CLEVELAND — Trade unionists, labor supporters and community activists are expected at a rally for the Freightliner Five in Cleveland at 11 this morning.
The group seeks reinstatement for five UAW 3520 union leaders who were fired in April 2007. The plant is one of the largest unionized plants in the state.
The fired workers and their supporters see this as "not only about their cases but the future of organizing in the South for working people," according to an e-mail sent to the Post on Thursday afternoon.
Allen Bradley, one of the Freightliner Five and an electronics technician for 11 years at the Cleveland plant until being fired, said Thursday the rally is expected to bring 200 to 400 supporters to Cleveland Park from as far away as Germany. The park is on Clement Street.
He said picketers are expected to be at the plant site today also.
The company announced it was cutting 1,500 more jobs and shutting down its second shift just as Freightliner Five members set up pickets at the plant in April.
Bradley said among his concerns is that even as Freightliner announces cutbacks here, construction continues on a new plant in Mexico, which he fears eventually will swallow all jobs from north of the border and leave workers with the same fate textile workers suffered.
The group has a Web site at www.justice4five.com.
GOOD NEWS
: Monday, May 19, 2008 9:12 PM
George has decided to hire an attorney with the locals money.. Why do that if you have the internationals support? After all they have 40 plus attorneys full time. Oh wait a minute maybe they are getting ready to leave ole george and his posey hanging just like they did the five.Well I guess you get what you deserve. But hey don't worry George you only done what they told you RIGHT? See if that holds up.Judge James A. Beaty Jr. doesn't wanna hear it.And the local 3520 doesn't wanna pay for it, so sit back and watch the membership number fall and remember you still got a school to pay for.
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UAW HATER
responed : Friday, May 16, 2008 10:32 PM
to someone knows how to read... we don't care about no article or the five.just let it go .we don't need them just like we don't need the UAW.i am from the north and up there yes union is strong. but down here they don't have a prayer.they need to just leave forever.all they do is take your money and do nothing for you. i am glad you can read too maybe you should do some research on unions and find out whee they started and by who...you might think twice about them.in case you wanted to know THE MANS FIRST NAME WAS JOHN.you figure out the last.
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Someone who knows how to read...
Something to think about... : Friday, May 16, 2008 4:14 PM
Article 45 Stewards and Committeepersons Section 1 (1)Eligibility for Committeeperson as Affected by Unlawful Discharge Where a committeeperson is discharged by management and his/her grievance is pending,s/he remains a member of her/his Local and unit and, if otherwise eligible, may run for re-election or other office in such unit or Local or for Convention Delegate. And where pending the outcome of her/his grievance s/he finds temporary employment elsewhere her/his membership in her/hisLocal is not affected and s/he need not transfer to the Local having jurisdiction over her/his new workplace. The new Local should issue to her him a work permit. Straight from the UAW Constitution
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A Dedicated Employee needs a safe place to work! : Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:56 PM
Freightliner had many safty issues also,thats why we were on strike, "just like Volvo!" That wouldn't have happened if there never had been a revote. Don't you agree? For that matter why revote? Why bargin? Why have a union? Especialy the UAW. You pay dues, they work for you, not the employer.Our seniority will probably be the next thing to go or our jobs what will the UAW do.....ask for a revote. "An injury to one is an injury to all." That in itself is what has hurt our local! We might never recover from it.
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Dedicated Union Member
: Thursday, May 15, 2008 3:29 PM
Wow!! no I know how crap gets started. You are assuming I didn't stand on the picket line. You are assuming I voted for the re-vote.and you are assuming I don't know the facts and I'm not informed. How in the world did you get all of that out of what I said???? Volvo was wanting to take away seniority is the main reason there was no re-vote and they had SERIOUS safety issues is why International backed it. But I'm glad you got all your frustrations out!!!
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Just a reader : Thursday, May 15, 2008 10:19 AM
Thank you Deirdre Parker Smith for your speedy reply and please except my apology.
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Deirdre Parker Smith
Error : Thursday, May 15, 2008 8:33 AM
The Salisbury Post does not edit the content of the comments.
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Just a reader : Thursday, May 15, 2008 8:14 AM
Please give me a break Salisbury Post, I typed in the words Red Cross not Res Cross in my last post.
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to everyone : Thursday, May 15, 2008 7:12 AM
I agree with "just a reader" enough is enough! I in the end!beleive the truth will come out.It always does.
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Just a reader Just a reader : Thursday, May 15, 2008 12:19 AM
This is addressed to all those that like to use the Salisbury Post to grandstand, point fingers, spread hate and sling mud. You so called union members give unions a bad name. You spend all your time and energy on two articles and how you can stick it to each other with your sick and twisted words. Contact the Res Cross and offer your time and resources to help the victims of the cyclone in Myanmar and earthquake in China and maybe just maybe you will have done something constructive for a change.
