I've been reading this site almost daily.I say read the contract and know it inside out. If we go back to work you must know they will be using it to their advantage so make sure that we can do the same.There are protections there for us.This is a majority vote so the outcome will not please everyone. Stay together not divided, don't let ENAMA seperate us!! On another noteI was out with my wife and son today on Rt 110, my truck broke down and I needed a part. So off I went to look for a part store leaving my family in the truck. I found the part 45 min. later. On the way back I got a call on my cell.My wife handed the phone to a locked out brother who saw my Local 1 sticker. I was honored to hear he saw my sticker and stopped to help. Felix Mercado selflessly comforted my family while I walked back.He stayed till the repair was complete. IN UNION IS BROTHERHOOD!!!  Deepest Thanks Dan Andrews

Remember this song when you cast your vote

                       
40 Hour Week
   ------Alabama

There are people in this country who work hard every day
Not for fame or fortune do they strive
But the fruits of their labor are worth more than their pay
And it's time a few of them were recognized

Hello Detroit auto workers, let me thank you for your time
You work a forty hour week for a livin', just to send it on down the line
Hello Pittsburgh steel mill workers, let me thank you for your time
You work a forty hour week for a livin', just to send it on down the line

This is for the one who swings the hammer, driving home the nail
Or the one behind the counter, ringing up the sale
Or the one who fights the fires, the one who brings the mail
For everyone who works behind the scenes

You can see them every morning in the factories and the fields
In the city streets and the quiet country towns
Working together like spokes inside a wheel
They keep this country turning around

Hello Kansas wheat field farmer, let me thank you for your time
You work a forty hour week for a livin', just to send it on down the line
Hello West Virginia coal miner, let me thank you for your time
You work a forty hour week for a livin', just to send it on down the line

This is for the one who drives the big rig, up and down the road
Or the one out in the warehouse, bringing in the load
Or the waitress, the mechanic, the policeman on patrol
For everyone who works behind the scenes

With a spirit you can't replace with no machine
Hello America let me thank you for your time......

I would like to send my prayers out to Gary Haynes and his family, and wish him a speedy recovery.

Another man that has been in my thoughts and prayers is John Meadus,John was a man that believed in this union and literally died for this union.John was picketing to stop other trades from doing our hoisting,he was picketing to stop shift work from becoming mandatory because he wanted to be home with his family and he didn't want GPS so he could be treated like a criminal.All GPS is going to do is keep us running and running until we drop.The answer is to hire more men and women to get the job done not to spread us thin like we are now.GPS is not going to help us get on top of a car. Let me tell you something brother's and sister's I got hurt on top of a car and went to the hospital by ambulance and not one Representative from the company came to the hospital to check on me, not one.The ones who came to the hospital were the local one brothers.

Lenny you stated in a letter dated 3/18/05 and I quote (THE DISPLAY OF SOLIDARITY AND STRENGTH THAT WAS DISPLAYED AT THIS PAST TUESDAY AND THURSDAY UNION MEETING WAS A BREATH OF FRESH AIR AFTER THE PAST THREE MONTHS OF SITTING WITH THE LYING GREEDY SCOUNDRELS OF THE EMANY GROUP. THE LOCAL ONE MEMBERSHIP RECHARGED THE NEGOTIATING COMMITTEE'S BATTERIES WITH YOUR DISPLAY OF FAITH AND COMMITMENT TO THE CAUSE.THE EMANY GROUP THINKS THEY CAN BREAK LOCAL ONE BY LOCKING US OUT. IT HAS ONLY MADE US STRONGER.) LENNY I WANT TO KNOW IF THIS UNION IS STRONGER AND IF YOU NEED TO BE RECHARGED BECAUSE WE WILL CONTINUE TO TOW THE LINE IF YOU TELL US TOO.I BELIEVE IN THIS UNION AND I BELIEVE THE FIGHT IS NOT OVER YET.We are so close brother's and sister's I can taste it.

Tommy would end all of his post with this statement.(WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH THE TOUGH GET GOING) WELL, ARE WE TOUGH?AND WEIR ARE WE GOING?

