The inflatable rat is back at the State Road 3 strike site after moving from picket location to picket location over the last few weeks. Photo by Patrick Peterson.Representatives for United Space Alliance and the machinists' union at Kennedy Space Center say they are heading back to the bargaining table. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 2061 began the strike on June 14 after the two sides could not reach an agreement on a union contract. Read Scott Blake's full story here.
Ummm, the RAT never left.
ReplyDeleteNew blog. Same crap I am sure.
ReplyDeleteI hate you. You hate me. Blah Blah Blah.
ReplyDeletedammit! I'm fourth. How do you guys get here so fast?
ReplyDeleteLet's try our math FT. September minus June equals THREE MONTHS. Thanks for the great work.
ReplyDeleteGood Lord. Any USA manager could go to work at FT as an editor. Spelling or memory not required.
ReplyDeletethe other site got the big flush, huh
ReplyDeletedo you think anyone really takes this serious?
my mother used to say "idle minds are the devils workshop" this blog proves she was right
ReplyDeleteYou got that right 2:05.
ReplyDeleteHey there guys. Have a hot dog and a bottled water.
ReplyDeleteI see that "USA HR dba concerned employees" haven't figured out where this new blog is yet. Standby for the hate/scare factor when they do
ReplyDeleteI was waiting to see the trash that you hard working employees were going to say first. How was your nap? Mine was nice.
ReplyDeletepeaceful
ReplyDeletewanna' 'nother beer?
ReplyDeletehard times, my friend; I've taken to drinking PBR
ReplyDeleteWhy do you non-union workers dis-like union workers so much? I thought that your salery is based on the salary of a union worker. If their salary increases would'nt yours?
ReplyDeleteI dont think there is any real hate. This blog is all make believe. For instance, I am really Queen Elizabeth II, but I pretend to be someone else, such jolly fun!
ReplyDeleteKinda dead in here isnt it?
ReplyDeleteHere is my problem with unions....
ReplyDeleteThe unions of many years past had a purpose to get basic improvements in workers lives. Good goal, good reason for the brotherhood. The unions of today are just a bunch of thugs who only want the dues, encourage and protect the losers who are represented by the unions to allow them to drag their feet, make up stupid rules to drag out the work, allow/encourage them to destroy things to drive more OT, give everybody the same increases for sitting around on their butts, going by seniority instead of who is willing to put some effort into their daily labors. That is why I can't stand the unions of today.
and your point is what?
ReplyDeleteWell stated fred.
ReplyDeleteNo one cares whether or not any one hates the union. It's pretty simple, if you don't like it don't join.
of coures, unless someone is looking to pick a fight.
ReplyDeletenext caller
ReplyDeleteCan any one explain why huge all-powerful corporations are deathly afraid of small groups of people who have banded together to form unions in an effort to protect themselves?
ReplyDeleteThere are too many Freds in here.
ReplyDeleteOne of you bastards have got to go.
that wasnt my fault
ReplyDeleteeven small boats can rock the boat
ReplyDelete...dont rock the boat baby, don't rock the boat..ohoh feeling a flashback comming on
ReplyDeleteStay strong brothers and Sisters we will get our back pay and bonus as the union promised the "RAT"will bring home the bacon hang in there we are almost home.
ReplyDeleteThe long wait pounding the Bricks has paid off Stay Strong back pay and Bonus.
ReplyDeleteWE WANT OUR BACK PAY AND BONUS STAY STRONG.
ReplyDeleteTHE RAT WILL DELIVER LETS MAKE HIM OUR BA
ReplyDeleteFRED IS THE RAT UNDER COVER
ReplyDeleteTHE UNIONS ARE NOT STRONG.
ReplyDeleteWITHOUT THE FEDERAL GOVERMENTS .
THEY WOULD BE POWERLESS IF NOT FOR THE FEDS AND ALL THEIR PROBLEMS THEY CAN CAUSE.
