Pickets, Cops, & Unions

[GiG]

There was a picket yesterday where I work as Design Validation Engineer. A group of construction workers were protesting. I pulled up real slow, and stopped for a few minutes, allowing the protesters to walk in front of my car. They are NOT allowed to bloct the entrance. Eventually, I very slowly started inching forward in my Cadillac. The Eldorado is pristine, always garage kept – not a single scratch anywhere on the vehicle. When I got all the way through the picket line, on company property, all hell broke loose on the back of my car. They gouged the paint the entire length of the car. They smashed picket signs on the deck lid, kicked and kneed my car. I got out to see the damage, and was assaulted by two protesters. Real tough guys when in a group, with union backing. Individual gutless cowards.


Securitys Supervisor Bill, Officer Mark, and one other Security Officer witnessed the entire incident.


Local Police arrived and I told them I wanted to press charges for Malicious Destruction of Property and Assault.

Officer #436 asked if I could ID the culprits. I told him yes. There also were 3 witnesses from Security that were able to identify the criminals. Officer then refused to allow anyone to ID the guys. He said he didn't want to "escalate". I told him it had escalated when the cowards destroyed my property and assaulted me. Officer told me he was in a union and refused to take action against the criminals or file a report.
 
I have filed an internal incident report.
 
The damage is not minor. They scratched the car the entire length of the passenger side – all the way down from the front fender, across the passenger side door, the rear panel, and up on the deck lid. The entire car will need to be painted.

 
This incident was not handled adequately by the PD. The thug union perpetrators were allowed to leave without any consequences by a union police officer that refused to get involved or even file a report for my protection.  I had absolutely no stake in the protest - at all. Protesters were all gone after they destroyed my property. They were brought in specifically to cause trouble. With the backing of the local PD.
Tax money at work.
Meanwhile, I am left holding the bag.

[Misfit]

Bummer. maybe you should talk to the police chief or the city manager. If that does not work maybe a lawyer to go after the cop.

[MP]

That happens all the time when unions protest.  They destroy property, hurt people, etc.  Then it is all forgiven or ignored.

MP

[Blister]

I'm a fan of unions ( even though I was never fortunate enough to belong to one). I'm not a fan of gutless B@stards that need a bunch backing them to be real men. We would of been arrested if I would have been in the car.

[..]

Bummer. maybe you should talk to the police chief or the city manager. If that does not work maybe a lawyer to go after the cop.

I agree. Go for the jugular. Situations like this need to be quashed so that others are kept in check.

Lawyer up if you get no response from the city or PD. Then sue all the wankers. At least to get your car fixed properly.

[Oss]

1   Get pictures, written statements and itemized repair bills.

2   Get a lawyer who is not afraid to sue the PD, the officers, the city and your employer
     See if there are surveillance films and make sure your lawyer gets them PRONTO

3.  Make sure your lawyer files a Notice of claim immediately against the PD and the City

4.  You are in for a real wild ride ahead  Good luck

Of course I have never sued anyone

[JimL]

Bummer. maybe you should talk to the police chief or the city manager. If that does not work maybe a lawyer to go after the cop.

I agree. Go for the jugular. Situations like this need to be quashed so that others are kept in check.

Lawyer up if you get no response from the city or PD. Then sue all the wankers. At least to get your car fixed properly.

Britman I agree with you in spirit...but as a practical matter I would not advise this gentleman to lawyer up unless the fees are based on contingency of recovery of damages (which no sane lawyer would agree to in this case).  

I could write a dissertation on my observations when it comes to unions (both the pros and cons).  Being a descendant of a long line of UMWA coal miners on my mother's side I understand the important role unions had in improving the working conditions for many workers.  My grandfather was treated little better than an animal when he quit school at age 13 to work in the mines back in 1913. I still remember hearing his stories and those from my great-uncle.  

I have also observed just as many abuses that have occurred by the unions and their political cohorts, not the least of which was the right out theft from the secured bond holders in the Chrysler bankruptcy; and of course the activities described by the author of this thread.  It always amazes me at how human beings consistently have the ability to twist logic to rationalize and justify their behaviors and actions when those behaviors and actions benefit them personally.