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Shame on the dedicated union member! : Wednesday, May 14, 2008 10:29 PM
You have the cowardess to stand on the pickett line with another local! YOU DON'T HAVE THE NERVE TO STAND ON YOUR OWN PICKET LINE. WHAT A BIGIT!
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to dedicated union member : Wednesday, May 14, 2008 10:20 PM
If you were so dedicated then you would know that Volo went on strike because... they were "locked out!".The mgt.and union bargining commette did not reach an agreement.They were locked out by the employer,just like Freightliner did last friday. This is the only reason International backed the stike. Thet didn't have a choice! I bet those union members didn't ask for a revote..they didn't blame their bargining commette. Thet stuck together. You took water ...big deal public attenion. So you supported them and didn't support your local's whole bargining commette. Whats wrong here? Just think of what our commette could have acheved had you stoud behind them. You were all mislead an look what it did to our local! I bet they got to have a hand in their own conctract. The International works for the employees not mgt.If you are so decdicated then get all the facts...be better informed. See what happens when you work together! An injury to one is an injury to all..so next time you climb on your soapbox just remember there are people out here that know the truth!
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Dedicated Union Member
GOOD NEWS: Give credit where credit is due : Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:54 PM
The UAW Local 3520 Veterans committee took up donations of water and food from the membership and the community for UAW local 2069 in Dublin Virginia. The region 8 UAW local unions chartered a bus to go to Virginia to support Local 2069 while they were on strike by walking the picket line with them. Where were the 5? Oh, they were there!!! the week before standing in the picket line holding up their justice for five signs... See they participate in good things...when it benefits them!!!!!
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I gave up on Freightliner.
Freightliner in General : Wednesday, May 14, 2008 5:41 AM
I spent over a decade with Freightliner both before and after the Union. I remember Freightliner basically put the Union in front of us at that mandatory meeting and said "here's the UAW, now vote on it". I felt right then, that the company controlled the Union. I saw no change to Freightliner's policies after the Union. Safety certainly didn't improve and that was my main concern after seeing a friend get killed there and countless people get hurt. It was still a place full of lies, lazy workers where a few do the work of many, lots of backstabbing, buddies getting promoted to positions they weren't qualified for, nor had the education for. It was the worst decade of my life as far as working conditions go, but the pay was good and so were the benefits, so I stayed for my Family. Finally however, I got tired of the abuse, the lies, and the "elite attitude" of the management and the UAW leaders. What a crock this had become! As a Conservative, Christian, Man, I could not stomach the Liberal agenda of the UAW and it's leadership. I made my choice to leave, and God be with those who stayed.....but personally I do not think you'd be any worse off without the UAW. What have they really brought to you? Before it was the "Us vs. Them" mentality of the workers vs. the Company and we were united in that way....now you have the workforce divided.....you can't make it like that. Take back the UAW and stop this division or get rid of them all together and pray to God that you keep your job........Don't trust a group of humans (UAW) to do what you should trust the Lord to do.
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GOOD NEWS
Freightliner : Wednesday, May 14, 2008 2:29 AM
I was at work today and guess what 5 were not there. They were touring the Country taking pictures with other peoples money.
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GOOD NEWS
Charlottes Labor Day Parade : Tuesday, May 13, 2008 6:02 AM
Members of UAW Local 3520 Marched in Charlottes 2007 Labor day parade. They walked with Freightliners newest model, the 2008 Cascadia, as they passed out candy to the children watching the parade. 5 were not there
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GOOD NEWS
Newspapers in Education : Tuesday, May 13, 2008 6:02 AM
UAW Local 3520 has been a yearly Silver sponsor in the “Newspapers in Education” helping young people in the classrooms throughout the surrounding areas. Investing in education returns immeasurable dividends throughout life. 5 were not there
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GOD NEWS
Family Crisis : Tuesday, May 13, 2008 6:01 AM
The UAW Local 3520 Community Service Committee Donated a bunch of food and fresh strawberries to the Rowan County Family Crisis Council. This Council has accounted for more than 65,450 service nights thanks to donations through groups such as Local 3520 5 were not there
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GOOD NEWS
UAW Local 3520 and Five Guys : Tuesday, May 13, 2008 6:00 AM
The Veterans Committee, along with other UAW members raised $1749 to help purchase T.V.s for the VA hospital in Salisbury. Five Guys Burger and Fries agreed to donate $1 for each plate sold between 5 and 9 as the Veterans Committee worked as the “Celebrity Chef” . 5 were not there
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GOOD NEWS
4th of July Parade : Tuesday, May 13, 2008 5:59 AM
Members of UAW Local 3520 participated in the 4th of July '07 parade and had a great time passing out candy to the children who lined the streets to watch. 5 were not there
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GOOD NEWS....GOOD POINT
Where were the 5 : Tuesday, May 13, 2008 5:33 AM
During all the post by "GOOD NEWS" where were the 5 and their supporters? Have you noticed that the 5 and their supporters are never involved in the "GOOD NEWS"? thats because all they do is continue to try and destroy UAW Local 3520. They are ashamed and embarased by what they did and since they cant come back, they want to make it dificult for the majority. Mr Bradley said at the Feb. membership meeting, "Im pulling my card and taking a bunch with me" as the entire meeting cheered as the 5 were escorted out of the buildng. watch what they do and you will notice that its all negative. They caused a wildcat strike, they disrupt membership meetings, They have filed several lawsuits against the local, they caused the plant to close, They have upset the local towns people, they smear the UAW and Freightliner names around the country, they have made violent threats against the membership.....Whats next?????
