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Ask the President Question: I’ve been a steward for over 15 years and I am 100% union. Here’s my question: Employees can be threatened, mistreated and abused by managers, whose only skill was to put on a tie that day. We (the union) can grieve it and maybe even win some cases. Yet there is no way to stop the violation from happening again. Without a “real” penalty (either money or management demotion) a settlement doesn’t mean much. With all the cost cuts and reduction of hours, why can’t management do something about their side? C.J., Saginaw Area Local 486-487 President Burrus: Thank you for your e-mail to Ask the President. You mentioned that you have been a steward for 15 years, but can you imagine that I have experienced the same frustrations for more than 40 years? This is what the labor movement is all about — a commitment to continue fighting day after day after day. Our form of government has at its foundation the right of individuals to enrich themselves through the work of others, so all workplace rights are structured to enhance the employer. The only fundamental right of the employee is to terminate his or her employment. Within this framework, unions negotiate exceptions to the employer’s absolute control, including the right to file grievances and to refer unresolved issues to binding arbitration. Courts and arbitrators have ruled consistently that employees and unions must initiate grievances when disputes arise, regardless of the urgency of the complaint. The national union has tried a number of approaches to address this problem, including the right of national field officers to initiate grievances over non-compliance. We also have requested that arbitrators issue “cease and desist” orders so that future violations can be classified as “in contempt.” However, for every adjustment the union makes to achieve consistent contract compliance, management makes counter moves to permit flexibility. In the end, representation in the workplace is a continuing struggle. Through the dedication of individuals like you, we are up to the task and are committed to wage battle, whenever, wherever, and forever. Thank you for your service to postal employees. Dec. 2, 2008 |