I would simply treat this as a learning experience and move on with my life.

[Bigdog]

Just wondering...why were you crossing a picket line???  Around here thats a big NO NO

[Charlie]

Not me.  I would follow Oss' advice.  I too come from a family with half being union, have being management (I am in the latter half).  On more than one occasion, I had to deal with similar issues.  The best defense is a well documented offense.  If nothing else, it lets them know there are consequences for the illegal actions this brother experienced.  It can be a tall price though, especially in Detroit.

[GiG]

I would simply treat this as a learning experience and move on with my life.

Must be nice of you to be able to allow others to destroy an expensive car and chalk it up to "learning".  I, on the other hand, have to work for a living to buy the things I need and don't feel I should have to pay for someone else's education OR crimes. At 51 yrs, I have learned a thing or two. One is to not destroy another person's property. What have these union punks learned? That Crime pays. At MY expense. Great lesson. Yeah, I'll be moving on with my life alright. Except next time, due to this "learning experience" - moving will be in reverse gear, undercoating my Caddy with some union pindicks.

Detroit is a huge union town. I have worked in unions in the past. This dispute had Nothing to do with me. It was a minor issue that was resolved an hour later.  The unions are no longer relevent. They are solely to protect the weak. Like the cop that wouldn't do his job and the pindicks that think its OK to damage a bystander's property. Yeah, I WILL treat this as a learning experience and move on with my life. Lesson learned, alright. Unions are for cowards.

[JimL]

Must be nice of you to be able to allow others to destroy an expensive car and chalk it up to "learning".  I, on the other hand, have to work for a living to buy the things I need and don't feel I should have to pay for someone else's education OR crimes. At 51 yrs, I have learned a thing or two. One is to not destroy another person's property. What have these union punks learned? That Crime pays. At MY expense. Great lesson. Yeah, I'll be moving on with my life alright. Except next time, due to this "learning experience" - moving will be in reverse gear, undercoating my Caddy with some union pindicks.

Detroit is a huge union town. I have worked in unions in the past. This dispute had Nothing to do with me. It was a minor issue that was resolved an hour later.  The unions are no longer relevent. They are solely to protect the weak. Like the cop that wouldn't do his job and the pindicks that think its OK to damage a bystander's property. Yeah, I WILL treat this as a learning experience and move on with my life. Lesson learned, alright. Unions are for cowards.

WOAAAHHHHH!!

After seeing how you digest and respond to a friendly opinion which you brought to this forum in the first place....I am less surprised by the circumstances you find yourself!  

First of all I'm not allowing anyone to do anything If you carefully reread the first line I said that I would not lawyer up "unless the fee is contingency based".  It is my opinion that this is an uphill battle especially since the police officer on the scene does not appear to be sympathetic to your cause.  Other who opined also agreed this is going to be a difficult journey.  

Just so that it is perfectly clear that I am not opposed to taking legal action against these folks...by all means empty the bank account, sell the Valkyrie, mortgage the house, borrow from a loan shark...whatever is necessary to litigate this matter if that is what you feel is in your best interest and peace of mind.

[GiG]

After seeing how you digest and respond to a friendly opinion which you brought to this forum in the first place....I am less surprised by the circumstances you find yourself!   

That's right, Jim. Its all my fault. Obviously. They were perfectly within reason to destroy property of an un-involved person. Guess I missed the "friendly" part. It must have been the part where you said, in effect "Get over it" ...

treat this as a learning experience and move on with my life

.
OK. So get over it then. Move on with YOUR life, please. I am looking to get my car painted.

[tank_post142]

im no fan of the unions anymore. (i grew up in mt.clemens) they need to be punished, BUT , you crossed the pick line.

[JimL]

After seeing how you digest and respond to a friendly opinion which you brought to this forum in the first place....I am less surprised by the circumstances you find yourself!   

