Once again you made a clear and intelligent post I wish more people like you were representing your side on this site, however I will have to disagree with you again.

The Unions in the 1900's and 1930's up to about the 1950's were a great thing for America, however they cannot protect your job or income. Period. A company can move or simply downsize their operations anywhere in the world. The problem here is that most people need to learn economics, if you look at the turn of the century in the 1900's the amount of business owners was up to around the 80% range yet with immigration that went down. From there many American have become employees, and today the numbers are reversed. The problem with this, is that many Americans rely on one company! You can no longer do that in today's society, union or not (the unions will eventually die off). WIth new companies growing many of the people in today's work place will switch jobs every five years and work for a new company with higher pay and more benefits. In the long run, it may sound crazy, it works better. Why because you are now running your own show and not at the mercy of a company for 30 years.

Look at what UAW has got you now, new employees have to wait how long before insurance? Who will get promoted for management? Volvo may not be able to fire you, but they can do many other things and eventually the things you hold dear to you will become lost.

Also, NAFTA and Free trade have a part in it but a company is only as good as the profits are and when the bottom line hits bottom then no one wins. Unions were a great thing for America fifty years ago, but over time they have proven to be more damaging in the last 50 years and you cannot dispute that! No matter how you look at it, companies with unions are always struggling. Also, if Volvo moved to Mexico, they will still sell in America, there's nothing saying they can't and just because they unloaded a bunch of workers, won't mean a thing to guy with a carrier company looking to make ends meet.

In the ends, I am a business owner even up to this day outside of the NRV area and when you think about things as a business owner you look at numbers. The worker who do good, get treated good those who are wasting time and money get the shaft.

Tommy Lee, you are a smart poster and hopefully you can get back to work soon, yet this is where I stand and God Bless you. Votes: +1

Danielsan, must focus,
the REAL REASON companies move operations elseware is because of stupid political agreements like NAFTA and FREE trade with China. FREE trade for who? Corporate GREED is what sends those jobs away. The majority of components in ANY automobile today are NOT made here. NO those framerails on a Silverado are not made here, they are made in Mexico, the body panels are made in Canada.

WHY? stay with me here --- No one (not even you Danny) is willing to pay the price for American made goods. There is just one problem with this, WHEN enough decent jobs are GONE/LOST due to corporate greed none of us are going to be able to buy anything. The global leveling flood gates have opened, there is now more then ever plenty of people willing to work for less and everyone's standard of living is declining rapidly because of this. Everyone WILL work for less and less and less. Couple that with a FED chairman who has less than zero for a clue as to what he is doing and we have a serious recession here in America. The perfect storm for negotiations if you will. THE UNION is the ONLY thing left (and they are a dieing breed sad to say) that can help working men/women negotiate wages suitable to raise a family and a modest one at that. Companies don't like unions because they FORCE a fair wage and benefit to be paid, however if the company would of treated their workers FAIRLY to start with, no unions would exist. Do you know what WAL-MART does when a union is trying to form? They close the plant and sell the land. Why? Because they realize they wont be able to get away with paying people a lousey $7/hr and no healthcare, meanwhile the owners count their BILLIONS. Wake up Danny. You seem smart, but your not thinking about the working men and women here.

And by the way, VOLVO cant fire the union. If they could that would of happened long ago. They have to recoginize and bargain (in good faith) with the UAW as per NRLB laws that do exist. All they can do is try to break them and If they move their plants to Mexico I will garuntee you with GOD as my witness they will NOT sell trucks in these United States of America.
I wont post anymore, I've made my point crystal clear. Take care Danny. Votes: +1

Tommy Lee,

I listen and you have made the most intelligent response4 to any inquiries made here. However I want to know something are you upper management or a line worker in the plant? Basically do you have access to the long term plan? If not then you are guessing as good as any other guy that does none of us any good. Correct? If you do have access more power to you and your argument.

Yet here's the thing, if Volvo is going to have problems in the future then beware of asking so much in your demands because they won't care about you. In the eyes of many all of you (UAW) are like kids beating a bee hive with a stick and if you keep doing that, guess what will happen?