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M.Spider
Gomer Pyle USMC : Monday, May 12, 2008 11:14 PM
This local has been destroyed by biased,close-minded,corrupt,bobble-headed yes men.Good ole boys in the purist form.Always calling on our proud Marine Corp,but all I see is a bunch of out of shape loud mouth bullies.
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cabline worker
NO LONGER UNION : Monday, May 12, 2008 10:47 PM
i was amember and i can proudly say i pulled my card.i don't stand behind the 5 and i never will. it is about time we do something about these guys and tell them to stay away from us and the company.i know for me and probably 98% of the people in there are there for their families and there livilyhood. we no longer care about the five and what happens to them. you guys had a good job and you blow it and you know it.so stop asking us for our money.it is time for you to earn your own money and pay your own bills.we don't care about your stupid gatherings in a park.or who is fliing in.all they are doing is wasteing there money anyway for you so wonderful 5. i heard tonight at work that the NAACP was going to be there too. so you can't get your jobs back you have to call them and have them bring in people for for you for support.cause all you can get is a whopping 25 people behind you.there is 2900 people that work there WOW get a clue we don't like you and like waht you did for us.
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Tim Gardner
Grow up : Monday, May 12, 2008 10:36 PM
All these flame posts makes us look like a bunch of kids than adults..Since half the contract group was fired who is going to fight for us next time?..Nobody..Zero. Instead of trying for job stability we got nothing. John shut up, do something constructive for us..You got that spot, now earn it.
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Sally Menius
Think before you speak : Monday, May 12, 2008 9:01 PM
We are sending a poor message to the community that supports us. We not only support them by shopping in their stores etc. The community supports our committees that help others in the community. We have alot of people that work hard to promote our local in a positive manor... Please don't make our (volunteer) positions harder. We have our own message group, lets take our problems back inside.
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GOOD NEWS
A Union Built Freightliner Leads 'Ride of Pride' Memorial Day Parade : Monday, May 12, 2008 8:07 PM
More than 100 motorcycles are expected to leave North Carolina for Washington, D.C., May 23rd. to honor veterans and to call attention to prisoners of war and those missing in action. Leading the caravan was a patriotically decorated Freightliner truck, customized by Union employees of UAW Local 3520 at Freightliner's truck manufacturing plant in Cleveland, N.C.
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GOOD NEWS
Freightliner Trucks, the largest division of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, : Monday, May 12, 2008 7:59 PM
Freightliner is the best-selling brand of heavy-duty Class 8 trucks in North America. Long-haul highway vehicles include the efficient and reliable Columbia, the technologically advanced Century Class S/T and owner-operator favorites, the Coronado and Classic/Classic XL.
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GOOD NEWS
Rowan County Relay For Life : Monday, May 12, 2008 7:56 PM
UAW Local donated $9327.18 to the relay for life Rowan County. Thanks to the dedication of our teams, corporate sponsors & community, $341,271 has been raised for the fight against cancer in 2008! Together we are making a difference!!
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GOOD NEWS
Freightliner Jobs : Monday, May 12, 2008 7:50 PM
Go to this link to see all the freightliner jobs available now: http://jobsearch.freightlinergroup.careers.monster.com/
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Buffalo
Misguided And Foolish : Monday, May 12, 2008 4:18 PM
When will the five and their ill-bred followers finally realize that no one really cares what they have to say. Especially when they are not even brave enough to put their name to the slanderous lies they are spewing about others. I guess maybe one day they will grow up to be adult enough that they might actually come directly to me and say something to my face. Until then e can all continue to laugh at their lies and BS. Semper Fi, John "Buffalo" Stewart
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Just a reader : Monday, May 12, 2008 3:40 PM
The last few day's I have read the comments that have been posted in response to an article concerning a rally that took place on Friday in the small town of Cleveland, NC. Therefor I would like to make a few of my own comments to the people that have posted on this web site. You people have shown me and other readers of the Salisbury Post, rather it be in the City of Salisbury, NC or in fact the entire world, that these hate filled comments posted for all to read only goes to show that some of you absolutely have no union spirit or pride at all. Hate is a sickness that will within time destroy your local and prevent further organizing in your state. What puzzels me the most, is why did some of you even want a union to begin with if you had it so good and what will you do when your next contract is loaded with concessions and your new pay rate is inline with the working poor, who will you blame then.