WE WILL ALL MISS THIS BLOG WHEN IS GONE ALONG WITH THE RATS.
ReplyDeleteOur member have a lot to be proud of for our negotiting committee. Stay strong folks, we'll get what we're after. Almost over.
ReplyDeletePride allows a fool to watch his life get shredded while he holds to a principal that never should have been held.
ReplyDeleteUnions are for married people.
ReplyDeleteEven I don't trust the unions site to post freely. No sir, you wouldn't either.
ReplyDeleteBack pay was mentioned so often, and mentioned in the lawsuit. If the IAM drops the suit as a condition to agree to a contract, I'll never pay a due again. Don't talk about it if you are not really going after it.
ReplyDeleteYou've really taught that company a lesson! whew!
ReplyDeletemy mother used to say "idle minds are the devils workshop" this blog proves she was right
ReplyDeleteJ.A.
wise man, nice quote. do you have a name to go with that?
ReplyDeleteIs your point that people should not have principals? If so it proves that you are in the HR department.
The law suit is against NASA not USA.
ReplyDeleteI think I'll steal Fred Savages name because I think he is the coolest.
ReplyDeletewhere do you think I got it from?
ReplyDeletenow type something really clever like I do
ReplyDeleteThe anti-union puke will never figure out how to make it blue like yours.
ReplyDeleteFred is such a sexy name.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a disappointment. I detect apathy here within the latest union/anti union blog. C'mon, where's the hate?
ReplyDeleteyou noticed
ReplyDeleteTHE HATE IS BACK ORDERED
ReplyDeleteMaybe nobody cares anymore.
ReplyDeletewhat do you mean dont join Fred? called about a job at KSC and they told me that I had to join after my first 60 days. thats bull.
ReplyDeleteFreddy, when "a" is before the word principal it shows, nah, why bother. I'll go another way..if I have 12 wrenches and someone takes 2. Maybe too hard still. Let's see? Oh hell look, weathers on!
ReplyDeleteGod she was hot. Fred Murtz, you sly dog.
ReplyDeleteGreat pull from the past Fred!
ReplyDeleteHow's Ethel?
ReplyDeleteThis new Fred rules. I was messin' with him on my 7:08 post, he's actually very clever. Post on Fred!!Better than hatred anyday. Here's a cyber beer sliding your way!
ReplyDeleteAchtung!!!! Schnell die krend ul hastzie cyben!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAchtung Juden the end draws near.
ReplyDeleteI dont care about back pay any more. I just want to c0me back because i know now how much you miss us.
ReplyDeleteHUG!!!
ReplyDeleteEthyl is giving me the silent treatment. "thats all you do all day...you and that damn blog" yak yak yak
ReplyDeletegeesh! cant a guy have a little fun?
ReplyDeleteI'm feeling the love....
ReplyDeletedont be alarmed, it could be just gas
ReplyDeleteYep, you're right....it passed.
ReplyDeleteIt's getting late so I'm going to find a corner and pass out.
ReplyDeleteI guess no one really cares about the strike any more. The 90 days are up. I guess you guys had better hope the company is feeling charitable. I think you guys are screwed though.
ReplyDeletepeople still care, it just isnt worth getting stressed out and popping a vein over.
ReplyDeleteI hope you are right about the charity, but I doubt it.
Maybe someone can tell me why the first strike vote was taken before we even had a package to vote on. I thought the reason for having two was a cool off period before deciding to strike. A time when you could get all the info that wasn't clear during the presentation.
ReplyDeleteWhen do the talks start?
ReplyDeleteThat was explained many times before at the meetings. Ask one of the elected leaders to answer your questions, thats what they are there for. A blog is a lousy place to get facts.
ReplyDeleteWant a little music with that tap dance?
ReplyDeletesure, what have you got?
ReplyDeleteAlthough I did get a great celery dip recipe here. As long as that grouchy other Fred stays gone I say give the strikers some slack. They're people too! I need a tissue...
