Union officials slammed BART management Saturday, calling a move to scuttle a tentative contract deal and go back to the bargaining table over a disputed family leave policy the "height of incompetence."
Antonette Bryant, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1555, said in a statement that the family leave policy would cost far less than what BART officials have claimed.
BART officials have said a family medical leave policy granting six weeks of paid leave to employees caring for a sick child, spouse or
parent could cost up to $44.2 million over four years. Under current policy, BART workers get up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave and use vacation, sick time or floating holidays to pay for the time.
Bryant called BART's estimate artificially inflated today and said the policy would only cost around $1.4 million a year.
"Let's be clear. BART management, led by Grace Crunican, is advising the BART board to shut down the Bay Area's transit system over $1.4 million per year," Bryant said. "This is the height of incompetence."
The policy would not apply to leaves taken due to employee illness or injury, but only to employees caring for a family member, Bryant said.
BART officials said this week that the paid leave policy, which was included in a tentative agreement reached Oct. 21 that ended a four-day
strike by employees, was included by mistake.
The BART board voted 7-1 to release a statement Friday saying that it is directing general manager Grace Crunican to return to the bargaining table to resolve the issue. A timeline released by the BART board claimed the unions withdrew the provision in question on June 5, while union officials have said it was approved in July.
The dispute has left Bay Area commuters wondering whether they could face yet another strike this year. Employees also went on strike for four and a half days at the beginning of July before returning to the bargaining table.
The members of both unions voted by overwhelming margins two weeks ago to approve the tentative agreement.
Comments
Stoneridge
on Nov 17, 2013 at 3:04 pm
on Nov 17, 2013 at 3:04 pm
The BART board, our representatives, are just doing their duty.
They are essentially rejecting a element in the tentative agreement.
Why is it so unusual they would reject a bad feature.
Do these union members suggest that only they have the right to vote down a tentative contract.
Getting very tired of the SEIU leader, Ms Bryant characterizing this as only a negotiation between management and the union, as though we, the voters have no say via our board members.
Please note that the same SEIU has been negotiating with AC Transit and their union members have voted down two tentative contracts.
Height of hypocrisy for Ms Bryant to characterize the BART board as unfair when they simply exercise their rights, just like the union member do.
This 6 extra weeks of paid leave is simply unreasonable.
Currently BART workers must use up their own vacation and sick leave before even getting into extra leave..
This proposal would allow 6 weeks of paid leave and then the same worker could take 4 weeks vacation and 2 weeks sick leave and then 13 paid holidays. About 3.5 months of paid time off.
Livermore
on Nov 17, 2013 at 4:39 pm
on Nov 17, 2013 at 4:39 pm
It's difficult to know exactly what the contract said when it was signed because nobody that I know read it.
I have heard that both sides signed the contract.
I haven't read or heard that either BART or the Union are presently stating that they want to shut down BART. The Union is willing to negotiate with BART management. The press seems to be creating a climate that encourages to the public to panic.
It's my guess that there will not be a strike and that the parties involved will find a way to negotiate their differences.
How come the outside BART attorney was paid $400,000.00? What did he accomplish? Please explain in DETAIL! Who actually interviewed and hired him? Just asking.
In my veeeeeeeeeery private opinion, he took BART management on a MERRY-GO-ROUND, hopped off and now he's on his merry way to the B A N K!
i rest my case...
Livermore
on Nov 17, 2013 at 4:44 pm
on Nov 17, 2013 at 4:44 pm
Correction: ...creating a climate that encourage the public to express anger and to panic.
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Nov 17, 2013 at 9:16 pm
on Nov 17, 2013 at 9:16 pm
You make some excellent points, Cholo. The LA Times reported today that the 400K-richer-attorney for BART has been removed from his position.
Fact is, BART management -- all of its representatives -- signed the contract.
I think that six weeks of available leave on account of family illness is a much deserved option for all workers in both public and private sectors. I do hope it stays in the contract that has been signed by both sides. It'll stand as something of a model of justice for which all companies/institutions can aspire. It's about time workers began receiving basic human benefits for matters of family illnesses. Over the long run, we shall all be much better for this.
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Nov 18, 2013 at 8:24 am
on Nov 18, 2013 at 8:24 am
Either they did agree to this or not. Bryant is not saying that BART agreed to this. She is begging the issue by saying it will only cost $1.4 million.
If we spend a few million that pisses off the public enough to force a law change that gets rid of the right to strike then Bryant's behavior will benefit the public.
