Volvo workers claim they’re being targeted
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Police say several complaints have been made by non-union members regarding vandalisms and intimidation since the strike began.
Published: February 28, 2008
Updated: February 28, 2008
As Union members continue to take a stand in Dublin, Pulaski County deputies and State Police stay close by keeping an eye on the picket line.
First Sgt. Mike Honaker with State Police says “We’re here to protect both sides, both the Volvo folks that are working as well as respecting the rights of the picketers who are out here for their cause.”
Both agencies keep an officer at the plant 24 hours a day seven days a week and an additional two to four officers show up at the beginning and the end of the day’s shift to make sure things don’t get out of hand but not everything takes place on the picket line.
According to investigators from around the area, there have been several complaints from non-union members who are still working inside the plant.
At least four cases have been reported of nails left on people’s driveways, one case of a broken windshield, another complaint of sugar poured into a gas tank and several signs have been placed on people’s yards that read “scab lives here”.
So far, no one has been charged and there’s no evidence Union members are behind it.
Honaker says “There was one occasion where it was reported that one of the union folks followed a worker home but again that was addressed and so that doesn’t seem to be a continuing problem.”
Officers with the Pulaski Police Department are doing close patrols of people’s homes at their request and First Sgt. Honaker says Volvo has hired a private security firm whose people are screening cars going in and out of the plant and several security people are stationed at the homes of some non union members.
UAW Local 2069 President Lester Hancock says he’s heard about the allegations,
“I can’t really say it did or didn’t happen, I don’t know but we don’t encourage that. We don’t want to destroy anybody’s property or destroy anything that would get anybody in harm’s way.” He adds, “I can tell you the community has been real good to us and we sure don’t want to put a bad impression on the community and make it look like we’re the bad eggs.“
A spokesman with Volvo tells WSLS these complaints are unfortunate but will not affect future negotiations. Hancock says a date has not been picked for negotiations to begin and they’re currently looking for a spot to hold the meetings locally.
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Reader Reactions
It’s real nice how people like to judge others. Considering they dont have a clue about what’s really going on!
I want people to know that my husband is one of the strikers. And he is a Wonderful man! He would never harm anyone!
And destroying someone’s property would never even cross his mind!!!
He is a loving father, and husband. And he is a caring man!
And he believes everyone; including the so called “SCABS” should have a fair contract!!! So before you go spewing off your rants. Why dont you get your facts straight. And show some proof about what your saying! Have you ever heard this saying “Innocent until proven Guilty!“
I mean how do you know some SCAB isn’t doing this just to make the strikers look bad! Or it could be a former employee out for revenge! Who really knows? Either way I know that there are good people in this UNION, and they are not out only for THEMSELVES! They just
want a better future for all involved!
When you have the time you should stop by and talk to some of the wonderful people on the lines. I bet you would find out just how Great they really are!
“You should not judge the whole bushel by one bad apple!“
BBishop,
Sadly, your comment was more a rambling rant than anything else. In response to some of your statments, read below:
***********************
You wrote of one concern “being insurance…two, etc!“. Why is it a problem that Volvo employees who you say do not see themselves as above anyone else should have to start contributing to their own family insurance? I don’t know another person in the NRV or Roanoke area where I work that has free family insurance. In this economy, Volvo workers need to come to grips with the fact the auto/truck industry isn’t thriving as it used to and be willing to help out without complaining.
You wrote, “when union workers are on the line they are doing this for all that work there and not just for them!“
No…they are doing it for themselves because I know several Volvo workers myself that do NOT agree…so those people are not being spoken for.
You then wrote, “What is then taken for granted by those who do not respect what these people picketing are working for and that is for all employees to have good benefits and be treated faily and work in safe conditions!“
I say Volvo has the BEST working conditions in the NRV and beyond. They’re treated MORE than fairly and I can tell you that MOST work-related accidents are pulled backs and such things that occur because the worker is too OUT OF SHAPE.
You wrote, “I also do not think people actually allow their minds to expand too far, for what if it was not a person with the union doing these crimes?“ PLEASE!! You need to expand your OWN mind if you do not believe it is a union-related incident. How else would the victims’ addresses and the fact they are crossing the picket line be known? To suggest the person(s) doing the damage may not be a striker? OMG! If they are not striking, they do not agree with it and would not be out doing damage.
As for the last comment you wrote, I will leave it up to YOU to explain what the heck you are trying to say. Between poor grammer and spelling errors…it is impossible to discipher. Here it is:
“It is much like a question ask on WSLS’s sign-up sheet for gaining an account to comment here…What is you race…Why is that importnat to WSLS? For seriously race should not be a concern…But a great comment should be when it comes to not judging people by assuming or by the colour of their skin! Bev Bishop”
I can tell you asking for race is nothing more than for statistics. YOU are the one “assuming” if you think those of us that truly DO have open minds care a darn about color.
Everyone else…see the mentality we are up against? Not much you can say to someone like Ms. Bishop. Her mind is made up and nothing will change it.
It is sad to read such comments here! I am not sure who is doing these things to those that are not part of the union but I will say this, I know many people that work at Volvo and they do not think they are above and beyond anyone else! There are safety issues at hand there and there are other issue that are of true concern for all that work at Volve, one being insurance…two, etc! When these union workers are on the line they are doing this for all that work there and not just for them! What is then taken for granted by those who do not respect what these people picketing are working for and that is for all employees to have good benefits and be treated faily and work in safe conditions! In all do reality everyone wants that! I also do not think people actually allow their minds to expand too far, for what if it was not a person with the union doing these crimes? What if it was actually someone working there as of now while the union people are still on the lines? Assuming is not such a good thing here without facts and proof that those striking are the ones doing damage! It is much like a question ask on WSLS’s sign-up sheet for gaining an account to comment here…What is you race…Why is that importnat to WSLS? For seriously race should not be a concern…But a great comment should be when it comes to not judging people by assuming or by the colour of their skin! Bev Bishop
I like the way the union presedent says he does not encourage such behavior,but in the union meetings they read off the names of the *Scabs*that are still working.They tell you to remember these people when you return to work.In my opion he knows whats going on.Alot of people would cross the line if they werent affraid of what would happen to them and there property.I think thats sad,people need to work,they need to live these people alone…
I have to pass that crowd of union members on my way to and from work. I refuse to look at them because what they are ultimately doing to Pulaski County’s economy makes me ill.
It is not all about them, but that is how they see it. In this economy, everyone is going to have to tighten their belt so to speak, but these folks seem to feel above everything and everyone.
They actually have a sign across from where they stand that says, “Scabs Here” with an arrow pointing down into a wooden container. Disgusting to say the least…especially when 99% of those who do NOT work at Volve view the strikers as the true scabs.
How dare they destroy someone’s property or attempt to intimidate them? Those who choose to work are living in America under the SAME Constitution allowing freedom of choice. UAW needs to keep that little bit of common sense in mind.
I hope the scab union members who broke the windshield and poured sugar in a gas tank are both fired from Volvo and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. No excuse for such evil behavior. NO better than terrorism.
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