ReplyDeleteIf we really want to be angry, let's remember that there are really people overseas and living amongst us that do want to harm us. It is 9/11. I will never forget!
ReplyDeleteI just heard we are gonna get back pay, strippers at lunch and a new Tundra for signing the new offer!
ReplyDeleteCrap, I forgot to mention the best part, the free fish fry
ReplyDeletewow, a new Tundra? And I thought having the company give us a beach bash for returning would be plenty...btw, I prefer a massage from a beefy guy instead of the strippers.
ReplyDeleteJoin the union and pay $50 a month in dues. Every three years you have a chance of missing four or more months work. Threats to you and your family at the picket line if you cross. Wow, it sounds great. Where do I join?
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure when the talks are going to start. According to the stuff I've heard, there is something going on, just not official talks.
ReplyDeleteooh, ooh, I feel the love !
ReplyDeleteMaybe the talks are just USA and the IAM figuring out who is bringing what covered dish to the fish fry.
ReplyDeleteOne of the men on the USA side has some free sausage he can bring.
ReplyDeleteDon't think sausage goes well with fish. IMHO.
ReplyDelete9:09 I like your attitude! I'll take the first 15 years dues up front IN CASH.
ReplyDeletesausage and fish together? That raises the BIG QUESTION should red or white wine be served?
ReplyDeletewhen in doubt, serve PBR
ReplyDeletePBR, the beverage of kings.
ReplyDeleteDid the whole back pay thing really come from the union side or is someone just jerking our chain?
ReplyDeleteif it sounds like BS then it is. Check the official website.
ReplyDeleteThe "other" Fred got walked out of work yesterday for computer missuse, along with 2 others. WOOT
ReplyDeleteSame old, same old....zzzzzzzz!
ReplyDeleteIs this the gay chat room I was told about?
ReplyDeleteSure doesn't seem to be as many at work posters lately. I wonder why???
ReplyDeleteA BB gun will take care of that thing.
ReplyDeleteWhere is all the hate. I'm jonesing.
ReplyDeleteThey walked out five USA employees for computer violations. That's probably the reason why.
ReplyDeletewas it something that I said?
ReplyDeletego for the record!
ReplyDelete"Union Thug said...
ReplyDeleteThey walked out five USA employees for computer violations. That's probably the reason why."
sure is quiet in here tonight. Did IT spank some of our co-workers for time card fraud? They were very open about it, blogging all their hate on a daily basis.
waaa, where are all the anti- union pukes now?
...Ahhhh...the feel of a newly refurbished HEPA filtered blog! Welcome to cyber OZ.
ReplyDeleteWhatever happened to chat rooms, where you could get a cardio work out by getting your blood pressure up and maintained for 20 minutes?
posted 8:45 9-13
Union Thug said...
ReplyDeleteThey walked out five USA employees for computer violations. That's probably the reason why.
...Actually all the non-union folks are tired of the same old rhetoric from the pro-puppet folks. No point to it, we've already heard what your gonna get offered, your not going to like cause you've already seen it once before, so your probably gonna do another 3 months on your self made famous strike line deal. All you do is hurt your own pocket books, whine about how you deserve more, and do nothing for the non-union folks. I won't be back, there's other blogs where a more relevant and meaningful conversation can take place. We don't really care about your antiquated views....either come back in or stay out but just shut the heck up about it and put awat the damn crying towels.Your drivel is like a 5 year old on a playground who holds his breath until he gets someones attention. Get over yourself, your no more important than the next guy. Guess what....if either of us were to pass away tomorrow, I betcha the shuttle program will still continue without us, hard facts huh. Now post somthing real meaningful to your union playgroud buddies.
Not a real thought amoung the whole group.
ReplyDeleteNow you see why Unions strike.
I want my back pay and bonus the union promised.
ReplyDeleteStay strong Brothers and Sisters and Fred will provide.
