By the way, looks like the layoff is 1200 or more. Votes: +0

In reference to some of the "arrogance" comments. It's really simple to understand. The dictionary is a good place to start.

arrogance:an attitude of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner or in presumptuous claims or assumptions

It has been exibited in these forums and others by the constant claims by Volvo employeees that anyone with a difference of opinion MUST be jealous of them and their jobs. It is exibited in the community by those employees who go into local businesses and all but demand that you treat them different because they work at Volvo. (When you walk into a business and the first words from you are' "I work at Volvo"... well that pretty much sets the stage )
It is also evident recently during the strike by union employees verging on extorting support from local businesses or suffer the consequences later. (YES, they did!)
Sure , there are lots of good people working there , but these aforementioned ones form a stereotype in the community that encompasses the good ones.
Votes: +1

I've known a few Volvo employees but none of them have ever seemed arrogant to me-maybe I've never met them. What have they done that is so arrogant or awful that has brought the anger and what seems like outright hatred from some people? The loss of a job whatever the reason is awful. Families are hurt, the area economy will be hurt. I just think it is one more thing to show how bad things are going in the country not just at this particular Volvo plant. Votes: +0

I am not saying that all Volvo workers are arrogant, only some of them. My boyfriend works there and doesn't have an ounce of arrogance in him.

I worked at the Celanese plant for twenty years and made good money and had excellent benefits. I had a chance to come to Volvo to work but turned it down because I wanted to do something besides work in another factory.

I live in Giles County and I have seen the impact from Celanese removing around 1/2 of their workforce. Jobs in Giles County are few and far between.

I in no way wish that Volvo would close. It is the lifeline of the NRV and to see it close would be a disaster. I only look at the future and think what could happen.

I wish everyone at Volvo the best of luck and pray that the layoff will not last long. Votes: +1

This is a sad situation and unfortunately some people will be celebrating the layoffs, which is even more sad. I don't work for Volvo but I support the union efforts. Too many corporations take advantage of the employees and give them very little in return. I've known too many people who loyally worked years for one company only to be kicked out the door without anything other than a "don't let the door hit you in the ... on your way out".

Layoffs are hitting businesses everywhere not just Volvo so I doubt that you can say the negotiators or the strike brought this on. Blame the economy and its dive downward. Don't blame unions for fighting for themeselves. Votes: +3

Let's talk about arrogance. I don't call it arrogance to be proud that we have a well paying job with excellent benefits. I don't call it arrogance that we are proud to be Union. I call it pride. I know that is hard for some people to understand.

So please humor me and give me a reason why you consider Volvo workers to be arrogant. I think it's just a typical stereotype stemming from the fact that we have better pay and benefits than you. We have worked hard to preserve what we have and most of us earn our pay by working hard everyday. A lot of people have the misconception that we have it made just because we work at Volvo. It's still a job, just like yours.

If Volvo were to close down and move, I suppose we would do the same thing that most people do when their workplace closes. We would get over it and move on. Now as much as I know a lot of you are hoping and praying this happens, let me ask you this. What will happen to Pulaski County? No arrogance here, just the facts. Like it or not Volvo is the financial center of Pulaski County.

So instead of downing us and wishing us the worst why don't you get over it and come up with ways to better your community. Votes: +6

No arrogance here. I was just replying to your question. You see, when people do not know the facts they just assume.Very few have been there less thn a year , if any. I can't tell you the exact number right now but i can find out.

Votes: +0

I think that it is a shame that people who do not work at Volvo would rejoice at 1,100 workers being laid off. And I also think it is a shame that Volvo workers are so arrogant.

I worked at a factory for 20 years, lost my job, received severance pay and went back to school. I now work in an office (all benefits paid) and I have no regrets...I would gladly do it again. When you work in a factory being laid off is part of the job.

And think about this: what would the people at Volvo do if they closed the plant and moved it somewhere else? Votes: +0

well Michelles, are there employees that have not been there a year , and how many?
I see you have not lost your arrogance either. E




Votes: +0

well observer,
You heard wrong. everyone gets sub-pay as long as you have been there 1 year, that
is the way it has always been. Votes: +0

Good post gene michaels.
So how many employees facing layoff do NOT get sub pay? I understand this new contract eliminated some who would previously? Votes: +0

The shamelessness and apathy of the unionmonger working for Volvo is one of the primary reasons most of the community resents volvo employees.

At some point in time what goes around will come around; volvo won't be recalling. At that point who will bow to the unionmongers feet?

Make mockery now of the blue collar worker, it will fly back in your face sooner or later. Votes: -1

I love this site for this reason. There are two types of people. One is the ones that work at Volvo and knows what really goes on and the other is people who want to work at Volvo because of the pay, insurance, holidays, vacation etc.
For those of you who are jealous of those working there who are laughing about how nice it is that they are going to lay off so many and think the strike was for nothing well listen up. If we hadn’t gone on strike and just took what they gave us like cowards then those getting laid off would have NO call back rights. So when they walk out of the plant for the lay off they would be out of a job. But since we went on strike and WON we get to keep them so that means while we are laid off we can set back and collect around $500 a week (unless someone will hire us but most wont because they know we are going to go back) and we will just wait for the call to come back to work. Wow, I guess being in a union and the union won benefits does pay off now don’t it. Even the scabs will get the same thing. So you people that are happy for us being out of work maybe you won’t be so happy when you look at your taxes and know that your state taxes are helping us collect money while at the local golf course in the nice summer days while you are slaving for the man and fighting for whatever crumbs they drop for you. But hey don’t get mad at us, Volvo did it!
Have a wonderful summer
Votes: +2

Oh, of course not. They knew the strike was going to happen all along.

If it was going to happen anyway, then why strike so vehemently?

What a crock of bull. Personally I would have been delighted if Volvo had announced the layoffs in the middle of the strike.

ABSOLUTELY NO SYMPATHY WHATSOEVER HERE!!!!

Votes: -2

Just for those wanting and hopeing to slam all the volvo employees....the strike had nothing to do with the layoff...it was going to happen anyway. Votes: +3

Here we go again. I wonder what the Union is thinking about their great negotiations now? What was it? 600? Now it is 1100. And again, the message boards will be full of 4 or 5 people with 100 different names talking to themselves - probably already started. Glad this site just sort of tones it down with factual information. Votes: +0