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Bismarck Bobcat workers strike

TOM STROMME/Tribune Employees of Bobcat work a picket line outside the company office on Airport Road in Bismarck at 7:45 p.m. Saturday night. There were also several employee picket sites at various locations outside the sprawling plant in east Bismarck.  
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Oct 08, 2006 - 02:05:41 CDT
By JAMES MacPHERSON
Associated Press Writer
Unionized workers at the Bobcat Co. plant in Bismarck went on strike Saturday after the company and the union negotiators failed to agree on a new labor contract.

Steve Chmielewski, president of Local 566 of the United Steelworkers union, said the labor contract expired on Saturday at 7 a.m. He said workers began walking the picket line early Saturday afternoon.

Chmielewski said the union represents about 780 employees.

Bobcat, which is based in West Fargo, has plants in Bismarck and Gwinner, in southeastern North Dakota. Bobcat is a unit of Ingersoll-Rand Co. Ltd., an equipment manufacturer.

Company spokeswoman Wendy Bost said the plant has at total of about 1,100 workers, including 300 salaried, nonunion employees.

She said the plant, which makes machinery for light construction, would continue to operate with a skeleton crew.

"We do plan to operate with a crew from the salaried work force at this point," she said.

Said Chmielewski: "We will try to prevent any nonmember from crossing the picket line."

Bismarck Police Sgt. Dave Draovitch said no problems had been reported on Saturday.

Workers are asking for increased wages and better health care benefits, Chmielewski said.

"A worker in 2001 - he was taking home more money than he is today with (increased) health care costs," Chmielewski said. "We are looking for 100 percent payment for health care and wages substantially increased."

Union and company officials had been negotiating for about two weeks on a new contract, Chmielewski said.

"We are deeply disappointed that the union has rejected the company's best offer," Dennis Schneider, vice president of global operations, said in a statement. "Bobcat Co. is committed to meet with the union's committee in good faith and to hopefully resolve this impasse."

Schneider said the company is "trying to balance our employees' concerns with the economic realities of a highly competitive global market, and then balance the desires for short-term improvements with long-term viability of a business."

Bobcat employs more than 2,600 people in North Dakota.

The plant in Gwinner is not affected by the strike. "Their contract expires in December," Chmielewski said.

Chmielewski said the striking workers are prepared to picket the plant "until we achieve our resolve - we want our demands met."
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Bismarck Bobcat workers strike
Comments

mntxkorynta wrote on Oct 26, 2006 9:49 AM:

" I hope those on strike can sleep well at night. These people's actions have caused an uprising in so many other peoples lives that didn't deserve it! Because of this walk-out, there are other companies that have been forced to lay off workers! Due to lack of production at the Bismarck plant, other companies are not needed to supply that plant with parts, etc. So, I simply say to you that are striking... I hope you are replaced by someone who actually appreciates their employer. Down here in south Texas, people bust their butt for 60+ hours a week and don't make what you make hourly and they are grateful!! Plus there are people now wondering what they are going to do for work because of your selfishness!! Get a clue!!!!!! "

Support USW 566 wrote on Oct 18, 2006 8:02 AM:

" The rally was great last night, should have been there. I never got to see where all the people were stationed until then. Not many people drive through that area. I bet if Bobcat were located on 7th or 9th there would be a lot more honking. I and the rest of my crew from work drive out of our way to honk on Airport Road. Support USW 566 "

wake up wrote on Oct 17, 2006 9:23 PM:

" the union is putting there jobs on the line....the same one that is already being crossed. do you really not understand how extreamly lucky you are to have that job........many americans would give thier eye teeth for your bad luck. wake up and smell your jobs.....they are close to being mine!!!!!!!!!!! i will work for less, call me! and as far as your complaints call 1-800-who cares. "

nonunion mom wrote on Oct 17, 2006 5:59 PM:

" to the union mom...REFUSE yes when you walked out you refused to work. most people in the USA would love to have your job and problem, maybe you have been spoiled for sooo long you dont realize that your job is hard to find. do you even know how many would love to make 18.00 an hour with NO benifits? americans everyday work for much less!!!! quit boo hooing and get back there or your jobs will be gone. thanks to the people that go in and keep the company afloat while your out......without them they would close up and move to mexico where they can make more money and the people would be greatful for the job!!!!!!!!!! yes times are tough for all of us. you sould feel shame for walking out of such a great paying job. if you dont like it MOVE on to your greener pastures. "

union member misunderstood wrote on Oct 17, 2006 3:25 PM:

" I meant how could your union let you continue to take home less money contract after contract? You said you make less now than 8-10 years ago, this obviously has happened over the last 2 contract periods. "

union member wrote on Oct 17, 2006 3:18 PM:

" It has nothing to do with the union the company plans this before contract time. There has always been layoffs right before contract to get everyone in a financial crunch and it works. The people have finally had enough of the bullying and are making a stand. "

How could that happen wrote on Oct 17, 2006 2:49 PM:

" Well, it is a simplistic look at it. But now the big question is, how could your Union let that happen to you? Over 2 different contracts? "

unionmembershaftedbyIR wrote on Oct 17, 2006 2:47 PM:

" I have a huge problem with this mainly because of how much money bobcat has made IR that last 3or4 years. The net revenue has almost doubled in that time,the top executives are raking in millions each just in bonuses and they can't give us a measly 5% raise,something is majorly wrong with that picture!!! It all comes down to coporate greed,you can call it whatever you want but that's the bottom line!!! "

UNION MOM wrote on Oct 17, 2006 2:37 PM:

" Exactly what union member said. Why the heck should we be making less than 8-10 years ago. Something ain't right with that picture. "

union member wrote on Oct 17, 2006 2:17 PM:

" With what the company proposed,yes we would be going backwards. Considering the rise in cost of living,rise in healthcare we would be loosing ground. My 80 paychecks 8 years ago were more than my most recent 80 hour paycheck mainly due to the rise in healthcare. Simple enough for you! "

To Union Mom wrote on Oct 17, 2006 2:04 PM:

" Please explain to us simpletons how making 3% more and having 15% more of your health care paid for will have you fall further behind. Thank you. "

UNION MOM wrote on Oct 17, 2006 1:38 PM:

" to: inside working: Refuse? When did we refuse to work? We WANTED to work under the old contract until a new contract aggreement was made. IR gave us 2 options....take the new contract or be LOCKED OUT! We didn't take the new contract because we would be falling further and further behind for the next 4 years with their "best offer" contract. Since we didn't take it, IR LOCKED US OUT. We didn't have much of a choice. Maybe you should get all your facts straight before you post another ignorant comment like that. It just goes to prove why IR would like to get rid of the union. They know they could hire a bunch of half wits for half the price and be their happy little puppets. Also your other comment: "I will keep your seat warm for ya". What are you doing sitting on your rump. If your so smart, you shouldn't be sitting and posting on here. You should be out on the floor getting the machines running and parts made. Or haven't you and the others figured it out yet? Have fun scratching your butt trying to figure where and how everything works in there. "

inside working now wrote on Oct 17, 2006 1:05 PM:

" hey you union hands I dont want your job!!! just your money, you refuse to make while your are fighting. keep up the good work I have a few more bills to pay off this year!!!!! I will keep your seat warm for ya!!!!!Insurance whats that???? I have been without it like alot of americans for years, but I still make your pay and I will till your sick and tired of being broke. THANKS "

replacement worker/ wife wrote on Oct 17, 2006 12:21 PM:

" hey you union workers out there all upset at what you will lose with out your demands met, I have a few words of wisdom for you!!!! it is always a lose lose situation. having half the employees doing your quota always ends in layoffs. I have done several jobs, and be smart, dont let the replacements go in there and show your work ethicks up!!!! you have already lost all you have been fighting for, in wadges. dont let your familys lose everything!!!!!! if you refuse to go back in. I will be seeing you as I fly in to replace you and my childrean will have the great christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!! no one is ever nonreplaceable!!!!! "

Welder's wife: wrote on Oct 16, 2006 5:00 PM:

" Dave, Dave, my sweet Dave... I sure wish I lived in the happy ideal world that you live in however I don't. None of us do. I greatly wish that so much of what you say would be true however I know what goes on at Bobcat because I live it every day. I hear the stories quite frequently and therefore feel that I have the right to comment on it. So many people think you work at Bobcat but I know you must not (unless your a salary employee) being you just don't have a clue what it's like to be a laborer. Not being rude, just truthful. Sorry buddy, you couldn't be more wrong! Great ideas though!! "

union member wrote on Oct 16, 2006 12:34 PM:

" Dave I see your are still on your trip! You think that if the union is busted at bobcat the skilled postitions will be making near what we are now? You better start educating yourself before you make a ignorant comment like that. How many nonunion welders in bismarck make 18 dollars an hour? None,other than the union jobs that we have in the plants. What do welders make at mid america steel? Not near what we make and the same would happen to bobcat. You would think by all the info provided on this topic you would have picked some of it up. You better get back to the books!! "

Yeh right Dave wrote on Oct 16, 2006 12:30 PM:

" you need only look at how much wages INCREASED for the workers down in Mexico when plants moved there. They are paid almost as much as the workers were paid in the companies that were here before the move aren't they...check your handbook...I think you "read" from the wrong page... ;) "

ALL FOR ONE, ONE FOR ALL WORKERS. wrote on Oct 15, 2006 11:45 PM:

" What is 3% of nothing, What is 5% of nothing...Ya that's right nothing...But what about 3% of a insurance rate increase or maybe a 5% insurance increase. Show me the money....Is what the insurance companies will be saying.. This is a message for all working men & women..If the insuracne companies can increase the premiums on these Bobcat Unions employees what makes you think that they won't on you..This isn't if you pass go you collect $200 dollars.. Just remember that $20 co-pay you put out there everytime you take you kids to the doctor, the Doctors & the insurance companies are not only putting themselve out of business, but in the end putting hard working men & women out of work. So speak up for all. Before America becomes a third world country.. held by gun point by the insurance companies......Peace to all that are effected by this strike (union & non-union) But also the people of Bismarck.....who will soon will be feeling the effect of this stike.. "

to Welder's wife from Dave: wrote on Oct 15, 2006 10:56 PM:

" The union wants you to believe the worker's would be paid squat. I bet the wages would be close to the same as they are if not more without a union. If Bobcat went non-union, production would increase and the slackers would be out of a job. It's a win-win for everyone except the current slackers. "

BETTER REASON 4 wrote on Oct 15, 2006 9:58 PM:

" There has to be a better reason for this strike....I got my answer about the insurance company..Ya it's Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, North of who? Ya North Dakota...Tell Blue Cross Blue Shield to take their greedy insurance company and stick it...You know as well as I do if they know that your union gets a raise so does the insurance company....So no matter what you are fighting for the union will still lose no matter what? Right now you don't have a pay check, so what else are willing to give up in the name of the greedy insurance company. They don't give a cash back at the end of year if you didn't use it..They just keep asking for you more money. More Money,,,The issue that you have with Bobcat as far as six day work weeks should be addressed...Plus a number of other things....Question for all union members what do you do when all the money runs out????? Become a CEO of USW 566..With no bonus or real job....The bonus for the union is having a job, if you don't like your job get new one...Because in the end you need one... " "

Welder's wife wrote on Oct 15, 2006 4:20 PM:

" To the many of you that think by ousting the current laborer’s and replacing them with nonunion is such a great idea, get a clue... The new hires would be getting paid squat, have less benefits (or pay even more for the)and with the poor work conditions and mandatory OT, I cant even think to imagine the complaining that would go on. This of course would lead to high turnover (remember, no union to fight for the employees anymore) and would eventually lead to this company pulling out of ND. So keep talking…fantastic idea you have there. I can only hope that those of you that have or agree with this brilliant idea are not the manager of a restaurant, employee of a car dealership, realtor, bar owner or work for one of the boat dealers here in town because loosing that amount of cash flow would be a huge hit to our communities. Not to mention the generous families that donate to foundations, scholarships, schools and their church. (I’m including the salary guys on this one.) For the record – I work 40hrs a week, raise 2 kids and miss my husband every night and every Saturday. (live in a split level home, 2 autos, no boat, no camper, no jet ski, no cabin at the lake. Oh, and my husband has a 2 year degree). I can honestly say that I don’t know whether or not this was the best decision and reading these blogs confuse me more and more every day. Yes, my husband does make a decent wage and it’s unfortunate that many of you with your “big degrees” probably don’t even work in the field of which you got your degree nor get paid what you should but that is no one else’s problem but YOUR OWN!! Further more, it is of no relevance to this topic anyway so issue closed. I can’t be thankful enough for my husband choosing to do what he does however this has been tough on all of our families. I certainly know that everyone is entitled to their opinion however please keep in mind that this is between the union and IR. Local 566, your in my prayers every night. I wish you and your families all the best. "

Florida wrote on Oct 15, 2006 11:05 AM:

" I'm all for the Union and the strikers. They work hard and deserve acceptable wages, insurance and better working conditions. It's difficult for them to stand out there in the cold making a statement and standing up for what is right. We all appreciate the non employees who support them with dropping off pop, hamburgers and even umbrellas. Happy Birthday Ron. "

TAG to union proud oct 11th 6:22 wrote on Oct 14, 2006 6:35 PM:

" Heres my problem w/all this. All i keep hearing is you guys complaing about the cost of living going up, Why shouldn't your salary? One guy asked "at your job do you get a raise"? Yes, i got my second one last year w/6 years of employment!! It was a total of 4%. You say yours doesn't cover the rising health care costs. Join the rest of the world, my raise didn't even cover my cable bill,,,it was that small. But i don't make 17-20something dollars an hour!! Then you complain that you never get any thank yous or good jobs!?!?! You've got to be kidding right? Your not the only person that busts his butt and doesn't get a pat on his back, it happens everywhere. And i must not forget that you mentioned you only get a turkey for christmas!! Well that would be 6 turkeys for me IF WE GOT ANYTHING for christmas,,,but we don't. So grab that turkey and smoke it and enjoy a cold one while your in the picket line. "

Online Editor wrote on Oct 14, 2006 2:41 PM:

" To STRIKER SUPPORTER: Your post probably didn't show up when expected because it is Saturday. On evenings and weekends I post comments from home on my personal time. I'm trying to check the comments while doing other projects around my house. "

STRIKER SUPPORTER wrote on Oct 14, 2006 1:23 PM:

" to online editor WHY is by post not being posted REPLY "

UNION MOM wrote on Oct 14, 2006 12:12 AM:

" Woohoo. The hubby will be out on the picket line but the kids and I will be there for sure. I'm sure alot of my family and friends will come as well. Like I have said before - The union is the community and the community is the union. I know we will have lots of people there standing up for our community and fighting for what's right and fair for every american. I even hope to see some of you "doubters/haters" out there so that you can truly comprehend that this affects you as well. If you claim to be an american, it's time for you to stand up like an american and support your neighbor, community, and country! God bless AMERICA, the UNIONS, and our COMMUNITY! ps: I would like to thank each and every one of you out there that has stood up and supported us through these hard times. It just goes to show what a wonderful community we do have!! Thank you again! "