Keep asking when the negotiations are going to happen. Maybe in a week when nothing has, you bozos will no you were jerked. Wow, look how close it is to Christmas already!
ReplyDeleteI would gladly outsource the space program to get rid of the IAM problem.
ReplyDeleteLet them eat cake and work at fast food and perform yard work.
The end is coming but it will take three years and a new contractor
That should be a NASA pre-condition for any new contractor.
I look forward too that day.
The IAM was walked off KSC 90 days ago with no badges for acess.
ReplyDeleteDo not fell too comfortable with your position.
Only with USA agreement can the members return to their old job at KSC with USA.
The thought for the day too ponder.
Union thug, congratulations on your being elected as the official spokes person for "all the non-union folks". However, that would mean that they would have to be organized which is also the definition of a union. It seems that you do quite a bit of crying yourself and for your imaginary followers. Carry on.
ReplyDeletecorrection 8:01, Strikers still retain access badges. Call your friends at HR and verify.
ReplyDeleteThe basic idea all along WAS a USA agreement. Ponder that.
7:53, The majority of us are tradesmen that came here with the required skills needed to perform the work on the first day, and if or when we leave it will be to other skilled jobs. Most of the "fast food or lawn mowers or pool cleaners had to be trained at KSC and will have no use for the certs unless they move to China in 3 years.
nice try but next time think before you type
Everybody i know still has their picture badges in their pocession. You do not even know what you are talking about.
ReplyDelete8:01 post....we were NOT walked off. we left @ 1000 on 6-14-07 to man our strike post(s). we could, if we wanted to scab, return tomorrow, friday, 9-13-07.
ReplyDeletepuh-leeze, dont try and start another rumour.
speaking of RUMOURS: i heard the company will meet w/ the union to continue negotiations next thursday, 9-17-07. i can't reveal my source, but it is a pretty good one. if they hammer out a respectable contract, we could vote by the following saturday.
please, this is an inside RUMOUR.....treat it as such.
someone give some insight to the rumour that USA has some kind of strike insurance. meaning that if a union strikes against USA, after 90 days, the insurance has to pay. if so, and if the top union peeps knew this fact, i'd say the union strikers were used. can you say FRAUD?
ReplyDeleteI still have my badge and I will not cross. Maybe I'll keep it for a souveneir.
ReplyDeleteThe IAM. is a lot like a mental institution the inmates think they are running the institution.
ReplyDeleteThe real facts are they do what they are instructed to do nothing more.
When they talk to each other they convince themselves they are in charge.
Hey Fred , the only crying I hear is your wife because ALL the guys won't be going over anymore. So she will have to settle for less than a man again.
ReplyDeleteThis is the week where the replacement workers start drawing extra supplies out of bench stock to hold themselves over until they can find another job. Careful USA. Mind your supplies. Your real crooks are in there now.
ReplyDeletelittle union thug, obviously you weren't able to develop a legitimate rebuttal, so you had to insult spouses. Very juvenile at best. What is next, children? I have dealt with your kind before, so it's three naughty's and two shames on you. Now off to the time-out corner until you learn respect for grown ups.
ReplyDelete9:31; find this "someone" and have them checked for drugs. There is no insurance. On your way, take 9:04 with you and drop them off at the library so they can read about organized labor and learn.
ReplyDeletenext caller
union sis, they are swinging at flies, so no hits
ReplyDeletehey kelly it's me, are a union person???????????? why is it,it takes you 6 hours to post e-mail. You need to come out and hold a sign with us ....... or get a job that pays you for what you are not doing,,your job.
ReplyDeleteI look forward too the time when the blog has no IAM items.
ReplyDeleteThese people are a total bore.
The only people interested are the poor devils that wait for a job offer at the gate.
Buckbaoards are not needed anymore and neither is the IAM.
Boys go back too the groves and pick oranges use your talent.
