[PEN-L:11774] The Northern Line

[Michael Eisenscher <meisenscher@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

This was posted to labr.party@xxxxxxxxx  It is not clear how much is
fictionalized and how much is based on actual people and events.
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From: Richard <richard@xxxxxxxxxxxx>


The grayed skies were in constant motion.   Drizzle then downpour then
topaz blue skies then rain again.  Drive to the end of town, past the
airport, past the post office, to the end of the paved road.  A diverse
group on the shoulder, huddled under umbrella's waiting for the sun.  Men,
a woman, black and white, part time and full time, Pride At Work, CLUW ...
a diverse group of Teamsters betting their paychecks on a fair deal.

"Why?" I asked.

Willie Johnston III, a black man supporting a wife and two kids is quick
to answer.  "I left Sears because of this (part time work)  I worked more
than 40 hours most weeks and still they kept me part time.  Four years
they strung me along.  UPS is doing the same thing.  I have to hold two
jobs because I can't count on UPS ... they can count on me to show up for
work, but I can't count on them for work."

Mike Streiffert adds, "I worked full time hours for 4 years with UPS as a
part time employee.  Finally they made me full time, and I lost money.  It
is just a matter of power and control for UPS to keep us part time when
they have full time work.  And part time employees earn part time sick
leave, vacation time, and especially pension credit.  You can work full
time hours and still earn part time pension credit."

Streiffert continues, "And I don't trust them with the pension funds.
When the investments are doing well, the trustees I elect pour the
earnings back into the pension fund.  UPS wants to cut the bosses
contribution to the fund when investments are up.  When the economy booms
shouldn't the benefits go to the workers that made the economy boom?"

"And I don't want them to have control," adds Mike Harney, a deeply
religious man and the most senior full time UPS Teamster in town.  "We
have a stable board of trustees and a stable plan.  UPS could take that
away.  Their proposal take away our security.  Its about money and
control.  If UPS has control, a single day's interest is big money that
can be taken away from us."

Mike Streiffert adds, "and the wages... they are offering wages that don't
keep up with inflation...only 1.5% with inflation running higher.  They
want me to take an annual pay cut."

A cool drizzle starts and the umbrella huddle re-forms.  Teamsters on the
line....betting their paychecks on a fair deal for America.

FORWARD FREELY
Richard Seward
Fairbanks Alaska
August 14, 1997