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Justice for All
Solidarity Rally : Monday, May 12, 2008 3:21 PM
We will have another Solidarity rally on May 17, 2008 10:30-12 in the Cleveland town park, Cleveland NC. This rally is more important than ever. The same speakers will return from all over the United States and from as far away as Germany. Please make plans to come out and join us for a day in the park.
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GOOD NEWS
Oh yesss : Monday, May 12, 2008 3:09 PM
Tell your U.S. senators to vote for S. 2123, the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act
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GOOD NEWS.....
Freightliner offers 4.5% financing on Cascadia trucks : Monday, May 12, 2008 3:08 PM
PORTLAND, Ore. — Freightliner Trucks, in conjunction with Daimler Truck Financial, is offering 4.5 percent financing in the U.S. market on all variations of the Freightliner Cascadia, the company reports. “We listen to and understand the concerns of our customers, and we know that today’s economy has been especially difficult on owner-operators and small fleet owners,” said Melissa Kellogg, director of product marketing for Freightliner Trucks. “As a result, we developed an aggressive fixed-rate financing package that perfectly pairs our most fuel efficient truck with the most efficient financing program in the industry. This great offer demonstrates that the Cascadia is truly the smartest choice for better business and lifestyle.” The program, dubbed the Cascadia Advantage, is immediately available. For more information, call or visit your nearby Freightliner Trucks dealership, the company said. Freightliner Trucks is a division of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, headquartered in Portland, Ore.
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Button : Monday, May 12, 2008 1:39 PM
I want a button too! George are you going to have them at the local? Better a whiner than a bare faced lier and crook!!!
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A fife supoder
A Button? : Monday, May 12, 2008 12:46 PM
I want a button...lol...
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G. Drexxel
Let"s help the 5 : Monday, May 12, 2008 11:29 AM
Please everyone be civil. Please contribute to the 5 everyone. Anyone contributing over 5.00 will be sent a "I support the whiners" button.
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JOE THE WORKER
I AM BACK : Monday, May 12, 2008 11:15 AM
I DONT HAVE TO HIDE MY IDENTITY BUT CHOOSE TO. MY RIGHT. YOU ALSO DON'T REVEAL YOUR IDENTITY AND I RESPECT YOUR RIGHT TO DO SO. FIRST, I HAVE MET DREXEL AND SPOKE TO HIM FOR ABOUT 3 MINUTES TOTAL. SECOND, I KNOW THE 5 AND HAVE SPOKEN TO THEM AT LENGTH. IT IS MY OPINION THE THE FIVE ARE TOTALLY MISGUIDED AND DO NOT SEE THE WHOLE PICTURE. THEY ARE INTERESTED IN ONE THING ONLY-- GETTING THEIR JOBS BACK. LIKE THEY HAVE A RIGHT TO THE JOB. WHEN ANYONE DISAGREES WITH THE 5 , THEIR ACTIONS AND/OR OPINIONS, A COMMON THING HAPPENS- AN ATTACK THAT INVOVLES NAME CALLING AND AN ADVANCEMENT THAT THEY ARE SOMEHOW NOBLE IN THEIR ACTION,WHETHER PAST OR PRESENT AND THAT WHOEVER DISAGREES MUST BE AN ALLY OF DREXEL. I AM A WORKER THAT APPRECIATES A GOOD JOB AND TRULY BELIEVE THE 5 DO NOT SEE THAT THEY HAVE NO SUPPORT. IN ADDITION, IF IT WASN'T A GOOD JOB WHY ARE THE 5 FIGHTING TO GET THEIR JOBS BACK AT FREIGHTLINER. THERE COMES A TIME IN LIFE WHEN YOU MUST UNDERSTAND THAT A DECISION HAS BEEN MADE AND YOU ARE NOT GOING TO CHANGE IT NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU TRY. GOOD LUCK TO THE 5. IT IS TIME TO WAKE UP.
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Joe Workers Brother
Your a DORK! : Monday, May 12, 2008 10:18 AM
You are a retard.... There is no "substance" to their claim. Only BS. IF ther were threats, its only because this shut down has effected employees paycheck. When you mess with peoples money, your asking for trouble...
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Injustice prevails when good people are silent : Monday, May 12, 2008 8:58 AM
If people had acted the way the employees of Freightliner are behaving there never would have been a civil rights movement and women never would have gotten the right to vote. People, especially good Christian people like so many in our local profess to be, have an obligation to stand up for their fellow human beings when they see injustice being done to them. Just the fact that these five were threatened by other members of the local shows that there must be substance to their claims.
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Buffalo talking about safety? : Monday, May 12, 2008 8:53 AM
You're one of ones who sent e-mail threats of physical violence to the five because they were having a rally. You even had the audacity to sign them. Talk about the membership needing protection? I guess it would be from you.