MIKE KEPT CHANTING (WE ARE THE UNION THE MIGHTY MIGHTY UNION) WELL ARE WE? OR WAS THAT JUST TALK?

FREDDY,YOU WERE THE ONE WHO KEPT ME GOING WHEN I WAS ON THE PICKET LINE EVERY DAY, YOU HELPED ME KEEP THE FAITH I NEEDED IN THIS UNION AND NOW I'M CONFUSED IN WHAT IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN.MY LOYALTY IS TO THIS GREAT UNION I DON'T HAVE TO TELL YOU THAT,IVE PROVED THAT TIME AND TIME AGAIN.FREDDY YOU STATED IN ONE OF THE POST DATED 3/18/05 AND I QUOT (BROTHERS AND SISTERS, WHAT I SAW IN NEW YORK CITY TODAY WAS AMAZING.THE UNITY AND PASSION OF OUR MEMBERS WAS SO INTENSE THAT YOU COULD FEEL THE FIRE IN EACH PERSON. THE SUPPORT FROM OTHER TRADES WAS ALSO HUGE.THE EMANY GROUP HAS PICKED THE WRONG PEOPLE TO MESS WITH. OUR UNION HAS HAD OUR DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CERTAIN GROUPS OF MEMBERS BUT EVERYONE HAS GIVEN US THEIR FULL SUPPORT AND HAS OFFERED TO STAND SHOULDER TO SHOULDER TO FIGHT THESE GREEDY BASTARDS!THE SUPPORT AROUND THE COUNTRY FROM OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IS ALSO OVERWHELMING. WE WILL NEVER FORGET WHO OUR FRIENDS ARE. KEEP UP THE GOOD FIGHT.) FREDDY DO YOU STILL FEEL THE FIRE OF EACH MEMBER TODAY? WE NEED TO STAND SHOULDER TO SHOULDER NOW MORE THAN EVER.

RAY,YOU TOLD THE MEMBERSHIP TO DIG IN AND TOW THE LINE THAT TOGETHER WE WILL WIN WIN WIN ,  UNITED WE STAND DIVIDED WE BEG ,AS STATED IN A POST TO THE MEMBERS ON 3/19/05

ARE WE UNITED,ARE WE DIGGING IN,AS YOU ASKED OF ALL OF US TO DO OR ARE WE DIVIDED?

I TAKE PRIDE IN MY UNION  AND MOST OF ALL MY FAMILY AND I WONT LET EMANY TAKE THAT AWAY FROM ME.I WATCHED THE SCABS LAUGH AT THIS UNION AND THEY WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO IF THIS CONTRACT GOES THROUGH. BROTHERS AND SISTERS DON'T LET JOHN MEADUS DIE IN VAIN.WE NEED TO CONTIUE TO TOW THE LINE.GRAB THE LINE BROTHERS AND SISTERS IT'S SLIPPING AWAY! HIREING MORE MEN IS THE ANSWER NOT SHIFT WORK OR GPS.

                              GOD BLESS LOCAL 1, GOD BLESS GARY HAYNES AND JOHN MEADUS AND GOD BLEES OUR NEGOTATING COMMITEE.WE ARE THE BESTAND DON'T FORGET THAT.

We at Local 4 WILL continue to support Local 1 no matter what the vote is

Brothers & Sisters,

  I know little about your contract~not reading it for myself! What I have seen from post on this site the Not Happy is greater then the Happy!!

 This is your contract READ IT, UNDERSTAND IT,ASK A MILLION QUESTIONS, take notes!! VOTE WITH YOUR,PRIDE,TALENT,& HEART....NOT WITH YOUR BILLS & OBLIGATIONS!

  You all know what your worth, and so do the companies. They know they can not replace the TALENT,PRIDE,HONESTY & the way you handle your Buildings ! (Like they are your own)

  I wish you the BEST!

Brother, Mario Vic

Good morning brothers and sisters….