Get over it wrote on Oct 13, 2006 11:15 PM:

" Hey people maybe you didn't happen to notice but the U.S.W. Local 566 Union Bargaining committee with be meeting with I.R. Bobcat next Wednesday to talk about negotiations. For the rest of you negative bone heads check this out. There is a labor Rally next Tuesday @ 4:00 PM. Lots of Unions will be there. Lots of our supporters will be there. Our families will be there. You should be there. All are welcome to come and check it out. It will be at the corner of Bowen and 26th Street. Unlike most of you I don't make stuff up. For the slow learners, ALL are welcome. Come out and see who really is on our (YOUR) side. Find out what community really means. Find out for yourself why we have Unions. You are not alone. Find out for yourself the true meaning of Friends, Family, Neighbors, Community, and UNIONS!!!!! "

Another spouse: wrote on Oct 13, 2006 8:31 PM:

" For those of you who all think the workers at Bobcat make the same amount think again. Pay grades and benefits vary with length of employement and the job that you do in the plant. A starting position - untested so you can get your "foot in the door" -starts at $11.36/hr to a maximum of $20.84 with years of experience and the technical knowledge to pass the test. There are however,not many positions available in the upper pay grades. You have to test for many of those positions and without solid experience or education in a trade field the tests are difficult to pass. You also need to work there for years until there is an opening so you can test. The average is probably about $15 - 17/hr, NOT the $20/hr that everyone thinks. "

want it signed wrote on Oct 13, 2006 5:55 PM:

" WAHOOOO!!! "

ATTENTION wrote on Oct 13, 2006 5:15 PM:

" Hey all you U.S.W. Local 566 members. Now hear this, Our Union and I.R. Bobcat will be back at the negotiation table next Wednesday. "

J Mow wrote on Oct 13, 2006 4:47 PM:

" To Watcher AMEN TO THAT!!!!! I am with you 100% on that one... "

VIEWER wrote on Oct 13, 2006 4:16 PM:

" to lonewolf your spelling is terrible, try that song again, only with the correct spelling. That was bad or is bae or bra or babbbbbbbbbbb "

to lonewolf wrote on Oct 13, 2006 2:36 PM:

" if it was easy to stand up for something u believe in, spinless people like you would be able to have self pride.. im sure if u were around in the late 1700's you would be sitting there saying why do you people want to risk everthing to break away from England? Let's just let them keep taxing us to death, its OK... "

Be real for a minute wrote on Oct 13, 2006 1:12 PM:

" Let's look at the wages these union guys get paid? How do they compare to the local wages of similar jobs? Alot of times they are obsurdly inflated. If you disagree with this why won't some of you post what you make plus benefits? So all of us can compare waht we make to you. Also a prior post had it right when they said why should they all be paid the same? They are not all robots and do the exact same work or amount of work. Something else STOP the whining about the hours you work and being able to spend time with your families this it the job YOU chose. You are not forced to work there. If it is so miserable then find other work. "

lonewolf- ar15 wrote on Oct 13, 2006 12:20 PM:

" stand behind the workers? not all the workers voted for the strike, some did not vote at all. soooooo i stand behind the workers that did not vote for the strike. power to the working man. not the striker "

VEIWER wrote on Oct 13, 2006 10:42 AM:

" GENERATION XXX sounds like you need some up dates on those outdated toys. don't take that old snowmobile out in the cold, it may leave you standed "INSTANT BRAIN FREEZE" seems to me you are a little lazy, cause you don't want to better yourself, and sitting at a dead end job and now wants everybody to sit with you--smog damaged the noodle and now you are a DAMPFNNOODLE and a STRUDEL. house markets are in demand for '69' homes, "only if you up dated the kitchen" OHHHHHHHHHH thats right you can't because you don't want to better yourself. Lets All Stand behind These Workers,and Maybe It Will Better All Of Us.EVEN THE STRUDEL!!!!!!!! "

WATCHER wrote on Oct 13, 2006 9:51 AM:

" GENERNATION XXX i also have old play toys and some newer ones. i am self employed, and have lived in ND all my life. i also pay all my health cost myself. so what is your point! just because we don't have the newst toys and someone helping to pay our health insurance doesn't give me the right to complain if they want to better there plan. I STILL THINK YOU ARE NARROW MINDED AND NOW I EVEN BELIEVE YOU ARE LITTLE JEALOUS "IF I CAN'T HAVE IT, NO ONE SHOULD HAVE IT" you are a very unhappy person, they give pills for that "

GENERATION XXX wrote on Oct 13, 2006 7:34 AM:

" to watcher & J mow, I do have a 12year old camper/boat, 20year old snowmobile, 2004 atv, 2001 pickup, & a 2001 car, 1995 Harley, 1969 house with heat/electric, food on the table, cable tv, cell phone, health insurance that I pay for myself (none covered by my job),and also have a family... and a job that pays me 14.00 hour/ no overtime pay... and I work anywhere from 45-55 week.... and I am not in DEBIT by anymeans... and yes all my older toys work just fine... I have lived in other states... and yes ND is lower paying wages... but we do not have to put up crime, smog, or traffic... Have a great DAY!! "

lonewolf-AR15 wrote on Oct 13, 2006 7:20 AM:

" There is a tear in my beer because bobcat is striking here,... you are on my lonely mind,... ever scene you've been on strike I have cried a million tears you are on my lonely mind. ( I am not sure be I think this was the original Hank Williams Jr. song) "

lonewolf-AR15 wrote on Oct 12, 2006 11:15 PM:

" don't bite the hand that feeds you. you can't have your cake and eat it too. Ect, Ect, Ect,.......... "

kjs wrote on Oct 12, 2006 11:08 PM:

" GM and Ford did are doing alright with the "union ".......not "

J Mow wrote on Oct 12, 2006 11:01 PM:

" To Generation XXX, I understand that next week my dad might not have a job, and you might get paid more than you husband and don't quite understand "90,000 in debt." Thats okay you have fun with your "not so new toys" while I help support my family at DQ or where ever I can get a job to help out MY FAMILY. You have to understand that you support your family/spouse in almost anything the income is definatly one of the top 3. Maybe you should be the one using that huge muscle in you head called a brain before you engage your mouth... "

selfmade usa wrote on Oct 12, 2006 6:24 PM:

" X-union, the unions do some great things for their members, but why pay everybody the same wage and benifits. You know dang well that not everybody doesn't deserves it!!!! A hard worker doesn't will not recieve any more than the person or people that don't put the effort into their work. It is pretty easy to move up while working next to my X-union brothers and sisters, sad but true. "

WATCHER wrote on Oct 12, 2006 5:24 PM:

" TO GENERATION XXX sounds to me you are a little sore that you can't afford these things. no i do not work at bc or have no immediate family working there. lets stop putting these workers down, and start supporting them. maybe with our help and support it could bring good fortune for all of us as well. stop and listen to yourself!!!!! it sounds pertty narrow minded!!!!!! "

gounion! wrote on Oct 12, 2006 4:29 PM:

" I would like to wish all the strikers the best of luck, I hope you get your pay increase and more out of pocket expenses paid for your health care. I cant imagine how anyone in the Bismarck area would not agree. I hope you hold out as long as possible and get it all. The people of North Dakota are losing so many workers to other states because we have such low wages. It seems from some of the comments I have read, some people just settle for less. "

union member wrote on Oct 12, 2006 4:11 PM:

" post to lonewolf That was one of the better comebacks so far. You hit the nail on the head. "

To Generation XXX wrote on Oct 12, 2006 2:45 PM:

" Just so you know I don't know anyone that can make 18/hr and afford a new house, a new truck, new boat, new cycle, new camper, and what ever else you listed. I will have you know my husband works at bobcat and we do have a house and a camper and a truck not all new but we have them and my paycheck will pay for all of them. So I have to say too bad to all of you that don't take into consideration that these people have spouses that make good money if not better than they do. So just so you all know, ( and I do being in the finace business) it takes more than 18/hr to pay for all those new toys. "

GENERATION XXX wrote on Oct 12, 2006 2:04 PM:

" sounds to me as if you union workers make way to much the way it is.. be satisfied you have a job, to pay for the big fancy house, new pickups, new boats, new campers, new cycles, many more toys.... you all have already... JUST REMEMBER YOU CAN BE REPLACED at work with someone that would be happy at 15.00 or 16.00 an hour... AND COME NEXT WEEK YOU MAY NOT HAVE A JOB AT ALL... how would that feel.... Think with your brain, before you engage your mouths.... "

UNITED we stand wrote on Oct 12, 2006 1:42 PM:

" The Union is our COMMUNITY and the Community is our UNION. We must stand UNITED together with our heads held high. Come join us saturday around 4-4:30 at/around Bobcat and show your support. Union members, spouse, children, friends, family, everyone that supports us and OUR COMMUNITY come down, bring a sign, and show everyone that WE as a COMMUNITY can not be seperated, broken down, and kicked around. It's time we the "hard-working, blue-collared, AMERICANS" take a stand against the big corps and show them that we WON'T tolerate their abuse. Everyone must realize that the more the union members make, the more the government takes. ALOT of money from the union members goes back INTO OUR COMMUNITY.....better roads, better schools, safer community for our CHILDREN and so on! If the union goes, so do alot of jobs, families, money, and support in OUR community. Take a stand and show your support. Hope to see you all there saturday. God Bless America, Our Union, and Our Community!! "

to lonewolf wrote on Oct 12, 2006 11:57 AM:

" just because the bobcat employees make more then u means that u should get a 5.5% raise and they should be happy with a 3% raise this is rediculious. they want to maintain their lifestyle lust like u 2 years ago u were making 4.25 at mcDonalds and now u are making 6.50. in that time at bobcat wage only went from 17 to 18. doesnt seem fair that u can afford two more double cheese burgers and they can only afford one more... they got to eat to. "

What the... wrote on Oct 12, 2006 10:48 AM:

" In reference to 'supporter' who stated "On the cross is a biblical term,NOT a threat!" Obviously this is a Biblical reference. This isn't a reference that is used for no reason. Being on the cross means to be crucified. Being crucified is a torturous way to die. Implying that someone is "on the cross" may seem to some that that person will be crucified for thinking for themselves and doing what they think is right for them and their family. Therefore, making such a statement strongly suggests that "If you even think about crossing the line, you will pay". Was this a wrong interpretation? Please state the real intent of the comment if this was misunderstood. "

Keep it up union wrote on Oct 12, 2006 9:37 AM:

" Maybe you all should think these guys and girls work there butt off and most of them work 6 to 7 days of the week. They deserve this pay raise they never get to see there familys or go to there kids things at school because they half to work. You see the head people all the time. So good for you union worker keep it up. "

union member wrote on Oct 12, 2006 7:36 AM:

" crossing Just remember if you cross you are all alone. That's what makes the union strong unity,alone we are nothing together were have a much stronger voice!! If go in without a contract it will be suicide,they will break you down and wear you out,no they wont put you on light duty when your body is shot you will be picking up cans along interstate to feed your family. You realize how they treat us know,you can't even imagine what it would be like without the union on your side. Do it go in and you will be the first casualty of IR,mark my words!! "

supporter wrote on Oct 12, 2006 7:12 AM:

" To what the...On the cross is a biblical term,NOT a threat! "

to the will work for food. wrote on Oct 12, 2006 6:39 AM:

" Doesn't sound like there is to many crossing with you. So it looks like your left holding the cross alone. Think about it. Is union not united. "

lonewolf-AR15 wrote on Oct 12, 2006 6:29 AM:

" AVERAGE wage increase in ND last year was 5.5%.I/R offered 3%. this may be true but,..... when you guys make more then the average wage per hour I not sure that the 3% offered is all that bad. "

lonewolf-AR15 wrote on Oct 12, 2006 6:25 AM:

" don't hate the player hate the game "

WALKING IN FARM SHOES wrote on Oct 11, 2006 11:57 PM:

" TO WHATEVER; how soon we forget,it was our battle and we failed and corp. america is now farming all our profits. just because we don't have health insurance does not give us the right to deny the workers their chance to pay cheaper health care. Oh how we wished to have had family, friends, and neighbors rally with us. WE tried and failed to keep gov. and corp. america out of our sector and that is why we have cheap food. these workers are not to blame for our failures. let these workers fight for what they believe in, and not let us make this a farm issue. tomorrow it may be someone else that has a fight and needs our support"UNITED WE STAND DIVIDED WE FALL" let these workers fight for what they believe in. Lets give them hope that we only wish we would have. If anyone wants to turn this into a farm issue, tell them to start their own site. AS for cheap food, lets take some down to the strikers and show our support that we begged and pleaded for. "

J Mow wrote on Oct 11, 2006 11:21 PM:

" First things first I support these guys and gals 3000% why because my dad is one of them. They are out there night and day in the cold and the colder weather. You can't just tell these people "get another job!" its not that simple. Put yourself in their shoes/my dad's shoes:work at Bobcat offering $20/hr wages your thinking thats alot for what they do and so little training wrong. You have to remember some of these people are single parents and health care is getting expensive with Bobcat. Also they have a lot of training. These men and women's working enviroment is really like working outside in LA in smoggy condisions. I would stand up and ask for better health care benefits and or wages to cover it. A lot of people work in doors in an office or what have you, there isn't toxic things floating the air unless your sniffing the toner for the printer again. I know people have their own oppinions about things but you have to look at things from a 360 point of view. I know its hard for some but in this case you really should consider... "

what the... wrote on Oct 11, 2006 11:15 PM:

" "supporter" what exactly does "Your crossing or on a cross" mean? Was this some sort of threat? If so, I sure hope the Tribune is logging IP address for these posts. :) "

Much Needed Facts wrote on Oct 11, 2006 11:04 PM:

" www.unionfacts.com Bon Appetit! "

supporter wrote on Oct 11, 2006 10:33 PM:

" Hey, "will work for for food", Did you say your crossing or on a cross? "

Proud employee! wrote on Oct 11, 2006 10:22 PM:

" To whom it may concern.Believe it or not a "MAJORITY" of the jobs on the Bobcat floor are "SKILLED" labor.I'd like to see the average high school grad or GED person run a CNC machining center, robotic welding cell or a lazer or plasma cell! The comments on Totally paid health insurance are unjust! It's a starting point! We realize this might not happen,so let's meet and work it out!I've PROUDLY worked there for 15yrs and am gratefull.Most of those years have been off shift.As my two oldest kids grew up I hardly was able to see any sport or school activities!When you WORK six days a week you'd like to have ONE day off to kick back!The AVERAGE wage increase in ND last year was 5.5%.I/R offered 3%.We'd like 5%.Are we out of line? NO! Unless you no some TRUE facts, SHUT UP! Lastly, I'd like to thank the MAJORITY of the people who drive bye,honk,wave,give us a thumbs up,donate food,coffee or give us morale support!"THANK YOU!" P.S. For the rent a comment people writing in NEGATIVE comments "GET A LIFE!" I hope you sleep nights! "

union member wrote on Oct 11, 2006 9:59 PM:

" tounionmemberleftinthedark You are obviously left in the dark on what goes on in the plant. First you can't be a felon and work at bobcat and most have more education than you think. Salary is all about who you stroke,that's how they get to the top. You would think someone like yourself preaching about education would educate oneself on the subject before posting something so simple minded. United we stand!! "

Will work for food wrote on Oct 11, 2006 9:58 PM:

" I'm crossing, who's with me??? "

560worker wrote on Oct 11, 2006 9:30 PM:

" What a crock, the lady in Bismarck stated in the Fargo Forum that they were not taking in people from outside the Bismarck area to run prodution since the strike, is a liar. Why is it that they are sending in foremans from the Gwinner plant??? "

to all union members wrote on Oct 11, 2006 9:07 PM:

" I am proud of what you guys are standing up for higher wages and more benefits. If every employee union or non union, would do the same and tell there employers they are not going to work for peanuts any more it would make NORTH DAKOTA a better paying state and a better place to live. For all you standing on the picket lines. I salute you. GO UNION. "

560worker wrote on Oct 11, 2006 9:05 PM:

" The union is not greedy, it is the company, get your facts straight, before you open your mouth "

560worker wrote on Oct 11, 2006 9:01 PM:

" Bobcat does not care about their employees. While you are on your 49 day probation period after getting hired, you work 6 to 7 days a week, 12 hours a day, and differnet shifts. To them all you are is a number, a robot, just somebody to line their pockets. So, here is to all of you that think that the 566 are winers, SHUT UP. If it wasn't for unions, everyone would be making five to nine dollars an hour. So, GO USW 566, KEEP UP THE FIGHT. "

To union member wrote on Oct 11, 2006 8:15 PM:

" I do not feel foolish by saying there aren't many educations on the assembly line...the educations are in management. I know several Bobcat employees and most surprise me that they can spell their own names...typical laborer stuff!!! Bobcat is still the only employer in ND that will pay dropouts and felons $19 an hour. "

No regrets, no excuses wrote on Oct 11, 2006 8:10 PM:

" To : another wife wrote on October 11, 2006 5:48 PM"Some people think a piece of boughten paper from a college makes them smarter than others that had to work all their life just to survive without mommy and daddy buying their way. And yes I have a college education and a great job." Did your Mommy and Daddy buy your eductaion? Mine didn't. What are you inferring (other than some mis-placed guilt)? "

The Hawk wrote on Oct 11, 2006 8:02 PM:

" BTW - Union emotionlists - according to my buddy - yes - their pay is performance based. What about your performance (1st day production cylinders 50%+ typical daily production)? Huh? Not bad for a bunch of "stupid secrataries"? No? Response? "

what a joke wrote on Oct 11, 2006 7:40 PM:

" You guys should be happy wiyh the wage you get if it's that bad go some where else. "

union proud wrote on Oct 11, 2006 6:22 PM:

" I support you USW Local 566 brothers and sisters. We know what is going on in our Bobcat plants. Some people just THINK they do and have to form their opinions about it. To all those people who think bobcat is the best place to work why arent they working there? At your job do you get a raise? Our raise doesnt even cover higher health care costs. Do you get a thank you or good job when youre done with work? we get no thank yous here. We bust our butt do what they want and get nothing. Hey but at Christmas they do splurg and buy everybody turkeys for their Christmas present! Yeah a big multi $$$$$$$ company gives a turkey to their hard working employees!! Now thats a good job done for the year you put in for lining their pockets. It not wrong to ask for better wages and health care. Cost of living is going UP so our wages should too!! The upper managment get real huge bonuses millions $$$ and for what? I would also like to see you pencil pushers or the ones that sit behind a desk all day take a tour of the plant some day and actually see what goes on before you have to write your dumb opinions. But I guess youll have to wait for that one wont you. Maybe you sould put an app in and we'll see where youll be standing in 4 years! Im proud to be union!! P.S. Gwinner Bobcat is shut down next week "

another wife wrote on Oct 11, 2006 5:48 PM:

" to today's world - are you at a pay per performance job? It has and is being tried in gov. and private businesses, it is a good way for the rich to get richer. They have mandates that tell them what they can give according to grade level, not experience. Favorites get good ratings and good bonuses, the lower paid people get good ratings and less bonuses. Some people think a piece of boughten paper from a college makes them smarter than others that had to work all their life just to survive without mommy and daddy buying their way. And yes I have a college education and a great job. "

Boure wrote on Oct 11, 2006 5:27 PM:

" What a joke. Grow up and feel lucky you make the money you do. I wish my employeer paid my health ins. coverage. Like I said what a joke! "

union member wrote on Oct 11, 2006 5:12 PM:

" very true Your post just made everyone on here think you might not even have your GED. If you would have educated yourself on this topic you wouldn't feel so foolish right now! There are many that worked at bobcat that have four year degrees but as you surely know high paying jobs are limited in north dakota. Please use your education before you make another foolish post! "

today's world wrote on Oct 11, 2006 5:03 PM:

" In an atmosphere that companies are so ready to offshore everything, it boggles the mind that this strike is occurring. Seems like a nail in the coffin from an outsiders view. I'm sure there are many things that IR does or has done that seem frivolous to the average worker ant. Reality check, this happens all the time in upper management. Does that make it right? Probably not. If there are grievances against having to work so many hours or the work conditions are below standards that's one thing....but this isn't what the Union Rep highlighted. The focus was on salaries and health care. So this is what everyone else will focus on as well. I have 3 simple words that may be foreign for some to describe a way to divvy out salary increases: "Pay For Performance". Just handing out pay increases for showing up is like getting credit for showing up for class. I'm not at all saying the union workers are lazy...BUT...what is the incentive to excel and go above and beyond? I'm curious to know how many companies offer FULL health care that are local. I only know of one. So what would happen if a Union person that didn't vote for the strike decides to work? Will there be the typical Union hazing and threats or worse, physical harm? If so, how can one be involved with a group that encourages such actions. In a global, highly competitive world, it would appear that Unions have outlived their usefulness. They definitely had a place in history because of the terrible working conditions and such. The abuses of corporations needed to be in check. Today, we have plenty of labor laws and safety measures to follow that makes one question...what is the modern Union's true function? My $.02 "

Daughter and friend of many union workers! wrote on Oct 11, 2006 4:59 PM:

" To all of you that are writing in here about how these guys can be so greedy, well maybe you should sit down and talk to a few of them for a while like the ones that have been working there for 20-30 some odd years and are bringing home less then what they did 20 years ago and then they ask for a small 50 cent raise and you people think you can just jump in and criticize them for doing so? When you got your last raise did anyone call you sellfish? Maybe thsy should have and you would be thinking twice about what you are saying! Also what does the war in Iraq have to do with these guys picketing? Do we comment about how there are bigger things like a war on hand when you get a little disgrutelled with your work place? Get real people learn before you condem!Also wouldn't you be a little angrey if you'r company CEO got a 8.7 MILLION DOLLAR BONUS in one year but you were denined a 50 cent raise? "

Very true wrote on Oct 11, 2006 4:51 PM:

" Disheartened daughter is right; for a group of people with barely a high school diploma I'd say Bobcat workers have it pretty good (educated folks don't grow up to be laborers!!!)...If it weren't for IR you would be flipping burgers for $5.25/hour. Looks pretty good now doesn't it???? I went to college to avoid bottom of the barrel labor, but after seeing how good Bobcat pays I may have to give up my professional job and go there!!! "

union member wrote on Oct 11, 2006 4:42 PM:

" Just remember the harsh treatment goes both ways buddy!! Don't blame us for your dads harsh work environment blame IR because that is why he is where he is right now. You obviously don't know the whole story but I can understand how you feel. I don't blame any of the salary for what is taking place I realize they have to do it or they are gone. I think we even have something in common that being were are both being bullied by IR. Go back to some of the earlier posts and educate yourself on this subject and then repost. I agree with some things you mentioned but we do deserve a raise and there is no doubt about it. "

Thanks to whatever wrote on Oct 11, 2006 4:28 PM:

" I knew we would get a farmer comparison in here sooner or later. Unlike the union here, everytime a farmer needs money or help, Conrad and Pomeroy show up with a portable podium for a grandstand speech and some money. Nothing from those guys yet to help out the striking union boys. Must not be anything political to gain going against mega company with deep pockets. "

disheartened daughter wrote on Oct 11, 2006 4:13 PM:

" I have worked as a laborer at Bobcat and I know what it's like. No, it is not fun and the hours can be long. I agree that some of the company policies need to be changed for the better. However, these workers are paid very well and already have some of the best benefits in Bismarck. The last things that need to be changed are the wage and benefit packages. I have seen how the salaried workers are often treated in the plant-and it is often disrespectfully. They are mocked for their inputs and workers often question their abilities. These men and women went to college and earned their degrees; they deserve respect, not spite. I am usually one to support unions in their quest to improve worker's rights. However, I am disheartened to see how this union is dealing with the situation. To the union members: Attacking the salaried workers, who can do nothing to help you at this point, (they have families they need to support too you know), is completely cruel. There is no excuse for the kind of behavior you have been displaying and believe me, after my father gets done working 12 hour days for however long this lasts, he will want nothing to do with you. You will no longer receive any sympathies from him. It makes me sick to think of what he is going through everyday because you think you need more money. It's time for a reality check- for people without a college education you have some of the best paying jobs in the state. I have been in your position, and I know that the conditions you're working under, and they do not warrant such cruel treatment of salaried employees. You should be ashamed of yourselves and the image you are giving unions everywhere. "

To whatever wrote on Oct 11, 2006 3:35 PM:

" Corporate america is the ones who are to blame here, not the union Corporate farms are undercutting you and can push out the little guy. So why are you upset with the union for trying to stick up to corporate america. Which is it you are talking in a complete circle. Maybe if the govt would allow unions to be in farming you would be the first one handing the local your dues. I am a farmer also and I empathize with you, but does it really make you feel better about yourself to try to make your life seem worse? Do yourself a favor and stick up for these fellas cause tommorow you may be asking them for your support "

union member wrote on Oct 11, 2006 3:28 PM:

" Bobcat is not returning calls from the union or the media,that simple!! "

Get the Truth wrote on Oct 11, 2006 3:07 PM:

" The Union says that Bobcat will not negotiate with them. Find the TRUTH. I got this from www.bobcat.com. 10/09/06: Media interested in Bobcat's facility in Bismarck, ND, should contact spokesperson Wendy Bost during normal business hours at 201-573-3382, and after normal business hours at 917-837-1614. "

Whatever!!! wrote on Oct 11, 2006 2:19 PM:

" Have any of the union workers ever tried farming or ranching? Do you realize that very, very few farmers and ranchers have health care coverage. They would be THRILLED if someone wanted to pay a portion of medical benefits if they could only get some coverage for their families. Instead there is no medical coverage for farm families and when someone gets hurt, it means a payment plan to pay for the medical help or sometimes there is even flat refusal to help until there is a check in hand. And as for wanting to "better" the situation of their family...it's always a gamble and yet no matter that corn and wheat prices are lower than they were in the 1970's they still sell because they have to put food on the table. And cattle prices fluctuate all year long and still they have to be sold some time. And who benefits from the cheap food here in the USA? Everyone, except for the American Farmer and Rancher. Does anyone think about that when they go to the grocery store? Nope, they just complain when the price of beef and milk went up a little bit. And we are getting pushed out of our farms and ranchs as large conglomerates can do it cheaper. So we have little recourse but to try new things every year, but it is still a gamble. The family farm/ranch is not long for this world and sorry we simply don't have the time to organize a union to fight for us...cuz someone can come right in behind us, snatch up our land, and do it faster and cheaper and heaven knows the people all want to be fed and the cheaper the better! But guess what, we understand that it's the job we chose and for some it's a better way of life for our families rather than the demand for a large paycheck. Some people need to re-evaluate what's important. "

Bigger things wrote on Oct 11, 2006 1:23 PM:

" If you want to think about your spouse and children, pick up a newpaper...has anyone heard about a war in the middle east lately or a nuclear test in North Korea? I think we got bigger things to worry about then this strike. If that does not get taken care of your job isn't going to help your family either. "

Goodness! wrote on Oct 11, 2006 1:17 PM:

" Wow, after reading some of the comments this is my opinion on the matter. If striking is your only option then more power to you. At the same time it is the job you chose, it did not choose you. If you want the 'sits in an office, surfing the internet on company time, walking around the place drinking coffee, and making TWICE the amout of workers' job, no one is stopping you from going back to school and getting that job, many would support you, if that is what you think that job entails you have another surprise coming to you and you will most likely complain about your conditions in that position too. Unfortunately that job generally does not have the option to strike it is either quit or be fired. You choose who you are and what you do, no one else does, so quit blaming. "

What is happening there? wrote on Oct 11, 2006 12:39 PM:

" I moved out of that state and that city because I couldn't get that sort of pay or benefits with a college degree, now I make double what I did. I know many of the strikers have degrees as well. It's amazing to me that they are fighting for something that no one else gets anywhere in that state unless you are a doctor, lawyer, engineer or politician. Granted their main "competition" if you will is an engineer. You need all of you to have a job and unfortunately how the corporate world works is if they can find cheaper labor somewhere else they will and what they will do is offer jobs and relocation to those who have stayed with the company, not the strikers, or most of the people who work in the plant, so not only have you hurt yourself, you have taken jobs away from those who didn't want to strike, so who is the bad guy now? That may be the worse case scenario and God forbid it will not happen, but something to think about. I am guessing you don't have a lot of support from the community, since most are just waiting for your jobs to open up, because they know it is one of the better paying jobs in town or the state. In the long run what is better greed or respect? If ND and Bismarck is a place you want to stay, you have it made quite well in the eyes of others who are already living there. It sort of reminds me of the NHL strikes...the ones who already have so much, just want more, when most would take just half of what the other has. Unions at one time were a good thing, they fought the bully, now it looks like Unions have become the bully. "

I really wonder wrote on Oct 11, 2006 11:43 AM:

" Sounds to me like one of those who sits in an office, surfing the internet on company time, walking around the place drinking coffee, and making TWICE the amout of workers he is compaining about. Shame on you guys for wanting to trying to close the gap between him and you... "

Amazing wrote on Oct 11, 2006 8:17 AM:

" Wow!! Because I want better wages and better coverage for my wife and family I am bad? No, no, no!!! Think about it before you write it. And because I am part of a group that wants the same and since we stand together we are stupid? This is just dumb people talking. So you are telling me you have never went into your boss or supervisors office and asked for a raise? You people getting minimum wages are happy people? Why does the State Employee have full paid insurance? Why do they get raises of 3 to 5% a year. Why is this fare. Why do some of the top people at MDU get $1 Million dollar bonusess? How fare is that? I was a machnic all my life. I worked in rough conditions at $8.50 an hour. I had to pay for my own tools too. Everyone strives to better themselves and support their family. That is what I am doing working at Bobcat. I am still amazed with all that is said on here. I take a drive along the river and wonder how those homes are being paid for and by whom? What about all the boat dealers in town? What about all the new Banks in town? This is a free country and I love it. People can have an opion about anything and feel they know it all. I can see the folks that know BC employees know what we are going through and we thank you for your support. For the rest of you when I loose my job at BC because of my greed watch out!!! I can bet I am better fit for YOUR job then you are and with 1,100 of us out of work how long will you keep your job!!! "