You don't have the power you think you have, Volvo does! I have owned a franchise in Central Va for a time and it folded because of employees demanding more than what comes in. So if Volvo has issues coming up in 2010 and we all know issues are not cheap to resolve, correct? So it will cost them some money right? The employees are expecting raises, right? Who will get the axe? The employees. Understand one thing: business's are there to make profits, not employee's welfare. They never and never will. So Tommy I agree with you on this one and never did I say that Volvo is a nice and caring company they have no right to be! You the employee must find your own way in this world and union are a false label to protect you. Look at how many companies have left America because of Unions, look at how memberships have gone down and then look at how ruthless you people have become.

I'm originally from south philly and many of my cousins belonged to the teamsters and today none of them care for the union. EIther way you look at it unions are a false sense of security. Even if you get your jobs back I can gaurantee you that Volvo is thinking about relocation, because it is about profits.

Get your heads out of the sand!

Also, where's UAW's stance on violence? Whether they committed these acts or not they need to release a statement that says they don't tolerate it....oh that's right because they do tolerate it!

Find a new job! Volvo FIRE them all! Votes: +1

Listen close Dan, I know you can hear, but you probably dont listen.

The fact that there is a union at this plant means that the company would otherwise treat their workers like crap. Believe this statement - the COMPANY caused this plant to be unionized, not the workers.

And another thing, this strike is nothing compared to what Volvo is in for when the 2010 emissions laws take affect. You see, their top level management doesn't listen either. To make a long story short, Volvo will be at a SIGNIFICANT disadvantage at that time in terms of price because some of competition has smarter solutions for the 2010 emissions.

One more thing that really burns my backside - Volvo is all about GREED, VERY good at aquireing companies, synergizing them to get common parts for volume pricing, and consolidating manpower of the said aquisition. We once HAD a very stong reliable MACK TRUCK and it took 100 years to make it that way. Unlike Renault, Volvo didn't leave a sleeping dog lay. No big deal, once the milk drys up they'll sell, just like WHITE and AUTOCAR. Ask those guys if VOLVO CARES ! Votes: +2

Hourly employees get the same benefits whether they are Union or not!! EXACT same benefits Votes: -1

I just want to make it clear to the person who claimed that non-union employees get the same benefits as the union, that this is NOT TRUE!!!

Non-union employees contribute toward the cost of premiums for their health insurance, union workers do now.

Non-union retirees pay for their own health insurance, union retirees do not.

Be sure you have your facts straight before tossing fuel on the fire. Votes: +0

i think that there is enough people out there against the strike that we should all come together and start picketing right across the road from the union strike. show volvo and the nrv that there is people out here ready to go to work. and maybe volvo will just get rid of the union all together. Votes: -1

Well, Just remember something.....You are striking in an area where jobs are hard to come by.....just because your union, dont mean you cant be replaced.....cause if you keep striking for what you "believe" in.....you might as well start "believeing" in getting replaced....trust me, Im sure Volvo is not gonna have any trouble finding and training 2600 people. Votes: -4

If you did your research companies right now are giving out benefits in order to recruit top flight talent, the reason why they are constantly struggling with has to do with two things, either a the profits are down or two the employees aren't worth it anymore, so we all know Volvo made a lot of money this past year so I guess it's number two.

You don't need to "fight" for benefits you do have to show that you earn them and any company will reward those who work hard for them. We know that you people don't you are free loaders who occupy a space and expect to get paid more for being there regardless of effort!

Also getting back to the main point from the start of this: I want to hear from UAW members and the head down that you do not condone the actions of violence towards the non-union workers. Why is this so hard? I know why, because you probably do. For those of you, like Hmmmmmmm and I see dumb people, you need to realize that it doesn't matter whether they have arrested someone or not you can make a statement that says "we as UAW 2069 do not condone or tolerate such actions" however I think I'm wasting my time with you idiots because you won't do it.

