The Alliance For Worker Freedom

[NateRiver]

WORKER
Captain John Smith requested his sponsors send him carpenters, blacksmiths, masons and digger of trees. Instead he got a perfumer and six tailors. Eventually Capt Smith got the workers he requested and a New Nation founded on hard work evolved. The American Worker needed a voice to protect their rights. The union was born.  Now the American worker needs a voice to protect them from the union. The AWF was founded in 2003 to protect employee rights and worker freedom.

[Lord Undies]

All "unions" should be busted (I didn't say outlawed).  They exist for no other reason than to exploit the employee and rob the employer.  The union's goal is to enrich a few on the backs of many, just like companies and corporations (some may argue).  The difference is the companies and corporation actually produce something useable.

[thundley4]

All "unions" should be busted (I didn't say outlawed).  They exist for no other reason than to exploit the employee and rob the employer.  The union's goal is to enrich a few on the backs of many, just like companies and corporations (some may argue).  The difference is the companies and corporation actually produce something useable.

I agree. Lower paid employees at my job pay more to the union than they do in state (Illinois) income taxes. Unions have outlasted their usefulness , workplace safety is not nearly the issue it once was with OSHA and other government interference in place.

[Gratiot]

I agree. Lower paid employees at my job pay more to the union than they do in state (Illinois) income taxes. Unions have outlasted their usefulness , workplace safety is not nearly the issue it once was with OSHA and other government interference in place.

As a Union-Safety Rep for a major corporation, I would be unable to emphasize OSHA regulations and safety laws if it were not for Union protection.  Thankfully, I'm in a Union which is strong enough to protect me from retributions for placing an emphasis on safety over production.  This is further evidenced by the fact that management personnel frequently air their concerns to me.  As a way of having safety issues addressed, without putting their own necks on the line.

While OSHA has been a blessing at times and an aggravation at others, to both employees and employers.  It certainly has not been the cure to unsafe work place practices and procedures.

With a weak union or a lack of a union, in industrial settings there has been both a historical and ongoing practice of trampling workers rights.  Unions provide a safety net, which neither OSHA or the court system presently provide in an adequate manner.

As for your example, of a Union robbing it's members.  I'm sorry to hear that, not all do.

 

[thundley4]

As a Union-Safety Rep for a major corporation, I would be unable to emphasize OSHA regulations and safety laws if it were not for Union protection.  Thankfully, I'm in a Union which is strong enough to protect me from retributions for placing an emphasis on safety over production.  This is further evidenced by the fact that management personnel frequently air their concerns to me.  As a way of having safety issues addressed, without putting their own necks on the line.

While OSHA has been a blessing at times and an aggravation at others, to both employees and employers.  It certainly has not been the cure to unsafe work place practices and procedures.

With a weak union or a lack of a union, in industrial settings there has been both a historical and ongoing practice of trampling workers rights.  Unions provide a safety net, which neither OSHA or the court system presently provide in an adequate manner.

As for your example, of a Union robbing it's members.  I'm sorry to hear that, not all do.

 

A union is not a requirement for OSHA to become involved for matters of safety. Any employee can contact them and request an inspection/investigation of their workplace. OTOH, our safety director has been the one to make changes for safety, and she is company, not union. AFAIK, no union member has made any complaints regarding safety issues in the 20 years I've been there.

For smaller businesses businesses OSHA compliance is is cheaper than the fines they may get for non-compliance.

[JohnnyReb]

The safest place I ever worked was 50 years ago. Even though it was non union, It paid excellent wages/benefits and pushed safety to the extreme before OSHA even came about.....It was an E. I. DuPont plant.

[Gratiot]

A union is not a requirement for OSHA to become involved for matters of safety. Any employee can contact them and request an inspection/investigation of their workplace. OTOH, our safety director has been the one to make changes for safety, and she is company, not union. AFAIK, no union member has made any complaints regarding safety issues in the 20 years I've been there.

For smaller businesses businesses OSHA compliance is is cheaper than the fines they may get for non-compliance.

While any individual can call in OSHA.  In many industries and with many companies, including major ones, retribution will be sought against that employee.  It than becomes a 'balancing act', on if you wish to enforce safety regulation compliance. 

I'm thrilled to hear that your safety director is so exemplary.  Unfortunately in many cases, a safety directors job is more focused on avoiding corporate liabilities than actual safe work practices.

A twenty year record of zero safety reports is wonderful.  However depending on the industry, it begs the question of how familiar the workforce is with safety matters.  As the OSHA regulations are vast, convoluted, and easily missed.  Congrats though on your companies record  so far

[Gratiot]

The safest place I ever worked was 50 years ago. Even though it was non union, It paid excellent wages/benefits and pushed safety to the extreme before OSHA even came about.....It was an E. I. DuPont plant.

DuPont was ahead of the times and is still a shining example of prioritizing safety as a core value within a corporation.  DuPont's emphasis on safety though is generally an exception to the rule, IMHO.
To them though

[Lord Undies]

OSHA is just another sh*tty little piece of the federal government's nose sticking in where it was not designed to go.  It has costs American businesses billions by over-regulation, and in a whole lots of cases, downright absurdity.  No one benefits from OSHA except the employees of OSHA - as it is with most federal government agencies.  It exists to exist.

