Title: Corrupt, Big Money Unions Are Working People's Real Enemy
Post by: Anonymous on September 06, 2013, 04:36:43 PM
Post by: Anonymous on September 06, 2013, 04:36:43 PM
Labour Day used to tout work of unions, but they're less relevant now.Quote
This weekend, in cities and towns across the country, thousands of Canadians will march in Labour Day parades while most of us simply enjoy the day off.
Those at the parades will hear from union leaders about all the wonderful things unions do for Canada's workers. Here's a question: Is that really true anymore?
Most Canadians work in non-union workplaces and for the most part that's by choice. Unions once represented a much larger share of the Canadian workforce but now, according to Statistics Canada, just 31.5% of Canadians belong to unions and most of those are government workers.
For Canadians working in the private sector union membership sits below 15% — for government workers, more than 70% are unionized.
It's not like anyone is stopping workers from organizing. Take a look at labour laws across the country — both federally and provincially, you'll see those laws favour unions.So, why, despite the claims that a joining a union is the path to prosperity, do most Canadian workers say no?
Because unions aren't for the workers anymore, they're for the union bosses.
My father worked his whole life in a union and retired a proud union man.
The outfit he belonged to has faced some tough questions lately over outrageous salaries for the top executives, cushy jobs for family members and precious little for the membership. In fact, it sounds to me like they've become the people they were fighting against.
His union is not alone.
The Communication, Energy and Paperworkers Union, one of the unions I belonged to in the past, represents several thousand workers in Alberta's oil patch but that hasn't stoppedCEP President Dave Coles from campaigning against projects that would support his members.
Coles has spoken out against several pipeline projects that would actually allow Alberta's oil to reach world markets. He once said he was against the Keystone XL Pipeline to transport oil from Alberta to Texas because the refining jobs would go to Americans, but he's since campaigned against and funded opposition to other projects that would send that same oil to Canadian refineries.
This weekend CEP will merge with Canada's largest private sector union, the Canadian Auto Workers, to form a new organization called Unifor.
A reading of their constitution shows this is not about just helping improve the workplace or get a better deal for workers.
"Our goal is transformative. To reassert common interest over private interest," article 2 of the union constitution reads. "Our goal is to change our workplaces and our world. Our vision is compelling. It is to fundamentally change the economy, with equality and social justice, restore and strengthen our democracy and achieve an environmentally sustainable future."
Essentially, if you are a member of this union you will be supporting socialist politics regardless of what your own views might be.Earlier this year it was people like Coles and other union leaders who led a very expensive fight, using the money collected from union members, to fight a bill in Parliament that would have forced them to be open about how dues money is spent.
As labour leaders parade this weekend and pat themselves on the back, maybe they might want to consider why so many Canadians reject the idea of joining their ranks. It's because they've become the very people they claim to be fighting, soaking up money from the working masses to pad their own wallets and fund political campaigns that follow their own whims.
Title: Re: Corrupt, Big Money Unions Are Working People's Real Enem
Post by: Anonymous on September 06, 2013, 09:51:40 PM
Post by: Anonymous on September 06, 2013, 09:51:40 PM
I don't know much about how transparent they are, but it is a wealthy and influential union..
I am satisfied with the representation they give me.
Title: Re: Corrupt, Big Money Unions Are Working People's Real Enem
Post by: Anonymous on September 06, 2013, 10:53:25 PM
Post by: Anonymous on September 06, 2013, 10:53:25 PM
Title: Re: Corrupt, Big Money Unions Are Working People's Real Enem
Post by: Odinson on September 06, 2013, 11:19:23 PM
Post by: Odinson on September 06, 2013, 11:19:23 PM
aka vesna
aka the serb which shen li has been talking about.
Title: Re: Corrupt, Big Money Unions Are Working People's Real Enem
Post by: Anonymous on September 06, 2013, 11:25:58 PM
Post by: Anonymous on September 06, 2013, 11:25:58 PM
Title: Re: Corrupt, Big Money Unions Are Working People's Real Enem
Post by: Odinson on September 06, 2013, 11:32:14 PM
Post by: Odinson on September 06, 2013, 11:32:14 PM
Title: Re: Corrupt, Big Money Unions Are Working People's Real Enem
Post by: Anonymous on September 06, 2013, 11:47:22 PM
Post by: Anonymous on September 06, 2013, 11:47:22 PM
I worked for the government. And that last pic is right. Coffee break after a coffee break.Quote from: "Odinson"
Public sector unions should be illegal. Private sector unions while on the decline are incredibly corrupt and don't give a flying fuck about the interests of working people. In fact, they try to prevent jobs from being created. Just a bunch of sleazy fatcats out for themselves.