Do you really think workers would strike over $1.4 million?
Bryant is bad for the union in the long run and should be fired.
another community
on Nov 18, 2013 at 8:54 am
on Nov 18, 2013 at 8:54 am
I am usually down on Cholo's comments...But not this time.
I totally agree with Cholo. This entire BART issue must stop.
I personally think that family leave section was in there for a reason...everything that happens is done for a reason...I have been involved in many teamster union negotiations and believe me nothing gets into the contract by accident NOTHING... Remember there is a reason for everything.
Thanks for listening, Julia Pardini from Alamo
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Nov 18, 2013 at 8:58 am
on Nov 18, 2013 at 8:58 am
Bart management DID agree to this. Claiming, after the fact, that they did not agree to it -- referencing some vague 'timeline' -- is laughable. The union has been consistent in making this claim all along.
It's pretty funny that all the righties, ballyhooing about how the big bad unionistas hosed management and how management rolled over, now are arguing that because the union leadership has done such a good job they should step down.
This is a question of justice. Workers -- all workers -- should have the six weeks available to them in case of family emergencies and illnesses. Such a right has to be part of living and working in a good society -- one where all members are treated in a humane, caring way by others. No one wants a strike; but strike must be an option once again given Bart management's unwillingness to play by the rules of the game.
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Nov 18, 2013 at 9:02 am
on Nov 18, 2013 at 9:02 am
So why don't they find a way to cap it at $1.5M/yr? then everyone is ok
Livermore
on Nov 18, 2013 at 9:47 am
on Nov 18, 2013 at 9:47 am
Joey...you need a bath.
Oak Hill
on Nov 18, 2013 at 9:52 am
on Nov 18, 2013 at 9:52 am
I haven't been following the BART news closely, but isn't this pretty much of an open-and-shut case? The BART board signed the agreement, correct? And signing a contract means that you have read it, understand it, and agree to its terms, correct?
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Nov 18, 2013 at 10:34 am
on Nov 18, 2013 at 10:34 am
Yes, the irony of it all. Bart managers making in the $200s and $300s, and claiming the workers' skill level doesn't warrant a fair wage as was being demanded.
So, what does management do? It tries to run the system on its own, and, within a day or two, two people are dead on the tracks (and wait til the penny conscious righties hears about the pretty penny that's going to cost!). Then, management enters into a contract agreement with the unions. The righties scream to the heavens that these very highly paid managers got hosed by the union leadership. But, more ... it turns out these very highly paid managers, who claimed along with all the anti-worker righties that workers' skill level doesn't warrant a wage in the low $70s, actually didn't even bother to read the contract they were signing. Now they want a mulligan ... at the workers' expense. Oh, yeah, and righties are claiming the UNION leaders ought to be fired. Priceless!
Highland Oaks
on Nov 18, 2013 at 10:35 am
on Nov 18, 2013 at 10:35 am
A previous poster wrote:
"six weeks of available (paid) leave on account of family illness is a much deserved option for all workers in both public and private sectors."
" model of justice"
" basic human benefits "
"This is a question of justice."
"Workers -- all workers -- should have the six (paid) weeks available"
"Such a right has to be part of living"
" good society -- one where all members are treated in a humane, caring way"
Six weeks of paid leave is a basic human right and a question of "justice"? Using that logic, we all should be entitled to a guaranteed job and a guaranteed minimum salary.
Did I wake up in Berkeley? ;-)
Birdland
on Nov 18, 2013 at 11:54 am
on Nov 18, 2013 at 11:54 am
It ain't over till the board signs.
At this point it is a "tentative agreement" not an "agreement".
Oak Hill
on Nov 18, 2013 at 12:42 pm
on Nov 18, 2013 at 12:42 pm
local wrote: "It ain't over till the board signs. At this point it is a "tentative agreement" not an "agreement"."
OK, I didn't know that what was signed was a "tentative agreement" rather than a final "agreement". But that then raises the questions: What does it mean, then, for one to sign a "tentative agreement"? Exactly what does that signature on the tentative agreement signify? Does it have any legal implications? If the intention of the BART board was simply to say that they agreed with the general outlines of the terms in the tentative contract without committing themselves to any specific terms in it until a final version was drawn up, then perhaps they should have simply left the final negotiating meeting with a handshake rather than putting their signatures down on any tentative contract.