That's right, Jim. Its all my fault. Obviously. They were perfectly within reason to destroy property of an un-involved person. Guess I missed the "friendly" part. It must have been the part where you said, in effect "Get over it" ...

treat this as a learning experience and move on with my life

.
OK. So get over it then. Move on with YOUR life, please. I am looking to get my car painted.

Whatever....

If this interpretation of my post helps you get through the day...I won't try to convince you otherwise.

[Bigdog]

I am a proud UNION MEMBER and I am NO Coward.  Sorry but you struck a nerve!  You never did say why you were crossing a picket line???  Sounds like you are avoiding the question..  Surely you must know better than to cross a picket line.   I am not upholding what you say that they done to your vehicle. BUT I AM SAYING THAT WE ARE GETTING YOUR SIDE OF THE STORY, WOULD LIKE TO HEAR WHAT THE GOOD UNION FOLKS SAY.   What did you do to provoke??  Besides the fact you admitting crossing a PICKET LINE!!!!!!!!  What did you say to them while stopped there??    Seems like we need to hear from their side before making any judgements...
Could it be that they were picketing , in order to protect their livelihood?? Their families depend on their income just like yours do!!  I have NO idea why they were picketing BUT I GUARANTEE YOU THEY HAVE A GOOD REASON!!!
We just had a informational picket at my plant  SOOOO  I know what I'm talking about.  
Corporate Greed is the root of it all.....
Bottom line....You crossed a picket line.....You Reap what you sow...
Pround Steel Workers Union Member

[JimL]

im no fan of the unions anymore. (i grew up in mt.clemens) they need to be punished, BUT , you crossed the pick line.

Mr. Tank....it is my conviction that in a free society anyone that is a legal citizen should have the opportunity to compete for a job in order to support their family.  However, I suppose that good people can disagree.

[DFragn]

Just wondering...why were you crossing a picket line???  Around here thats a big NO NO

I've actually [with my fellow crew] crossed a picket line for three days while installing a copper roof on a museum.

The reason? The local laborers union had walked out for various reasons and demanded the other trade unions support them with solidarity. Solidarity? Where were they [rank & file laborers] when we struck the year before.
Unfortunately, I was designated 'union shop steward' because I was always the last man on the job completing all the detailed copper work (that can get a little lonely on a massive structure). The halls Business Agent never gave me a choice nor did the Contractor.

Anyway, when the laborers struck and I demanded to know why he thought we should honor their lack of solidarity, he agreed. And, suggested if we crossed the picket line before it setup in the a.m. we could work. Well that lasted 3 days before he was vetoed from the hall. We [Sheetmetal Workers] never received a thank you for walking off or an apology for failing to honor our strike.

Side Note:
I could go on & on about big city trade unions and my disdain for them.
Believe it or not, I made better money non-union and never lost a days work due to no work.
After less then 2 years carrying my 'card'. I informed the Local Hall I'd had enough of the crap.
So glad I did, because I wouldn't be where I am today had I stuck out any Union.

BTW I've witnessed BA's infer they would turn a blind eye to what picketers may do at the line and if they do, defend them with lies. Ra ra ra a-hole instigators & cheerleaders.

[DFragn]

I am a proud UNION MEMBER and I am NO Coward.  Sorry but you struck a nerve!  You never did say why you were crossing a picket line???  Sounds like you are avoiding the question..  Surely you must know better than to cross a picket line.   I am not upholding what you say that they done to your vehicle. BUT I AM SAYING THAT WE ARE GETTING YOUR SIDE OF THE STORY, WOULD LIKE TO HEAR WHAT THE GOOD UNION FOLKS SAY.   What did you do to provoke??  Besides the fact you admitting crossing a PICKET LINE!!!!!!!!  What did you say to them while stopped there??    Seems like we need to hear from their side before making any judgements...
Pround Steel Workers Union Member
Proud NRA life member

Your a little testy today?
Must be home sick or maybe sitting on the bench.
Ya don't have to scream to get your point across.