Title: Re: Corrupt, Big Money Unions Are Working People's Real Enem
Post by: Odinson on September 07, 2013, 12:14:07 AM
Post by: Odinson on September 07, 2013, 12:14:07 AM
I worked for the government. And that last pic is right. Coffee break after a coffee break.Quote from: "Odinson"
Public sector unions should be illegal. Private sector unions while on the decline are incredibly corrupt and don't give a flying fuck about the interests of working people. In fact, they try to prevent jobs from being created. Just a bunch of sleazy fatcats out for themselves.
Our unions are not divided like that.
It´s a well known fact that american unions serve the mafia.
Title: Re: Corrupt, Big Money Unions Are Working People's Real Enem
Post by: Anonymous on September 07, 2013, 12:23:45 AM
Post by: Anonymous on September 07, 2013, 12:23:45 AM
I worked for the government. And that last pic is right. Coffee break after a coffee break.Quote from: "Odinson"
Public sector unions should be illegal. Private sector unions while on the decline are incredibly corrupt and don't give a flying fuck about the interests of working people. In fact, they try to prevent jobs from being created. Just a bunch of sleazy fatcats out for themselves.
Our unions are not divided like that.It´s a well known fact that american unions serve the mafia.
Organized crime, foreign billionaires corrupt political parties. Whomever and whatever will make them rich and not hold them up to them as accountable as a corporation. They are no longer needed in Canada and Canadian workers know it too.
Title: Re: Corrupt, Big Money Unions Are Working People's Real Enem
Post by: Romero on September 19, 2013, 03:24:41 AM
Post by: Romero on September 19, 2013, 03:24:41 AM
Title: Re: Corrupt, Big Money Unions Are Working People's Real Enem
Post by: Asian Pride on September 19, 2013, 04:42:47 AM
Post by: Asian Pride on September 19, 2013, 04:42:47 AM
Title: Re: Corrupt, Big Money Unions Are Working People's Real Enem
Post by: Odinson on September 19, 2013, 10:19:53 AM
Post by: Odinson on September 19, 2013, 10:19:53 AM
Public sector unions should be illegal. Private sector unions while on the decline are incredibly corrupt and don't give a flying fuck about the interests of working people. In fact, they try to prevent jobs from being created. Just a bunch of sleazy fatcats out for themselves.
Our unions are not divided like that.It´s a well known fact that american unions serve the mafia.
Organized crime, foreign billionaires corrupt political parties. Whomever and whatever will make them rich and not hold them up to them as accountable as a corporation. They are no longer needed in Canada and Canadian workers know it too.
Our unions are far more organized. They report to the central union. If there is some weirdness going on, a g-man wearing a suit will come and investigate. The G-man cannot be bargained with, believe that.
A big union leader got toppled from the throne a year ago for being too pompous. The workers started rebelling against him.
Title: Re: Corrupt, Big Money Unions Are Working People's Real Enem
Post by: Anonymous on September 19, 2013, 06:06:41 PM
Post by: Anonymous on September 19, 2013, 06:06:41 PM
Berieve it or not! I wok with two a Asian powera-playa Teamsters! They a adore the benefrits, and the sucurity!Quote from: "Asian Pride"
No, nobody believes you because you are yet another immature white leftist VF troll.
:x :x :x
Title: Re: Corrupt, Big Money Unions Are Working People's Real Enem
Post by: Anonymous on September 19, 2013, 06:23:38 PM
Post by: Anonymous on September 19, 2013, 06:23:38 PM
Most of the highest paying jobs in Canada are not unionized. The ones that are unionized are in our bloated public sector.
Aerospace engineer – $75,000
In this role you will use a range of computer systems and high tech equipment to make sure that the design and components of aircraft or spacecraft are all functioning properly. To land this job, you'll need an engineering degree. See Aerospace engineer opportunities on Workopolis.
Chemical engineer – $78,000
You'll need to have a bachelor of applied science or a chemical engineer degree for this job, but the good news is that right out of school, chemical engineering is one of the highest paying degrees for entry-level jobs. New grads can earn a starting salary of $50,000-60,000$. See chemical engineering jobs.
Senior government manager – $96,000
High-level bureaucrats earn close to the six-figure mark, but this takes working your way up through the ranks of the civil service. (And surviving the winds of political change.) However, to get started all you need is generally a relevant university degree and (especially for federal government jobs) bilingualism.
See jobs in government relations on Workopolis, or visit the Canadian public service's hiring site.
