Locked Out

catinthedark · #1 08-17-2005, 04:22 PM

Has anyone else ever been locked out by their employer? It's not the same as going on strike. Our union wanted to keep negotiating in good faith towards a new contract; we all wanted to keep working. But late last Sunday night, management locked us all out. Now 5500 of us across the country are on the picket lines, feeling betrayed by a corporation we love and have felt great loyalty towards. The main issue is that our employer wants to be able to contract out more jobs and hire more people on a temporary basis (meaning no benefits, no seniority, no security). How's that for loyalty?

There's talk the conflict could go on for months, at which point many of us will have to start considering just how strong their own loyalties really are. Mortgages have to be paid. Kids have to be fed. It's not a nice place to be right now.

amber · #2 08-17-2005, 04:33 PM

Sooooooo sorry catinthedark. My goodness. I hope you'll be okay.

my blessings to you.
this is the kind of situation where I really, really have sympathy for someone, and also I think would be a good "cause" (in general) to donate for. People we know, or who are in this country, who may not be eating or living anywhere soon.

strandinthewind · #3 08-17-2005, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catinthedark

Has anyone else ever been locked out by their employer? It's not the same as going on strike. Our union wanted to keep negotiating in good faith towards a new contract; we all wanted to keep working. But late last Sunday night, management locked us all out. Now 5500 of us across the country are on the picket lines, feeling betrayed by a corporation we love and have felt great loyalty towards. The main issue is that our employer wants to be able to contract out more jobs and hire more people on a temporary basis (meaning no benefits, no seniority, no security). How's that for loyalty?

There's talk the conflict could go on for months, at which point many of us will have to start considering just how strong their own loyalties really are. Mortgages have to be paid. Kids have to be fed. It's not a nice place to be right now.

I think your union has methods to help you. I would check with them. Good luck and sorry about this.

GypsySorcerer · #4 08-17-2005, 04:45 PM

I'm sorry.

Shame on your employer. Sending good thoughts your way...

DrummerDeanna · #5 08-17-2005, 05:49 PM

Oh geez...sorry to hear about that!

And here I was all prepared to contribute to a thread about locking oneself out of their house or car

I hope everything gets straightened out soon Cat!!!

catinthedark · #6 08-17-2005, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strandinthewind

I think your union has methods to help you. I would check with them. Good luck and sorry about this.

Thanks to all for the words of support. It is our union that has been locked out. We are earning $200 a week for picket duty. Doesn't quite pay a mortgage, but it's better than nothing. As a single person with no kids to feed, I certainly won't be looking for any loans from the union. There are people in worse situations that mine. There are lots of couples where both work for the corp, they have kids, and so there's no income at all. But the harder issue is the act by our management.

SuzeQuze · #7 08-17-2005, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catinthedark

Thanks to all for the words of support. It is our union that has been locked out. We are earning $200 a week for picket duty. Doesn't quite pay a mortgage, but it's better than nothing. As a single person with no kids to feed, I certainly won't be looking for any loans from the union. There are people in worse situations that mine. There are lots of couples where both work for the corp, they have kids, and so there's no income at all. But the harder issue is the act by our management.

What about unemployment benefits? This is a nasty thing for them to have done to you. Shame on them.

Take care, and I'm sure things will work out for you.

On Edit: I've never even heard of such a thing.

catinthedark · #8 08-17-2005, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuzeQuze

What about unemployment benefits? This is a nasty thing for them to have done to you. Shame on them.

Take care, and I'm sure things will work out for you.

On Edit: I've never even heard of such a thing.

It happens during labour conflicts. My union has been negotiating with management towards a new contract for 15 months. They were at an impasse. And deadline was set at this past Monday at 12:01 am. Either side could have extended the deadline had negotiations been going well. Neither did. Our union could have declared a strike - we would have walked out. Instead, our employer locked us out. They save money that way - 5500 salaries. But they lose, too. I work for the public broadcaster - they risk losing their audience. So I haven't been fired - so no unemployment benefits. I'm just walking the picket line for now. Here's a news story about it:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servl...BNStory/Front/

GateandGarden · #9 08-17-2005, 07:41 PM

I'm so sorry about this, Cat. I hope it gets straightened out for you and everyone else who is affected.

gldstwmn · #10 08-17-2005, 07:42 PM

Stick to your guns. If your union capitulates now, then you can kiss 5500 good paying jobs goodbye. That's how corporate America busts unions and keeps them out. Coors is a good example of that here in the U.S.

Red · #11 08-17-2005, 07:46 PM

Super lame, I'm so sorry to hear about this. You must be so stressed. I'm sending good thoughts and vibes to you!

catinthedark · #12 08-18-2005, 12:12 AM

Thanks, everyone. I really appreciate the moral support right now.

Janet · #13 08-18-2005, 01:03 AM

That really sucks. I hope something works out soon.