[deadvelvet]

I AGREE WITH BIGDOG I AM ALSO A PROUD UNION MEMBER LOCAL 692 AREA 566 O.P.C.M.I.A. OPERATIVE PLASTERERS and CEMENT MASONS.YOU JUST DO NOT CROSS PICKET LINE PERIOD.

[Bigdog]

Yea the coward part made me VERY upset, Worked midnites last nite.  Just getting up,  Sorry about the CAPS  but i was pissed.... Let me post something out of the paper..that we are going thru at my plant right now.....( by the way  22 years  Control room operator...)


http://portsmouth-dailytimes.com/bookmark/6934924/article-Wages%20Cut%20At%20Wurtland%20Plant



 Wurtland, Ky., packaging company has cut wages of its workers by 33 percent and increased their share of insurance costs to between 60 and 70 percent, according to the United Steel Workers union that represents the employees.

The USW on Wednesday condemned Pregis’ Protective Packaging workforce policies and charged that it has unilaterally and illegally implemented the company’s “last, best and final offer” at the Wurtland plant.

“The USW challenged the company to return to the bargaining table and negotiate in good faith a fair contract,” union spokesman Tim Dean said in a prepared statement.

Dean said the union last week filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board Region Nine over what it called the company’s “unlawful bargaining tactics.”

The company moved ahead to reduce its USW-represented hourly workforce by 40 percent and “saddled the workers left with concessions that were never agreed upon,” Dean charged.

He said the company has also changed its work rules with regard to sick days and abolished long-standing seniority protections. Six employees were let go because some of the equipment they used was transferred to another location.

Dean said the union will continue to file additional charges as deemed necessary, but added that it will continue to try to bargain with the company in an effort to reach a compromise benefitting both the workers and the company.

The USW represents about 1.2 million active and retired workers in a wide variety of workplaces, including manufacturing steel and other metals, rubber, glass, paper and chemicals, refining oil, as well as in the health care industry and in the public sector.

Pregis Protective Packaging, headquartered in Deerfield, Ill., has 46 facilities in 18 countries, according to its Web site. It manufactures flexible, rigid and corrugated packaging for the food and hospital industries, as well as foam to underlay flooring.

Attempts to get company comment on the situation at the Wurtland plant were unsuccessful
  

[Mickey Runie]

Except next time, due to this "learning experience" - moving will be in reverse gear, undercoating my Caddy with some union pindicks.

 Lesson learned, alright. Unions are for cowards.

+1

I'm a NOT-SO-PROUD member of IBEW, Local 53.  In fact, I guess as an "Agency Fee Payer", I can still make the argument that I'm not even really a member of this stinking union, but I am required by Missouri law to pay about 1/2 their dues.  This means I don't have to contribute the part of their dues which ties back to political union B.S.  I qualified for this job by putting myself through college.  I interviewed and was selected to do this job without any help from any union.  The old biddies working around me ran afowl of a new administrator and ran, and cowardly so, to the union for help in retaining their jobs.  I voted NO.   When the union contract took affect, my salary didn' change.  The only thing that changed was the monthly fees the union began EXTORTING from my pay.

Being a member of a union, whether a full paying membership, or an Agency Fee Payer type does not, would not, could not, nor should not give a person the right to damage another persons' property.  Nor does it give a crooked, lilly livered, no-account cop the right to NOT do his job according to his sworn oath.  PERIOD.

Unions are nothing more than legalized EXTORTION.  They may have served a worthy purpose back in the stone ages, but they have far outlived their useful lives.  It's time to put them on a museum shelf and admire them from the other side of the glass display case.  IMHO

[GiG]

Big Dog:

No disrespect to you - Not sure if I know you or not - BUT I did not call you a coward. These guys definitely are!
I avoided nothing. Read the original - I did NOTHING to provoke them.