Real estate & financial manager – $80,000
There is such a demand for workers that many financial institutions are actively hiring people from unrelated backgrounds and offering them in-house training programs. However, to be successful, you'll need an in-depth grasp of financial systems. Sales experience and/or a business or finance degree are recommended. See jobs on real estate or finance jobs.
Lawyer – $80,000
To become a lawyer you need to complete the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) and a three to four year degree. Candidates also have to "article" (working under the supervision of an experienced lawyer for 10 months) and successfully complete the Bar Admission Course. See lawyer jobs.
School principal & administrator – $90,000
To become a principal, you need to have an undergraduate degree, your teaching certificate, and experience teaching. Many regions also require advanced degrees and the completion of a principal training program. See school principal and / or administrator jobs.
Electrical & telecommunications contractor – $73,000
Contractors are in demand across the country, and generally work for themselves as independent companies. To achieve this status, you start by becoming a certified electrician. This requires a four-year apprenticeship that combines studying with actual on-the-job training. See electrical contracting jobs.
Petroleum engineer – $93,500
Canada's booming oil and gas sector has made workers in this sector a hot commodity. You'll need an engineering degree to start. Then think about what kind of job you want in the field. Drilling engineers decide how to extract oil and gas, production engineers care for the operation of wells, and reservoir engineers gauge how much oil and gas is left underground. Alternate career paths can focus on workplace safety or environmental issues. See petroleum engineering jobs.
Head nurse & health-care manager – $75,000
Becoming the head nurse is an important career step that allows you to earn more money, tackle bigger challenges and take control over more aspects of the environment you're working in. To land this role, you'll first need a four-year nursing degree, followed by on-the-job experience. Some nurses then earn a master of science in nursing as part of an MBA or a master of health care administration. Either of these can boost your chances of climbing up in the ranks. See nursing jobs.
Oil & gas drilling supervisor - $75,000
Supervisors in this field supervise a team of workers drilling for oil or gas, operating rigs, or providing oil and gas well services. They work for drilling and well service contractors and by petroleum producing companies. While a college diploma in petroleum engineering technology or Petroleum Industry Training Service (PITS) courses may be required, successful on-the-job experience is generally considered more important than formal education for reaching the position of supervisor.
Title: Re: Corrupt, Big Money Unions Are Working People's Real Enem
Post by: Anonymous on September 20, 2013, 08:54:08 PM
Post by: Anonymous on September 20, 2013, 08:54:08 PM
I laughed at Romero ridiculous attempt at drawing a connection between higher wages and unionization. If you want higher wages you have to have the right skills if you cut meat on a unionized assembly line at Cargill, High River or in a non unionized environment you are going to receive low wages as you should. Besides, who the fuck would want to do most private sector grunt labour union jobs anyway?Quote from: "Shen Li"
Most of the highest paying jobs in Canada are not unionized. The ones that are unionized are in our bloated public sector.
Aerospace engineer – $75,000
In this role you will use a range of computer systems and high tech equipment to make sure that the design and components of aircraft or spacecraft are all functioning properly. To land this job, you'll need an engineering degree. See Aerospace engineer opportunities on Workopolis.
Chemical engineer – $78,000
You'll need to have a bachelor of applied science or a chemical engineer degree for this job, but the good news is that right out of school, chemical engineering is one of the highest paying degrees for entry-level jobs. New grads can earn a starting salary of $50,000-60,000$. See chemical engineering jobs.
Senior government manager – $96,000
High-level bureaucrats earn close to the six-figure mark, but this takes working your way up through the ranks of the civil service. (And surviving the winds of political change.) However, to get started all you need is generally a relevant university degree and (especially for federal government jobs) bilingualism.
See jobs in government relations on Workopolis, or visit the Canadian public service's hiring site.
Real estate & financial manager – $80,000
There is such a demand for workers that many financial institutions are actively hiring people from unrelated backgrounds and offering them in-house training programs. However, to be successful, you'll need an in-depth grasp of financial systems. Sales experience and/or a business or finance degree are recommended. See jobs on real estate or finance jobs.
Lawyer – $80,000
To become a lawyer you need to complete the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) and a three to four year degree. Candidates also have to "article" (working under the supervision of an experienced lawyer for 10 months) and successfully complete the Bar Admission Course. See lawyer jobs.
School principal & administrator – $90,000
To become a principal, you need to have an undergraduate degree, your teaching certificate, and experience teaching. Many regions also require advanced degrees and the completion of a principal training program. See school principal and / or administrator jobs.
Electrical & telecommunications contractor – $73,000
Contractors are in demand across the country, and generally work for themselves as independent companies. To achieve this status, you start by becoming a certified electrician. This requires a four-year apprenticeship that combines studying with actual on-the-job training. See electrical contracting jobs.