I’ve been reading and absorbing all the posts and not one particular one can be said to be way off line.. Most of the brothers and sisters make valid and solid arguments for and against this contract…In the game of pinochle there is an expression often used…“When in doubt play trump..” I wish our decision was  this simple concerning this contract, There are gray areas in this contract that even when they are fully explained are very difficult to grasp, because it’s impossible to think of all the variables and circumstances that affect a given issue. A camera in a dressing room can be a deterrent to prevent theft, but obviously an intolerable intrusion. GPS can be used constructively but will they? There’s an  insidious side to GPS that when used arbitrarily will serve to only entrap and wantonly scrutinize our given positions any time they want to…The obvious question then arises.. Will they use it for punitive measures?  Some may argue ..”well if you’re where you’re supposed to be, then you have nothing to fear” this sounds simplistic and their track record speaks for itself …..if they have it in for you for whatever reason they will use it against you. The issue with the money is not that critical.. we want 7777 we got 7666. the flex start they already had, the construction issue is a bit vague but I guess there will be a lot of questions on it tonite that may clarify it once and for all.. On the surface it seems like is not that bad but we need further clarification on many issues and that is not going to happen unless we asked specific and relevant questions. The money being offered up front as I see it it’s simply compensation for locking us out the two extra weeks that is taking for us to vote.. IF WE RATIFY.. Obviously they are not going to give us that money if we say no … In closing I pray for a clear and sober mind, so that we can approach this sensibly, cautiously and informed, and most importantly we need discernment to view it objectively. What we don’t need is to jump on any bandwagon or get caught in the heat of any argument that is not constructive; is easier to tear down than to build up. We can stand at the meeting and shoot this hole thing full of holes and negatively and destructively tear it down.. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that the stakes here are very high and subsequently we need make an intelligent choice based upon facts and not myths and misconceptions….

  After all has been said and done ..I WILL STAND BEHIND THE DECISIONS OF MY BROTHERS, GOOD BAD OR INDIFFERENT AND IF THE DECISION IS TO TURN THIS CONTRACT DOWN SO BE IT…BACK TO THE PICKET LINES WE GO IS IT RIGHT? ONLY TIME WILL TELL …ARE THEY GOING TO BE UPSET AND RIGHTFULLY THIS TIME MAKE US TO BE THE BAD GUYS? WHO CARES…. I HAVE THE SAME CONCERN FOR THEM THAT THEY HAD FOR ME WHEN THEY LOCKED ME OUT, EXCEPT IN A MORE RIGHTEOUS WAY..THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH A RIGHTEOUS ANGER SO LONG AS IS NOT DESTRUCTIVE …BESIDES MY IMMEDIATE FAMILY YOU GUYS  ARE  MY FAMILY I SPENT MORE TIME WITH YOU GUYS THAN I DO WITH THEM…BOTTOM LINE IS .WE SINK OR SWIM TOGETHER…

On a good note my son was interview by channel 12 news on Sunday and he was honored at my church by representatives from the state senate’s office and local the councilman for his contributions to his country ..he served two tours in Iraq, one in Kuwait and one in Kosovo consecutively…He is now going to serve as a Drill instructor in Ft. Bennings Georgia. Compared to active duty…a well deserve rest..

Hallelujah my son is home…praise God………. Sorry but I just had to share this.

Our continued prayers go out to Gary Haynes and his family…

Respectfully and fraternally yours…

V.colon

 Good morning,

First, Our pray's go out to Gary Haynes and his family.

Second,Please read Pg.9 very carefully.

It states If you pass the Mechanic's examination, You become a Journeyman( person) no Later then 11 months.

To me If I was an Apprentice, I would be pissed.

Emeny gets to pay you 75% for 11 months, After you passed this Kick A## test, And all the schooling.

 Think About it.

