Simply put, most all rumors start out with some basis of truth.
We will post all of the rumors that we hear and the ones that are sent to us.
Please remember that what is posted here is just rumor. Rumor is not truth and this is not meant to start a panic in any form. By discussing what is rumored we can weed out the false and then we are left with the TRUTH.
Spread the word so our VOICE can be heard.
In the update dated March 24, 2003 Tom Easterday stated that one rumor going around the plant was that �There is a plan to reduce the number of unavoidables�. In fact Mr. Easterday just started a new rumor. The rumor going around the plant is that �Management is planning on limiting the use of our unavoidables to only 1 per quarter.� Managements� concern is that on some days associates use or may use unavoidables to slow down or possibly halt production.
The only way that management will ever be able to avoid their fears, is for them to take away our benefit that is our unavoidables. As long as we have just one unavoidable the possibility will always be there that we may use them in the manner that management fears. While their concerns have never happened, and I personally do not want their concerns to become a reality, they feel the need to limit or take away another benefit that we have worked for. In my opinion is that management is trying to make an issue out of a trivial matter. It is my opinion that management is concerned that we will unite and demand to be treated fairly. By taking and/or limiting our benefits we will have nothing to bargain with when negotiating for a legal and binding contract.
Again, our unavoidables are our benefits. We have worked year after year to earn this and all other benefits.
Another rumor that was circulating was that the laid off people would receive 5 years recall instead of the 1 year that they were told when they were laid off. Management did make that rumor come true, and I thank them. After years of loyal service by those associates that is the least that could have been done for them. However management failed to tell their reasons for the sudden and generous change of mind. Could it have been because of the concern raised about the tax abatements that SIA has received by one associate who is currently laid off? After all, management did include most if not all of the concerns raised in that issue.