Petroleum engineer – $93,500
Canada's booming oil and gas sector has made workers in this sector a hot commodity. You'll need an engineering degree to start. Then think about what kind of job you want in the field. Drilling engineers decide how to extract oil and gas, production engineers care for the operation of wells, and reservoir engineers gauge how much oil and gas is left underground. Alternate career paths can focus on workplace safety or environmental issues. See petroleum engineering jobs.
Head nurse & health-care manager – $75,000
Becoming the head nurse is an important career step that allows you to earn more money, tackle bigger challenges and take control over more aspects of the environment you're working in. To land this role, you'll first need a four-year nursing degree, followed by on-the-job experience. Some nurses then earn a master of science in nursing as part of an MBA or a master of health care administration. Either of these can boost your chances of climbing up in the ranks. See nursing jobs.
Oil & gas drilling supervisor - $75,000
Supervisors in this field supervise a team of workers drilling for oil or gas, operating rigs, or providing oil and gas well services. They work for drilling and well service contractors and by petroleum producing companies. While a college diploma in petroleum engineering technology or Petroleum Industry Training Service (PITS) courses may be required, successful on-the-job experience is generally considered more important than formal education for reaching the position of supervisor.[size=150]BTW, some of these average salaries are ridiculously low.[/size]
I thought lawyers and head nurses received higher salaries than those you posted..
Doctors and dentists were not on the list which is surprising.
Title: Re: Corrupt, Big Money Unions Are Working People's Real Enem
Post by: Berry Sweet on September 23, 2013, 12:13:33 PM
Post by: Berry Sweet on September 23, 2013, 12:13:33 PM
(//%3C/s%3E%3CURL%20url=%22http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-68oamPT6S7A/Tz6IPvCUrzI/AAAAAAAAAqY/cmz9Yy_2BAc/s400/Brian+Coleman+goes+viral.jpg%22%3E%3CLINK_TEXT%20text=%22http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-68oamPT6S7A/T%20...%20+viral.jpg%22%3Ehttp://4.bp.blogspot.com/-68oamPT6S7A/Tz6IPvCUrzI/AAAAAAAAAqY/cmz9Yy_2BAc/s400/Brian+Coleman+goes+viral.jpg%3C/LINK_TEXT%3E%3C/URL%3E%3Ce%3E)
Pretty much
Title: Re: Corrupt, Big Money Unions Are Working People's Real Enem
Post by: Anonymous on September 23, 2013, 03:25:17 PM
Post by: Anonymous on September 23, 2013, 03:25:17 PM
(//%3C/s%3E%3CURL%20url=%22http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-68oamPT6S7A/Tz6IPvCUrzI/AAAAAAAAAqY/cmz9Yy_2BAc/s400/Brian+Coleman+goes+viral.jpg%22%3E%3CLINK_TEXT%20text=%22http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-68oamPT6S7A/T%20...%20+viral.jpg%22%3Ehttp://4.bp.blogspot.com/-68oamPT6S7A/Tz6IPvCUrzI/AAAAAAAAAqY/cmz9Yy_2BAc/s400/Brian+Coleman+goes+viral.jpg%3C/LINK_TEXT%3E%3C/URL%3E%3Ce%3E)
Pretty much
That is awesome, but I have a feeling Fash may not see it that way.
Title: Re: Corrupt, Big Money Unions Are Working People's Real Enem
Post by: Anonymous on September 23, 2013, 09:46:10 PM
Post by: Anonymous on September 23, 2013, 09:46:10 PM
Commercial offers better pay, benefits and working conditions than residential electrical.
Title: Re: Corrupt, Big Money Unions Are Working People's Real Enem
Post by: Anonymous on September 24, 2013, 06:28:23 PM
Post by: Anonymous on September 24, 2013, 06:28:23 PM
My husband told me that for his trade the main difference in pay and benefits is not union or non union, but residential or commercial..Quote from: "Fashionista"
Commercial offers better pay, benefits and working conditions than residential electrical.
It's like that for almost any trade not just electricians.
Title: Re: Corrupt, Big Money Unions Are Working People's Real Enem
Post by: Anonymous on November 03, 2013, 01:21:56 PM
Post by: Anonymous on November 03, 2013, 01:21:56 PM
On Wednesday, it was made official that U.S. Steel will shut down its steelmaking operations in Hamilton.Quote
As a born and bred Hamiltonian, that's a tough one to swallow. The city has long been known as Steeltown and now another part of that history will fall by the wayside, and with it, jobs.
The company says only 47 jobs are being lost but that's because the steel mill portion of the plant was shut down long ago. Some hoped it would re-open. It hasn't and it won't.