To Clarify - There was NO STRIKE! I work in an office. These guys were upset that they were underbid - did not get the job they wanted - too bad. The picket was illegal. Pickets are NOT allowed to prevent access to my job - a job TOTALLY unrelated to their gripe. I had NOTHING to do with it. They wanted to install equipment on a rempote area - they were out of line in every aspect. There are many fine people in unions. I have worked in unions my self. I know what I'm talking about. If you feel hurt by my words - too bad.  I have every right to earn a living too - I did not take work away from anyone - I did not destroy an innocent persons property. COWARDS did. You want to justify a crime commited against me - THAT is why so many people are Anti - Union now. Unions do not make the laws in society. Property damige is a crime  - committed by COWARDS. Crossing an illegal picket is not a crime. I had to get to my job.  Again, there was NO STRIKE here. Just some dumbass picketers that didn't get a job because they were underbid. Not a legit picket. Not a strike. Peace. OUT.

[Jeff K]

I AGREE WITH BIGDOG I AM ALSO A PROUD UNION MEMBER LOCAL 692 AREA 566 O.P.C.M.I.A. OPERATIVE PLASTERERS and CEMENT MASONS.YOU JUST DO NOT CROSS PICKET LINE PERIOD.

BS
I have been through a few strikes, we brought in managers, salesmen, and family and kept making product. As a matter of fact our cripples and lost time were much better than running with the union labor.

I just watched the crap going on outside and terminated the troublemakers as soon as I could. Yep they won, didn't they?

Thats why they bring in outsiders to stir up trouble.
We always provided transportation on to the grounds to avoid the damage to peoples cars.

I've also watched two plants close due to a strike.

Bought my first true motorcycle with the money I made working a strike in Milwaukee during the race riots. My dad was a manager, and all the kids came in to run production.

My brother by law was a loud mouth union steward, he was always shooting off his mouth about how they were "going to show them", yep he sure did, they shut the plant down and now after 18yrs, he sweeps the floor at the local elementary school.
 

[Bigdog]

You know.. I have always commented to my wife how much I love this site.   How I have soooo much in common with the ppl here.  Conservative ,  gun owners, Valk riders, etc....  I sure have been dissapointed today.
I realize that we all come from different walks of life, But some things are just DEAD WRONG no matter where you live or work. Hourly or Salary.
I will never cross a picket line any where at any time.
I'm just glad I have raised my kids to respect the Picket..!!!!!
BY the way, I bet most of us are  making the wages we do Because of UNIONS!!!

I can't type all that I want to say....

I appreciate this forum more than you know....Just don't say  "UNIONS ARE FOR COWARDS" and not expect to get a rise out of this Kentucky boy....now I'm going to go take my meds and calm down,,,
I really do love you guys....
Mike Wright
Russell KY

[GiG]

Below is an email I just got from the General Contractor - edited to protect the honest.
Again, I work in an office - no connection to the construction job...

xxx,
I myself am a union card carrying member am embarrassed by the actions of the picketers. I am sad to say that a few “bad apples” had to spoil it for the group. I assure you that we are not like what you witnessed / were involved in. I hope to accept our apologies for the incident and forward me a copy of the estimate for the repairs to your vehicle. We will cover all the costs and also take this issue up with the unions, members involved, as well as the PD. Although "we" were not directly involved we are taking this upon ourselves to settle. Thank you for showing the restraints in keeping your cool as not to further escalate the incident.
Sincerely,

Alan  |  Senior Project Superintendent |  alan.@.com
WE BUILD EXCELLENT SOLUTIONS

The honest union guys took it upon them selves to appologize for the pindicks, and are going to man up and pay for the damage - a very cool gesture on their part. Alan's company was not directly involved, but you can believe the COWARDS will hear about it from Alan. Thanks, Alan.

It's still up to me to get the quotes and be without my car while repairs are made. It's up to me to clean up the mess caused by union criminals brought in to stir up shiit.

If some here read the appology and STILL want to imply its my fault for crossing on illegal picket and accuse me of provoking these pindick thugs - too bad - you can KMMFA. They were NOT provoked. I came here (VRCC BBS) to blow off a little steam when I was victimized and did not look to offend anyone here.