Volvo! Fire them ALL! They're not worth it! Fire UAW! Votes: -4

There are acts of vandalism happening. It has happened to me. These senseless acts are the UAW's only way to retaliate. It's sad really. It's like a little kid throwing a fit when they don't get their way. So to whomever decided it was a good idea to vandalize my property - you are facing a felony - and I will find you. Votes: +0

I work at Volvo for the wages and the benfits. I join the union by choice. If you are so against the union don't except the benfits that the union fought for and won. Volvo DID NOT give these things out of the goodness of their heart. Votes: +9

to the unionis you apparentley arent the one who has been vandilized against. and yes can prove hat this is union members doing this to me when they pull out of the union hall and follow me yea i think they are the union people. Votes: -5

You talk about the non union employyes !!!! this really urks me you know the non union employees are getting the same benifits as we are ,We are doing the dirty work for the non union!!!!!!!!!!
THEY should not get what we have worked for
Votes: +5

Here we are going into the 5th week of the strike, people spending hrs, days gathering to stand together to achieve a common goal, stand strong for a common cause, and that's a fair, and beneficial contract, so that all involved can venture back into a safe, productive, and fair compensated work environment.

I can understand that a lot of people have placed themselves in positions of long hrs, and days standing together for what they believe in, yet, must they see their efforts destroyed by a few,(of which they aren't known of at this time),that seem to not seek a mature form of self-discipline?
The strike actions became noticed automaticly on Feb 1st, and continues to be monitored by members, Plant staff, and society as a whole, apparently this doesn't matter to some, whoever they may be.
But whatever negative actions occur will have an adverse effect upon the cause so many stand strong to uphold, and use common sense on keeping themselves presented as determined, yet, rational, responsible, and reasoning human beings.

Based on March 5th date for re-start of negotiations, anything outside of establishing a good, constructive, unified image to a fair contract will result in a grave injury to all the efforts placed forth since Feb 1st.

In summation, if they're people who cross lines against solidarity, then let them, the presence of a unified group regardless of number shall soon come to be their "Second Conscience." And logicly, nothing else need be done.

The major, and ultimate issue at hand is not to be allowing one's self to fall prey to the negative aspects of an un-disciplined human emotion, but rise above it, and for once use common sense, and possess the mature, responsible attitude of which Volvo, the Union, and society expects of you.

And for some who feel they must go against the manner in which people stand together, and by writing this Quote, it may not seem to be a lot of people's view, but it's time to come out of past centuries, and understand when a powerful political figure once said, and I quote..."A house divided, cannot stand."

So as time progresses, when these people who separate themselves from a cause, and as forces beyond their control tend to take hold, and as the end results, tend not to be favorable, nor beneficial to themselves, let it be them to ask the questions unto themselves, as to whether their actions caused the downfall of what they felt was a moment in time that would never, ever end.

Believe me people, this has occurred for centuries throughout the world, and if all aren't careful, it could happen entirely in the work environments of which we participate, here, as well as globally.

And as for the Titled term of Christian, and i speak in a religious manner, for all those who come to acknowledge, may they also remember a very, very intense phrase of which affects us all to this very day, the phrase being.

"Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do." Votes: +7

Dear Hmmmmmmmmmmmm.........I've seen some funny comments on here, but yours gets a big "thumbs up". If only we could all laugh and get this thing settled. Votes: -3

Dan drop and give me 10 for making clueless comments. Votes: +2

The actions of certain members of the Union are reflecting on the Union as a whole and nothing you can say or do can change that in the public's eye. If the Union membership is so poorly disciplined that they feel the commission of felonies, which the police ARE investigating, and scaring children and young mothers are justified, the Union leadership has failed. The leadership is responsible for the actions of its members. The inability to prevent the irresponsible acts of its membership draws attention away from the issues over which you are striking. Votes: +0

To Hmmmmmmmmm and Funny

First off it doesn't matter how you want it, it's perception, I served seven years in the military and whenver we messed up the punishment came back on everybody in the unit. The UAW must deal with matter and face the ones who did it and instead of making excuses for "allowing" this behavior you need to make a statement of not tolerating this type of behaviour.

Of all of your posts on here none of you ever say "we don't stand for that" yet you make excuses like well it wasn't me. If you stand for that then again pack it up and leave.

Funny, I can post whatever I want and chance are they won't be reading this but you never know.