There's lots of fretting about what to do to bring the jobs back, including calls by the NDP for the government to do something.
Here's a better question: What will the union do about it?
I've been warning about unions undermining their workers and the jobs they represent for some time now. The shutdown of the Hamilton steelmaking operations shows the real consequences of this.
It's true that there are plenty of reasons for the plant to shut down, but consider this: The United Steelworkers (USW), which represents the workers at the Hamilton plant, has called for the Obama administration to deny the Keystone XL permit.
Strangely, pipelines are made with steel, and you would think that a steelworkers union would support pipelines being built. But they don't.
In Canada,the USW backs the NDP to the hilt with money, where legal, and with volunteers and other support elsewhere. The NDP opposes the Keystone pipeline, a major project in need of much steel.
While it is the NDP they back in Canada, in the U.S. it's the Democrats. The USW spent $1.2 million of dues money from its members to support political campaigns in the 2012 U.S. election cycle. Every single dollar went to Democrats. The Democrats have been opposing Keystone.
Now the union will say they only want to make sure that steel made in Canada or the U.S. is used, but that is simply unbelievable. The USW has partnered with The Sierra Club to fight the pipeline.
The Sierra Club doesn't care where the steel for the pipeline comes from, they just want it stopped.
It's the same with other environmental groups the USW funds. From Environmental Defence to the Columbia Institute, they all oppose Keystone and every other pipeline being proposed, from Northern Gateway to an east-west route.
Let me point out the obvious once again: Pipelines are made from steel. They require lots of steel. The USW is fighting against jobs for steelworkers.
Beyond pipelines, they also fund other projects that undermine steel jobs in Canada and the United States.
The Blue-Green initiative is a partnership between the USW, Unifor, Environmental Defence, Pembina Institute and other activist groups that push hard for more public transit and green energy.
Hey, if it ends gridlock maybe public transit is a good thing, but it also means fewer cars built, which means less steel and fewer jobs.This Blue Green plan also supports green energy, which in Ontario has pushed the price of electricity up to unaffordable levels and made manufacturing in the province, including for steel, a losing proposition.
Still the union funds it.
All told the USW has spent millions over the last few years supporting politicians, causes and projects that undermine the viability of steel jobs in places like Hamilton.
If I was in that union, I'd be demanding answers and changing the guard at the top.http://www.edmontonsun.com/2013/10/31/union-needs-to-act-usw-spends-millions-undermining-viability-of-steel-jobs-in-places-like-hamilton
Title: Re: Corrupt, Big Money Unions Are Working People's Real Enem
Post by: Anonymous on November 03, 2013, 07:27:46 PM
Post by: Anonymous on November 03, 2013, 07:27:46 PM
Title: Re: Corrupt, Big Money Unions Are Working People's Real Enem
Post by: Anonymous on November 03, 2013, 08:57:01 PM
Post by: Anonymous on November 03, 2013, 08:57:01 PM
I wonder how many or more accurately how few USW union members actually know what their union does with their dues.Quote from: "seoulbro"(//%3C/s%3E%3CURL%20url=%22http://storage.canoe.ca/v1/dynamic_resize/sws_path/suns-prod-images/1297486429725_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80&size=420x%22%3E%3CLINK_TEXT%20text=%22http://storage.canoe.ca/v1/dynamic_resi%20...%20&size=420x%22%3Ehttp://storage.canoe.ca/v1/dynamic_resize/sws_path/suns-prod-images/1297486429725_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80&size=420x%3C/LINK_TEXT%3E%3C/URL%3E%3Ce%3E)
I look at my annual pension statements, but I have never read any financial statements from my union.
Title: Re: Corrupt, Big Money Unions Are Working People's Real Enem
Post by: Anonymous on November 04, 2013, 08:37:18 AM
Post by: Anonymous on November 04, 2013, 08:37:18 AM
I wonder how many or more accurately how few USW union members actually know what their union does with their dues.Quote from: "seoulbro"(//%3C/s%3E%3CURL%20url=%22http://storage.canoe.ca/v1/dynamic_resize/sws_path/suns-prod-images/1297486429725_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80&size=420x%22%3E%3CLINK_TEXT%20text=%22http://storage.canoe.ca/v1/dynamic_resi%20...%20&size=420x%22%3Ehttp://storage.canoe.ca/v1/dynamic_resize/sws_path/suns-prod-images/1297486429725_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80&size=420x%3C/LINK_TEXT%3E%3C/URL%3E%3Ce%3E)
I look at my annual pension statements, but I have never read any financial statements from my union.
Unions count on the ignorance of their paying members. Members would probably get pissed off if they knew how their money is being spent.