TO MY UNION BROTHERS AND SISTERS wrote on Oct 11, 2006 8:12 AM:

" Hey Steve..........do you have the Civic Center booked for this weekend so we can sign the contract? See everyone at work on Monday! "

ceej (union member) wrote on Oct 11, 2006 2:17 AM:

" I am proud to be a union member and stand by my union brothers and sisters. I also apologize for the actions made towards the salary people. I realize you are only trying to keep your job and I thank you for your support, although you cannot show support without being condemned by the company. Some things the community may not be aware of is we have been trying to keep our jobs all the time. We were penalized for sick days (whether it was for ourself or a family member that needed medical attention), unable to take a vacation day when we are sick (since it was not 24hr. notice) and mandatory 6-day work weeks. Is it so wrong for us to want to better our lives for our families and children? Being able to spend more than one day a week with them? I just want them to have a comfortable life while I have to be at work without losing my job. Our contract involves alot more than just wages and better health care coverage. (too many issues to cover in this letter) The union has made Bobcat a good job today (for us) and we are trying to make it a good job in the future. Solidarity "

& Thankful! wrote on Oct 10, 2006 10:55 PM:

" Online Editors, Just wanted to say thanks. I can't bear to visit here very often because it really upsets me, however, you poor folks have to! KUDOS to you for taking this home with you. You all get to see what true fools we all make of ourselves and you even get to see our IP addresses. LOL! I bet if you started to make people register to post your job would get a lot easier real fast. Well, thanks again. "

Union Member wrote on Oct 10, 2006 10:46 PM:

" After reading some of these stupid assumtions about our union i am shaking my head! If you dont know the facts about what is going on dont assume you do! If you want to put up with all the crap we have to I will gladly give it up for a year! you would be in the same position we are!! "

ANGRY!!! wrote on Oct 10, 2006 10:23 PM:

" Let me be clear with you union members & supporters. We HAD nothing against the union until you started to pull all your immature crap. We are friends with MANY union members. You all KNOW that my husband has NOTHING to do with your issues with the company & is not in any way able to help your cause. You all KNOW that my husband can’t be in the union even if he wanted to because it is not an option for him as a salary employee. You all know that he is NOT a scab, & in fact, there are no “SCABS” working. My husband HAS TO go to work everyday. He does not have the CHOICE to strike like you all have & MADE THAT CHOICE. Any support we may have ever had for you is GONE. We will NEVER defend you. We will NOT honk for you. We will NOT bring you food or drinks. We will NOT write a letter to the editor or encourage the management at Bobcat to deal with you. We will do NOTHING for you. WHY? You people YELL at my husband. You go as far as to go to the parking lot where he now has to park & yell at him there. One of you even got up to his face today. You called him a leach, scab, & a rat. While he works you yell at him & call him names from your picket lines. You bang on the side of the bus that takes him into the plant. You yell more. My husband & all of these other guys CANNOT HELP YOUR CAUSE & even if they could, do you really think any of them would bother with the way you’re treating them? Threatening them? Yelling at them? Scaring their children? NEVER. We will NEVER again support you. You all have done a horrible disservice to your own brothers & sisters by making this unions name DIRT. You are fighting NASTY & fighting the wrong people, who aren’t even doing ANYTHING against you! You are hurting INNOCENT people, by your own choice. You are choosing to hurt my family. We will be siding WITH the company from here on out, any chance we get. Because you have shown your true colors & we want NOTHING to do with supporting this disaster. "

Interested Party wrote on Oct 10, 2006 9:38 PM:

" It is crazy some of the absrud comments that have been made. You have someone acknowledging the fact of intense low cost foreign competition saying the Union is justified in demanding higher wages than the standard 3%. The argument about paying more for healthcare is a fact of life. It is reality in the three companies I have worked for over the past 10 years. No one likes it, but you can't expect a company to shoulder the entire increase in costs. Someone made the assine comment that the company always holds back money from its finalize offer. I suggest you do your homework. Some great case studies include Hormel, Cat, International Paper, NorthWest Airlines, etc... Some radical leaders within the Steelworkers are doing a tremendous diservice to hardworking employees and a great ND Company. Union's need people that think with their brain and can face the realities of a global economy. Ask the Steelworkers leadership why their membership is less than 25% what is was 40 years ago. Get a clue. "

support them wrote on Oct 10, 2006 9:30 PM:

" I am originally from North Dakota and I took a union job in a neighboring state. I support the Local 566 and the workers on strike. I hear the remarks people say about the and the strike and I feel bad for them because they are not educated. It is a union's goal to bring a better life to the workers and their families. Before unions the average joe worker was the one to get stepped on. Working long hour for little pay, poor conditions, and most importantly safety was not nearly nonexistant. I read the comments about how some people make a living off of $14.00/hr and working 2-3 jobs. If you can afford a twenty thousand dollar pick-up you can afford a 2K heart surgey! Please think before you make such a remark. Let me ask you want kind of vehicle you drive and tell me what you can afford for a surgery. The cost of health care is constantly rising. But obviously the constant rise of health care must not bother someone of your financial situation. For those of you that have to work 2-3 jobs I feel sorry for you I really do. To bad there is not a company that will offer you great pay, good working conditions, and benefits while you learn your trade....wait the union offers that. You make it sound like these people are chosen from the heavens. You could have put your application in at anytime to be employed by the union. Don't even start trying to explain to the public that people enjoy working 2-3 jobs. Maybe you should get out of that bank parking lot to see who is taking what to the bank, because it is obvious you are not taking anything. I read a remark that said go scabs? Did you know the unions invest millions of dollars every year to train and further educate their employees? Unions do that so employees do the job correctly, on time, and most importantly safely. Tell me what do you get for training, or does mcdonalds not offer deep fat frying first aid and training. People the union sets the stanards for wages, benifits, and the standard of living. Some say that union members are lazy, I think Mr. Vacation Replacement if you were so fast and effiecent how come you are not working there anymore. I worked non-union jobs that had lazy people that didn't even care it the job got done let alone if it was right. And for those that think that the unions should be rid of and the workers represent themselves it is obvious you can not see the workers make the union. They all have an opinion and a voice, the union just represents the workers. "

lonewolf-AR15 wrote on Oct 10, 2006 7:06 PM:

" canada has free health care "

Concerned wrote on Oct 10, 2006 6:39 PM:

" If I lived in the Bismark area I would be supporting the union members. They are obviously standing up for what they belive in. How many of you would dare do that at your jobs? Don't critcize them unless you have walked in their shoes. You don't know what they go through. The dollars may look great to you, but money isn't everything and that is not all they are stiking for . Their working conditions are far from perfect. Osha has served them with several fines for unsafe working conditions but IR just pays off the fines with their big corporate $'s and things continue on. The union is for everyone directly or indirectly. They are the ones that help keep some of our wages above the minimum wage category. They have to compete with Bobcat and other unionized companys to keep good employees. Again, before you criticize the Union too much maybe you should try to walk in their shoes unless you can't handle it. UNION MEMBERS ..YOU HAVE OUR SUPPORT!!! "

concerned daughter wrote on Oct 10, 2006 3:08 PM:

" There sure are a lot of people that post comments throughout the day that do not work at Bobcat. WOW! You must be very hard workers at your job if you have nothing to do but whine about something that has nothing to do with you. Keep up the good work and maybe get a life. "

union member wrote on Oct 10, 2006 2:51 PM:

" response you said,competition is greater than in has ever been and bobcat has lost the lead in market share over the past several years,they used to be the top dog and that is why they can't afford shut down for long. I don't care how much inventory they have,you can never predict the future and if a dealer needs a ton of machines for whatever reason and depletes the stores,all I'm saying is bobcat isn't as safe as you make it sound!!! Don't think we aren't in touch with some insider higher ups! "

union member wrote on Oct 10, 2006 2:46 PM:

" littlewolf,have you worked at bobcat,obviously not with the statement you made. Keep howling at the wind if you don't know what your talking about,nobody is listening to you!! All you have is what you have heard or think you heard we have first hand accounts,buddy!! "

lonewolf AR-15 wrote on Oct 10, 2006 2:30 PM:

" union member, you said it buddy, ("Even simple minds") you all at bobcat ir have good jobs with much better then average pay and work conditions. stop crying. "

Response to Local 560 Wife wrote on Oct 10, 2006 2:06 PM:

" In case any of you have forgotten that economics works off of supply & demand. Dealer field inventories are at an all time high. Demand is down-as well as marketshare. Yes, there are hundreds of machines sitting at the factory. I can order a machine today and it will be shipped/invoiced within 24 hours. I work for one of the top 10 dealers in the nation (out of 600). I can't remember in the last 10 years of having a 4-6 month leadtime on an order. We have waited 4-6 weeks for compact track machines in the past due to demand. This strike could not have come at a worse time for the union. I just ordered over 2M worth of machines last week to help keep everthing moving. With plenty of inventory sitting on the dealers yards and the factory already shutting down several weeks ago for this reason-why should the factory rush to meet the unions demands? Same goes for Gwinner in December. Bobcat usually shuts down for 2 weeks over the Christmas holiday anyway. Not a good time to go on strike b/c they'd be off anyways! Remember, the competition out here in the trenches is tougher than ever. We're trying to sell the highest priced machine on the market while everyone else (CAT, John Deere, Kubota..etc) have plants outside the US. I'm pretty sure the Chinese will work for less money/benefits and give us a competitively priced machine. "

union member wrote on Oct 10, 2006 1:49 PM:

" Dave you sound like one of the managers in the plant right now(he's a little slow too) Bobcat does what they want period when it comes to safety and working conditions. Even simple minds can figure out that huge coporate companies like IR are bullys. They don't go by the contract,they do want they want that is one of the reason we are making a stand!! Dave,get back to work don't you have some cylinders to hang? "

Dave wrote on Oct 10, 2006 1:39 PM:

" Don't blame Bobcat for the current work conditions. It's the unions fault. Didn't the union agree to them when they signed their last contract? "

Haas wrote on Oct 10, 2006 12:50 PM:

" Bismarck City Commision: I wonder what you are going to do with that shipping plant when Bobcat closes shop. What a brilliant idea that was! Talk about a waste of money. Oh yeah that's right the Commission has a thick checkbook. I do support the union workers. If they don't keep fighting for cost of living expenses etc. it is going to hurt others trying to work in this town also. "

to concern wrote on Oct 10, 2006 12:49 PM:

" There are jobs in the state that pay your insurance and you make over 18 . The mines, Northern improvement,steel workers there is many more. The strikers have more issues that you people even know about. But even so. How do you think it's fair that after the raise and the increase in out of the pocket medical premium increase. There check will be small then it was a month ago. Also how is it that working mandatory 6 days a week is so great! Some times your working up to 13-14 days in a row. Yeah no one holds a gun to their heads but they don't and they won't have a job the next day. that's just mandatory you people think before you open your mouths? Bobcat sure isn't telling you everything. And instead of picking on the strikers ask Bobcat why it is that they have no respect for their workers and families. Ask them if they work 6 days or more in a row. Or How when you start working for them you have to work 56 days before you have a day off. That's just to get hired on!! I know I didn't make the 56 days and so I don't work for them and not by choice. Also why hasn't Bobcat spokesperson spoken up to try and come to an agreement? All she says is that the best is on the table what does she think ND people are stupid, Nobody puts the best offer out there. There won't be any room for negotiations. North Dakota raises no hicks were smarter then that and very hard working people. Some of you who are acting like you've forgotten that. Don't forget that you go to work for what pay you what or need don't criticize the strikers for doing it. Nobody accepts a job without knowing if the salary and benefit's are what they want. Also nobody expects the company to change the benefits so that it's less then they had before. That why they are standing up for what they believe in!! Good luck strikers do what you have too, And maybe others will follow. "

Response to Military Man wrote on Oct 10, 2006 12:31 PM:

" The military folks in Bismarck get care from civilian doctors. Unless you are near a base or post, you get to go to the regular hospitals and clinics. Not everyone overseas in the war gets crappy pay. Ask the E-7's & E-8's who have been in a long time and they will tell you they get good money, housing, BAQ, BAH, & cost of living increases at the first of the year (when the party in power sees fit). Way more than Bobcat workers. I know ~ my husband was in the military and we did quite well. Then he retired and our pay was cut down to less than half. Wish we lived in the Bismarck area and he could get a job at Bobcat. "

Middleofthe road wrote on Oct 10, 2006 12:05 PM:

" I've read all the comments posted about the Strike. It's obvious everyone has an opinion. Some are far fetched and most by family and friends are mostly true. I've been at BC for over thirty years and I'm a union member for the same amount of time. There're a lot of misperceptions about what goes on out there and the environment we work in. Most hourly people have friends that are salaried and participate in company functions such as golf tournaments, pool tournaments, and fishing tournaments against and along side of each other. We don't hold our health or economic concerns against them or their familys. If and when the strike is settled, the sores will be slow to heal but heal they will. I believe Ingersol-Rand is taking Bobcat overseas within the next 5-10years. The city commissioners are going to look awful silly. I hope I'm wrong because the city will not be able to absorb all these people. Stay strong USW!!!!!!! "

militaryman wrote on Oct 10, 2006 11:35 AM:

" This is nothing against the union; this is in regards to the comment about military pay and combat pay. I was oversees in war time and we make absolute crap, no where near what bobcat employees make. Our health care is military and isn’t always that great. I would take a civilian doctor any day over a military doctor. Yes is free, but sub par, civilian doctors are better trained and more capable. I think I was bringing home 1800 a month oversees and I am pretty sure that’s a paycheck to some of the employees here. "

wondering wrote on Oct 10, 2006 9:45 AM:

" Dave did we miss the bus this morning?????????????? "

VR wrote on Oct 10, 2006 9:44 AM:

" to usw1: nope. i didn't stand around. i'm not say work like your in a sweatshop, but actually work. i was to help out during the summer for the vacations people took. when one of the guys i filled got back from vacation, he was mad at me. evidentially his foreman wanted to know why a VR, just trained, could get his work done in half the time. the regular worker told me to slow down and take it easy. by the way,the union "boys" are the most childish bunch i have ever seen. not just throwing nails in the street. the spit on peoples cars, harass those that don't join the union. i have no problems with unions, i think you need them. but i believe Melroe's is poorly run and gives legit. unions a bad name. they need to clean house, starting with Mr. Zims. "

Dakota Reader wrote on Oct 10, 2006 8:37 AM:

" Neither the state nor companies can assure everyone's needs and lifestyle are taken care of. Heath care, cost of housing, cost of college etc, goes up. I do not expect my employer to track all these and make sure my discretionary spending money stays the same. I have to make spending choices that contemplate adverse things happening. We should expect to pay something for the phenomenal advances in healthcare, not put it entirely on my employer, and I am glad that someone keeps developing these devices that, for example, kept a young relative (child) alive when she was in peril. No employer can afford to write a blank check for healthcare, and those who complain about the increase in health care - interfering with their "lifestyle" - do not understand that what we are getting in health care in 2006 in devices, worker expertise, and analsis, is a far greater product than what was obtainable in even 1996. It should cost more. I dont like to spend any money but if I can pay 20K for a truck, I can pay,say, 2K for a heart procedure which saves a life. Your wage plus what the employer pays toward your benefits is your market compensation. If you do not like it, this is a free country. But if others are happy to work for that amount, well, that is the market wage. Same principles when Bobcats are being sold. "

Response to Jerry wrote on Oct 10, 2006 8:34 AM:

" When you compare an 18 year old military person to an 18 year old Bobcat employee, the pay would probably be comparable. Same goes for a Bobcat worker whose been employed 20 years. The military person (active duty) probably would come out ahead with housing, etc. My husband just retired from the military and he made more than my brother-in-law at Bobcat whose been there a long time. Bottom line: They both worked hard; both deserved good pay; both had mutual respect for one another; and yes, both got the job done. "

union member wrote on Oct 10, 2006 7:38 AM:

" bismom,You hit the nail on the head. Our stand against corporate greed started on saturday so that future bobcat employees will have a better life!!! This country was built around unity,that's what's so great about the union,we will all make this stand together to provide a better future for all employees. Don't kid yourselves,if the union wouldn't be in place the so called great jobs at bobcat would be more 8-10 dollar and jobs and you all know there are enough of them already!! Working conditions are bad right now with the union in place just imagine what would happen if corporate greed could run rampant on you?????? "

rabidbobcat wrote on Oct 10, 2006 3:10 AM:

" I guess people forgot what this country is about and what their sons and daughters are fighting for in the military... POWER TO THE PEOPLE... not a corpration... definatey one that craps on their employees... who makes the product? not the CEO... have a nice day... "

formerbobcatemployee340 wrote on Oct 10, 2006 2:47 AM:

" I have worked at bc and the safety and overall work conditions are horrible. Yet they keep expecting more but are not willing to provide more, which is bs. It sounds like people are very jealous of the union and what they provide for their workers. Get over the jealousy and join a union, maybe then you won't be so MAD because you get pushed around at your own jobs!! UNITED WE STAND DIVIDED WE FALL!! I support you guys and your purpose 100% Hope all goes well throughout the whole ordeal. Everyone in the community she be proud we have someone finally standing up for themselves and the youth in this community. everyone whines you guys make so much money but you can bag groceries in colorado for 15 an hr. I wonder why no one stays in ND? Maybe if more people would quit being such cowards, and stop criticizing something they know nothing about, they would learn how to make a better living for themselves and others to come instead of getting pushed around their whole lives. Anyways I'm proud of you guys!! Stick together, stay strong and know that the community supports you!! Hopefully you guys can get some positive media coverage instead of all this bs they talk about. SUPPORT THE USW!!! "

Two Sides wrote on Oct 9, 2006 11:51 PM:

" Union employees need to realize that the salaried workers have no choice but to go to work. If they do not they don't have a job. same as every one else in the world. Cause the world does not stop if you go on strike. Name calling to them or now following them to where they are being bussed from so you can throw insults is plain childish and wrong. If you want community support you have no idea how to get it. I could care less wether you win or lose buthow you get there reflects on the whole community so grow up. "

bis-mom wrote on Oct 9, 2006 11:31 PM:

" Just a thought to all of you out there who are condemning these striking workers by telling them things like: "if you don't like it leave", "there are plenty of people to take your place", "be grateful for what you're getting, it's more than most people", etc.... If these guys lose out to IR now, what do you think is going to happen in the future? I've got a pretty good guess - all the new people who go to work out there will be making even less money and getting fewer benefits, and then finding themselves fighting this same battle 4 years, 8 years, 12 years down the road. If Ingersoll-Rand gets away with their garbage now, do you really expect that it will do nothing but decline in the future? That's what these people in the picket lines are doing - fighting for their future. "

Local 560 Wife wrote on Oct 9, 2006 11:01 PM:

" Ok for you people saying that Bobcat has been stocking up and have unsold units. Why don't you go to a Bobcat dealer and find out how soon you can get a unit. From what others have told us that have checked in other states they are told that there is a 4-6 month waiting period. A few months ago they were 3000 units behind.. then all of a sudden they isn't a backlog. My husband works at Bobcat in Gwinner and is now being told they are 600 units behind. I'm sure the union really doesn't expect to have 100% paid health care, but you have to start big in order to get some. Thats why they call it negotiating so you can meet in the middle some where. "

to son-of-a-Bobcat wrote on Oct 9, 2006 10:49 PM:

" Keep working hard and good things will come. Keep going to school and get an education so you can get a job that doesn't require you to join a union. You'll go further in life without the union holding you back. "

son-of-a-BobCat wrote on Oct 9, 2006 10:41 PM:

" All through my 15 years, my dad has taught me how to work hard. I am working part time now while in high school and I don't have a voice where I am working. I see what he is going through now and I am proud of him for being a part of the voice where he works. Since my dad's been part of the union, we have been able to spend more quality time together. The union ROCKS!!!!!!!!!! "

To Wife of Worker wrote on Oct 9, 2006 9:53 PM:

" Great post. It's nice to see that you and your husband understand the situation. Your husband is the type of employee that the union hates. "

to bis-mom and bobcat wife wrote on Oct 9, 2006 9:50 PM:

" Your comphrension skills are lacking. Nowhere in my post did I say that a worker didn't deserve $79K for working 72 hrs/week. And I didn't infer that it was outrageous. I was simply providing a figure. Reread the original post. If you'd like, I'll type slower so you can follow along. Dave "

one proud member wrote on Oct 9, 2006 9:49 PM:

" To all you people who are talking about the 100% health insurance,wake up.When you are dealing on something like this,don't start high and hope both sides give a little! Or is my bad education causing me to think wrong!!!!!!!Just wondering. "

get a life wrote on Oct 9, 2006 9:37 PM:

" The union didn't force/trick/coherse any of us Bobcat employees to strike. It is a fair, straightup vote. We made are own minds up. And we are finally taking a stand. "

mike wrote on Oct 9, 2006 9:28 PM:

" I first want to say if you have never worked at bobcat you should not comment about anything that you have never experienced. Secondly I believe that we are all missing the big picture, big business is so out of line with the people where they do business. Big business is well on there way to ruining this country, they move there offices overseas to avoid taxes. IR bobcat saved 40 million in taxes when they moved there offices to Bermuda, they make billions of dollars in this country and they can't pay there share to help protect it? Who do you think picked up the tab? It may take a while but if this keeps happening and the people in this town and country do not stick together and do something about it we are all going to pay a the price! IR bobcat has no loyalty to anything but they're pocketbooks. Do yourselves a favor and stick up for the people who are trying to make a stand!!!! It may be your turn someday. "

Wife of worker wrote on Oct 9, 2006 9:23 PM:

" Even though my husband voted not to strike, here we are now without a job and having to deal with the situation. It's too bad the other employees don't realise how good they have it at BC. They want 100% ins? Come one, it's very rare for a company to pay all of your ins. WAKE UP PEOPLE!! We never asked to strike but were forced in the situation by the union. They are some people that truely enjoy working there, too bad others don't see it as well. If he could go back to work right now, he would! Dont' call everyone lazy! There are some hard workers out there. Lets paray this will get resolved soon!! "

THANK YOU CITY wrote on Oct 9, 2006 9:14 PM:

" I would personally like to thank all you people that have been honking and waving to us. I would also like to thank all of you that have given us food, water, etc. Their is way more people in this town that agree with us than those that like to knock us. We appreciate all the other unions that have given us support. We thank all the retired members that have supported us. You all stood your grounds in the last strike to give us what we have and we will stand our ground to pass it on to the next generation. "

Kari wrote on Oct 9, 2006 9:11 PM:

" To the hard workers at Melroe...you guys and gals have a lot of support out there. Keep it up!! "

P U 2 Unions wrote on Oct 9, 2006 8:52 PM:

" Unions are for Lazy workers. Get a new job if you have a problem with your pay, there are plenty out there. Work where you wage is dependent on your performance, not your Union Rep's negotiating skills. "

OMG wrote on Oct 9, 2006 8:45 PM:

" What part of "nobody is forcing you to work there" do you not understand. You make it sound like a hole, but yet you all still work there. I've worked in bad places before and didn't stay for that reason. But I'm beating you stay for the wages that must not be that bad. Why else stay. "

MAD LADY wrote on Oct 9, 2006 8:45 PM:

" I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY, THEY MAY MAKE ALOT, AT THERE JOBS, BUT THEY ONLY COME HOME WITH 3,000 , A MONTH, THAT NOT MUCH MORE THEN ANY AVERAGE WORKER, THAT WORKS AT SYKES, OR SO, AND PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW THIS, "

union member wrote on Oct 9, 2006 7:33 PM:

" Hey tom,if you think all you need is a GED to work at bobcat maybe you better get yours,I heard they might be looking for help. Also,when you decide to post about something you know obviously nothing about,do your homework and know something about what you are commenting on. "

Comentary wrote on Oct 9, 2006 7:19 PM:

" I wonder where the Steel Workers’ Union is thinking Bobcat is going to get the money to pay for all of their health care costs, because the reality of the situation is that if Bobcat has to pick up health care costs they’re probably just going to hire fewer employees. Rising health care costs aren’t going to be fixed by shoving all the burden for paying them off onto this nation’s employers. That’s just going to make these employers charge more for their goods and services (to the detriment of us all) and in extreme cases even take their businesses to other countries, in addition to just flat out hiring fewer employees as I’ve already mentioned. If I were Bobcat I’d fire these workers and hire new ones. That might sound extreme, but burgeoning costs associated with trying to provide employees with unlimited health care benefits crushed companies like Ford and General Motors. If Bobcat doesn’t want to follow suit they’d be better off cutting their losses now. "

Thankful wrote on Oct 9, 2006 6:51 PM:

" The union does have its faults, like standing up for lazy workers who simply use the company for a free ride. The union does workers who have (do)taken advantage of the assembly or quanitiy of parts per minute. I don't think anyone who REALLY knows the company would dougt any of that. Has anyone stopped to thank the union for what it has done? All you out there who seem to be envious of the Bobcat salary seem to be blinded by the benefit to you. The Bobcat union has fought for the wage they receive, which also benefits us other workers. They fought for a wage which other companies have to compete with. All of you $ 10 & $ 12 hour wage earners - imagine what you would make if it wasn't for the unions. What would your work environment be like? They have brought us a long ways, believe it or not! For all of you out there who think it's a bed of roses at Bobcat, are you applying for a job there? Just a few months ago, Bobcat was all over the tri-state area looking for workers. There have been countless people who have worked at Bobcat and left due to the work conditions and what is expected of them. If all the workers still at Bobcat left, they'd have to move out of state. Thanks for sticking it out Bobcat factory workers! As for the person who stated Bobcat doesn't show a profit - I don't know who is filling you full of bull! Bobcat is the highest profit center for IR AND the cheapest ran factories are in ND. They have pulled product lines out and sent them overseas - we all know what has been produced and how much sales have fallen in those areas. Like every other corporation, IR is taking, taking, taking and giving to upper management in financial gain. Who suffers, the bottom of the todem pole. Hats off you USW. Stand proud, there is support!! "

bis-mom wrote on Oct 9, 2006 6:43 PM:

" By the way everyone - according to Job Service of ND, the AVERAGE wage increase in Bismarck/Mandan this past year was 5.1%. What Bobcat is offering these guys is 3%. Take a good hard look at the profits being made by IR Bobcat and tell me again how in the world anyone can possibly think that a "BEST OFFER". Oh - and did anyone but me notice that IR's statement by Wendy Bost has been the SAME CANNED RESPONSE for the past 3 DAYS???? Yeah, right they're willing to work with this union! "

bis-mom AND bobcat wife wrote on Oct 9, 2006 6:39 PM:

" Dave, apparently you really DON'T understand sarcasm. So, let me spell it out for you. You inferred by your comments that out at Bobcat, if a person works 72 hours a week and earns 79,000 a year, that is an outrageous amount of money. You can't possibly be serious. Do you not think that someone who works 72 HOURS PER WEEK DESERVES AT LEAST THAT MUCH??????? "

sisterinlaw wrote on Oct 9, 2006 6:26 PM:

" My brother in law works there also. Although he didn't agree with the strike he is now not able to work or put food on the table for his children. Yes, they work ALL the time. He is rarely at family functions because he HAS to work. He goes in on his days off and works overtime every single week. But he this is the job that he loves. I hope they can come upon an agreement soon. I feel for both sides. "

Jim wrote on Oct 9, 2006 5:47 PM:

" Well I remember as a child that my dad was never able to attend any of my sporting events nor was he able to take me and the rest of my family camping, my brothers and I had to sit and watch the neighbors all go camping while we couldn't, we spent many of Thanksgivings and Chrismtas with out dad, I spent much of my childhood answering to my friends questions if my mom and dad are divorced or if I even had a dad in my life. You want to know why I encountered all these things as a child growing up along with my mom & brothers? Because my dad was a over the road truck driver driving clear across the U.S. BUT I never held that against him because as I grew up I realized that MY DAD HAD to do what he had to do to support me & my family family. He put the food on the table and a roof over our head so all is ok w/me and dad! No different than the workers who can't do all the things mentioned in this post with their families! "

G>W wrote on Oct 9, 2006 5:40 PM:

" I hope Bobcat stops all talks with the union and hires new employees. The union is over payed and under worked. "

Daughter of a Worker wrote on Oct 9, 2006 5:26 PM:

" I feel that if you don’t work at IR or you are not related to some one that does work there you should not be judging anything. You don’t know the conditions of which these employees work under or the toll it takes on their bodies. And don’t go saying that the union is lazy and no good. My father has worked there 15 years, he has never been late and he does show up for work. I can count the number of times he has called in and not gone to work on one hand. Not all union members are lazy!! Also being a child of a union worker, I know the basketball, the volleyball, and soccer games that he has missed. But you tell me what job is going to give an employee off every afternoon that their child has an activity going on? Yes I had to sit and watch the neighbors go camping every weekend while my father was busy working mandatory overtime. I never held that against him because as I grew up I realized that these workers have to do what they do to support their families. He put the food on the table and a roof over my head. My father told me that “Life isn’t always about what you want to do, Sometimes it’s about what you have to do”. These men and woman have families and themselves to support, so why can’t all of you just support them in the decision that they are making? It wasn’t easy for them to decide to strike and by all of you not supporting them. You aren’t making this any easier. I also think that you shouldn’t be judging because none of you know all of the facts, even me. So I’m not about to chose a side but I will support them because they don’t need our opinions. They already made their choice and they need our support! "

Jerry wrote on Oct 9, 2006 5:22 PM:

" To the person who replied to my post with these comments (So the military folks are all voluntarily in the armed forces): So are the BC workers .(The military at least gets combat pay when they are off to war): How much do you think a 18 yr old in war time makes with his/her combat pay? Think it's comparable to what BC workers are making? . (I'll bet there are lazy folks in the military too and definitely complainers): There are many complainers in the military but they still get the job done overseas, right? ( I believe the military has healthcare paid 100% too): Do you think with the pay that the military gets PLUS their healthcare costs paid adds up to what some of the BC workers wages are?.........Again these might all be good points to bring up but it's a dog eat dog world so it's time to accept it and move on. "

Tom wrote on Oct 9, 2006 5:12 PM:

" To Concerned: See it's attitudes like yours that just irk people like me which leads me to say "oh well big deal if they don't get what they want". If there is anybody working at McDonalds, well good for them, at least they aren't sitting on their bums and pulling in 100% welfare that some of your paycheck would go for. At least they ARE tying to make a go of things, I don't think it's smart on your part to make fun of people who work at McDonalds, you don't even make sense. Can you tell me what the difference between McDonalds workers and bc workers are? Neither one require anything more than a GED. But yet you make fun of McDonalds workers! WOW! I work at a job where most of the time WHEN we get a raise, health care increases are right around the corner so NO we don't see any extra on our paychecks either since they go to the increase in HC COSTS! But without a company like I work for you wouldn't be getting your health back in tune, I wonder if all of us healthcare workers should strike or walk off the job. I think alot of people around bismarck would be in the hurt bag without healthcare, it would affect people way more than if the bobcat workers walk off the job. "

unions are a joke wrote on Oct 9, 2006 5:12 PM:

" well not any more. I cant stand unions, or the people that represent them. As a member of a union, what are you paying in union dues? Why not ask for that money back and represent yourself? You as a union worker pay union dues to have someone represent you right? So why are you the ones standing on the picket line???? Sounds like a scam to me. Be a man, swallow your uneducated pride and go back to work. Better yet, quite and give someone else a chance to show just how lazy and ignorant you really are. GO SCABS!!!!! AND TAKE WHAT IS TAKEN FOR GRANTED!!!! "

Disgusted with ND wrote on Oct 9, 2006 4:44 PM:

" There is something serious wrong with the mentality in this state when the majority seem to think $15-$20 is a luxurious wage. It makes me sick! Why is it wrong to think you are worth more than living paycheck to paycheck when you sacrifice so much time out of your life just to fill your emloyers pocket? $17 an hour is NOT a high wage to support a family & live comfortably. I shudder to think there are those of you who make less & who truly know what it is to struggle yet bash others for trying to better their situation or who think it is ok just to 'suck it up'. What truly burns me up is that $10/hr is looked at as a 'good' wage in this state. If only we could all have the guts to stand up & say we refuse to struggle to make ends meet anymore & $9-$10/hr jobs are no longer going to be looked at as anything close to a decent living wage. Any human being out there whether you work at the drive thru window or Bobcat deserves to live comfortably & not just 'get by' . I am behind you guys 100% & wish that every underpaid worker in this state could stand beside you to say we are worth more & anything less is not acceptable! Good luck to you! To those who look up to $17/hr I say take the blinders off!! "

LD wrote on Oct 9, 2006 4:44 PM:

" let me guess. 12 hours a day, 6 days a week and uphill to work in 3 feet of snow both ways. Work in the real world and then talk to me. I guess they would only need 2 shifts instead of 3 then wouldn't they. "

Response to Jerry wrote on Oct 9, 2006 4:43 PM:

" The military at least gets combat pay when they are off to war and I'll be the folks at Bobcat are supportive of our military. By the way, I believe the military has healthcare paid 100% too. Last I knew, there wasn't a draft, yet. So the military folks are all voluntarily in the armed forces. I'll bet there are lazy folks in the military too and definitely complainers. You get that in every job. "

to bis-mom and bobcat wife wrote on Oct 9, 2006 4:36 PM:

" There are wives and family members posting on here that their husbands work 12 hour days, 6 days a week. I was only going off what you guys say. Dave "

bis-mom AND bobcat wife wrote on Oct 9, 2006 4:32 PM:

" To Dave re: your 3:34 post - Wow! You are truly a math whiz! Way to figure out that if one works a 72 HOUR WEEK out at bobcat they make 79,000 a year. How outrageous! (I hope you have the intelligence to understand sarcasm). Why don't you quit blaming the hard working union members, with their resolve and determination to stand up for their rights, for your OWN shortcomings! "

to Jerry wrote on Oct 9, 2006 4:28 PM:

" Wow Jerry, you just made a great point for Dub-ya to get us the heck out of Iraq! And I guess if they're protecting the "greedy ignorant IR/BC workers" then they are also protecting the "greedy ignorant" corporation of IR bobcat too, right? "

concerned daughter wrote on Oct 9, 2006 3:47 PM:

" For all you idiots who are writting about the workers acting like children I am willing to bet that you have no idea what the employees go through at Melroe. So before you start acting like you know how it is, maybe get educated and not run your mouth like you have a clue. They deserve well beyond what they are paid. My father and uncles have worked there for many years. Never do they come home and "poor me" themselves. Their raises go straight to Healthcare. At least your job at McDonald's you gets your raise into your pocket. "

Howard wrote on Oct 9, 2006 3:41 PM:

" Go work for the city, they get their health care premiums paid for. That way you won't have to stand out in cold temps and the wives don't have to complain, go pick up garbage, drive the garbage trucks, repair the streets, remove the snow, sand our streets, cut down trees, test our water samples and whatever else all the city employees do other stand around and do nothing like most of our city workers do. Might be a good thing for some of you Bobcat people to get hired on to the city departments so we can have some decent streets to drive on and not have to replace shocks every 6 mths. Lord only knows the street repair around here is horrid! "

LD wrote on Oct 9, 2006 3:38 PM:

" One word for the union employees...OUTSOURCE. See how much you value your jobs, wages and benefits then "

unbiased wrote on Oct 9, 2006 3:35 PM:

" PERFECT JERRY!!! 100% right on the nose. "

Dave wrote on Oct 9, 2006 3:34 PM:

" Let's do some math: Let's say the average Bobcat employee makes $18/hr, works a 48 hr/wk for 50 wk/yr and gets time-and-a-half for any time over 40 hrs/wk. That equals an annual income of $46,800. If they work six 12 hour days like some posters have said, that equals an annual income of $79,200. "

ND oldster wrote on Oct 9, 2006 3:15 PM:

" a hard days work for a hard earned dollar are important for all of us - go to work, do your best and be proud of your company - if 1100 people all truely worked hard every day maybe there wouldn't be so many mandatory hours necessary - you can all name those that stalled production - but, historically there have always been a few that drag and brag - create problems for all - in society we all pay the piper and Bismarck could be paying for many years to come because of a 54% vote by one group - what will happen to all those great stores and housing market that we experienced last year!!! It is scary, but you voted and we will all pay and survivie differntly together - get your conservative ND ideas going before it is too late and you were lead to slaughter by a union leader that was not really in touch with Bismarck - and remember health care problems didn't start at Bobcat - know the issues about helath costs before you vote for the next US president - this young country can truely crumble due to "sick care costs" - it cannot and should not continue. Would Hillary's health care plan have impacted Bobcats strike - maybe??? What a thought? "

amanda wrote on Oct 9, 2006 3:13 PM:

" Its me again. ALL you bobcat employees you are in my prayers and in my families prayers. My father is an employee there. So I know the hardships you are going through right now. Stay strong and don't give up god will help if you ask. "

Jerry wrote on Oct 9, 2006 3:08 PM:

" Ok I have heard there are pictures showing the temp to be 120 in the building where they have to work, many moms & dads have to miss their family doings and also their kids sports events, I have heard that it is so rough to work out at BC/IR. They have to work 6 days straight plus many weekends, they don't get raises, so the workers decide if things don't go there way they should strike, WELL THINK ABOUT THIS, our people around the globe fighting the war on terrorism work in 120+ temps, they miss ALL of their family events even some missing the birth of their children.Many don't get to spend the holidays with their families, anniversaries, they work 7 days straight sometime with little or no sleep! The divorce rate is high among soldiers around the globe that are fighting terrorism! The point of this is, they signed their military contracts KNOWING what they were up against if there should be a war, they don't like the conditions either, do you see them STRIKING AROUND THE GLOBE DUE TO THEIR WORK CONDITIONS???! NO! They are still going 24/7/365 to make sure you ignorant, greedy BC/IR workers have your freedom to stand your rearends out along our streets to hold up your signs! If the military went on strike I don't think you people would have to worry about trying to negotiate a contract! The military people don't sit and whine about their work condition because when they signed the papers they knew what they were up against if war should arise, just like you people, when you got hired on at BC you knew what your hours, pay, benefits etc were going to be, if you don't like it then LEAVE! Maybe you workers need to sign contracts like the military does, you can whine, complain and strike all you want but you will work the duration of your contract whether you like it or not! You all act like it's a big deal if you don't get your way, well the military doesn't get their way either but it's what they signed up for and MUST CONTINUE TO SERVE UNTIL THEIR CONTRACTS ARE UP! I think you all need to get a reality check and think how you would feel if the our soldiers went on strike cause they didn't get their way like all you whiners are doing, even you wives of these workers need to think about all of these things. Just because your hubbys dont spend much time w/you and the kids, well HO HUM! ALOT of military wives and husbands walk in your shoes everyday and don't complain like a bunch of 2 yrs olds like 3/4 of you are doing! Get off the whining wagon and get over it. TIME ARE CHANGING SO DEAL WITH IT! "

daughter of a union father wrote on Oct 9, 2006 2:58 PM:

" OK for all of you saying that union workers are lazy thats crazy. You have lazy people in all workplaces. I dont think it really matters if your union or not some people are just lazy. I think the ones complaining are just Jealous that they dont have someone sticking up for them their workplace or most important their medical Insurance. Some things are worth fighing for and when it comes to work enviroments and Insurance I think thats a fair fight. Letting a company run your life and your families lives is not right. Its easy for those not working union or have never been around it to really see what it does for your families lives. I wish their were more union jobs in ND. If there were I bet many of those complaining would be a member!! "

Dave wrote on Oct 9, 2006 2:55 PM:

" The actual bonus for Mr. Henkel was $8,479,365. I'm sure everyone on this board that has complained about the bonus would turn that down if offered. "

Incredulous wrote on Oct 9, 2006 2:44 PM:

" I'm a bit, well, incredulous as to the $8M amount. Sounds a bit high, like maybe inflated after being passed down the grapevine. "

a BC customer wrote on Oct 9, 2006 2:40 PM:

" To the unions: after touring your Bismarck factory and seeing the poor attitude and laziness that is protected by the unions, you should understand why the average person has no sympathy for your cause. Many of the union workers probably are hard working, but they are being offset by the ignorant lazy workers. If you smart & aggressive workers keep protecting the lazy (and you know who they are), it will be the downfall of your jobs. Wakeup. It is a global market, I would rather buy an American produced product than foreign produced, but explain to me what a Bismarck plant can do that Mexico or Europe isn't already doing with other products. I purchase the products I do due to the support of the "evil salaried" employees, inspite of the poor impression the factory employees left me with. As a customer, I pay your wages, if you want more, produce more, the rest of the world has to. Good Luck Bobcat, stand your ground. "

usw 1 wrote on Oct 9, 2006 2:30 PM:

" to the vr that wrote in bashing union workers. was it him that was sleeping in the bathroom, was it him standing around doing nothing? We all work hard at bobcat, you can not tell me that at every other workplace in bismarck people do not stand around a few minutes to get to know thier coworkers, salary and managers included!!! This is not slavery, it is america, we are not robots, we are human. cut us some slack "

Wife of Bobcat employee wrote on Oct 9, 2006 2:13 PM:

" The reason everyone leaves this state for good paying jobs is because there are people that think muti-billion dollar companies should pay us less just because we live in ND. My husband has a college degree and is very skilled at what he does. Do you all know the the CEO for IR received a $8,000,000 bonus this year above his annual salary. That would pay for everyones healthcare for several years. "

Union PROUD wrote on Oct 9, 2006 1:56 PM:

" I can not understand why some people complain about the union workers. they don't understand that unions made their jobs better. If those complaining think the Bobcat jobs are so great they should stand up and form A union in their workplace! I want to wish aii the usw workers great success. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK "

VR wrote on Oct 9, 2006 1:50 PM:

" I worked at Melroe several summers. Here is the problem I have with the Union and Melroe. The Union protects the absolute laziest people I have ever seen or worked with. I don't understand how Melroe can even turn a profit. Most of the "floor" workers there, come in, work a few things, take extended breaks, extened bathroom breaks (sleep in the stall), talk with others, disrespect everyone, believe they are "owed" everything. People that have never worked there cannot even imagine the mindset these people have. Then again, Melroe (IR) the company would take any chance they get to stick it too it's employees as well. Melroe is poorly run, there is mandatory overtime because they never have the parts during the week. "

don't understand wrote on Oct 9, 2006 1:32 PM:

" reading some comments and i don't understand why some people are so upset. are you jelous that you don't work at bobcat? i'm sure they are taking applications right now. this is for stupid union workers, my wife is a nurse & she has to pay out of pocket for health insurance, dental, & vision. what hospital pays basic health insurance so she can apply there? her raises are also cost of living increases. as she is always told, her performance bears nothing on her pay increases. if it did, she'd be getting a 50% wage increase for the crap she puts up with. "

Stupid Union Workers wrote on Oct 9, 2006 1:10 PM:

" You guys are just ignorant. Unions are the reason this counttry is being forced to go overseas. Unions think that no matter what, you should recieve 100% healthcare and guaranteed raises every year, no matter the performance of the worker. Get out into the real world and work there and see what its really like to earn a living. I have not seen a cost of living raise in 6 years, so I am looking for a new job. My wife works for a hospital as a nurse. She only gets general benifits for free, but we have to pay for eye & dental. She has to EARN her raises by performing well and also doing certain duties and also educational stuff. Unions are just tearing apart our country. "

momof3. wrote on Oct 9, 2006 12:58 PM:

" You guys at Bobcat have our families support. "

Sick wrote on Oct 9, 2006 12:54 PM:

" If all your union people are so worried about how your going to support your family while your on stirke. Here is an idea for ya, GO BACK TO FREAKING WORK!!!!!! I would LOVE to work at Melroe and make 18-20 bucks an hour, but alas, you can't get hired unless your related to one of the workers there. Suck it up bobcat employees, almost everyone has to pay for healthcare. I hope melroe fires every single one of you and hires a whole new workforce. Then you can really whine and cry about not making enough money, because you WON'T HAVE A JOB!!!!!!! "

amanda wrote on Oct 9, 2006 12:51 PM:

" so some people whine and gripe about not getting paid enough or gettin good enough benefits. But these bobcat employees work there butts off so they can give there families what they want and need, so they deserve a little compensation for all the mandatory overtime. Plus what about the CEO and all those higher ups that get an 8 million dollar bonus, a bonus not there yearly profits. They are so greedy that they won't pay .50 cents to a $1 more an hour and pay a little more of there medical premiums. The fight must start somewhere and if it needs to start in the union then it shall. I agree that alot of us work for little pay and crappy benefits and sometimes not with the best people, we complain and it goes no where at least with the union they can fight for it and possibly make something happen. I sometimes wish that all businesses were unionized so that more could be done, I know some think that well if you dont like your job then get a new one that is most often easier said then done when you have a family to support than it most often is about how much you make. If we could have the cost fo living with in the same perameters as wages that would help, but the people to blame are the CEO's and the higher ups they need to quit being so greedy cause it isn't going to do any good for them when they go to heaven, they are the ones that will have to deal with the wraths of god. For not taking care of there fellow man and thinking of only themselves. We need to pray for the people on strike and there families that they can and will make it through this hardship. "

want community support??? wrote on Oct 9, 2006 12:45 PM:

" If the union wants community support then they better stop the jerks who are trying to fight dirty already against the guys that have to be bused into the plant. They deserve to have jobs to - (they aren't the ones that hold the company contract anyways!) if they don't go they are shafted as well. And when the strike is over they wouldn't get to come back if they walk out now! I watched the news at noon and saw the nails. If these men get hurt or if things get damaged you will have a LOT more hanging over your heads then just a lack of contract! You would get a ton more community support if we wouldn't see that stuff on the news or around town. I am one that belives for what you are fighting for - just don't need anyone going down to accomplish it! "

GwinnerBobcatEmployee wrote on Oct 9, 2006 12:45 PM:

" Good Luck guys, some people don't understand why you are out there, but There are a few of us from the SE corner that understand exactly WHY you are doing this. Hope you are successful and get what you deserve! "

Former BC Employee wrote on Oct 9, 2006 12:21 PM:

" Unless I'm wrong the union picks the insurance, and their insurance is much better than the salaried, so they make their own premium rates. I believe that the retirees health premium is also paid by all the active emloyees, and health care experience over the year also raises or lowers the premium so the abusers cost the group as a whole, maybe all these could be changed? Who wouldn't want 5% wage increases every year whether you work hard or just slid by. GET REAL "

Union Wife Also wrote on Oct 9, 2006 12:08 PM:

" Union Wife - was your husband at the ratification? If so, he should have those numbers for you... Sounds like he wasn't there, or you'd know what the count is. Maybe you should support the cause instead of bashing it. Your husband chose to work for a union. Why unions get a bad name, I'll never know. I wish at my job I had support and people standing up to make my workplace a better place. "

get a life wrote on Oct 9, 2006 12:06 PM:

" Dave, you are obviously a complete idiot that has nothing better to do then spew unintelligent sentences that lfew through the empty space that you call your head. If you WERE truly informed about this situation you would know that we are putting everything on the line to stand up for what we and our union believe in. When we went on strike the company said that we were locked out. That means that no one could cross, even if they wanted to! By the way I want to thatnk the nice lady that stopped by late last night and told those of us that were picketing that she supports us and our cause. She was very kind and gave us some delicious home made cookies. YUM! "

Dave wrote on Oct 9, 2006 11:41 AM:

" 63% to 37% isn't very united. I predict that many employees who "get" it will cross the line and the strike will be a complete failure. "

get a life wrote on Oct 9, 2006 11:38 AM:

" I have read some of the postings and I am taken back by people that are blue collared workers just like us and are bad mouthing us and our decision to strike. Our decision was not only based on the financial aspect of the contract. This is about getting some RESPECT! Everyone in Bismarck, and North Dakota for that matter bust our tails to make a living, and who pockets the money? The people on top. Bobcat and Ingersoll Rand have been telling us that the market has slowed considerably, and thats why we were layed off for a week just recently. But go to their website for the last 4+ years and you will see that they post record profits EVERY quarter including the third quarter this year, and are predicting a 7% increase in the fourth quarter over the same time last year. The outcome of this strike will have an effect on other companies in the state. The Heskett plant contract is expiring in May of next year, October 31st of this year the contract for Case manufacturer in Fargo expires, and the contract for the Bobcat Gwinner plant expires in December. Are all of the people writing these negative opinions going to bad mouth every group of union employees that go on strike? Did you say the same negative things about the Dairy workers in Fargo that had recently went on strike? What will you say about the Heskett plant employees if they strike next year or the Case workers in Fargo? Are you going to chastise all us for standing up for what we believe in? Or are you going to support us, because we are your neighbors, your friends, your family, your fellow congegation members, and your fellow North Dakotans standing up for what we believe in. If we don't get support and succeed in our strike, it will effect everyone in the community and the state, not just union members. We believe religiously in our union, because they fight for all of our rights as workers no matter how big or small it may be. We belong to the largest union in North America, and they stand for all workers and their rights. "

former employee wrote on Oct 9, 2006 11:23 AM:

" Get it right buddy it was 63% to 37% and nobody crossed the line that does sound united to me!! "

former employee wrote on Oct 9, 2006 11:20 AM:

" to curious 10-12 hours a day mandatory usually an average of 40-45 weeks out of the 52 weeks a year there is six days a week mandatory. What I made was not worth what i was loosing at home "

lied to wrote on Oct 9, 2006 11:14 AM:

" If Bobcat is so willing to talk why have they not yet called the Union? THEY KNOW THE NUMBER "

to former emplyee wrote on Oct 9, 2006 11:14 AM:

" 54% to 46% vote doesn't sound very united to me "

realworld wrote on Oct 9, 2006 11:12 AM:

" In the real world, no one gets a raise everytime insurance costs go up. From my experience raises are EARNED, not just handed out. Be thankful you have a job to begin with. I work on salary and their are days I work more than an 8 hour day without taking a lunch, and I don't strike because of it, or even complain, its part of life and I accept that. I just got a letter from Blue Cross Blue Shield stating that my health insurance is going up. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one around here who received a similar letter. Work harder to better yourself if you don't like the situation you are in. I didn't realize North Dakotans were quitters. "

Stand up and be counted wrote on Oct 9, 2006 11:10 AM:

" It won't be long and this could be classified as one of those jobs that Americans won't man and they will bring in the illegal aliens to man it for minimum wage. It isn't that we don't want the work but that we want to make a decent living. What is a living wage today? If you think $20 an hour is big money think again. Have you looked at your utility bill lately, $50 to $60 bucks to fill your gas tank! Taxes, the price of a house, clothes (I thought when they outsourced all those jobs prices were to come down, wrong just more money in the CEO's pocket), tell me one thing that hasn't gone up in price and how close wages have been able to keep up. Have you read Dorgan's book, "Take this job and ship it"? This tells about how corporate America is stealing your country, how we are being sold out and if we don't stand up for what is right we are truly lost. The working men and women of todays workforce just want to be treated fairly, to be recognized for what they do, to share in what they produce. Do we want to lower our standards to the third world level or would we be better to bring them up to our standards? Think of your childrens future and where you wish them to be, making minimum wage because if they don't accept that there is someone else that will be glad to have the job or going to work with their heads up high knowing they have stood up for themselves and have helped make America what it is truly about, about what our forefathers made it. A country of the proud, a country made by the working men and women. We must stick together and if we do we can once again be a land of opportunity for all, not just for those that accept being walked on. "

College Student wrote on Oct 9, 2006 11:01 AM:

" I hate to keep beating a dead horse, but when the horse won't die, the beating must go on. I see a lot of people who have never worked at Bobcat think that the workers are the best paid people around. Have any of you who "assume" facts from your "reliable" sources ever stepped a foot in the building? If you have, you know that there are fumes that can make you light headed once you walk in. Also, have you had to stand on concrete for 8 hours a day while only getting 3, 10 minute breaks, every 2 hours. This is the time that is used to go to the bathroom and eat one's meal. A man who I know who still works there and has only gotten slightly over a dollar in raises in the past 12 years. A dollar in the past 12 years-that's less than a dime raise a year. How much do you think the cost of living has increased since 1994? I see from a majority of these comments a lot of you feel like these hardworking men and women need to just "suck it up." Really, is it bad to ask what is only fair? A top executive last year received a $7.5 million dollar bonus last year. If that were divided among the workers they would have all gotten well over $9,000 dollars. They are the ones who are keeping this company running. The top execs are already living in the lap of luxury. The next time I think conclusions are jumped to we should all walk into Bobcat and ask for a job to see what hard, manual labor is really like. "

Mustang Sally wrote on Oct 9, 2006 10:58 AM:

" Why does Walmart always have to be the big comparison? Like they are the Emerald City? Walmart, folks, is a wolf in sheep's clothing. They'll work their employees like dogs, too, for cheap, cheap, cheap, while they reap HUGE HUGE profits and deposit their money in out of state banks. Lets give the Bobcat workers the respect they deserve. Last I knew, the Bobcat workers all put their money back into the community by buying the big cars from local dealers. You go guys ( and girls)!! "

Curious... wrote on Oct 9, 2006 10:56 AM:

" A lot has been mentioned here about not making enough money to support the family, and having to get 2 and 3 jobs to make up for it. What exactly is the average wage of a Bobcat worker, which should be public knowledge since it's a union. Is overtime a regular thing? Required? How much OT is typical? "

Smell the Coffee wrote on Oct 9, 2006 10:52 AM:

" It's a sad affair what unions have come to. They used to be for the purpose of preventing unfair labor practices. But now, it seems that unions like the one at BOBCAT think it is also for taking advantage of the situation and looking a gift horse in the mouth. You are making a GOOD wage. No one is FORCING you to keep it. Like many have said here - If you don't like it, find one better in Bismarck! YOU WON'T. Shame on you all for being greedy. Healthcare costs are going up for EVERYONE. Most of us don't have the luxury of extorting our employer...we shut up and make do, or we FIND ANOTHER JOB. Novel idea, don't you think? "

former employee wrote on Oct 9, 2006 10:25 AM:

" To all my union brothers and sisters, there is a lot of people that are saying the union is such a bad thing and is a dying breed, I believe that is just jealousy that most people cannot stand up and be united at there jobs. When I worked for BC I would see the companys engineers spend thousands of dollars on new products, just to turn around see that same product sit in the trash two weeks later. Maybe they should tighten up there belt when it comes to wasting money on stupid stuff, and not when it comes to their workforce. So to everyone being jealous I WOULD LIKE A NUMBER ONE SUPERSIZED WITH A COKE!!!! GO USW!! "

Union Wife wrote on Oct 9, 2006 10:05 AM:

" So, 54% voted to strike. Can you tell me if these votes were counted by an impartial third party? What exactly was the vote (how many for and how many against)? "

Just me, wrote on Oct 9, 2006 10:01 AM:

" You want to "suck air" come and work with me! My company makes Booo Koo's and passes on nothing to me! I haven't had a raise in 3 years! The top, just keep filling their pockets, no matter what! The richer they are, or get,... the greedier they get! And, the less they care where they came from, or how they treat people working for them! We will see what all that money is worth at the gates of Heaven! SQUAT! "

Union Wife wrote on Oct 9, 2006 9:59 AM:

" Just let my husband go back to work and let us start living our lives again. I can not support a family on my income. Have you stopped to figure out how much of an increase you would need to get to make up for all of the money we will be losing while on strike? So are we going to be able to see our kids more while we are working two and three jobs to make up for the lost income from Bobcat? I do not see that this is improving our quality of life in any way!" "

Reading about idiots wrote on Oct 9, 2006 9:54 AM:

" Nice job smashing the taxi guys. That really says a lot about your intelligence. Think of the poor dude that has nothing to do with this and has to pay for that damage. He has nothing to do with you or Bobcat!!!! "

hardworker wrote on Oct 9, 2006 9:52 AM:

" I have it from reliable sources--people who work at Bobcat--that you union whiners have better health benefits than salaried employees. Not even people working at the hospitals or clinics get 100% health benefits. Read the news! It's bad across the country. No one gets that anymore. And a 3% raise every year guaranteed? Geesh! Most people in this community have to EARN a raise, rather than have it handed to them. (Consider state employees at the mercy of the legislators, or fast food employees who need no more education than Bobcat floor workers.) And needing a doctors notice if you're out 3 days? Work in the real world! It's like that anywhere you have a large workforce (ie-customer service) and a few bad apples have necessitated such policies on everyone, and no one else in the community gets paid what you do. If you're not happy, work somewhere else. At my last job, I made $11.50/hr and that was pretty good, but I wasn't happy. I now make less but I'm happy with my job. We live with less, but money isn't everything and it can't buy you happiness, which it obviously hasn't done for any of you. "

go to work wrote on Oct 9, 2006 9:22 AM:

" all companies are greedy, if you don't like what your company is paying you, FIND ANOTHER JOB, and you'll see how good you really had it!!! Bobcat is NOT the only place that treats their workers unfairly so quit acting like it. I dare any of you strikers to find ANY job in Bismarck that gives you what you already receive...I guarantee you won't find anything even close. Time to wake up and realize what you have, not what you don't!!!!! It blows my mind that Bobcat workers think they are being taken advantage of. Take your tools and go home if you don't want to work. If you didn't want to work a MANDATORY 6 day work week, you shouldn't have started their to begin with. "

Grand Forks Resident wrote on Oct 9, 2006 9:18 AM:

" Once again, the mentality of "no one gave me anything, why should I give them anything!" Shouldn't we be happy that some in North Dakota are making a good wage, without being critical. I have a family member working at Bobcat. He's a hard worker, college educated, good provider. Bobcat expects hard workers, the workers expect decent pay and wages. That's that. "

Wondering wrote on Oct 9, 2006 9:14 AM:

" This comment is to those of you who have said that unions were formed in a time when they were needed and that somehow that time has passed. That is just what corporate American would like you to think, and they have been insidiously passing this message along for 40 years or more. Let me ask anyone who works these questions. Do you generally work an 8 hour day? Do you enjoy a duty free noon hour? Do you have regular breaks after working so many hours? Do you have paid vacations? Do you have some form of health benefits, either fully paid or partially paid by your employer? Do you feel safe in your workplace? Is your workplace a healthy environment? Do you have retirement benefits that are wholly or partially paid for by your employer? Do you have paid sick leave, personal leave, family leave, emergency leave, funeral leave, adoption or pregnancy leave (pregnancy and adoption leave either fully or partially paid by your employer)? If you enjoy any or all of these benefits, you may thank a union for getting them for you. Now you may think, "No union got ME these benefits. My employer is private and he or she just decided to provide these benefits." The point I am making is that a union sometime, somewhere first fought for these benefits and made the idea and the adoption of them so widespread that most of them are taken for granted these days. I have been a union member for my entire professional career, and I do have to wonder at my colleagues who for various reasons choose not to be union members, but never turn down the benefits I and the other union members have fought long and hard to get. I hope the Bobcat union members will prevail in this endeavor. "

Wow wrote on Oct 9, 2006 9:03 AM:

" ND must be trailer park heaven if everyone thinks $14 is a decent wage and $20 is unbelievable. And buying a new vehicle is a luxury only afforded to the rich. This makes me lol. "

Dave wrote on Oct 9, 2006 8:05 AM:

" It's sad that 54% will ruin it for the other 46% that appreciate their jobs and want to work. I feel sorry for those guys. TO ALL OF THE UNION WIVES: It's sad that your husbands have had to miss your children's events but it is his choice to continue working at Bobcat. Which is more important - your family or a job? Obviously we know the answer. "