To whom does OSHA answer?   That's a good question to ask about every federal government agency.  If you don't know the answer immediately it is a clear sign things are out of balance in our free republic.       

[Gratiot]

OSHA is just another sh*tty little piece of the federal government's nose sticking in where it was not designed to go.  It has costs American businesses billions by over-regulation, and in a whole lots of cases, downright absurdity.  No one benefits from OSHA except the employees of OSHA - as it is with most federal government agencies.

I won't disagree that OSHA is at times a burdensome and costly overseer of American enterprise.  However if you look at the safety records of general industry and construction prior to OSHA, a clear case for it's need, is found.  OSHA regulations save American lives and are part of what makes America stand out to the world as a pillar of human rights and dignity.   

[Lord Undies]

I won't disagree that OSHA is at times a burdensome and costly overseer of American enterprise.  However if you look at the safety records of general industry and construction prior to OSHA, a clear case for it's need, is found.  OSHA regulations save American lives and are part of what makes America stand out to the world as a pillar of human rights and dignity.   

OSHA, like almost all federal agencies, is not a power granted to the federal government in our Constitution.  This reason alone is enough to be against the burdensome and useless OSHA.  It wasn't OSHA that changed the safety record of general industry.  It was automation, technology in general, and common sense.  OSHA has caused far more misery and job losses than anyone in their corner will ever admit.

I have to question you about OSHA and its part in the USA being a pillar of human rights and dignity.  I attribute those qualities to the spirit of the American people - not the overreach of the federal government, which, by the way, is no fan of the average American.   

OSHA, like all the other federal agencies that serve to serve those within it, should be killed and buried.  Its existence is unconstitutional and it is way past time to say it out loud. 


 

[Gratiot]

OSHA, like almost all federal agencies, is not a power granted to the federal government in our Constitution.  This reason alone is enough to be against the burdensome and useless OSHA.  It wasn't OSHA that changed the safety record of general industry.  It was automation, technology in general, and common sense.  OSHA has caused far more misery and job losses than anyone in their corner will ever admit.

I have to question you about OSHA and its part in the USA being a pillar of human rights and dignity.  I attribute those qualities to the spirit of the American people - not the overreach of the federal government, which, by the way, is no fan of the average American.   

OSHA, like all the other federal agencies that serve to serve those within it, should be killed and buried.  Its existence is unconstitutional and it is way past time to say it out loud.

You heathen, how dare you question... !     I won't disagree that the reach of our Federal government has exceeded my libertarian principles.  Or that OSHA has cost American jobs, as they're exported to countries with less protection for their citizens.  I'm currently investigating a particular work activity, which is commonly practiced.  Yet, I'm not even sure how it's possible to do so, while being in compliance with OSHA regulations.  Thankfully, those regulations CAN be changed   

That being said, I honestly do believe that while it is burdensome and cumbersome at times.  OSHA really has been the significant force in changing the safety record of industry, for the better.  While significant strides in technology have certainly occurred.  Many were initiated by the blood lost by workers and often after government mandates. 

As for the spirit of the American people, while not meaning to discount it.  It's unfortunately easy to have one's spirit subdued, when concerns over supporting their family are brought into the equation.  While the spirit and zest may keep them as an advocate for major concerns.  The minor or easily considered trivial matters, are often brushed aside, as being not worth the battle... when, it'll likely be okay.  Or the concerns brushed aside with misplaced macho enthusiasm.

We may agree to disagree, and that's alright    I'm just reiterating that without OSHA authority and penalties, I don't feel I could mandate a safe work environment for the people whom I represent.  Additionally, without strong union protection, I don't believe I could air those safety grievances without significant retribution to my family and I.  This, from someone whom works for a company which is generally well regarded as honest, ethical, and law abiding.  At other companies, I personally know people in both union and management positions who've faced significant retribution for bringing up safety concerns which effect a change in productivity.

[Lord Undies]

Maybe we should bubble wrap the American worker and cut a slit so they can breathe.  No.  It would have to be pre-slit because to create a slit while wearing the bubble wrap may cause injury.

God Bless the federal government.  It keeps us all safe.  Mother's arms were never this good!

[AllosaursRus]

As a Union-Safety Rep for a major corporation, I would be unable to emphasize OSHA regulations and safety laws if it were not for Union protection.  Thankfully, I'm in a Union which is strong enough to protect me from retributions for placing an emphasis on safety over production.  This is further evidenced by the fact that management personnel frequently air their concerns to me.  As a way of having safety issues addressed, without putting their own necks on the line.

While OSHA has been a blessing at times and an aggravation at others, to both employees and employers.  It certainly has not been the cure to unsafe work place practices and procedures.

With a weak union or a lack of a union, in industrial settings there has been both a historical and ongoing practice of trampling workers rights.  Unions provide a safety net, which neither OSHA or the court system presently provide in an adequate manner.

As for your example, of a Union robbing it's members.  I'm sorry to hear that, not all do.

 

I was a construction super for over 20 years. Union carpenters were the most useless individuals that ever worked for me! When Hanford shut down, there was an influx of out of work union employees. My guys, (non-union), outworked union carps 2 to 1!

Hard for me to believe a union is something we need nowadays.

[Crazy Horse]

Hard for me to believe a union is something we need nowadays.

Amen to that

Signed former IAMAW member