|
      |
| Volvo Strike Continues; Congressman Boucher Reportedly Met With Union Executives Monday |
|
|
|
| Written by David Grimes | |
|
As the strike entered its eleventh day on Monday, members of the United Auto Workers Local 2069 continue to man the picket lines outside, while U.S. Congressman Rick Boucher met with union executives inside the Union Hall in Dublin.
Strikers told EverythingNRV.com that Congreesman Boucher had been inside the Union Hall meeting with the local union leaders Monday morning.
We were not allowed inside the Union Hall and phone calls left with the secretary for Lester Hancock, local union president, and Tim Barnes, local union vice-president were not returned. Also, attempts to reach Congressman Boucher have been unsuccessful, as well.
EverythingNRV.com recently obtained a letter from Volvo, in which Per Carlsson, President and CEO of Volvo Trucks North America, sent to a local newspaper concerning Volvo’s side of the strike.
In that letter dated Feb. 6, 2008, Carlsson wrote, “ Given the impact Volvo’s plant has on the NRV region, I think it’s important for the community to know certain facts. First, our employees would still be working if the UAW had not left the table. The negotiations were progressing, and we were surprised the UAW decided to walk away and strike. Second, we are committed to providing our employees with a healthy, safe work environment. We stand ready to work with the UAW to resolve any safety concerns.”
Carlsson further added, “Volvo has made major investments at NRV, and we want it to be a globally competitive facility. We provide our employees with competitive wages, and benefits better than those available to most people in the United States. But our business is global, and we must work with our employees to ensure that we can compete. We need the UAW’s help to control our health care costs, improve manpower stability and flexibility, and reduce excessive absenteeism – and I’m confident that we can resolve these issues in a way that is fair to our employees and to the company. All of us at Volvo hope that this unnecessary strike is short, and that the UAW will return to the table soon.”
Attempts to get comments from local union leaders concerning this letter have been unsuccessful thus far.
“There is always two sides to every story,” said Benzena Eaves, a 31-year employee of Volvo, when asked about the letter Monday. “Our side [UAW] of the story is that we feel like we did what we had to do and now its up to Volvo to come forward and treat us fair.”
John Miles, Volvo spokesman, stated, “It is very unfortunate that this strike is going on and we hope that the UAW will come back to the table soon.”
Photos: (Top left) Benzena Eaves works the picket lines. (Right) UAW Local 2069 workers continue to man the picket lines Monday morning. (Photos by David Grimes)
Comments (25)
  written by Go UAW!!!, February 20, 2008
If the people at all these other so called low paying jobs had a union to fight for them they would be doing the same thing. Why not, there are men and women that have worked at Volvo for years and also walked a picket line or two to get where they are today so you tell me why they should take any less than what they have??? Don't be judgemental or sore because your name didn't pop out at the VEC, There are alot more important issues than the $$$$$ signs you all see. I stand behind these people 100% and I have family that are residence of Dublin Va and they stand behind them too so speak for yourself when you say Dublin don't approve of this strike heck most of the people employed at Volvo are from that area how could they not approve???? Stand up UAW and fight!!
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: +6
 written by tommy lee, February 20, 2008
Just what corporate America needs, scabs wanting to cross picket lines. Not a wise move, not at all. Everyone is jealous over union jobs because A) they applied & never got hired or B) they feel union wages & benefits are "excessive". WHO can raise a family on $15/hr? Excessive is THE PRICE OF GAS! Listen, I got no problems with this OIL WAR, but lets say it like it is. OPEC loves to play games, what a joke. Soon everything will be made in China and there wont be any good jobs left. Press 1 to proceed in ENGLISH! Thanks NAFTA, the trucks' frame rails come from Mexico.
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: +5
Highest Wages in the Area, Lowly rated comment [Show]
 written by llehsem, February 20, 2008
Volvo has gotton many incentives and state money also.
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: +5
 written by dja, February 20, 2008
Volvo had a 10% greater profit last year. It is increasing the stockholder payout this year also. Who is greedy?
