re: USW strike...** POSSIBLE END IN SIGHT **

Sounds like another indirect threat from the union. Instead of making an argument to support your claims you result to bullying your coworkers. I don't think you can defend usw's actions. Usw has sold out its members we are not selling out our coworkers. Most I've talked to don't agree with usw and are just tring to hold out to avoid the harassment of the usw stronghold. Usw is crawfishing and resorting to scare tactics and bad politics. How typical. If usw is serious about safety concerns they will take routine jobs of the table. They very well may seeing the resistance they are currently getting. If usw did that and happened to have valid safety concerns companies weren't willing to resolve why hasen't the union already intervened. Take routine jobs of the table we will have fair contract. Let local decide on there nonessential staffing.

I agree Brass. A lot of us are starting to see the light. USW doesn't pay me, Shell/Motiva does and right now I'm not getting paid or benefits(medical) in which I honestly really need at the time. The USW's "emergency" insurance covers nothing that my SO is currently going through and no one in the right mind can afford medical insurance 100%.
So that being said, I have a tough decision ahead of me.

Very annoying. I don't want to cross but if push comes to shove I will skip across that line with a smile.
They are supposedly meeting again Wednesday. Hopefully they can have this resolved by Wednesday.

Why don't the Union workers rise up and strike against the USW?? USW is the problem, not the clients paying your mortgage.

Find one person to represent each site and approach that client with a proposal to come back on as a contract worker. They put you in touch with their nested contractor, everyone goes back to work. Happy workers, happy families, happy client/employer, frick USW.....

Non-Union, never left work.

I do/have however negotiated with many of the clients involved. They're not very fond of being involved in stick measuring contests like USW is pushing....

Norco

Any word on how many crossed? We have about 25-30 in convent and im about to be one of them if they dont make any headway this week.

Not specific number refinery wide but I know of about 5 people personally who have crossed already. Yea I am thinking like you. They are going back to the table Wednesday so I'll make my decision based off of the outcome of that. I'll mostly likely be back next week if the union keeps playing stupid games. My livelihood is something I don't take lightly and for the union to no give a frick and keep saying "stay strong brothers and sisters" is pretty much a slap in the face to me.

Thanks. We will overcome this but like you said, I will not let them dictate my financial stability. If nothing is done by Wednesday, I will be back at work with a smile and hold my own. I'm an adult, I'll manage my work status.