Unions suck wrote on Aug 1, 2007 5:56 AM:Why picket outside the company? Just send them the info and if they want to make the stupid decision of joining they can vote on it.

Shady wrote on Aug 1, 2007 6:59 AM:Wow, it must take a lot of training to hold signs outside a business stating "UNION YES". And the ability to cook burgers and hot dogs takes years of hands-on grilling. Just like these Teamster leaches to think all it takes is a picnic to lure these folks into joining their party. Keep in mind Coca-Cola workers, it won't matter if you have these lemmings with their spiffy shirts and bright colored truck supporting you if you decide to join their union if you don't have a job to go to. Kind of hard to pay for insurance when there isn't a paycheck coming your way each week.

Unions suck x2 wrote on Aug 1, 2007 8:05 AM:Unions have outlived their usefulness, there are so many labor laws in effect that if you work hard you will do alright. Unions are only good for lazy people that want to do nothing, but still keep their job. The unions claim they protect you from your employer, but who protects you from the union? When I was at Convair I HAD to join the union if I wanted to work there. They would keep General Dynamics from taking 50 cents per month out of our checks, but would raise our "Dues" $3.00 per month without even a vote, just a note telling us what they had decided to do. So yes Unions do SUCK.

Concerned-1 wrote on Aug 1, 2007 8:06 AM:I can see it now. Workers vote to unionize. Workers go on strike. Plant decides to move to Mexico. Everyone loses.

A workers who has survived a NLRB election wrote on Aug 1, 2007 8:48 AM:"Unions cuck" doesn't even know that the Teamsters in the photos are not picketing. They are holding signs to encourage workers to get respect at work through collective bargaining. Given all the management pressure that they've been subjected to, they appreciate that show of support. I know; I've been through an election and it isn't easy.

go unions wrote on Aug 1, 2007 8:55 AM:With the deterioration of the middle class and the rich getting richer we are seeing a resurgence of unions. It's evident business owners and government managers (firefighters, school administrators, etc) are treating employees with little respect and are using a "you will do b/c I said so mentality". When this occurs it's a natural progression that unions will arise to protect and restore fair working conditions, i.e. pay, benefits, enforcement of labor laws, etc. If it's unions that can help restore a sense of decency to employees then so be it. Maybe management need to step back and take a look at how they conduct their business(s).

UnionTrap wrote on Aug 1, 2007 10:13 AM:You guys are trapping yourself. You guys are usually much smarter than the job but can't quit because it pays too much. Then when you do pull a "Detroit" and the Global market takes it's toll. You won't know anything else. Most of you, if you had to quit a long time ago would be scientists and engineers now making a lot more money and enjoying your work. And our country would be a lot better off. Good Luck.

go unions response wrote on Aug 1, 2007 10:17 AM:You think you are helping the middle class? You are not raising my salary you are making cost more for me to live and support my family. Now I have to turn around and get a raise and next thing you know more jobs are moving to china because it costs to much to do anything... but our lives have only gotten worse. You are making yourself temporarily rich with, in my opinion, illegal price fixing and control. If a company or independent contractor organizes to fix prices they get arrested. If you want to help.. find a way to bring your prices down.

Jamie wrote on Aug 1, 2007 11:03 AM:I hope the vote passes.

Unions suck x2 wrote on Aug 1, 2007 11:04 AM:Respect like your reputation is earned, not fought for by a third party. Americans have become lazy and pridefull, and when confronted with it become belligerent. If we work hard and treat others with respect it will go further than trying to threaten with union thugs. Threre are labor codes in place to keep employers in check, but if they are only hurting your pride by wanting you to complete tasks their way, remember they sign your check. If it is a bad situation, quit, if they lose enough good workers they will change or go under. Unions cannot restore any form of decency because they are by nature corrupt thugs looking to live off of someone elses hard work. They are parasites and when they have killed this host they will move on to another and try to kill it as well.

Unions suck x2 wrote on Aug 1, 2007 11:20 AM:One other point, you cannot trust the NCT to be unbiased in their reporting. When the union tried to get in where my wife works, the union would show up and threaten the workers. they would use fear tactics and make empty promises. The NCT made the union look like the savior and the owner of my wife's company look like a villain, when in fact he sincerely cares about those who work for him. they voted the union in and they failed on every one of their promises. When the contract was up, the workers voted the union out. So don't believe everything you read.

fasteddy wrote on Aug 1, 2007 11:34 AM:Work Union live better,then that reirement pension and medical coverage can't be beat.

