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140 Comments
- Peachi, on 11/12/2009, -0/+60Training your own replacement. That hurts.
- redcolumbine, on 11/12/2009, -2/+42Bissell sucks. (somebody had to say it)
- diggduggDOOM, on 11/12/2009, -3/+43We should also get rid of the Weekend, Workplace Safety, Overtime, and many other nasty things that are the result of these evil unions. Who's with me?!
- darkmaster2100, on 11/12/2009, -7/+45Dey Took Our Jerbs!
- droplister, on 11/12/2009, -2/+36Look at what "fans" of Bissell are saying on their Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/bissell - papashawn, on 11/12/2009, -0/+30Who the ***** friends BISSELL on facebook anyways?
- rushiku, on 11/12/2009, -4/+34FTA: "The warehouse has been using an unlicensed temporary employment agency that had repeatedly violated many state and federal laws, including paying some workers less than minimum wage. Workers also cited racial discrimination, unpaid wages and threats of retaliation for bringing these issues to management's attention."
While I'm sure you would have no problem living on less than minimum wage, not everyone can live in your Mom's basement.
I hate unions, but morons and their moronic business practices won't let them die. - mrmontrose, on 11/12/2009, -3/+25Unions are a large reason why everyone gets "fair" wages, and workers rights. Without them we wouldn't have a strong middle class, something most people agree is one of Americas greatest achievements.
Unionizing, or EVEN the threat, forces companies to pay decent compensation, and give the common worker a voice in government. One man can not stand up against a multimillion dollar company but a union can.
A lot of people see unions being greedy and maybe that is true, but they serve the vital purpose of balancing corporate greed. Plus in a free market society I should be able to band with my fellow works to get a wage that I feel is fair. - cptshamrock, on 11/12/2009, -5/+26Doesn't seem like the most unbiased source in the world.
- fadeout, on 11/12/2009, -6/+25I love seeing Digg Republicans swarm into an article on labor unions, posting from safe air conditioned cubicles and have never worked a blue collar job in their lives.
- psychoace, on 11/12/2009, -2/+17I worked in a place very similar to this. The warehouse out back had no insurance for any of the workers and all workers were treated as expendable. So if a box fell on ya well to bad cause the company had no insurance for that. If you didn't like it you had two options deal with it or leave. They are also a delivery company that forces contracted drivers to drive 7 days a week every week and if you wanted a day off well the dispatchers would try to do there best to get you the day off. A lot of the time though they barely have enough drivers to cover the deliveries. This is all because no one does crap like this anymore. We just eat the crap were given and never fight for more.
- Swift2, on 11/13/2009, -1/+15See what's become of the American worker. They hire subcontractors upon subcontractors. Why? To be able to bust unions and act like *****, and then say, Oh, well, we didn't know vat vas happening!
- Kate1240, on 11/12/2009, -2/+15"unlicensed temporary employment agency that had repeatedly violated many state and federal laws."
- contemptseo, on 11/12/2009, -3/+16Wow that's effing stupid.
- shaka999, on 11/12/2009, -3/+14Did you miss the part about Bissell breaking the law?
- Joe_rigby, on 11/12/2009, -2/+13Keep in mind what you buy, not that you were going to buy Bissell products anyway, but in the unlikely event that you thought about it, keep this in mind.
- auckman, on 11/13/2009, -1/+12It's kind of sad to read some of the flaming that goes on against both unionized labor and people who 'bitch' about being treated poorly in their respective workplace.
It may just be me, but if there are workers who are standing up for themselves and demanding LEGAL procedure by both their employers and subsequent consultants, they should not have to be afraid of termination. Last time I checked it's pretty ***** American to stick up for yourself against the big guys. - seltaeb4, on 11/13/2009, -2/+11Management has its own union.
It's called the country club. They organize there regularly and conspire to promote the interests of their members' financial collective. They refer to this as "golf."