Again Fire them all and find new workers!

Votes: -4

According to some of you, you think the Union is responsible for its members actions. So does that mean Volvo is responsible for its employees away from work, the church is responsible for its members away from the church, and let's see just to show you how ridiculous this theory is other countries are responsible for their citizens behavior outside of their country.

If any of your accusations are true, why don't you report it to the police and not try find justice on a public forum? Makes me wonder if it's true. Hmmmm, maybe I can get Humane Society to pay for that broken dog collar, afterall the dog was once a member there. Votes: +5

Actually "Funny", based our conversations with Volvo representatives and the European traffic the site is getting, the posts are being read by Volvo. Knowing this is why I have tried to plead with people not to get so worked up on these other message boards at other sites - especially when I knew they were getting worked up over something posted by someone, if the truth be known, who actually worked at the website and only wanted to use the strike as a means to better that wesbite's user count. You have no idea of how some of these message boards out there and their posts have worked against the Union with regard to Volvo. In some respects Volvo is seeing a work force available that doesn't care much for the Union - when in reality it is just a few people doing nothing more than creating controversy for their own benefit. I am thankful that most of the posts we have on this site have been civil and in some cases there have been some very informative posts made here. I believe the good posts are the ones where we can learn something and is not a outlet to create rumor, confusion and hatred. We at EverythingNRV are not interested in 93 people (and some of those are probably duplicates with different email addresses) making hundreds of posts, we are only interested in posts that will work to help the workers get their needs met and back to work, and making sure that Volvo is happy with their investment and workers in Dublin, Va. Our website has enjoyed huge traffic caused by people looking for strike information, but we would trade it in a instant to see everyone happy and back to work. The Union and Volvo are coming back to the table this week.....Perhaps some people need to post some prayers that the negotiations this week are successful? Or maybe not - your call. Votes: +7

This whole deal about the strikers has really been blown out of proportion. First vandilizing someones property is wrong. Scaring a 2yr old is wrong; i can not say whether or not that particler incident was done but i do know the majority of my brothers/sisters would not go to that extreme. 99% of us have children of our own and would not condone such behavior.The spitting is not true ,hurling objects is not true. Union people standing up for what we beleive is all that is going on. As for the nails in driveways and sugar in gas tanks it has not been proven anyone in the union is responsible it could very well be your friend whom you made mad the week before. No one has been reported getting hurt so everyone take a chill pill. Votes: +4

Do you really think Volvo is reading your post...i think it is a waste of your time....lol... Votes: +0

I am a Teamster and an activist. Nobody is more pro-union than I am. That said: The union leadership needs to get a reign on the union membership before the union membership destroys any goodwill they were hoping to gain. Votes: +1

Excuse me but in the beginning your Union stated the following:

WE WILL STAND TOGETHER, ONE UNIT, ONE MIND, ONE ORDER...........

So yes the Union needs to take responisibliy for what's going on. The Union the last time I checked has assumed responsiblity for this strike, well this strike just crossed the line. I feel for the 2 year old and it's sad that adults can't take ownership. Votes: -1

This is very disturbing. I am a victim of this violence but I do not blame all union workers for these actions. However, I no longer have any respect for anyone who remains in the union. If you stay in the union, then it is as if you condone such actions. I am very disappointed with the immaturity of the individuals who came to my house, woke my 2-year-old daughter up in the middle of the night, and damaged my property. My daughter has not been able to sleep at night since the incident because it scared her to death. Even though you were hoping to hurt the individual who actually works at Volvo, you didn't. Volvo has been very kind and has paid for ALL damages that you caused. The only person who was hurt in all of this was my daughter. You all should be ashamed of yourselves. I realize that you are angry with Volvo but you should NEVER take this out on any of the non-union workers. Every person has a right to their own opinion and just because they do not see a need for a strike, doesn't give union members the right to mess with them. I am glad I don't have to go to bed at night with this kind of guilt on my shoulders because I wouldn't be able to sleep. Votes: -1

You can't blame ALL 2600 union workers for a couple of bad apples. I'm sure there are some bad apples amongst the non-union and Volvo employees. Votes: +7