Livermore
on Nov 18, 2013 at 12:51 pm
on Nov 18, 2013 at 12:51 pm
Dear "WhereAmI" - You're caught up in an uptight black hole...dare I say give it a flush and begone! NO! I'm not that kinda person.
BART management is trying to sucker punch hard working Americans. I'm patiently waiting for a hero with a big mouth to prove to me that mgt. deserves one cent over $11,110.00 per year plus partial benefits.
What are their specific duties? How well has BART management performed their job related duties? What undergraduate and graduate degrees have they earned, from where, how many have earned Ph.D's from a reputable American university. Online university?
Incidentally, before anybody forgets that TWO HUMAN BEINGS/EMPLOYEES WERE KILLED while BART management was in charge of operations, how come that was allowed to happen? I do not for one moment believe that the deaths of TWO BART employees was an "accident". I would not be surprised if their deaths were planned and that that will eventually be revealed. It was horrific and now their families and friends must live their lives without their loving family members/friends. The lives of their families/friends will never be the same. BART management is responsible for not having anticipated the dangers involved for their employees. Despicable!
Livermore
on Nov 18, 2013 at 12:56 pm
on Nov 18, 2013 at 12:56 pm
BART Board of Directors:
Web Link
What is the salary of each member of the BART Board of Directors?
How are their salaries justified?
Livermore
on Nov 18, 2013 at 1:05 pm
on Nov 18, 2013 at 1:05 pm
Grace Crunical, "BROKEN PROMISES"
Web Link
Birdland
on Nov 18, 2013 at 1:08 pm
on Nov 18, 2013 at 1:08 pm
We all remember those who were killed on the track which was caused by the union walking off the job. Perhaps if the union did not walk off the job these people would still be alive.
Livermore
on Nov 18, 2013 at 1:11 pm
on Nov 18, 2013 at 1:11 pm
REST IN PEACE.
Web Link
Livermore
on Nov 18, 2013 at 1:14 pm
on Nov 18, 2013 at 1:14 pm
VERY POOR BART MANAGEMENT LEADERSHIP LED TO WORK CONDITIONS THAT CAUSED THE DEATHS OF 2 LOYAL BART EMPLOYEES.
Livermore
on Nov 18, 2013 at 1:17 pm
on Nov 18, 2013 at 1:17 pm
Federal investigation into deaths of 2 BART employees:
Web Link
Livermore
on Nov 18, 2013 at 1:21 pm
on Nov 18, 2013 at 1:21 pm
BART delays payments to family of James Strickland who was KILLED BY BART:
Web Link
Livermore
on Nov 18, 2013 at 1:23 pm
on Nov 18, 2013 at 1:23 pm
FIRE FIRE on BART!
Web Link
HOW SAFE ARE COMMUTERS ON BART?
Livermore
on Nov 18, 2013 at 1:26 pm
on Nov 18, 2013 at 1:26 pm
State of California SLAMS BART Safety Measures:
November 7, 2013 - Web Link
Livermore
on Nov 18, 2013 at 3:37 pm
on Nov 18, 2013 at 3:37 pm
SEIU Local 1020:
Web Link
READ ALL ABOUT IT!
Livermore
on Nov 18, 2013 at 3:38 pm
on Nov 18, 2013 at 3:38 pm
Opps: It's SEIU 1021! VIVA!
Livermore
on Nov 18, 2013 at 3:44 pm
on Nov 18, 2013 at 3:44 pm
Introducing: Web Link
COOL OR WHAT?
Livermore
on Nov 18, 2013 at 4:51 pm
on Nov 18, 2013 at 4:51 pm
What to BART managers earn:
TOP DOGs: Web Link
Livermore
on Nov 18, 2013 at 5:12 pm
on Nov 18, 2013 at 5:12 pm
Lets not forget how BART got out-slicked by Devious Dorothy!
Miss Dorothy broke the bank and got a ONE MILLION DOLLAR TO RESIGN + NINE HUNDERED THOUSAND...DUH!
tee hee hee.....Web Link
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Nov 18, 2013 at 5:13 pm
on Nov 18, 2013 at 5:13 pm
That's a good one on the Top Dogs, Cholo. Thanks. What is so rollicking funny about all this is that the righties who usually moan about govt salaries being too high, haven't offered as much as a peep about average 323K salaries of area's BART managers. Why? Because when push comes to shove, it's not about govt workers making too much, it's about unionized workers who threaten the idea of a society which legitimates a wide disparity between haves and have nots. The righties are perfectly willing to pay govt'l managers, or CEOs, as much as it takes to keep workers -- the people who actually do the work -- in line. Union workers bring with their organization and activism a vision of a more just society. Righties just can't abide by that, revealing, at base, that they opt for fascism over true democracy.