I wonder why the anti-unionists don't ever call for the dissolution of that union? It's the most powerful union on Earth. - Smaulz, on 11/12/2009, -0/+9From the comments:
BISSELL
We would like to respond to some of the comments posted here which allege that BISSELL is discriminating against workers at its distribution center in Elwood, IL. Like you, we are concerned about worker safety and dignity, and would like to set the record straight on what is being said.
We contract with Maersk to operate the Elwood facility, ... Read Moreand Maersk in turn contracts with another company, Roadlink, to employ the workers there. We are aware that there is a labor dispute between the workers at the facility and the facility operators, Roadlink and Maersk, and BISSELL has advised Maersk that BISSELL expects full compliance with all appropriate legal and safety standards in the workplace.
This is complicated matter, but we can assure you that BISSELL has not fired or discriminated against anyone, nor have we participated in any of the alleged unfair labor practices. - fadeout, on 11/12/2009, -2/+10I worked in a warehouse and people got badly injured, frequently. Someone bleeding from shards of broken glass was an every day occurrence. The union had to FIGHT even for back braces.
How about you, internet tough guy? Real clever post history, by the way. Thanks for taking some time out of busy day of calling people "gay" to try and troll me. - Sirlolalot, on 11/13/2009, -0/+8DURK A DURB!
- biffen, on 11/12/2009, -2/+10yeah, unions have gotten greedy. They aren't usually a good thing when the employer is already fair. But tell that to a coal miner in the 1800's who is on his way to the company store to buy food with Coal Bucks(tm).
- SPECOPS, on 11/13/2009, -0/+7@dhartin - not sure how long you've been living under that rock, but existing,profitable 100% creditworthy businesses can't even get a loan to get by for the month, let alone a brand new business, with no history.
- psychoace, on 11/12/2009, -0/+7Oh yes let me pull out a few thousands of dollars out of my butt to start a company and also the contract they have with a major appliance retailer to make deliveries. Oh crap I think the butt plug is stuck.
- jshhmr, on 11/12/2009, -8/+15Let me guess, they were replaced by illegal workers or H1B visa holders that will do the job at half the price. As an unemployed construction worker, I can go to ANY construction site and see plenty of illegal workers with MY job!! I am so ***** pissed!!! It's not fair, especially when you have the majority of diggers supporting these *****!!
- Hetman, on 11/12/2009, -0/+7The company were hiring people illegally and paying them below minimuim wage. If you want to get rid of average wage that is fine with me. However companies do have to follow the law. Finally it is because of companies like this willing to hire illegal immigrants is the reason there are so many in this country. Why would we want to create a group of second class citizens. That is not right.
- yibbutkeen, on 11/13/2009, -0/+6If you run a business, and your employees are so unhappy that they want to unionize, then you have done something VERY wrong. Treat your employees well, and most of them will bust their butts to make sure things get done and done right.
- ace144, on 11/12/2009, -0/+6I'm pretty sure its time to bitch about your job when the company tells you everyone is fired after you train your replacements.
- Halsfield, on 11/12/2009, -4/+10 Just in a general sense you don't need white people to have racial discrimination. There are legendary racial battles between hispanics and blacks and other racial minorities out there. In this situation the racial discrimination could be between the white people being promoted above the lay positions at the site, or the white management denying raises/keeping wages low for the minorities they supervised.
Also, the auto industry has a lot more important problems to overcome than unions. If you don't understand the many great things unions have achieved for workers nationwide you need to take a history class and pay attention. Unions can absolutely be used against a corporation , but they also serve a necessary function to protect workers. - madtechnologist, on 11/13/2009, -0/+6Basically they have outsourced their name to this company who has a 3rd party vendor doing the actual "work". If any on you knew anything about Outsourcing Services then you would understand that Bissell has very little to do with the actual operations of the business. Sure, they are ultimately accountable for poor business decisions and management, but I'm sure they are not directly discriminating against employees at this site, because they don't HAVE any - they're "pimped it out", so to speak.