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Buffalo
Blame it on Me : Monday, May 12, 2008 7:15 AM
Well I guess when there is blame to be passed it will come my way. Unfortunately I am not he author of the Joe Worker comments. I wish I would have been the author. Joe Worker makes a lot of sense and says it how it is. I am not afraid to put my name to my comments. Better yet I would prefer a face to face chat with anyone who has the guts to do so. However, our past has shown the loudest will always cower behind anonymous comments. Afraid to crawl from under their rocks and have the guts to come to my face and call me "Buffalo Chip". It is sad that this has turned into such a negative comment area. Although, negativity can only be expected when the lies of the terribly few are cast upon the unfortunate majority. It is sad that the antics of the five have cost 3000 employees 8 hrs pay. The company made the correct decision by closing on Friday. They did what was safe for the employees. The is no power of the five behind the decision to keep us safe. Unfortunately the five have now taken food from the mouths of our families. What else would we expect from such selfish individuals. Semper Fi John "Buffalo" Stewart
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Fab 1500 Supporter
What about the fab 1500 : Sunday, May 11, 2008 11:39 PM
In June 1500 workers will be laid off from Freightliner. They are unsure if that will return back to their jobs. It is possible that they will have to found another job. That does not pay as much. Do to the falling economy, rising fuel prices, and new government laws on new trucks. 5 people made a mistake. That mistake cost them their jobs. They are not the only ones who will be without a job. Why aren't they protesting for the fab 1500. I support the fab 1500 and their families. I pray that they are able to return to Freightliner or find something just as good with great benefits. Not 5 individuals that made a mistake and want everyone to feel sorry for them.
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keith
me TOO : Sunday, May 11, 2008 5:25 PM
I will contribute to the 5--- 3 cents
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Ross Howard
The Five Fools -Get Over It : Sunday, May 11, 2008 4:19 PM
Member of Local 3520 from the beginning. Have seen nothing but bickering and backstabbing from the start. We need to move on with our union, and let the Five Fools quit instigating more problems. Mr. Bradley talks about the jobs going to Mexico, but while he was on the bargaining committee, he took the health and welfare package the company presented and put it in a shredder without even looking at it. What kind of message do you think this sent to the company? It tells me he wasn't looking after my well-being as much as showing just how tough of a negotiator could be. Please! You Five get a job, and leave us alone to run our union.
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Mark F.
I will contribute : Sunday, May 11, 2008 11:53 AM
I will contribute to the "5" and local 3520. I will contribute 2 cents because that all they are both worth.
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Joey fox
They need to grow up : Sunday, May 11, 2008 11:35 AM
I think its time that the five need to realize that no one really cares about this anymore there are more important things going on in the world than this, like, what are the people going to do that are getting laid-off in the near future at freightliner and the surrounding areas, how are they going to pay their bills and send the childern to school and feed their famlies, maybe if they would have done the right thing when they called for a wild cat strike when international would not even back it up they could have kept their job as well, and what if the company would have fired all the people that went out with them, would they feel sorry for them, would they be fighting for their job as well, They need to go out here and find them a job instead of trying to get people to feel sorry for them, when they were in the wrong trying to get some attendion for themselves the answer is for them to quit trying to spread trash about the union and the company and to get there and pull up their boot straps an find another job and go on with their lives without Freightliner and the union which they seem to hate so much, support their own families and quit asking others to support them.
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joe mason
time for them to go : Sunday, May 11, 2008 6:28 AM
it is time for the five to give up.you ae not getting your jobs back.and we don't want you there either.you almost cost alot of people there jobs.it was an illegal stike the international didn't back.you know if international don't back you then all those who walked out could have been fired.i hope you five end up at burger king flipping burgers,or would mess up that too.
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A member whos tired of you clowns running the circus
Reality Check and Time for True Leadership : Sunday, May 11, 2008 6:13 AM
To: 'member of Local 3520 and proud of it' The Gentleman that flew in from Germany knows the situation. He know without the 'Five' in their elected positions this is a company run union. People aren't stupid(maybe you're the exception). They know that their job may be is in jeopardy if they showed up to the rally. They know the company and union is lying to them. It's time for our community leaders to step up and ask for Freightliner to resolve all of this now before some redneck takes actions into his own hands and starts committing hate crimes.
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member of Local 3520 and proud of it
where is the supporters? : Sunday, May 11, 2008 3:36 AM
For all of you inside the plant that say you support the "five", I have a question for you. Why were there only 30 or so people at the rally? After all, Freightliner closed the plant for what ever reason you choose to believe. You have no excuse no to be there. I mean if Freighliner doesn't close friday you would have been at work any way. That is a great show of support for your so called "brothers and sisters" who were done wrong. So please shut up about them and don't try to make an excuse as to why you couldn't make it to the rally. Anything you people say is B.S. anyway. Everyone talks about pulling their card. Pull it and see what happens. When we de-cert, the company will be drooling at the mouth to get some of you so called supporters out of there. When that happens, I don't want to see you crying, "where's my union rep". That kind of support must make the "five" feel great. I mean, according to the article, someone was flying in from Germany and most of you live within miles of the plant and can't show up...LOL. Please let me know when the next rally is because I may have to show up just so the "five" don't feel bad. I wonder what the guy from Germany thought when only 30 showed up? (I flew across the world for this bull crap!) Great job guys, keep up the good work!