Registered user
Vintage Hills
on Nov 18, 2013 at 7:13 pm
Registered user
on Nov 18, 2013 at 7:13 pm
Not true, Mike. There's little reason to interrupt you and Cholo, but again level of responsibility, education, skill set and many other factors determine salary.
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Nov 18, 2013 at 9:11 pm
on Nov 18, 2013 at 9:11 pm
(Post removed by Pleasanton Weekly Online staff as irrelevant to this thread.)
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Nov 19, 2013 at 12:00 am
on Nov 19, 2013 at 12:00 am
According to Mike and Cholo we should just all accept that these employees deserve everything they can extort, and we should shut-up and pay. And when Bart comes to the taxpayers asking for approval of Bond funding to cover the cost of both this BAD contract and the additional cost of the new rail cars, we should just vote yes. And we should do all of this knowing fares will increase beyond inflation while we're alredy subsidizing 30% of the cost, which will soon head to 40% of the cost. And most people use the system a few times per year.
It's hard to justify these salaries and raises when we know the BART unions have been promoting inefficiancy in order to protect jobs and compensation. I'm tired of being held hostage by overpaid union reps that are actually being paid by taxpayers.
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Nov 19, 2013 at 8:26 am
on Nov 19, 2013 at 8:26 am
(Post deemed inappropriate by Pleasanton Weekly Online staff)
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Nov 19, 2013 at 8:27 am
on Nov 19, 2013 at 8:27 am
I see Kathleen has her censors out in full force....
Yes, true believers like Kathleen think that the salaries people make are a function of responsibility, education, skill set. She apparently is unaware of nepotism, cronyism, politicking, and ideology as factors that are at least as important. She apparently has not seen corporate CEOs spending the bulk of their mornings working on their golf game, both inside and outside the office. When one is a true believer, such kinds of reality fail to factor into one's view of the world.
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Nov 19, 2013 at 8:28 am
on Nov 19, 2013 at 8:28 am
For goodness sake, can we just fire these grossly overpaid BART dolts? Then, let's vote out the members of the BART board that let BART management cave to these dolts.
Livermore
on Nov 19, 2013 at 10:35 am
on Nov 19, 2013 at 10:35 am
The deaths of 2 loyal BART employees was due to BART negligence and outdated safety policies. Fortunately, the Union has insisted that safety measures are a top priority.
Thank you Union for insisting that safety for all passengers and Union workers is primary.
Gracias.
ps Just in case many of you don't know that tens of thousands of ILLEGALS ride the rails every hour of the day...thanks for not complaining! tee hee...
Livermore
on Nov 19, 2013 at 10:40 am
on Nov 19, 2013 at 10:40 am
(Post deemed inappropriate by Pleasanton Weekly Online staff)
Registered user
Vintage Hills
on Nov 20, 2013 at 7:20 am
Registered user
on Nov 20, 2013 at 7:20 am
I hate to burst your bubble, Mike, but I didn't see your comment, let alone ask for it to be censored.
Of course I'm aware of nepotism, cronyism, politicking, and ideology--true for private and public jobs. Although I think those criteria can get you a job on the private side, most often one has to actually perform adequately to keep it. On the public side, it can be a career regardless of ability. And if you see a CEO out on the golf course or puttering in the office, don't buy his widgets or invest in the company. On the public side there is little, if any, recourse.
Birdland
on Nov 20, 2013 at 9:09 am
on Nov 20, 2013 at 9:09 am
And now the tens of thousands illegals will have to pay more for their ride to work so that the union workers can receive an even higher outrageous salary, free pensions and almost free medical.
Like said before, if the union did not go on strike, those workers probably would not have been killed on the tracks. There is a direct correlation between the union strike and the untimely deaths of those workers. I would also give high odds that the 'safety issues' the union was talking about in the contract negotiations did not even mention this work activity.
Livermore
on Nov 20, 2013 at 9:25 am
on Nov 20, 2013 at 9:25 am
local delights in framing sadism as legitimate argument...doesn't fly.
The bart employees lost their lives...a very tragic experience for their families,friends, and bart riders.
May they Rest In Peace.
Incidentally, I've instructed all of the illegals with whom I have contact how to fudge a bit!