- algaeturd, on 11/12/2009, -1/+7Get an education.
You've clearly never studied any history (unions or otherwise) and people like you are the reason why there is no longer a middle class.
The ***** rights the coal miners fought for gave you the opportunities you've had, undoubtedly.
Corporations could treat workers like slaves and, in fact, would if they thought they could get away with it. A union is nothing more than a group of workers who work together to get a fair shake in a fight that they could never win on their own.
You're a kook. And a stooge for corporations. I get it.
You obviously do not. - greevar, on 11/13/2009, -0/+6In the beginning, unions were a powerful tool for getting laborers fair wages, reasonable hours, and safe working conditions. But like all organizations, they are prone to corruption. Even still, there are some unions that truly fight for what's fair for the workers.
@Skywise
Those rights you claim so fervently that you will die to defend are, in fact, in existence thanks to the hard work of unions fighting for your right to not be exploited by your employer. I commend you for your success. More power to you, but you cannot deny that labor laws came to be from people organizing together and telling their employer they've had enough exploitation.
Furthermore, your belief that this is a free market is woefully misplaced. There has not been a free market anywhere since the corporations have gained the power to influence legislation. And no one is forced to pay union dues with the exception of unions that are actually part of the company you work for. UPS is an example of that. If you have no desire to join a union, you are not required to. I estimate that you are using this misconception to fuel you distaste for unions and justify your animosity for them.
If you're truly upset with being forced to work overtime, weekends, and deal with an unsafe workplace, I suggest that you form your own union and demand that your employer respect your personal time and safety. People who work salaried jobs tend to be talented workers and can be hard to replace. One person is not a significant loss to productivity, but when a company loses their entire talent base, an employer will take notice. You speak of fighting for you rights? Then do it! - Hetman, on 11/12/2009, -4/+10Did you read the article. The workers were complaining that they were hiring people illegally and not paying them minimuim wage.
FTA
"The warehouse has been using an unlicensed temporary employment agency that had repeatedly violated many state and federal laws, including paying some workers less than minimum wage"
Like you these people just want to be treated fairly. If you do not have time to read the article do not comment. - fadeout, on 11/12/2009, -2/+8"why the hell would you fight for your job for a ***** company like this."
Because they have children and mortgages? Leave your parents basement and ask them what having bills to pay is like. - rushiku, on 11/12/2009, -1/+7@cputerace: Be careful when you're looking around with those rose colored glasses on, you wouldn't want to rupture your rectum.
- mrmontrose, on 11/12/2009, -3/+9@morgino Your an idiot, Racial discrimination isn't always not hiring black people. It can be hiring them but paying them less then their white counterpart. Or mistreating them because they are black.
Also they are fighting for their jobs SO THEY KEEP THEM. In this bad economy I would rather strike and not work for a week or two but keep my job, then lose the same job in a month forever. - greevar, on 11/13/2009, -2/+8This isn't the time to bitch about how your husband treats you, this is the time to be thankful you have one. So, put your head down and spread your legs. When things turn around, that's when you make your demands.
So let me get this straight. It's ok to exploit people in a economic crisis? People don't have the right to work in an environment that won't kill or maim them because times are tough? They deserve to lose their jobs for standing up for what is owed to them because money is tight? Were you born stupid, or did you take lessons? - jer2eydevil88, on 11/12/2009, -12/+18Untrained workers are disposable and under valued? I should also put a website up to complain!
- seltaeb4, on 11/13/2009, -0/+4"The problem is that a union always has to ask for more."
And that isn't a problem for, say, Goldman Sachs? Despite receiving a bailout funded by the working people of the United States, their CEO claims to be "doing God's work" as he passes out tens of billions in employee bonuses. That must be a nice union to be a member of. Socialize all of your mistakes and losses, and privatize all your profits.