The only "FRAUD" at the space center is the IAM.
ReplyDeleteThe tax payer gets a return 50 cents on a dollar.
They came hat in hand for a job.
USA hired them paid wages, medical, 401, retirenemt, overtime, and the turncoats, turn judas.
Who would want the IAM back??????
Would you want them back as a tax payer NOOOOOOO.
Everyone reading this blog should write to the State Reps in Florida too protest the union shops at the Cape and KSC.
ReplyDeleteFlorida is a right too work state and the employees ahould not be forced to pay union dues too any labor movement.
They either pay or lose their employment at present.
The Florida Attorney General should put and end to this practice.
We should all write our state of Florida Reps and stop this illegal practice of employment "BLACKMAIL".
I do know this, USA is boiling lots of hot water. They will toss in the ham bones for your bonus and you will accept it. If your members voted NOW they'd accept the last offer made. Guess what you'll see? Maybe mixed around a little.
ReplyDeleteYou better hope your negotiating morons let you see it. They are itching to go for a record strike. They, after all, are still being paid right? You knew that then?
And any increase that MAY be made to the union will come at the lower seniority's expense. You knew that right? Always does.
Back pay and bonus? I can see the company giving in on a signing bonus, but t this point, even that's a stretch. Backpay? Impossible. Keep dreaming.
ReplyDeleteThis is the week where the replacement workers start drawing extra supplies out of bench stock to hold themselves over until they can find another job. Careful USA. Mind your supplies. Your real crooks are in there now.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you speak from experience. By the way, they'll all be back at the table, with NO precondtitons, your gonna see same old contract, minus yor signing bonus, so you'll still be on strike, so the replacements have nothing to worry about, except to take thier job pemanently when it gets offered to them......
All new KSC contracts should not use any labor unions on the hardware.
ReplyDeleteYou get what you pay for use only salaried employees with a professional attitude.
They can be hired or fired for lack of performance.
The labor Unions have brought a lot of non-professional employees into the space program.
To 6:20;
ReplyDeletenobody pays Union dues uless they are an actual memeber. Nobody holds a gun to your head to join. So unless you actially know what you claim to be talking abiut just plain SHUT UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great idea 9:29! If they start to get too many merit raises, we can issue a lousy review and fire them so we can hire new people for less money. And so it goes
ReplyDeleteHey Fred, your original statement(s) are not legit anyway. So why bother to rebut them. I didn't insult your spouse, just feel sorry for her. Must be tough living with a gutless wonder like yourself. Oh, speaking of juvenile, your daughter doesn't think I'm a LITTLE union thug.
ReplyDeleteEveryone reading this blog should write to the State Reps in Florida too protest the union shops at the Cape and KSC.
ReplyDeleteYeah right. All three of us? You twit. Do you think there are more than three people doing this mess??? Nobody cares about this except for you, me, and Fred.
I like your style here folks. Workers are nothing more than a commodity to manage like nuts and bolts or computers and pencils. Use them and then toss. You can always find someone to do the job cheaper. That is why both material and labor are considered to be overhead. Nothing personal, it's just business.
ReplyDeleteI'm loosing intrest.
ReplyDeleteUnion members be prepared to attend negotiations next weekend. We need a strong show. Make noise and be heard!! Location will be given soon. Check our union blog or these blogs at FlToday. We need you outside making yourself known. Bring your signs and make yourself known!! We will show who is strong.
ReplyDeleteI am sick tired of all the non union hatred. SHUT UP!! You have no ideas why we have strike. It is not about MONEY. We are standing up to bully company. We will get back in to work. We will get overtimr and get our money back. We stand a great chance for backpay in lawsuit too. We deserve better wages and benifits. so SHUT UP!!!
ReplyDeleteWell, I guess the cat is out of the bag! It was fun. A cyber beer for both of you.
ReplyDeletehave you hear of agency shop fees this is the same as dues to the Union.