And, if somebody has no access to a shower, just sit by somebody that looks nice and tidy and others will be too polite to comment.
tee hee...
Livermore
on Nov 20, 2013 at 9:42 am
on Nov 20, 2013 at 9:42 am
BART Incidents: Web Link
Fires, deaths, etc.
Rather eye opening...BART is A DEATH TRAP.
Livermore
on Nov 20, 2013 at 9:49 am
on Nov 20, 2013 at 9:49 am
[This post was removed because it was only a story copied from another publication. If it had included discussion and referenced a link to the other publication, that would have been acceptable.)
Livermore
on Nov 20, 2013 at 9:52 am
on Nov 20, 2013 at 9:52 am
[This post was removed because it was only a story copied from another publication. If it had included discussion and referenced a link to the other publication, that would have been acceptable.)
Livermore
on Nov 20, 2013 at 9:54 am
on Nov 20, 2013 at 9:54 am
[This post was removed because it was only a story copied from another publication. If it had included discussion and referenced a link to the other publication, that would have been acceptable.)
Livermore
on Nov 20, 2013 at 9:58 am
on Nov 20, 2013 at 9:58 am
[This post was removed because it was only a story copied from another publication. If it had included discussion and referenced a link to the other publication, that would have been acceptable.)
Livermore
on Nov 20, 2013 at 10:03 am
on Nov 20, 2013 at 10:03 am
SEX CRIMES ON BART:
Web Link
PLEASE INFORM STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL HARRIS IN SACRAMENTO IF YOU OBSERVE ILLEGAL SEX CRIMES ON BART. EVERYBODY IS AT RISK.
In the meantime, don't you find it curious that BART management never talks about sex crimes with riders? I guess they're waaaaaaay too busy marching off to the bank to deposit their fat checks!
Public is out-slicked again...by BART management! tee hee...
Livermore
on Nov 20, 2013 at 10:06 am
on Nov 20, 2013 at 10:06 am
[This post was removed because it was only a story copied from another publication. If it had included discussion and referenced a link to the other publication, that would have been acceptable.)
Livermore
on Nov 20, 2013 at 10:10 am
on Nov 20, 2013 at 10:10 am
[This post was removed because it was only a story copied from another publication. If it had included discussion and referenced a link to the other publication, that would have been acceptable.)
Livermore
on Nov 20, 2013 at 11:33 am
on Nov 20, 2013 at 11:33 am
Can a person on the Extreme Right who is concerned with BART Union salaries please esplain how come salaries and other benefits are rated a high priority than the safety of BART passengers?
It quite clear that BART management prefers an UNFAIR HIGH SALARY + OTHER COMPENSATION over the lives of passengers.
i wonder why...pleeeeese explain...
Livermore
on Nov 20, 2013 at 11:37 am
on Nov 20, 2013 at 11:37 am
without pointing fingers, it seems to me that a few well known Plutonians are much more interested in the LEVEL OF EDUCATION of employees and not the lives of passengers or employees...
riders are exposed to toxic work conditions on BART daily...hmmmmmmmm...think about it!
tee hee...
ride BART at your own risk...CAN SOMEBODY NAME PLUTONIANS WHO ARE MORE INTERESTED IN LEVEL OF EDUCATION AND NOT PASSENGER SAFETY?
i'm waiting...BUSTED!
i rest my case
Livermore
on Nov 20, 2013 at 4:22 pm
on Nov 20, 2013 at 4:22 pm
[This post was removed because it was only a story copied from another publication. If it had included discussion and referenced a link to the other publication, that would have been acceptable.)
Livermore
on Nov 20, 2013 at 5:54 pm
on Nov 20, 2013 at 5:54 pm
Kathleen...Where did you earn a Ph.D? In what field?
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Nov 20, 2013 at 6:23 pm
on Nov 20, 2013 at 6:23 pm
"Although I think those criteria can get you a job on the private side, most often one has to actually perform adequately to keep it. On the public side, it can be a career regardless of ability. And if you see a CEO out on the golf course or puttering in the office, don't buy his widgets or invest in the company. On the public side there is little, if any, recourse."
That is such a gross oversimplification. It doesn't work that way public or private. Have you ever worked in the financial services industry?
Do you really think public service unions represent any kind of important problem or threat to economic well being of the state or country?
Livermore
on Nov 20, 2013 at 6:56 pm
on Nov 20, 2013 at 6:56 pm
Is there an existential threat to First Amendment Rights?
