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| Something to consider before you vote. (copied from the private forum) | << Previous thread | Next thread >> | ||
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| Rob |
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  Registered Member #850
Posts: 1304 |
So looks like we will not know the complete details of the offer until the meeting Wednesday. We can all speculate what might happen and even respond to those speculations with actions. What we need to do is though, in my opinion, is to sit and ponder what has transpired so far, what our executive and bargaining team has done and what we as individuals would accept as a "fair" deal. We even have to consider what is a "fair" deal and what will satisfy us or can we as individuals in our own little individual circumstance accept less than the perceived "fair" deal. So what is the perceived "fair" deal and has it changed from the time we first coined the term? Early on it appeared that a status quo non-concessionary contract would be "fair". Is it now? ( please think about it now) It's easy to say with all we lost a 'fair" deal is not achievable anymore. Problem is realistically that's wrong. A "fair" deal is still a "fair" deal. The definition really hasn't changed. The only thing that is out of place here is how we had to get that "fair" deal. So you see "fair', I think, is still defined as it was in July. Fairness in achieving that deal has long past and will never exist in this strike regardless of any outcome. So on to Wednesday and what may happen there. To date I think we can assume that everything which was in the March offer is still there. Considering that the March offer had significant DB pension gains and wage increases along with the continuation of our COLA formula and roll in schedule everyone would have to agree that's not bad. Even though the two tier pension seems like it is a given the DB increases are sufficient to meet the needs for those who would use it for the next decade at least. The real concession left remaining would be the bonus restructure and transfer rights change and some may only consider that a "change" rather than a concession. The language issues concerning contractors and grievance procedures may be a concern for some but I think not really a strike maker. I could be wrong. So if the new offer has improvements over the March offer what might they be and would they be "Fair" enough for a positive ratification vote? Well the bonus restructure and cap is a big one. I think for us to accept that we would need a buy out amount or a rework to the cap. I also think in combination to a "sweetened" bonus restructure a decent signing bonus would go a long way to sway the vote. Problem here is I now type and could do so all night using different scenarios. That would be fruitless. I think to be simple I need to somehow define "fair" in a non specific way. A sort of template that if the offer was indeed "fair" it would fit and argument would defend it as "fair" Well my definition of 'fair" is a non concessionary contract which reflects the worth of the employee and the future market conditions (speculative). Well that's a bit broad and will certainly be defined very differently depending on which side of the table you sit on. Thing is I only have to view my side of it all and decide from there. I know for a fact that in this Country and in this industry we certainly already had a "fair" CBA. "Fair" for both sides. I know for a fact that the development in China and India will create a demand for Nickel greater than the Western World's demand has been in our development. I know for a fact that a CBA better than the one we had is "fair" and I will accept even less than better. I will accept as good or better. So we know what I think and what I would accept. I base my definition not on what I have lost or what I have experienced in this strike but on what I feel my worth is doing the job required of me. I also base it in the context of the Country I live in and the industry I work in. I feel I do not have a job given to me by Vale but that I am selling time from my life to Vale so they may produce a product which they sell for their own motive and worth. I will stand Wednesday and I will accept the same or better. Never will I accept less regardless the cost to me. There may be change to what I had but if the sum of the parts equal or better the previous sum I'm in. So consider carefully what you hear and weigh it to what you had. Decide if less is okay or the same or more is what satisfies your needs. Remember this. Even if the majority accepts what you feel is not satisfactory take solace in the fact that we have won on other fronts. Our Global message was the catalyst to worker rights improvements and will continue to grow. Our fight has already shown awareness by workers who have next to no rights or benefits and they now see a path forward which did not exist before. We have and will continue to affect change here and in other Nations. That in itself has a value greater than any CBA we could be offered. To sum up make your vote on what you are offered and not what has transpired. Define what you feel is "fair" and decide if that is your "line" for acceptance. If you think it's all bullshit then yell and scream, I will. LOL (Just kidding) See ya Wednesday and if you Pray, Pray for an end to all of this!!! If you don't (Pray) wish it to end!!! The power of positive thinking and rational thought is priceless!! The best to all of you!! Tick Tock Tick Tock 11:59:00  Click for more info about those who fought for us! |
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| frooddude |
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  Registered Member #1194
Posts: 61 |
nice one Rob..I agree 100 %
It is always a great day to be on the Picket Line! |
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