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Sick of Joe Worker Stewart
Shane Bost needs to fess up : Sunday, May 11, 2008 3:23 AM
Shane Bost, why don't you tell everyone WHY you no longer work there??? Then tell everyone who told you the provable and documented LIE that these 5 were voted out. George Drexel ILLEGALLY took them off the membership list!!! So when you get someone to show you what really happened, then see if they can help get you on a last chance agreement and help you get YOUR job back!!! Tell the truth and tell the truth about YOURSELF so people know not to listen to you. Get off the Drexel train and the pipe, they will both lead you NOWHERE!
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Joe the follower
The truth will set them free! : Sunday, May 11, 2008 3:08 AM
I will be glad when all this is over. John Stewart is very abgry because he can't get elected to a Union position or stay in service! Drexel is angry because he could not get these 5 Union Leaders to "bend over" with him for the company! They fought him from the beginning. He tried to handle contractual issues within the plant, they fought him and won. He tried to get his flunkies in all the Locals positions, the membership fought him and won. He tried to put himself on the bargaining committee, again he lost. He tried to have them brought up on charges, the membership spoke and again he lost. He has now been free wheeling in their temporary abscense, and again he will lose. The people of Freightliner should recognize a trend when they see one, he can't win at anything but destroying this local Union. People when he runs it into the ground he is then going to become Freightliner management. Take that to the bank. Provided no one ever exposes all the unaccounted for vouchers for checks he wrote to Keith Fink, Mark Frye, John Stewart and a few others. Somehow these things get swept under a rug. If the members of Local 3520 knew Keith was paid more for those couple of weeks at the end of 2006 and start of 2007 than the rest of the plant made in 2 months! I bet their thoughts of him would change then. Wake up and take control of your Union
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No Freedom to Peaceably Assemble????
One Born Every Minute : Saturday, May 10, 2008 10:26 PM
LET ME GET THIS STRAIGHT. The company LIES to you about the reason the plant got shutdown and somehow you find a way to place blame on the 'Freightliner Five'. They were only exercising their right of free speech and right to peaceably assemble and people hate them for that. What is Freightliner afraid of? What are you afraid of? Since when do we not live in the United States of America anymore? You morons need to WAKE UP and realize every citizen has inalienable rights in this country. Rights that no man or no corporate entity should ever have power over. Do yourself and your fellow citizen a favor and read the Constitution of the United States for the first time!!!!!
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Just another number.
I don't understand? : Saturday, May 10, 2008 9:47 PM
What is the real problem here? Alot of people are trying to blame 5 people for a multi million dollar companies problems.The fact is yes they are building a plant in Mexico. And possibly the largest truck manufacturing plant in the world.But on the other hand they are pulling in people with the power to change. The (Light House Project.)I know they have said the same thing about every other project they have introduced but this one is our last hope. And change is what the company needs. At best we can hope to be an overflow plant to Mexico.But if the company makes a decision to close the doors then so be it. The freightliner 5 stood strong for what they thought was best for the majority and were voted into the postions in which they held. The truth is we are not a strong union and none of the elected can be to blame,without the support of the international we are nothing.Our reps have their hands tied and do their best on day to day issues. How can anyone not ask what is being done about this past Fridays lockout? The answer probably nothing but to everyone at the plant hope for the best but expect the worse.God Bless.
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Informed Decisions : Saturday, May 10, 2008 7:44 PM
Perhaps if employees at Freightliner read all that is posted at the Justice4five website they could form an opinion based on fact and not knee-jerk reactions. While it's true that not many people attended the rally for the five it was a case of quality and not quantity. Their supporters are learned people who know and understand more about the legality of the claims of the Five than most of us- and yet they put themselves through much bother and expense to show up and support our fellow workers. Maybe Freightliner employees didn't show up because of fear (apparently the company was afraid of this rally), maybe they are just uncaring, but probably they simply don't understand the issues in question- None of this in any way reduces the legitimacy of the claims of the Five. The professionals who came to the rally to speak on their behalf did out-number the Freightliner employees.These speakers included,among others, labor leaders for the farm workers and longshoremen; there was Brett Bursey, a leader of the South Carolina Progressive Party; Donna DeWitt, president of the South Carolina AFL-CIO and national president of the Labor Party; and one speaker who came all the way from Germany, Tom Adler, works council member, Daimler AG Untertuerkheim, IG Metall; and many others. These are very intelligent people who's lives center around trying to better conditions for us working people- and they support the Five. How unconscionable for those very employees the Five were trying to help to cast them aside when the going gets tough.