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: +6
 written by MWA, February 20, 2008
YOU KNOW WHAT PEOPLE REALLY DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT THIS STRIKE IS ABOUT AND THEY SHOULDN'T ASSUME IT IS ABOUT MONEY OR THAT VOLVO EMPLOYEES ARE GREEDY. YES THEY MAKE GOOD MONEY AND THEY WORK VERY HARD FOR IT TOO, IT IS MANUAL LABOR NOT TEACHING CLASSES OR RUNNING A CASH REGISTER. I AM NOT AT ALL SAYING THAT THOSE JOBS AREN'T HARD, I HAVE A BROTHER WHO IS A POLICE OFFICER AND BELIEVE ME I KNOW. THE PEOPLE AT VOLVO AND THE UNION HAVE WORKED FOR THE LAST 30 YEARS TO GET THE CONTRACTS THAT THEY HAVE AND THEY SHOULD NEVER TAKE ANYTHING ANY LESS THAN WHAT THEY HAVE. MAYBE PEOPLE SHOULD FIND OUT WHAT THIS STRIKE IS ABOUT, HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES, THINK YOURSELF WOULD YOU LIKE TO WORK OR HANDLE MATERIALS EACH DAY THAT YOU AREN'T SURE ARE SAFE?? HOW WOULD YOUR FAMILIES FEEL ABOUT THAT? THESE PEOPLE AREN'T DOING THIS FOR MORE MONEY AT ALL! WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE LAID OFF FROM YOU JOB OF 15 YEARS BECAUSE OF NEED TO LOWER PRODUCTION AND COME BACK IN 6 MONTHS TO START ALL OVER, NO SENIORITY, NO VACATION, LOWER PAY SCALES? ISN'T THAT WHAT WE ALL WORK FOR? BEFORE YOU JUDGE THESE PEOPLE ASK YOURSELF THOSE QUESTIONS!!!!
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: +8
 written by kd, February 19, 2008
what are you people thinking??? college professors do not make an income as much as you ! you should all be ashamed for being so greedy. Maybe a few days at police work,or walmart would be an eye opening experience!!!
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: -5
 written by gw, February 19, 2008
if your walking.
instead of talking. who is the loser? who is the user? food for thought!! report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: -5
written by tommy lee, February 14, 2008
The union is the only thing left that can fend off corporate greed. When you consider the rate at which this apex predator is devouring competition, its simply astounding. From White/GMC to Autocar, now Mack, Renault, and Poor Nissan Diesel is next on the chopping block. They've been Aquired, and Integrated, Synergy is next. Volvo also owns Ingersol-Rand and The Bobcat brand as well. The pattern is clear. Buy the competition, make as much stuff common as possible, save cash on parts = larger profits, and in the meantime play take-away from the workers. Enjoy while it lasts. Just have one question thats been festering for quite sometime, that is --- what are they going to do when theres only TWO players left? God bless you Local 2069.
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: +5
written by MichelleS, February 13, 2008
lookie what i found on another forum...Austin you light as well give up!
"For those of you not familiar with Dublin, VA, the residents of this town do not support this strike. The average wage at that plant is $20.00 - $35.00 an hour and they have full benefits. It has been rated one of the safest work enviroments in SouthWest Virginia and these people are ungrateful!!!! We support Volvo! " -- Austin of Dublin Feb. 11, 2008 at 12:27 PM report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: -2
 written by Jack Samuel, February 13, 2008
You guy really trust UAW?
Wake up!! report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: -1
 written by Randy Webb, February 13, 2008
Did I miss something. I appreciate the support and all, but what the hay, man!! We suport everyone when the time comes, we always send money and some of our guys to picket alongside our other brothers and sisters.
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: +2
 written by EX UNION, February 13, 2008
Just so that all of the strikers know this one fact - The strike will not hurt Volvo at all - They will probobly just increase production after you return. Meanwhile, you will be living in shelters with no money!
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: +0
written by tommy lee, February 12, 2008
hey big mouth Randy, just wanted to let you know that were taking up a gate collection for Local 2069 this Friday. We care about you folks, your fight is our fight. Just remember to return the favor in the event the Mack Council goes on strike and you end up standing around because there wont be any engines or transmissions coming from Hagerstown. Fear not, the money is coming, were working tons of overtime up here. Later.