Reardon wrote on Aug 1, 2007 11:38 AM:If unions want to tell me how to run my business, then share my risk! Put your money on the table, but right now they have everything to win and nothing to lose. If I go under, they say, "Oh, well," and get another job -- while I lose my house, my car, my bank account and eventually my family. Pony up, take a partnership position and you get a vote.

Good Pont Unions SuckX2 wrote on Aug 1, 2007 11:39 AM:If they deserve the money, just walk and the company will respond. Why do they have to use intimidation. And why should I as a consumer want to support someone who threatens me and raises the prices of Coke.

Concerned-1 wrote on Aug 1, 2007 11:52 AM:The thing is: unions don't work anymore. There was a time when workers could "collectively negotiate" because there were no China's, Mexico, etc. Now days employers either take the jobs elsewhere, close their doors, or hire cheap labor (dare I say it?). Unions are an anachronism.

UnionsRuinedSchools wrote on Aug 1, 2007 12:14 PM:I am so mad. I really like coke not Pepsi and if a union gets in it will my favorite soda like the unions ruined schools. Ask any good teacher how many horrible teachers have been protected by their union dues!

uniondriver406 wrote on Aug 1, 2007 12:28 PM:those of you that are bashing unionism need to wake up.sure there has been a union decline over the years but,with that so has the erosion of the middle class.the gap between rich and poor is way to wide as workers like you and me salaries get tighter.i am a union driver and wouldnt have it any other way.if you want a voice on the job,good benefits,and a secure retirement for your family then the teamsters are the way to go.

Floyd wrote on Aug 1, 2007 12:48 PM:I have always felt the existence of a labor union at a company was a clear indication of bad management. That's why I haven't worked for companies with unionized workers.

Go Union wrote on Aug 1, 2007 2:30 PM:Good luck Coke workers! Nurses support your efforts to unionize.

To ruined schools wrote on Aug 1, 2007 2:34 PM:You are a bufoon. Ask any good teacher if s/he thinks the superintendant knows the first thing about judging good teaching. Union dues don't protect bad teachers; bad administrators do. It is administration's job to find just cause for termination or coach a teacher to improve. Would you accept anything less in your workplace? You shouldn't.

Short and sweet wrote on Aug 1, 2007 2:53 PM:Unions equal poor production, overpay and a total disregard of customer satisfaction.

Reggie wrote on Aug 1, 2007 3:05 PM: "UNIONS"are very important in the work place.in LAS VEGAS NEVADA for example,a union job pays double the wages than any other work place in town.people have to start learning more about union's,and stop crossing picked lines.when union workers go on strike.

paul wrote on Aug 1, 2007 3:21 PM:I am for the union it makes life much easier.Better helth care,wages,respect for the works and you have a voice when talking to mang.MY mom was let go after five yeasr because she was not a tweam player she did more that company then they did but might have happen with a union in place. p.s go teamsters

Reardon wrote on Aug 1, 2007 3:26 PM:Union Slogan: "Progress through intimidation." There is no right to strike -- only a right to quit. If you don't like the rules, or the pay, take your skills to another employer.

Reardon wrote on Aug 1, 2007 3:47 PM:To To ruined Schools: O.K. it is someone else's fault that California pays the most money per student per year, and the results (U.S. Dept of Education "National Report Card") ranks California 50 out of 52 States and Territories in reading, and not two steps higher in writing, math, and science. Administrators are not in the classroom, so tell me: Why do we spend the most and get the worst results? In my graduate and undergraduate professorial 14 years in the classroom, students in the School of Education had the LOWEST averages in my required computer classes. EVERY incompetent teacher (please admit that there is one, somewhere) gets "due process" paid for by the union. Sex abuse by a teacher? Defended by the union! I sat through a "due process hearing” -- weeks long -- of an unclassified employee who was certifiably CRAZY AS A LOON...defended by his union! The mind boggles.

American Worker wrote on Aug 1, 2007 4:20 PM:I guess if people didn't stick together to fight for what is right, we would still be bowing to the queen. Unions are made up of people who have a common goal of getting paid a fair wage, to have good health care and a stable retirement plan. This isn't too much to ask for. Power concedes nothing without a demand.

Concerned-1 wrote on Aug 1, 2007 4:23 PM:Arrrg. People who have obviously skipped some of their educational opportunities are voting for unionized support.

Union Yes wrote on Aug 1, 2007 4:38 PM:The coca cola workers that used to deliver coke to the north county prior to the new warehouse opening were Union workers. The coke workers who fill the shelves are still union workers. But when coke opened the new facility and hired new people, the company decrease the pension package, the company increased the medical costs and the company increased the deductables for the new workers in oceanside. The workers in Oceanside have the opportunity to tell the company, that they deserve the same benefits as the Union workers that did the same job several months ago. The workers in Oceanside have the chance to tell Coke not to lower the standards for the working people of the north county.