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See who gets the last laugh!
supporter of the freighliner five : Saturday, May 10, 2008 6:09 PM
Joe the worker sounds like Buffalo Chip with George Drexel 1V coaching with what to say! Since everyone knows Bulaffo is off the shop floor on union leave. DOING WHAT? George has already gotten the old school, and they probably won't be able to pay the electric bill,after the layoff and the people getting out. Much less the monthly pmt on the Statesville local 3520. Well this local is going to go belly up. Then you fools can ask "Where is George?" Just like the day of the strike! And you think he cares about you? Just wait......Bulaffo sh..chip will be the first one he throws under the bus! Shayne Brown probably won't like someone else posting comments, and using her name!
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JOE THE WORKER
ILLOGICAL RANT : Saturday, May 10, 2008 4:42 PM
TO THE SUPPORTER: YOUR POST IS SADLY WITHOUT LOGIC. WHILE YOU AND THE 5 TRY TO BLAME DREXEL,THE POINT IS THAT YOU AND THE 5 HAVE NO SUPPORT. IF YOU HAD SUPPORT MORE THAN 60 PEOPLE WOULD HAVE BEEN AT THE RALLY ( REMEMBER THE WHOLE PLANT WAS OFF AND COULD HAVE ATTENDED AND DID NOT). WHATEVER HAPPENS WITH FREIGHTLINER, I HOPE THE 5 STOP ADVANCING THEIR CONTINUED ACTIONS AND FIND A JOB. THEY WILL NEVER BE RE-HIRED AND I BELIEVE THAT IS THE RIGHT AND PROPER DECISION. AS SAID BEFORE, THESE 5 DID NOT AND DO NOT HAVE THE INTELLIGENCE OR EXPERIENCE TO BE EITHER UNION LEADERS OR BARGAINING COMMITTEE MEMBERS. THEY GOT THEIR POSITIONS ON A POPULAR VOTE, NOT ON QUALIFICATIOS. ALL 5 , IN MY OPINION, A BUNCH OF LOUD MOUTHS WITH NO BRAINS. WHEN THESE ROUND OF LAY OFFS AND THE EVENTUAL REHIRING COMES AND GOES, FREIGHTLINER WILL BE BETTER OFF WITHOUT THE 5 AND THE IDIOTS THAT SUPPORT THEM
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Moving to Mexico.
Place the blame where it belongs. : Saturday, May 10, 2008 10:35 AM
The company lied about us having a day to day extension on our contract the night of the walk out. And now they lie about having an engine shortage and shut the whole plant down. Why doesn't anyone place the blame where it belongs? How much burden can be placed on these 5 people? The company chooses to lie and everyone that works at the place knows about it. They have never been up front and and the UAW has been a joke to them since day 1. Maybe we can find a way to blame these 5 for NAFTA and Freightliner building a new 300 million dollar plant.A 1 million sq ft building. I am sure without these 5 they wouldn't haved dreamed of doing that. Wake up people Freightliner is the next to go.
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Supporter of the 5
the freightliner 5 : Saturday, May 10, 2008 8:53 AM
All of these negitive comments must have been made by "all the card carrying SCABS" that sit in the local and are union leave "paid", by your president! What are you doing? We don't see any progress! That's another waste of money. George Drexel split this union. He doesn't care about anyone except himself. .....all while he sits at the local and laughs at you fools!!!!!!! How do you think he's going to pay for this new local????? He is going to drain all the dues til he bankrupts this local, and then the heck with it. Talk about a union buster "He's got it going on"!!!!!!!!!!! AND you FOOLS are too blind to see it. Freightliner has never shut it's doors, not even for bad weather, ask the people that have gotten bad time for it. I think it's funny you idiots think 5 people can shut down a multi-million dollar company. If Bob Pacillas were still there the doors would not have closed. Offline would have still worked. Remember the phone tree message, "that there was a part shortage", Are you calling your employer liers??????????? "HOW CAN YOU BLAME THE FREIGHTLINER 5???????????? You people can't handle the truth. Open your eyes people, Take off the blinders! Its already in your face!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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JOE THE WORKER
THESE 5 ARE THE IDIOTS : Saturday, May 10, 2008 8:27 AM
IN RESPONSE TO THE SUPPORTER OF THE 5, YOU TRULY DO NOT GET IT. THESE 5 WILL DO ANYTHING OR SAY ANYTHING TO GET "THEIR" JOBS BACK EVEN IF IT CAUSES FINANCIAL LOSS TO ALL OF THE OTHER WORKERS. ALTHOUGH I WAS NOT AT THE "RALLY", IT HAS BEEN REPORTED THAT ONLY 30-60 PEOPLE ATTENDED EVIDENCING A TOTAL LACK OF SUPPORT ( 60 DIVIDED BY 3000 EQUALS 2 %). IN ADDITION , THE RALLY WAS FOR THE 5 TO GET "THEIR" JOBS BACK AND THEY COULDN'T GET MORE THAN 2% SUPPORT ( HOW MANY OF THE 60 WERE THE 5 AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS??) I AM TRULY AMAZED THAT THESE IDIOTS CAN NOT UNDERSTAND THAT A LARGE MAJORITY OF US WORKERS DO NOT SUPPORT THEIR CAUSE OR THEIR ACTIONS. THEY CONTINUE TO WHINE AND CRY FOR THEMSELVES, NOT THE WORKERS. WE, THE MAJORITY, WANT THEM TO SHUT UP AND GO AWAY BEFORE THEY CAUSE FURTHER LOSS TO US WORKERS.
