My what a difference a couple of days makes. And no, for some of you fine folks, I was not 'sick', but I thank you for your thoughts and concerns.
You know, I sat through, and read this entire thread from front, to back. Some of you had very insightful thoughts that I found very conducive to the discussion at hand. Others had thoughtful responses, interspersed with some personal jabs at me. And others just took their personal potshots at me. There are a few responses throughout this thread that I actually would like to respond to, and hopefully I can get to that soon. But really, looking through this thread, there were a few common themes that I felt could probably be addressed in one post without the need for quoting people's responses over and over.
"Be grateful you have a job/paycheck."
This was a recurring theme in many of your responses. Well, to set the record straight, I am grateful that I have a job, and that I bring in a paycheck. And frankly, I don't think that I gave off the impression that I wasn't. But it seems like people latched on to this idea and ran with it, for no other reason then to have something negative to say towards me because of their anti-union stance. Hey, if you're anti-union, then good for you. You have that right, and I'm not telling you that you don't have that right. But telling me I should just be thankful to have a job right now, I mean really. I am thankful for that actually, and I have sympathy for the millions of unemployed in our country right now.
"You're a crybaby, whiny ass, childish, arrogant, and ungrateful bastard."
This is what I love about the internet community, which I have been a part of for 15 years. Because I had the nerve to talk about some negative things that my employer has done, and to try and illicit discussion about how these negotiations affect our community, that really makes me all these? I spoke in my earlier posts, about how DynCorp had outright lied, and deceived employees regarding wages and benefits, and you also read responses from several people who can vouch for what I said. Am I any of the labels that some of you people gave to me? Certainly not. My discussing how my employer conducts business in a negative fashion, is not me saying I am ungrateful for having a job. I most certainly am. However, being grateful for having a job in these tough economic times, doesn't mean I have to glowingly kiss my employer's rear end, especially when it's business practices, and negotiating practices are sub-par. Which leads me to my next point...
"If you're that unhappy with your job, then find a new one. I am sure someone else would love to have your job right now."
You people are right, I don't like my job. Actually, it's not so much the job, as it is the people I work for. And to be honest with you folks, I am looking for other employment. However, that doesn't preclude me from maintaining the job I have, until something comes along. I still have a wife and two children to provide for, and while a few of you made quitting and finding something else to do sound so easy, the reality of it is, it's not. And so, like any good father and husband, I will continue to provide for my family, all the while looking for other avenues that may present themself, or as the case may be, remaining with my current employer.
I am sure that a lot of people would like to have my job, and would like to make my pay. Here's the rub. A lot of people in this thread said that I am easily replaceable. Well, let's explore that thought for a moment. I have been in my current position for four years. So I have the experience of working on my particular platform, which to find someone with my level of aviation maintenance experience on this particular platform the only place you have to go is the military, I don't foresee hardly anyone being able to hired directly into DynCorp and being able to fill my shoes right away. I have certifications and qualifications that are comprehensive and thorough, which can't be replaced by someone coming in off the street. Could DynCorp replace me should I leave? Sure. But they are only replacing a body. They are not replacing my experience on the platform, nor my qualifications and certifications. Quals and certs that DynCorp spent time and money investing in me, and now will have to invest in someone new that they have to train.
Again, I sympathize with the people in this country who are jobless. I truly do. But to suggest that I, or any other member of the Pax Team could be easily replaced, that's silly.
"I'm pretty sure your performance is sub-par, and your supervisors could probably find a reason to fire you."
First off, only a handful of people that come to this forum know who I am. The rest of you are just guessing. You don't know me from Adam, so who are you to say, just because I express a negative opinion of DynCorp, that my performance is sub-par? I have a right to express whatever opinion I wish. People here do it everyday on all kinds of various issues. But because I have the nerve to speak out about DynCorp and it's negotiation tactics, and what our options are as a Union, that makes ME the bad guy here? I am not sitting her passing judgement on anyone here, unless you went off on me with some of your nasty name calling, and in one case...something that really crossed a line. But why judge me because I choose to use my voice?
And as for finding a reason to fire me, believe me, DynCorp has. When I said that DynCorp lies and deceives for it's own gain, I'm not kidding. It has been done to me many times. I have been set up by my company to take a fall on one occasion. But what they don't seem to get is this, I'm really not as dumb, and as naive as they think I am. And the truth be told, even if they wanted to get rid of me, it would have to be for something pretty damn good. Something pretty damn stupid. Because there is already precedent of people doing some really bad things, and the most that happens is either a written reprimand, or a suspension.
"You must vote Democrat, like all the Union."
Actually no. I'm a Republican actually. Now I can see several of you scratching your heads and wondering just how could it be that someone who calls themself a Republican, is not only a member of the Union, but he supports the Union he is in? I will tell you why. Because despite what people here would have you believe about DynCorp, what I have said about DynCorp has all been true. They have lied. They have deceived. They have harassed, threatened, and bullied employees. And the shocker, even with the Union in place, it still goes on today. But it's not as frequent, nor as bad as it once was. However, there is still work to be done. I remember what it was like before the Union. It's only slightly better. And so, as long as the Union stands up for the rights of the workforce, and works to protect those rights, you bet your ass I will support my local. Doesn't make me a Democrat.
"I don't want to go on strike. My spouse doesn't want to go on strike."
Hey guess what? I don't wanna go on strike either. No one wants to go on strike. A strike is the last thing that anyone wants, DynCorp or Union. But reality is what it is folks. The potential for it to happen exists, and you can choose to ignore that if you want, but you're going to get bitten in the ass if you do. My honest opinion is that there will not be a strike at DynCorp, because I have faith the Union will negotiate a new contract before that is to happen. But just because that's my opinion, doesn't mean it won't happen, and people need to understand it could happen, and how it could impact this area. But even if it was to happen, it's not something that would happen quickly, and it's not something that would be done lightly. And in fact, there is a lot that goes into whether or not a strike is going to happen, and that power rests in each member of the Local Lodge, no matter how many rumors DynCorp attempts to start to the contrary.
Some of you guys are way off base about me. I am nothing like what some of you think. And that's fine. You have the right to your opinion. Well, I also think you have the right to know the facts, and I just gave you some. Now I know that's not going to be enough for some of ya, and some of ya are going to continue this rediculous labeling of me, telling me what kind of person I am and such, that I'm a crybaby and whiner and whatever. Hey, good on ya. But this response right here is the only response I'm giving you in regards to your high school bathroom type judgments against me.
With that said, hope everyone has a great weekend. Even all you people who had unkind things to say about me.
and your union SUPPORTS the folks that want to raise your taxes