ReplyDeleteGet the facts I know it is hard to deal with.
Do not the IAM mermbers live in a dream world.
ReplyDeleteThis strike would not have taken place if the IAM lived in the real world.
keep on paying your dues and in 36 months you can strike again with not quesyion why just like this one.
You can strike for your children again same old line repeated so many times the IAM members thinks it is a fact
The word is the only Techs that join the IAM is the misfits.
ReplyDeleteWe should run a poll to see if this a fact or an urban rumor.
The IAM in their dreams are strong but in real life they are just nuts and bolts.
ReplyDeleteThe IAM management knows this a fact.
The State employment agency has hundreds of techs that would love to have one of the gravy jobs with USA.
When USA starts hiring from the street thereis a pool of highly skilled Techs awaiting this time.
The time is near so IAM get your signs and protest, it will make you feel good.
STAY STRONG BROTHERS AND SISTERS WE WILL GET OUR BACK PAY AND BONUS.
ReplyDeleteFlorida is a right to work state. Nobody has to join a union, pay any shop fees, or any other dealings with the Union unless choose to do so. If you work in a shop that requires these fees then please do contact the Department of Labor. you are being fed lies and apparently choose to believe them. But then no matter what you are told you will choose to believe what you want.
ReplyDelete1:58,
ReplyDeletePlease enlighhten us to these shop fees you claim to know about. Either you are a memeber of the Union and pay dues, or you are not. Nobody is being forced to pay any shop fees in the state of Florida. If they are they are indeed being shamed and should contact somebody to investigate that shop.
This may be the case in other states, but not in Florida.
Contact the Delta program they pay agency shop fees if they do not join the union.
ReplyDeleteBe informed they are in the IAM
and pay agency fees.
Talk to Walker and be informed. In the event you require more informaton.
This is enforced because they are on the Cape property, which is not covered by the right too work law in Florida now you have been enlightened.
The right too work law does not cover you on a goverment installation in the state of Florida.
ReplyDeleteBecause it is US enclave which is not covered by the right too work law.
Have you now been Enlightened???
ReplyDeleteI am speaking from first hand experience on the Delta program.
ReplyDelete1. Join the union pay union dues.
2. Do not join the union and pay
agency shop fees.
3. In the event you do not do either you lose your employment.
4. I joined the union so I could Vote.
Stand Strong Brothers and Sisters! We WILL prevail. USA is learning that it must pay wages that are in line with other large companies. MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!
ReplyDeleteWe will get the raises we want
We will get a decent medical benefits package
We will get a signing bonus
We WILL get back pay
We will be successful in having the letter 'M' stricken from the English language!
Only through our combined and steadfast efforts will we succeed in making the union fat-cats even fatter, living off our dues while our kids starve or we travel as far as West Palm Beach for jobs that pay as much as USA.
We are the union!
We are strong!
We are incredible imbeciles to think we can win this!
But stand strong anyway, we are giving some hard working people a chance to prove themselves so that they don't have to take us back.
GO IAM!
Wow! That guy pounded the IAM like mad! That was rough! Now it's time for colonel fat finger to pound out "stay strong brothers and sisters". HA!!
ReplyDeleteHow do we get from Cape Canaveral to Space Mountain, the kids want to have fun today.
ReplyDeleteDoes it bother you that much that we may get something that you can't get?
ReplyDeleteThe main problem with the labor movement in this country is that it has eliminated so many jobs through the excessive demands for a small amount of workers.
ReplyDeleteThe companies either go bankrupt or move out of this country look at the facts of manufacturing job loss.
The auto manufacturing has lost over 50% of their employment and can not compete it is next.
Look at Delfi, a good example along with Ford, GM, Chrysler.
The space business is goverment funded and does not comete in the open market place if it did it would go out of business because of the very low production per man hour.
KSC needs a good
ReplyDelete"Rodent exterminator"
8:32; you got this data from where?
ReplyDelete