Bottom Line: The good, honest union folks will once again have pay the price to carry and bail out their loser union brothers and pay for the damage to my Caddy.
OUT

[Scanner]

I AGREE WITH BIGDOG I AM ALSO A PROUD UNION MEMBER LOCAL 692 AREA 566 O.P.C.M.I.A. OPERATIVE PLASTERERS and CEMENT MASONS.YOU JUST DO NOT CROSS PICKET LINE PERIOD.

BS
I have been through a few strikes, we brought in managers, salesmen, and family and kept making product. As a matter of fact our cripples and lost time were much better than running with the union labor.

I just watched the crap going on outside and terminated the troublemakers as soon as I could. Yep they won, didn't they?

Thats why they bring in outsiders to stir up trouble.
We always provided transportation on to the grounds to avoid the damage to peoples cars.

I've also watched two plants close due to a strike.

Bought my first true motorcycle with the money I made working a strike in Milwaukee during the race riots. My dad was a manager, and all the kids came in to run production.

My brother by law was a loud mouth union steward, he was always shooting off his mouth about how they were "going to show them", yep he sure did, they shut the plant down and now after 18yrs, he sweeps the floor at the local elementary school.
 

That's called being a SCAB.   If the "managers, salesmen, and family" you brought in ran it better than the workers why did the plants close?

[johnhunter44]

As a retired State Police Officer here in SC, I still would go forward with your complaint against the PD officer.  In SC, his failure to at least take a report, most probably would have led to an investigation for either misconduct or obstruction of justice, as police officers can't just elect which crimes to enforce.  If you have a State Police agency, forward a written complaint to them, as well, so, hopefully, this doesn't happen again.  Police Officers should be more professional....

[Dan Manko]

Motor City:
 "moving will be in reverse gear, undercoating my caddy with some union pindicks."
 "What have those union punks learned? That crime pays."

Do I understand you correctly?
You have somehow rationalized that it is OK to maim and possibly kill people because your car was damaged.
Seems to me that you are a much more serious danger to people than the protesters.
Peace

[9Ball]

we'll see how they step up to the plate after they get your estimate to repair.  I'm thinking it's a bit more $$ than anyone thinks.

The proof will be in the payment....good luck

[Six Guns]

I understand that if you are in a Union and you go on strike, that is part of the process of negotiating with management.  Does that however give you the right as a union member to damage or destroy other people's property? My understanding is that he had nothing to do with what was going on between the management and the union. I could be wrong , but I thought that is what I read. Is there any justifiable reason to destroy people's property when a union is on strike? I'm just asking........

[Dan Manko]

Six Guns:

I agree.
There is no justifiable reason to damage or destroy peoples property.
Did any part of my post suggest that I thought that there was?
Cheers

[Mickey Runie]

I'm thinking (not ever having been in that situation before) that if an angry mob descended upon my car and started flailing away, armed with picket sticks and/or whatever, I'd probably panic, go WOT and get the heck out of there pronto.   If any of the mob remained in front of my car trying to block my escape route, or behind it - if I thought that was the way to get to safety - then they may run the risk of getting themselves injured.   

But that's just me.  I can get sort of panicky when I feel threatened.    Just saying. 

[Jeff K]

I AGREE WITH BIGDOG I AM ALSO A PROUD UNION MEMBER LOCAL 692 AREA 566 O.P.C.M.I.A. OPERATIVE PLASTERERS and CEMENT MASONS.YOU JUST DO NOT CROSS PICKET LINE PERIOD.

BS
I have been through a few strikes, we brought in managers, salesmen, and family and kept making product. As a matter of fact our cripples and lost time were much better than running with the union labor.

I just watched the crap going on outside and terminated the troublemakers as soon as I could. Yep they won, didn't they?

Thats why they bring in outsiders to stir up trouble.
We always provided transportation on to the grounds to avoid the damage to peoples cars.

I've also watched two plants close due to a strike.

Bought my first true motorcycle with the money I made working a strike in Milwaukee during the race riots. My dad was a manager, and all the kids came in to run production.

My brother by law was a loud mouth union steward, he was always shooting off his mouth about how they were "going to show them", yep he sure did, they shut the plant down and now after 18yrs, he sweeps the floor at the local elementary school.
 