When a union asks for more, it's so its members can afford food for their children, set aside a bit for an education fund, fund a kitchen/bath remodel, make an extra mortgage payment, maybe even [perish the thought] go a nice vacation.
When Goldman Sachs' union asks for more, their members get enough to buy islands in the Caribbean.
Moreover, American corporations don't move overseas or to depressed regions because they are no longer profitable. They move because they think they're not profitable *enough,* and there is no such thing for them as "enough." We've seen a massive wave of corporations shipping manufacturing jobs to China, so wouldn't you expect we'd *at least* see an accompanying decline in prices of manufactured goods? Well, we don't, we haven't, and we won't. Where do all of those labor savings go? Gee, I wonder.
Which of these unions actually does more harm to America? Which is downright anti-American, at least in terms of the principles we attribute to ourselves?
I'd say it's the guys who call the shots in America's management suites. They sold out America's manufacturing economy, destroying millions of American jobs in order to exploit Third World slave labor for personal profit.
But hey—maybe that's just me. - catalysis, on 11/13/2009, -0/+51,187 bored housewives
- seltaeb4, on 11/13/2009, -0/+5Corporations still treat their workers like slaves.
They just do it overseas, in places we don't see, visit, or even know about—and where workers are afraid to ask questions. - psychoace, on 11/13/2009, -0/+5Also not everyone has the skill or ability to run a business. Some of us are just workers and need to push these owners to treat us more humanely. To say we should start our own business is allowing such mistreatment to keep ruining the work force. Someone will come in and is to dumb to know any better and will allow that company to strive. To let these bosses get off easy for there actions is a stupid comment. The whole system wont change unless people change it. It's not going to be changed by starting 1 business with these values but by forcing all companies to change there values through there employees.
- N01SE, on 11/12/2009, -2/+7FTA
"The warehouse has been using an unlicensed temporary employment agency that had repeatedly violated many state and federal laws, including paying some workers less than minimum wage." - psychoace, on 11/12/2009, -1/+6I should of explained myself. The insurance I was talking about is On-Site Insurance. Not just regular health insurance. If you do sue them then two things happen. First your not going to get paid anytime soon so if you need money now your screwed. Second your now looking for a job because they will fire you. Most people would just keep working and pay out of there own pockets just to keep there jobs.
- s73v3r, on 11/13/2009, -0/+5There shouldn't be an "appropriate time" to complain that you aren't given safe working conditions or appropriate wages (one of the complaints the workers that were fired had made against the company).
- pilot3033, on 11/12/2009, -1/+6arch: not really. I agree with the article and disagree with raitchison's claims, but there should be some sourcing. That said I think civil action like this is important for the workforce of America. Stand up for the rights that so many fought for.
- Arghblarg, on 11/13/2009, -0/+5.. and that's why, if you were a programmer, you should have told your replacement that:
-long variable names are bad, they slow down the program;
-do-loops are much faster in C, even though for- and while- loops may look better in the source;
-it saves a lot of time to pass all parameters as pointers, so that the called function doesn't
have to deal with restoring those values back to the calling function;
-comments in the source will slow things down a lot. Management wants a 10% speed increase in the next release!
:) - Arghblarg, on 11/13/2009, -0/+4Holy crap I almost puked. Even if that all was an 'IT' position (as opposed to comp sci, eng or sysadmin role -- employers think they're all the same it seems) the minimum, absolute minimum, should be -at least- twice that in any large urban center, much less New York, FFS! Exploitation, pure and simple!
- mrbroli, on 11/12/2009, -1/+5Or, failing that, PDF copies of the "legal filings" they claim to have submitted.
- yibbutkeen, on 11/13/2009, -1/+5That is one act that should be made illegal. It was very common in the dot com bust era too. The company would bring in a bunch of Indians for you to train, and then out the door you went. If you cooperated, you got severance pay, or you left with nothing.
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