikers and the companies, but the contracts they have with other businesses. I don't think people reading about this are getting the true picture of how many people this affects indirectly. The newspapers should go see and report this. Hell, one of the news reports I read about the strike was only one sentence. The news people aren't reporting all there is that people should know.
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Votes: +0
 written by tim rivers, February 02, 2008
Folks I know, including me, wouldn't have the courage to do this. Our employers would either fire us or move our job to Mexico!
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Votes: +1
 written by fatmama, February 02, 2008
Taking coffee and donuts out to the people walking the picket lines is a good idea, especially for those of us in other unions. We can be all googly with our words to tell them we appreciate them or we can get off our fat ass and support them in actions as well. Support their strike!
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Votes: +17
 written by anonymous, February 02, 2008
I say you should bring them coffee and donuts! Stand up for your benefits and rights.
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Votes: +18
strike at VPLT, Lowly rated comment [Show]
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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!!!!!!!!