Scoop wrote on Aug 1, 2007 5:26 PM:LIVE BETTER, LIVE LONGER, "VOTE UNION" GOD BLESS AMERICA AND BRING BACK "MADE IN AMERICA"

What? wrote on Aug 1, 2007 6:44 PM:Is "Scoop" 5:26 being facetious? The greed of U.S. union demands are one of the reasons so many companies are moving their businesses offshore. Thanks in part to unions, there are fewer and fewer products with labels that say "Made in America". For example, look at all the Toyota's and Honda's on the road while GM and Ford are closing plants. Union workers that want more pay and benefits will be crying the blues when they lose their jobs to Mexico and elsewhere.

San Diego Teamster wrote on Aug 1, 2007 7:17 PM:Based on what Reardon has stated, this person does not believe in "due process". I guess Reardon does not teach history or believe in social justice. If one of our basic principles in this country is everyone is innocent until proven guilty, than why wouldnt the same principles apply in the work place. It sounds as if Reardon doesnt like Unions or its principles, so perhaps you should take your own advice and take you skills to another employer. If not, you should get involved in you Union and make positive changes. In your Union, you have a voice, stand up and be heard.

To Reggie wrote on Aug 1, 2007 7:28 PM:You say "LAS VEGAS NEVADA for example,a union job pays double the wages than any other work place in town". That's a blatant LIE. I've spent a good part of my life in Las Vegas and, while I have gone out of my way to work only non-union, I know many people who work for both union and non-union casinos (as well as other professions) in equal positions. Most of the non-union workers are happier and have better benefits packages than those covered by union contract. Not to mention the above standard on the job benefits as well. The problem is that, once you agree to a union contract, you simply can't get out of it. You're stuck. For better or worse. And (from those with experience) it's more worse. JUST SAY NO!!!

American Worker wrote on Aug 1, 2007 7:30 PM:Greedy Union??? Lets remember that when these American companies decide to move their businesses overseas to save money. They dont lower the price of the car, truck or widget. They dont cut the high salaries of the executives. Also FYI, Toyota and Honda have recently built new plants in America, several of them are Union. Perhaps it not the greed of the worker, perhaps its the greed of the corporations. Keep jobs in America. Buy American Made and the next job you might be saving might be your own.

Reardon wrote on Aug 1, 2007 8:08 PM:To San Diego Teamster: California is an "At Will" employment State. An employee may leave at any time, for any reason, or for no reason at all. Employers, by the same token are equal -- they may fire anyone at any time, for any reason or for no reason at all. Signing a contract with a union is the thing that causes the "due process." No union, no due process...the owner of the business gets to select who will work for them. That is why I established a rule when I started my small business -- if the business looked as if it might go union, I would close and liquidate. I would not sell and allow the employees to continue to work. You take away my business, I take away your employment. THAT IS SOCIAL JUSTICE! IT IS EQUALITY! (No, they never organized, and I had the same employees the day I sold -- three years later -- as the day I opened.)

Reardon wrote on Aug 1, 2007 9:20 PM:To American Worker: Ahhh, your premise is that the purpose of a business is to provide employment for workers? No, the purpose of a business is to make money for the owner, the person or partnership that risks the MONEY! If an owner could find a way to make money with no employees, they would do so -- I now do. I have no obligation to hire anyone, union or non-union, and I will not. Previously I have had to deal with the Federal Employees Union and the Communications Workers Union. Learned my lesson.

tired of union greed wrote on Aug 1, 2007 9:36 PM:Unions have outlived their usefulness -- look at the grocery store worker unions as an example. Ever wonder why prices are so much higher at Vons, Albertsons, and Ralphs? They are all unionized and making higher wages than the work is worth. That type of job should be a stepping stone to something that pays better, but not a lifetime career. I refuse to shop at any of the aforementioned grocery stores and it saves me a lot of money. I'm sorry, but if the job requires relatively low skills then you should be compensated based on MARKET FACTORS and not a union dictated wage structure. Twelve years ago I made minimum wage in retail, but was happy to have the job. Later I took a low paying office job to gain marketable skills and eventually through HARD WORK, EDUCATION, and PROVEN PERFORMANCE I have moved into a skilled position where I NEGOTIATE my salary and benefits directly with my employer. If I do a good job, then I NEGOTIATE for salary increases and if I don't like what is offered, then I can go elsewhere. Likewise, I am not forced into a similar wage as someone who barely does the minimum required. If my coworkers slack off, then they should make less money and possibly even lose their jobs without penalizing the employer. What incentive is there in working hard if all of your coworkers get the same pay/benefits even if they are slackers. I grew up in Michigan (land of the union) and watched the unions pillage that state's economy to the brink of bankruptcy. If you want to see more jobs moving overseas, then keep supporting the unions!