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Shane Bost
justice 4 five : Saturday, May 10, 2008 7:41 AM
The truth is a very large majority of the workers at Cleveland DO NOT want these trouble makers here anyway. I worked there for 14 years from 4/94 to 10/07. I know them personnaly, they were voted out of the union by MAJORITY. Why should they work there? Or cause trouble there?
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JOE THE WORKER
WAKE UP : Saturday, May 10, 2008 7:13 AM
THESE 5 HAVE AND ARE DOING MORE DAMAGE TO THE UNION AND WORKERS( NOT UNION MEMEBERS) AT FREIGHTLINER. PLEASE LEAVE FREIGHTLINER ALONE. YOU HAVE DONE ENOUGH DAMAGE. THE UNION IS AT AN ALL TIME LOW BECAUSE OF YOU 5. NEXT, MAYBE THE UNION WILL BE DE-CERTIFED AND ALL THE WORKERS WILL SUFFER BECAUSE OF YOU 5. KNOWING THESE 5, IT IS MY HUMBLE OPINION THAT THEY ARE SO SELF-CENTERED AND EGOTISTICAL, THAT THEY CLAIM A NOBLE PURPOSE, BUT ARE ONLY INTERESTED IN THEMSELVES AND NOT THE FREIGHTLINER WORKERS.
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Union member tired of the lies
Time to let it go : Saturday, May 10, 2008 5:22 AM
No matter what organization you belong to, if it a church or civic organization or the Union, you have a set of rules to follow. These five former employees and members of the local union did not follow those rules. THis is why they were terminated, and they want everyone in this area to believe they were dont wrong. They almost cost several hundred people their jobs last year when they called for the unauthorized strike and now they cost 3000 people a day of pay for the plant being shutdown on friday. Enough is enough there is no support for the five.
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Layed Off
Rally : Saturday, May 10, 2008 4:38 AM
I just want to say thank you to the justice 4 five. i really could have used a days pay since i'm being layed off. but thanks to you, people either had to use sick time or vacation time or like most had to take it without pay. i'm so glad you five look out for everyone and not just yourselves.Good luck trying to find a job now...
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Local 3520 member
Idots : Friday, May 09, 2008 8:26 PM
You people should realize that the five acted on our behalf. Had it not been for them you would not have half the contract that you now have. If freightliner closed because of this rally, then don't you think that they must be afraid they just might gain enough support. Does the fact that these guys and girl stoud up for your benefit as well as theirs NOT mean anything to you? As for trying to hurt the LOCAL, I think George has done a pretty good job of spliting this union right down the middle. George has this thing all figured out, when some one has an opion that differs from his, he makes a joke out of it and laughs at the guy. Then he tells you,"YOU ARE OUT OF ORDER, SIT DOWN". How is that not going to cause riff in the union hall. People need to wake up and realize who is really own their side!
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FREIGHTLINER EMPLOYEE SICK OF LIES
TELL THE TRUTH : Friday, May 09, 2008 2:05 PM
IF ONLY THESE 5 WOULD TELL THE WHOLE TRUTH, NOT ATTEMPT TO MAKE UP ADDITIONAL ISSUES AS THEY PROGRESS, AND REALIZE THAT NONE OF THEM HAD EITHER THE INTELLIGENCE OR EXPERIENCE TO BE UNION LEADERS OR BARGAINING REPRESENTATIVES, THEY MAY GET SOME RESULTS. THEY PLAYED IN THE BIG LEAGUES WITH A WIFFLE BALL BAT.
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not one of them...
You call that a rally? : Friday, May 09, 2008 1:51 PM
That was a sad attempt to do a so called "rally"....lol.....
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Kevin Brown
Some rally : Friday, May 09, 2008 12:43 PM
At the so called ralley today, they had 30 people come out to "support" the five. I hope this makes them wake up and realize that people do not support their actions. All they are doing is trying to hurt the UAW local and Freightliner. Thanks to the five ALL employees of Freightliner lost 8 hours of pay today, while the plant was closed. The company said it was due to an engine shortage, but when was the last time Freightline closed offline due to shortages?
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Fed to buy massive amounts of short-term debt
