Ironworkers Wildcat In San Francisco To Protest Contract Vote Process And Declining Wages

I worked in the Trade for 40 years. I received a Retirement and Health insurance am enjoying life as a retired Ironworker. Now I can see wanting higher wages to keep up with the changing times. A Contract was voted on and signed this year. This Wildcat Strike does nothing to help the Union Worker as a contract has been signed. As far as a contract being sent to the Membership not written in Spanish or Chinese is a very bad argument because if you cannot speak English you should not even be on the JOB. All Ironworker are to have a High School Education or a GED. Also when you protest make sure you know your facts. This does nothing to help the Ironworker. I am all for the Ironworker getting higher wages but go about it the right way. The Contractor needs to make money. The Ironworker needs to perform his best for the Contractor to make money. Sharpen your skills learn all the tasks your can to enhance your skills and work to strengthen you Union.This wildcat Strike does not help the Union Ironworker. Yes you have the work on the Books in your Local now. Down the road the work will be in some other jurisdiction then you will have to BOOM OUT. I know some of you do not even know this term. That is the way of the Trade and your Local will be remembered for its actions.

This hurt us and cost us money. We did get a raise and it saved our pension. On the downside we have not kept up wit the cost of living or inflation. The next raise can go into anuity and wages to repair those issues. Until then sacrafice and be glad you can retire later with dignity. ONLY STRIKE WHEN IT IS SANCTIONED! Otherwise you are helping the individuals who are trying to devide the labor movement! We loose market share every day and theese actions will contribute to the problem. If you want to picket go find an open shop and organize them. Focus your action in an areana where it will have a positive effect!