That's called being a SCAB.   If the "managers, salesmen, and family" you brought in ran it better than the workers why did the plants close?

Listen, I was born a Polack, being called a scab wasn't any big deal to me.

And I never said "that" plant closed. The closed plants I was referring to had nothing to do with me. There was a Miller Beer plant in New York, I think it was Water town,  they asked the union to take a cut in pay and vacation time so they could keep the plant open... the union said NO... so they closed the plant, I believe it was only 5 years old. No jobs anywhere near there, but hey were willing to gamble. I got a kick out of watching them interview the workers, during the strike, sitting at a local bar, drinking some other beer saying "they wouldn't drink that swill that Miller makes"... Now there is some pride! I figured they were better off closing that plant. We figured they would wait out the union contracts and reopen. The equipment wasn't hauled out, it was just shut down. 

[Clark]

I AGREE WITH BIGDOG I AM ALSO A PROUD UNION MEMBER LOCAL 692 AREA 566 O.P.C.M.I.A. OPERATIVE PLASTERERS and CEMENT MASONS.YOU JUST DO NOT CROSS PICKET LINE PERIOD.

BS
I have been through a few strikes, we brought in managers, salesmen, and family and kept making product. As a matter of fact our cripples and lost time were much better than running with the union labor.

I just watched the crap going on outside and terminated the troublemakers as soon as I could. Yep they won, didn't they?

Thats why they bring in outsiders to stir up trouble.
We always provided transportation on to the grounds to avoid the damage to peoples cars.

I've also watched two plants close due to a strike.

Bought my first true motorcycle with the money I made working a strike in Milwaukee during the race riots. My dad was a manager, and all the kids came in to run production.

My brother by law was a loud mouth union steward, he was always shooting off his mouth about how they were "going to show them", yep he sure did, they shut the plant down and now after 18yrs, he sweeps the floor at the local elementary school.
 

That's called being a SCAB.   If the "managers, salesmen, and family" you brought in ran it better than the workers why did the plants close?

Listen, I was born a Polack, being called a scab wasn't any big deal to me.

And I never said "that" plant closed. The closed plants I was referring to had nothing to do with me. There was a Miller Beer plant in New York, I think it was Water town,  they asked the union to take a cut in pay and vacation time so they could keep the plant open... the union said NO... so they closed the plant, I believe it was only 5 years old. No jobs anywhere near there, but hey were willing to gamble. I got a kick out of watching them interview the workers, during the strike, sitting at a local bar, drinking some other beer saying "they wouldn't drink that swill that Miller makes"... Now there is some pride! I figured they were better off closing that plant. We figured they would wait out the union contracts and reopen. The equipment wasn't hauled out, it was just shut down. 

   DAMN I MISS THE PINKS

[bsnicely]

WHO CARES if he crossd a picket line!! NO ONE has the right to destroy anyone's property!!  This is the kind of thing that has turned people against unions. He had nothing to do with the protest, there is no law against crossing picket lines and the union members have no right to damage his property! Make all the excuses you want, try to justify it if you want but they are vandals and criminals and should be arrested, tried and sent to jail, plus they should make his car right again! The poor excuse for a cop should be fired and sent to jail with them. The police can't just pick and choose who to enforce the law on and who to overlook because they belong to the same kind of org. as they do. Several years agonot far from here some miners on strike murdered a delivery truck driver who was just simply doing his job and feeding his family. As far as I know no one went to jail, they were charged with littering the stream with his body.......   

[Dan Manko]

To everyone.
I mistakenly took Motor City's statement out of context.
I had quoted him as saying
"moving will be in reverse gear,undercoating my Caddy with some union pindicks."
His statement was
"Except next time, due to this "learning experience"- moving will be in reverse gear, undercoating my Caddy with some union pindicks."
Please excuse me for the mixup.
If I understand his meaning, He will put innocent people at great risk [what are the chances of the same people who damaged his car being on the next picket line] because his car was damaged.
Out