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Nov 20, 2013 at 7:59 pm
on Nov 20, 2013 at 7:59 pm
Comment deemed inappropriate by Pleasanton Weekly Online staff)
Livermore
on Nov 21, 2013 at 9:22 am
on Nov 21, 2013 at 9:22 am
(Post removed by Pleasanton Weekly Online staff as irrelevant to this thread.)
Livermore
on Nov 21, 2013 at 9:48 am
on Nov 21, 2013 at 9:48 am
Isn't it a SIN to cry wolf?
Registered user
Vintage Hills
on Nov 21, 2013 at 6:11 pm
Registered user
on Nov 21, 2013 at 6:11 pm
John, Yes, a simplification. Not sure why you single that out rather than the oversimplifications of other commenters. Yes, I believe there are issues that are concerning for many states and the country, but it would be another simplification to solely blame unions.
Livermore
on Nov 23, 2013 at 12:37 pm
on Nov 23, 2013 at 12:37 pm
Hopefully, there will be a THIRD STRIKE!
VIVA UNIONS! VIVA!
after, fair is fair...you don't just sign off on a contract and then say no no no...duh
Livermore
on Nov 23, 2013 at 12:38 pm
on Nov 23, 2013 at 12:38 pm
My hero!
Web Link
just kidding...
Birdland
on Nov 23, 2013 at 2:35 pm
on Nov 23, 2013 at 2:35 pm
I also hope this is an opportunity to reject the whole contract. If the unions say that BART cannot strike a single item in the contract and they have to approve it in its entirety, the BART board should reject the whole contract. Let em strike. Then BART can propose a new contract without the paid leave clause and without the excessive raises, and to have employees pay their full employee share of the pensions.
Livermore
on Nov 23, 2013 at 3:00 pm
on Nov 23, 2013 at 3:00 pm
I have a hunch that this dispute will end up in court.
I'd prefer that the matter be resolved between the parties involved.
In my private opinion, BART management is W R O N G.
i rest my case...
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Nov 23, 2013 at 5:55 pm
on Nov 23, 2013 at 5:55 pm
" Yes, I believe there are issues that are concerning for many states and the country, but it would be another simplification to solely blame unions."
I would say the problems of the states pale in comparison with those of the country. The country never fixed the problem with financial regulation. Contrary to popular myth, the financial meltdown didn't have a lot of causes. It can mostly be traced to derivatives speculation gone bad and the use of very short term loans for day-to-day lending between banks. It wasn't caused by too many failing mortgages, or Fanny Mae and Freddie Mac, or too many poor people taking out loans they couldn't repay.
The mortgage meltdown was comparable in size to the dot com meltdown, and the dot com meltdown only caused a minor recession and no financial crisis. Had derivatives trading and banking been sufficiently regulated, there would have been no financial crisis.
That brings us back to unions. So far, I haven't seen any connection between the unions and the economic problems the country has experienced in the last 5 - 6 years. Somehow, people seem to want to make some sort of connection. I'm not sure you're doing that, but these discussions always sort of veer in that direction. The connection between unions and economic problems seems to be either implied or explicitly stated. But the important issues are rarely discussed, partly because it makes people on the Left and the Right uncomfortable -- Obama's and Bush's people both screwed it up badly -- and partly because people don't understand derivatives or money markets, so unions take the blame.
Livermore
on Nov 23, 2013 at 6:45 pm
on Nov 23, 2013 at 6:45 pm
I gotta admit I don't know much about the market except that from time to time I pick up a pound of polenta.
luv BBQ chicken over roasted onions and buttered polenta!
yup...as for blaming the unions, doesn't fly anymore...
folks in the union work hard and they get trashed by lots of wannabees...will not names names...if a union member earns more that 3 cents per hr., certain folks will complain that it's waaaaay too much money.
race/class are major issues that almost never get talked about unless it's about firing folks without a college degree who get paid too much money
i rest my case...
Livermore
on Nov 23, 2013 at 6:50 pm
on Nov 23, 2013 at 6:50 pm
I guess Kathleen never earned a Ph.D.? curious...
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Nov 25, 2013 at 6:56 am
on Nov 25, 2013 at 6:56 am
Kathleen?
Livermore
on Nov 25, 2013 at 9:50 am
on Nov 25, 2013 at 9:50 am
yup...Kathleen Rugelach!
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Nov 26, 2013 at 1:46 pm
on Nov 26, 2013 at 1:46 pm
Kathleen,
My comments were in earnest. I was looking forward to a reply.