Unions are corrupt wrote on Aug 2, 2007 9:57 AM:... All they do is take workers money so they can have an easy job. Look at all the problems the unions have cause in Michigan for the auto industry. Some workers mde more money and got better benefits, but now those same workers who are retired are losing a lot of their benefits. The unions have caused the US auto makers to fall from the top, and now they can be competative, which is costing americans jobs.

Unions wrote on Aug 2, 2007 10:28 AM:Why is it if you google "Union corruotion" you get over 2,000,000 hits? Why have so many union officals gone to jail and have ties to the mob? Why is it that Michigan, the home of unions, has the worst economy in the county. If you vote "yes" to the union you are voting "yes" to everything that comes along with it.

Listen up!!! wrote on Aug 2, 2007 12:00 PM:Unions are back!! If you don't like it, get into your Hyundia and go to Walmart. You will not find America there, but you will find alot of lost jobs and no social conscience. Wake up and support the people, they are your family, friends and neighbors!

Unions suck wrote on Aug 2, 2007 2:03 PM:To "Listen Up!!!";I don't have a Hyundai! I do have a Toyota though, and now that you mentioned it i do have to make a run to Wal-Mart. Doesn't Wal-Mart have great low prices? I wonder why? Maybe its because their is no stinking union there.

LA Cokedriver wrote on Aug 2, 2007 10:16 PM:Its now official, 40 votes YES...36 votes NO...

The Real Thing wrote on Aug 5, 2007 12:20 PM:Coca~Cola Enterprises provided the following benefits under a non-union contract: Pension Plan, 401K Plan, Paid Vacation Time Off, Paid Holidays, Paid Floating Holidays, Medical and Prescription Drug Benefits, Vision and Dental Coverage,Health Care/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Educational Assistance_Tuition Reimbursement, Retiree Medical Coverage, Retiree Life Insurance, Healthcare and dependent Life insurance coverage, Supplement Accidental Death and Dismemberment, Adoption Assistance Program, Sick Pay, Short and Long Term Disability, Supplemental Long Term Disability, Leaves of Absence, Jury Duty, Military Leave, Funeral leave_Bereavement pay, Employee Assistance program, Cash back for declining coverage.

Coke Worker from Moscow wrote on Aug 8, 2007 7:56 AM:Congratulations to my 40 brothers and sisters in the union! Funny to see all these arguments, like: Dont organise, hate each other - foreign workers taking your jobs, be enslaved, live in poverty and be happy. Is that really America?

SickofCoke wrote on Dec 21, 2007 4:34 PM:Amen to The Real Thing...I work for Coca Cola in California and ever since a few whiners voted it in, we have lost the majority of those benefits you mentioned..the most damaging was the 401k, choice of insurance, and the way vacations are given. On top of that pay has been frozen for over 5 years, none of the union supporters thought to negotiate a cost of living increase, instead of getting better the union has made things worse. It is time for a new career.

Checks Balances wrote on May 23, 2008 8:08 PM:Those who work the front lines of an industry, face to the consumer, each day... are essential and should be funded fully and supported with great importance. Poverty breeds corruption, unhappiness, volatility, and innapropriate customer relations. The results of not providing financial security to those on the front line prove to be detramental to the growth of an industry already taxed by comptetion and rising fuel prises. May I suggest throwing a few crumbs to the birds?

Educate Yourself wrote on Jul 6, 2008 4:42 PM:It is funny how uneducated people are about unions. Just goes to show you must only read headlines and not the full story. Have there been corrupt union members, politicians, CEO's, employees in general. YES! Everyone is right Walmart does have cheap stuff, you save money on buying there, but where do you think your taxes go? Well to their employee's Medi-cal plan! Dell has cheap computers, but they outsource to India. Unions save American blue collar jobs, sure their are laws that enforce minimum wage no guarantee you will ever get a raise or benefits. Coke may have offered great benefits, while paying you 5 dollars less an hour than the guy at a union plant 30 miles away. Buy Toyota and shop at Walmart, but please go to school and get an education for another line of work because your blue collar job will be gone, maybe to China or India! Maybe you can get a job at Walmart and get on Medi-cal!

unions suck wrote on Jul 9, 2008 6:14 PM:the union is to protect those lazy ... people who don't want to work they need to man up and go to work