Herb Riede's Blog

Evening Sun - Keep road open; work out strike: "But the item that caught my eye today was the decision by the management of ESAB to hire 'permanently' those workers who were brought in to break the strike by the legitimate workers. This goes against all fairness in labor bargaining between unions and management. The workers didn't walk because of some trivial reason � but they certainly did not leave their jobs because they no longer wanted to have their jobs.
We have seen in Hanover, as elsewhere in the country, a reduction in the effectiveness of labor unions and fewer workers who are unionized than any time since the 1950s. Workers do not have rights unless they are protected by their union. When the company pulls dirty tactics such as hiring replacements, it is a slap in the face to the workers and to their union. The message loud and clear says 'You have no power, and we do.' "

To hire permanent replacement workers is crossing a line. I have walked the picket line myself multiple times before with Alan Henry, and plan to again. I admit, it wasn't for a full 4 hour shift, but having someone there who supports their cause is always a good thing, and I do.

This is not a strike about getting a raise, it's about quality of life issues like forced overtime, working 16-hour days, and being written up for being sick without notice.

This is the situation strikes, and unions, are meant for - something I've even heard from people who don't support unions - that if you've worked somewhere like ESAB for 25 years, and you're in you're 50's, and they suddenly want to force you to work overtime, 16-hours a day, and risk being fired if you don't work when you're sick, wouldn't you strike too?

That isn't it wrong that they took away the kids' ballfield?

Threatened you're parents' pension fund?

And now hired the untrained replacements who are putting out sub-par product - into your job... "permanently"?

ESAB is in Hanover, but I have Constituents who work there, and I've met them.

I hope the company changes it's ways, because it has lost the "war" for the hearts and minds of the people of the community.

Professionals brought in to wear down these people only work when the community isn't there to stand up behind them.

Play hardball, but leave the kids alone.

Many of those pensioners you threaten are telling their children who are on strike to rally on.

Be civil and get it over with.