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: +5
 written by D, February 12, 2008
I will GLADLY show my support for you all. My self being a union person, CWA 2204 to be exact
 . I drive by the picket lines just to root you all on! Stay united, stay warm and stay all the way
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: +6
written by Randy Webb, February 12, 2008
A Blue State! My thoughts exactly!!!! He was the first one to voice his support for us!
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: -2
 written by Change of Heart, February 12, 2008  Okay, I had a chance to print and read all of the blogs, last night, setting there highlighting all of the write and wrong reason for standing up for your families and for your rights as Union workers. I began to think of the man I married that has worked 7 days a week at Vovlo to put our 3 sons through college. I began to think of how wonderful he was and all that he had worked for to provide 2 of them a wonderful education, support and love. Honestly I guess after I read the one from the one guy I realize that if we had more info (bullet points)well maybe we would understand. I will be making my way to the picket line with goodies and treats. I will back my community. I will back you and trust you. I will open my yard to you we live close to Volvo. I would like some signs in our yard so that when people passed they could see we support our brothers and sisters. God be with each of you as you go to the table and our prayers are with you. report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: +5
 written by Tony, February 12, 2008
I want to thank your reporter and website for staying on top of the Volvo strike in Pulaski. As a union member in North Carolina, its nice to be able to stay on top of what's happening with my fellow brothers and sisters. The one thing which I admire is the fact that your website and your reporter have been very fair and have tried to report both sides of the story equally and unbiased. I hope other news agencies in your area will follow your lead.
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: +4
 written by A Blue State!, February 11, 2008
Greetings from Maryland! Union members in Virginia - tomorrow is an important day for you. Stand your place on the line, but make sure you stand your place in the voting line as well. 8 years is enough of Republican policy that hurts American workers. A big turnout for Obama will start a journey to make America a great place for working men and women!
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: -1
 written by Jay Stetz, February 11, 2008
You are wrong about Boucher. He'll take ALL the credit when the strike is solved.
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: +3
written by Michelle, February 11, 2008 to Kevin Barnette. Thanks!
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: +0
 written by Darrin Stevens, February 11, 2008
I guess Boucher will not take credit for solving the strike. He takes credit for everything else.
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: +0
written by Randy Webb, February 11, 2008
Thats how it is. I am sure that every one uf us wants to at least go back to the table, but it is out of our hands. It is up to the International UAW and Volvo. We will be strong with support from people like you!!!
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: +2
 written by Kevin Barnett, February 11, 2008
I have been around this world for a little over 40 years and i have either been the child of a union man, (UMWA) or i have been in the union (UAW Local 3520) for that entire time. I have never in my life heard of workers not wanting to negotiate. To me this is more of the corporate BS that is being spread all over America. Instead of us as workers focusing on the real problems in America, these big corporations turn us on each other. I doubt very seriously if it is the bargaining committee of Local 2069 who doesnt want to go back to the table. Remember this those big corporate big wigs are still getting their full pay checks and the hard working men and women fo UAW Local 2069 are not. WHO DO YOU WANT TO BELIEVE? I know who i will listen to and its not the big business who thinks they can give you a job and you should kiss their butts for it. What happened to dignity in the workplace, what happened to Americans being proud and standing up for one another. I will stand behind those union men and women because i know their fight is a just one.
Kevin D Barnett UAW Local 3520 Cleveland NC report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes: +3
Write comment
|
Subscribe to this comment's feed
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
| Traffic Land Video |
|---|
|
|
| Blacksburg's First Wednesday's Celebration 5-07-08 |
|---|
|
|
Photos by David Grimes |
|
 |
 |
 |
| Today's Birthday | |
|---|---|
|
Sir James Matthew Barrie was a Scottish novelist and dramatist best known for creating the character Peter Pan, whom he based on his friends, the Llewelyn Davies boys. Educated at Dumfries Academy and Edinburgh University, he became a journalist and, later, a celebrated novelist who counted Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Thomas Hardy amongst his friends and acquaintances. Why was Barrie disappointed with the statue of Peter Pan erected in Kensington Gardens, London?
If you don't have a job there its your own fault, you have to put forth a little effort to get a job. If you can't take a stand to change your current situation, QUIT complaining......
Union Strong