Thread regarding Verizon Communications Inc. layoffs

Bs

OP checking in... It's been a hectic couple of weeks. We've been busy securing loans, shopping for a storefront, and beefing up our inventory. I wanted to check back in, though to see if there was anyone I needed to respond to. So, first...
@1jmw, @1ost, @1aar and @1lmz... thanks for sharing your insights and experiences
@1uum... thank you for your kind words
It seems like a lot has been going on here since i came to my realization.
After reading some of what's been going on here, notably the recycled post India/Infosys bashing one and the IBEW/CWA WFH negotiations one, I am truly happy to have left. The deceit and dishonesty I felt when I found out i was getting scr-w-d on benefits was relived as I read these threads.
I can't tell you how good I feel to be separated from this group of people.
If you feel like something... anything is rotten in Denmark, remember... you don't need to be dependent on the union. Most in this world aren't. Do your research and make an escape plan. I think you'll feel more fulfilled for it. I know I do.
Good luck, everyone!

Are you taking the red pill or the blue pill today?

Unions are needed to keep management honest. You don't want either side too powerful.

In reading through this thread, it's interesting to see that the neutral or anti-union posts are largely well reasoned and clear explanations of their stances and opinions.
In contrast, the pro-union or anti-management posts are simple attacks or insults. There is no attempt to use logic and reason to present a counterpoint (I'm sure we can expect one to magically pop up now, though). There is only knee jerk reaction at an emotional level. It assumes to other party is the enemy, and it's intended to strong arm the opposition away from their viewpoint.
Maybe this is evidence that union membership is generally less intelligent. Maybe it's proof they think they've already lost the argument, and consider debating a waste of energy. I don't think any of that is true. I can't help but see this as evidence that they've been exposed to, and accept, the manufactured fear and hate that's mentioned in the OP.

I think you have multiple personalities, and they’re all commenting on the same post. Two words......Professional Help.

The world has two kinds of people: those who feel the ends justify the means and those who make each decision based on its own merits no matter if its a big decision or small decision.

I feel like the union presents this picture of us against them, look at the end goal, don't worry about what it takes or what you individually have to sacrifice of yourself. Don't worry about all the little things that go against your better judgment because the end goal is we'll keep you safe and employed. Don't worry about the slimy people you subsidize because that's just how it is. It comes with territory. Work reasonably hard and keep your mouth shut. Yes you will sometimes feel like a drone for the union but look at what you get in the long run especially if more of you join together. There are a lot of people who are perfectly ok with this. I don't fault them. For these people, the ends justifies the means. And they do usually end up safe and taken care of, maybe not as well as their older brethren but well enough.

But many look at the small things that add up to big things and something just doesn't feel right about the whole thing. Like you're subsidizing some big lie that will benefit you yes but at what cost. What are you really giving up for that care. Some people at the end of the day want to feel good about every decision they make and even more want to control their futures and not give away that control to a usually corrupt organization for a mess of pottage to use a Biblical metaphor.

The OP is definitely of the second group.

Since you’re in the collectibles business, I have a Hummel figurine of of a wireless employee sitting at his computer making troll posts, any idea what it’s worth?

Union Employees are Karens that pay dues, in order to complain and not get fired.

@1gkh+1b9SD6di no trolls here but apparently, you can't handle that people are not feeding into your view, so you quickly gravitate to sharing the go-to term of calling people trolls. Sounds like you need to be guided to think. Nowhere in any of the statements made were about being anti-union. It is simply speaking to what people have experienced as individuals. The OP feels duped. I feel that I have been extremely happy and successful in management. Yes, I started with the union, however, instead of me bashing it, I just knew it wasn't for me as I wanted more, and I have obtained more. If you are satisfied with your union position then I am all happy for you and anyone else that remains in the union. It is all about what makes you as an individual happy. Don't try to knock others when they want more than what they get from the union. Not all relationships are ideal and this includes those that have become management and not enjoy it. We all have our own stories to tell.

Oh Jeez, the anti union troll is at it again!

Good luck with the collectibles and antiques business. Im sure you will do well seeing how insightful you are.

Left the union 21 years ago and have enjoyed the benefits of being in management. I am not controlled by being told that my creativity isn't allowed because I am not permitted to do better than my union peers. My work stands on its own merits and I'm permitted to think outside of the box and design solutions. Some people may not have enjoyed their jobs in management but I can honestly say I have. Yes, the work can be hard at times but in the end, solving problems is also gratifying. I still work for the company and continue to do so. I don't rely on what others are doing or not doing. I am more than happy to provide a lending hand to my management peers. While they did end pensions years ago, I also learned how to invest for myself. I have yet to hear that no one wants a position in management. It is all about how to approach each situation.

@mwb+1b9SD6di> nope, I was most definitely duped. I did talk to a union representative about the benefits of a union. He told me what I'd receive. He didn't tell me others got more, though. In fact, no one breathed a word about any of this... I didn't even get to look at a copy of the contract until I became a member. So, when the old guys talked about other benefits, I assumed I would get them too. It was only when I read the contract myself that I saw what was happening.

It's kinda like I was sold a car... I was sold on it's fuel injected engine, airbags, and tinted windows. Everybody else was driving Cadillacs with fuel injected v8, airbags, tinted windows, leather and rear view cameras. They were all talking about how nice their Caddys were, and what a deal they got. I assumed I would be getting a Cadillac too. Instead I got a Kia with a fuel injected 4, vinyl, and AM radio. Oh, and by the way... you're paying what the Caddy drivers are because that's just what we charge.
The Kia gets me and my family around, but it sure ain't the Cadillac I was led to believe I was getting, and it's anything but a good deal.

So, yes... I was duped by the union. In other arenas it's called "bait and switch" and people go to jail for it. It's obviously acceptable in the union world, though.
Are you that brainwashed that you can't see how morally bankrupt this is? Or, is your soul so black and shriveled that you think this is acceptable?

You're reply only makes me all the more thankful of the choice I made. I don't need to be involved with people that think like that.

You weren’t duped, you were just ignorant. Did you not talk to someone about your compensation before you took the job? Although this”second tier” you speak of may not be as good as old timers have, it’s still pretty good. Thank God you’re not a manager, they screwed them over years ago, that’s why no one wants that job anymore.