                    D.C. Chuck

this is a good site , it 's easier than yelling at a meeting

Well I have read what some are calling a "decent" contract,  and I am very sad that this could possibly be the next four years of our working future.  We are in for a real rough road if this contract passes on sunday, I'm sorry I can'T jump on this John Mancini way of thinking, we are giving up way to easy, and we came to far to bend over now.  Things are hard money wise for all of us, but the thing is: DOES ANYBODY WANT TO PRETEND THAT IF THIS CONTRACT PASSES THAT THE NEXT ONE IS GOING TO BE GREAT.  We all need to read carefully listen carefully, and vote carfully.  This isn't about getting back to work asap;  It's about getting back to work with conditions that we had, want,and deserve.  It's about not compromising our standards for a few more bucks and throwing our fair work conditions out the window.  Like danbo said, "we can hold out the ball is in their court," we can take a stand together and come out of this with a contract that will make stand tall when we return to work.  Lets not be afraid push back,  this union has integrity we just have to show it.   I will see you all on thursday, 

It's about time that the big "O" decided to come to their senses!

Way to go emany

The wages for the new contract should be no less than $34.74 for service/mod and construction $42.89 for the first year of the new contract , these were the rates for 3/17/04.   New rates for 3/17/05 service/mod $33.81 and construction $41.97. They should be at or above the rates for 2004!!  GIVE US ONE THING FOR THE BROTHERS AND SISTERS.

      GOD speed to brother Haynes our prays are with you always!

hello brothers an sisters i believe brother mancinis post is on the money.the only reason emany deceided to come to a settlement is because of  the real estate board putting pressure on them.you no emany couldnt care less about us .they proved it by locking us out.so i say lets vote it in an get ready for the next one an be prepared.its only my opinion.

I would just like to say to the Haynes family you are in my prayers. I would like to thank Brother Mancini. for shining light on the gray areas of this contract and to make this unoin aware of them. To a man who dose his homework

Thank you

Brothers & Sisters,

All updates that would be posted on the site, will be posted here until Friday June 24. The following is a communication from Brother Hernendez:

*************************************************

June 22, 2005

To All Local One IUEC Locked Out Brothers and Sisters:

If you have received letters from your employer(s) (Otis, Kone, or Schindler) you are NOT to contact them prior to the ratification vote.  The lockout remains in motion and you are not subjected to reporting to ANY company!  The results of the vote on Sunday will determine whether or not you return to work.

I will be talking to you tomorrow evening at the Contract Review Meeting that has been called.  It will commence at 6pm at Fashion Industries – 225 W. 24^th Street between 7^th and 8^th Ave, NYC.  Remember to be at the Union Hall on Sunday, June 26, 2005, from 8am until 4pm to vote on the Tentative Agreement.  I look forward to seeing you there.

Raymond Hernandez

President/Business Manager

I just want to thank a brother who knows what it takes to be a good brother,his name is MIKE BRUCE.Mike has helped out a family that needed his help and he wont be forgotten.That family wanted me to thank you and send all the best to your family  

I was one of the 70 or so members who had GPS in their vans and all I can say is that it sucked. The only problem is that in this day and age it is never going away. I read brother John Mancini's post and found it not only interesting but in my opinion dead accurate. From hearing things on the street, a NO vote would put us out for a long, long time. EMANY already feels they got screwed and the REMB has lost their patience with EMANY and LOCAL 1 and would immediately go for LOCAL 3 shops.So read John Mancini's posting carefully, look at the facts and then make a decision. We will gain nothing more by going out on the street,so let's put this contract through and strengthen our UNION as only WE can.    Fraternally, Jim Brady          P.S. this was NOT my opinion at first but have come  to realize what we have and what more we are NOT going to get.

First, my prayers go out to Brother Gary Haynes and his family.  Hope to hear he on his way to a full recovery.  Also wanted to say that THE post by John Mancini, I felt was right on RIGHT ON THE MONEY!!!!!!!  Let the members who are LOCKED OUT get back to work, and let all of the MEMBERS OF LOCAL 1 prepare for the next contract.  I have read, heard, and seen so many members getting involved that we should all stay active in any way possible to better prepare for our future and those who will follow.  UNDERSTAND MOST OF WHAT IS IN THIS CONTRACT HAS BEEN THERE ALREADY, AS HAS BEEN STATED BY MEMBERS WHO HAVE TAKEN THE TIME TO GO OVER EACH PART. I thank the negotiating committee for the time they spent getting us the best they felt they could.  Brothers & Sisters the fight has just begun, and in the 3 months weve been out, we have shown a solidarity THAT