Mike wrote on Oct 9, 2006 7:30 AM:

" To Small Town Worker, no one said you had to work in the oil fields. If you think it is so great working at Bobcat why don't you apply there? Don't criticize people who work there! "

BC wife wrote on Oct 9, 2006 7:25 AM:

" This is the best contract that the company has ever offered. The 1982 strike resulted in a worse contract than initially offered. Get back to work and stop complaining, you need to work in the real world for awhile and see what it's like. "

small town worker wrote on Oct 9, 2006 7:08 AM:

" U poor union workers. I have zero sympathy for u. I used to work in the oil fields and there was not any union. I made terrific money working 60 to 70 hours a weeek with no paid sick days or family days.Health insurance was only paid 50 percent and my family survived just fine.Soo we couldnt have a new pickup and camper every other year. If anybody complained where i worked it was told to them that if u dont like it leave cause there is somebody waiting to take your place. getting rid of all u union workers and hiring new people would not be a problemfor IR. So Quit whining and get your buts back to work before your all replaced and wondering how you are going to afford your new pickups,campers and houses. "

union member wrote on Oct 9, 2006 6:30 AM:

" Just heading out to man the front lines of justice. Talked to people on the lines last night and community response has been overwhelmingly positive BUDDY. This community knows bullying buy coporate giants with greed as motivation has to stop!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

union membere wrote on Oct 9, 2006 6:16 AM:

" insider,we also make valves and cylinders for gwinner and quite a few other companys,that's the area they will TRY to keep running. They might have some stored but at 500 cylinders a day and 200 valves it won't take long for those stores to run dry and when you start shorting customers,well you know what happens. We are ready for a long hual!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

Wake up EVERYONE! wrote on Oct 9, 2006 6:10 AM:

" North Dakota has a law that stipulates how many union members can picket at one gate. USW is following the law. If you drive by at 2 or 3 in the morning you WILL see that they are running shifts 24/7 no matter the weather to support! I have seen first hand what happens when a company of this magnitude pulls out of city, the city's economy falls in a downward spiral and every business is effected in the long haul. It would no "

Wake up EVERYONE! wrote on Oct 9, 2006 6:10 AM:

" North Dakota has a law that stipulates how many union members can picket at one gate. USW is following the law. If you drive by at 2 or 3 in the morning you WILL see that they are running shifts 24/7 no matter the weather to support! I have seen first hand what happens when a company of this magnitude pulls out of city, the city's economy falls in a downward spiral and every business is effected in the long haul. It would not be good for any of us! This is a billion dollar company making record profits, they say the numbers have gone down - they are STILL worth billions. This company should be taking care of their employees. LIke many have said in these comments - they don't get sick pay and even get an "occurance" if they take off to go to the doctor, also never get time off to see their kids participate in activites. Negotiations mean to meet in the middle - the union may seem like they are asking for a lot, but they are hoping to get a little. Lets give them credit for fighting fot themselves and their families! IR needs to take care of the non-salaried and salaried employees and the guys that have to go into work today aren't happy that they have to go in without those that are on strike. But they are hoping to keep the company going so the guys have something to come back to. Whether you know it or not, they are in support - so keep fighting, but come back soon! Bismarck needs to stand behind the guys out by the gates, we need this compnay to stay alive! "

go usw 1 wrote on Oct 9, 2006 4:43 AM:

" we at the usw need all our communitys support. with our wages we support you, the community. think of all the tax dollars we pay, the businesses we support, the schools, etc the list could go on. without our union our wages would probably be cut in half. WE DO NOT NEED ANY MORE 7-10$ AN HOUR JOBS IN THIS CITY. THINK ABOUT IT FOLKS. PLEASE SUPPORT US CAUSE WE WILL NOT FORGET AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT YOU BISMARCK "

Tuna wrote on Oct 9, 2006 4:38 AM:

" I read Ralphie's comments and since he doesn't know the facts I think he should stick to shooting at Black Bart with his Red Ryder BB gun and keep his petty opinions to himself!!! Why are people so anxious to badmouth someone for trying to improve their earning power to better provide for their family.How would you feel if you're take home pay today for 80hrs. was less than your take home pay 5 years ago for 80hrs.This is a fact at Bobcat. "

thefacts wrote on Oct 9, 2006 1:04 AM:

" To learn about IR revenues, profits from 2003-2005, go to http://www.shareholder.com/ir/downloads/2005AnnualReport.pdf IR-Bobcat specifically is on page 34 of 103 under the catergory of Compact Vehicle Technologies "

awesome wrote on Oct 9, 2006 12:52 AM:

" hey guys way to go. i never thought that you would beg 2/3 vote. way to hold your ground. as a former employee i wish i was there with you guys to see something happen. i wrote into the tribune to the opinions section about the treatment of the employees at IR Bobcat about 9 months ago. i guess the paper isn't the only place in town that didn't believe us. don't fold!!! "

Crazy Eddie wrote on Oct 9, 2006 12:41 AM:

" I notice a pattern here. This job used to be union. That job used to be union. Pretty soon your job is going to be "used to be union". I agree that raises every year are great. Unfortunately, people start getting greedy and keep expecting more. There was not a single person in the company that had a gun to their head to work 6 days a week. They could have left at any time. Oh, you say there is not a better job out there with that kind of pay with your skills? Then shut up and color. Pretty soon the plant closures and mass layoffs will start because of losses from the strike. What do you do, strike and hope your job survives or accept that you have a better job than 95% of the state and get to work. It used to be that Bobcat was the only choice, so the company could reward the employees with good pay and benefits. Now the competition is catching up and the company needs to prepare for years down the road. Sure they are making big bucks right now, but just like GM, they will see the day that unions ruin the company if it is not reigned in now. Who would have thought that GM would be killed by the non-union Asian car companies. You would be hard pressed to find a job that was sent overseas that was not driven by union demands. "

wife of worker wrote on Oct 9, 2006 12:33 AM:

" My husbamd has worked for Bobcat over 20 years, yes back then it was a good job. He had to work night shift over 7 years, when his back was used he went to a place to use other parts of his body, they use them until they are all used usp. To the younger worker - don't let them take advantage of you like the rest of their workers. "

stop paying your union due wrote on Oct 9, 2006 12:30 AM:

" If you stopped paying your dues maybe you would make enough to pay your insurance. I truly believe that is one company that every person would love to get into. If you think you have it tuff be thankfull you work indoors and not out in the cold and heat like most people have to for less pay. also be thankfull you have a job that closes for major hoidays, a job that offers insurance, and lets you make more with overtime. if life is so hard on you get a 2ND JOB like most people have to. I can honestly say I make no were near what you guys make I work long hours and I am very happy with what I got. When I think about how my life would be with more money in my pocket it still wouldn't be enough to make me happier. Maybe you need to go home and see what you have there. would buying your kid everything they want make them better? would letting your spouse spend more money make you happier or your marriage better? would having everything you want make you be loved more? If you have friends and family and live comfortably you have everything. If the people at Melroe and thier families wouldn't be such hippercondriacte and run to the doctor for every ache and pain maybe your insurance wouldn't go up! GO BACK TO WORK!!!! "

Union Member wrote on Oct 9, 2006 12:01 AM:

" You know in all honesty this union is a joke. I have been at Bobcat for two years and I have been harrased numerous times by non union and union people only to have the union I pay dues to tell me that oh I am sorry we can't help you. I hope that this doesn't get resolved for a long time, because in all honesty the jobs aren't that hard and there are enough people out there that would do these jobs for half the wage and guranteed half of the complaining. I don't beleive being part of the Union should entitle you to earn 3 times more than most people in your area and then complain when you don't get a $.50 raise. Maybe if there were more involvement from the Union in Bobcat's efforts to save money, then Bobcat could afford the raises. "

veteren wife of bc man wrote on Oct 8, 2006 11:59 PM:

" People need to remember where they came from. We started out with nothing and worked hard for everything we earned. More than once my husband was told to slow down and create overtime for yourself! Slow down your making me look bad! Get real what happened to North Dakota values! As for the cruel comments calling people ignorant for not agreeing with the union, we all have our own opinions, that does not make anyone's opinion that isn't the UNION's opinion ignorant or wrong. This is a free country, isn't that what the union is supposed to represent? "

Chuck wrote on Oct 8, 2006 11:58 PM:

" I'm behind the Union 100%, and every working man trying to make an honest days wage. We all need to unite behind these people in their fight, that's what our country is about. Here is a perfect oppurtunting to be patriotic about something other than war, our cohesiveness as citizens of the greatest country in the world. Honk and wave when you drive by these guys, they are just like you and I. I think I'll start a ribbon campaing, support our troops and our citizens. "

Mourning Labor wrote on Oct 8, 2006 11:47 PM:

" It is a sad, sad day when representation of this valid point is captured with a photo of four guys holding four signs by the side of the road and a bumbling sound byte from a guy who isn't doing much to ignite passion into this cause. No wonder IR Bobcat doesn't need to make a statement to the media. It's a union right? Unionize, then. "

union wife wrote on Oct 8, 2006 11:39 PM:

" Boy does this community have it's head in the sand. My husband has worked second shift for the last 6 years. He's never been to any of his daughters school plays or performances, I have to take time off of work to take our daughters to the doctor or when they are sick because it's not an option for him. Even when I had surgery he couldn't take time off because it wasn't scheduled far enough ahead of time to take vacation. How many of you real men would be willing loose your job just to be at the birth of your child? As far as the great health benefits we supposedly have why are we shelling out close to $300 a month in insurance premuim and then paying out of pocket for things that aren't covered. Why not up the wages enough to make the insurance affordable? My husband is mandatoried so much overtime at work our 16 year old daughter's friends don't even know he exists. Try working 12 hour days 6 days a week for months and see what kind of a family life there is. Why do these guys have to be mandatoried all these hours they don't want to work? Why do they have to work in 100+ degree buildings? These guys aren't asking for huge wages, they're not asking for health insurance to be paid in full, they're asking to make the same wage they made 8 years ago and be able to save a marriage here and there and have a family life. Why aren't you union haters asking why the newspaper and the TV stations aren't telling the whole story? Do you think maybe they don't want the community to know what it's really like to work for IR Bobcat and the conditions they work in? Besides how do you think this is going to effect our economy now that we don't have a paycheck coming in. "

Cee wrote on Oct 8, 2006 11:38 PM:

" People making more than their worth? Bobcat should know about that, their top brass makes $8,000/hr. It makes me sad to see how selfish Americans have become, its always about me, never about your neighbors and their right to make a fair living and enjoy the American dream. Stand up and support your fellow citizens at Bobcat people! Corporations are not people, your neighbors are, stop being so damn mean-spirited, for the love of God, it makes me sick. "

Valerie wrote on Oct 8, 2006 11:34 PM:

" It is a brave act to strike in America as unions are losing power and being broken up by corporations, which have much more political influence. These workers made a serious decision when they decided to strike; they did so with consideration, knowing ultimately, their jobs could be in jeopardy. You don’t make decisions like that based on a few extra cents to buy the latest ipod or a new SUV. Decisions like that are made out of principal. Were our forefathers “greedy” because they protested against taxation without fair representation? Labor unions have gotten a bad reputation. This is perhaps due to bureaucracy within the labor movement, and more likely, due to the influence corporations have on our daily lives. These negative connotations shouldn’t be reflected on the movement as a whole, nor on the USW Local 566. As in any place of employment, these are for the most part good employees. Workers who support the community—buying groceries, taking their kids to school, and paying property taxes. They benefit the local economy. EVERYONE, non-unionized workers as well as unionized, benefits from employees being treated fairly and being paid a living wage. It’s a competitive market, right? And when one company treats employees well, others in the community should follow. There seem to be a lot of posts by those angered by the fact that a union member actually has the opportunity to strike. The average American worker IS paying too much in health insurance premiums? And guess what—the average American worker doesn’t have a vehicle, such as a union, to negotiate benefits and pay. Because of corporate influence on our lives (how many of your children can say McDonald’s before Grandma?) unions have become an anomaly. This is unfortunate considering the disparity between executive pay compared to average American worker’s wages. And who makes up the community? The majority of us do not claim CEO as our title. Don’t kill organized labor. It is perhaps the only medium available for workers to affect change. "

bestoffer wrote on Oct 8, 2006 11:31 PM:

" after turning down the contract we were told that the company was willing to deal. We made phonecalls and when they returned they were not willing to negotiate. We would have extended our contract for the times of renegotiating, but they wouldn't. And who cares how long it will take to gain back what we lost if it were 1, 2, or more weeks. We will get as much overtime we want as soon as this is resolved. IT HAPPENS EVERY CONTRACT!! "

wife of a bobcat employee wrote on Oct 8, 2006 11:30 PM:

" How long can this last? My husband's last job offered him a 24 cent raise. And that was one of the highest raises any one got. This was a large employer in town. That job was a joke. Bobcat has been a dream job. My husband is a very dependable person and a hard worker. The sad thing is the union has to back up the hard workers and the workers who hardly work. My husband goes to work does his job comes home and thats that. He doesn't live for his job. He does his job to have a better life. He didn't want to strike. He said there is nothing to strike for. I have worked the same job for many years with no benifits but thats my choice. For every job out there with health insurance yeah the price is going to go up. Thats just how it is. Not all employers can afford to cover the difference. Maybe Bobcat can. I don't know . But at 50 bucks a week compared to your hourly salary and all the time you guys are going to miss is it going to be worth what the company might give you? And now if the strike goes on too long my husband is thinking about taking out of his 401 k. Thats fine for now but what about the next contract? If that goes to a strike again and he takes out of his 401 k again his retirement will be dwindling fast. I just don't think in the long run the strike will help. "

Surprised? wrote on Oct 8, 2006 11:24 PM:

" To Hot Carlos, go back to Mexico - this is not a free trip up here for the rest of your family. To Billy Bob and to Everyone; if you reread the article on the "duty free' shipping center from a couple of weeks ago you may note that a Commissioner stated he was against the subsidizing because IR would be outsourcing more and is likely to move remaining operations overseas. A good friend of mine on a businees flight sat next to an Bobcat exec who told him that due to the IR take over "Bobcat is no longer the friendly little ND company is once was", and that he felt it was very likely that operations in ND would soon cease. Not only will it affect all the the BC employees (hourly and salaried) but IR may just be "taking" the City of Bismarck and taxpayers with it.......bet it is a strategic move and blamed entirely on the union.... Look at IR's track record internationally - this is how they do business. "

tothosewhowantourjobs wrote on Oct 8, 2006 11:21 PM:

" your jealouse of the money and what we get of bene's. your too ignorant to see the whole picture. Lots of people would quit but have been there 10, 20, and 30 or more years and chose to make a career out of, what was THEN a great job. If these people that are under 10 or even 5 years left till retirement wanted a new job, you tell me, WHO would want to hire these 55 year olds and older. I appreciat these the most out there helping the younger generation fight for there rights. I'm sure this is why only 54% voted to strike, they were close to being out of here, But I guarantee these guys will be there in the morning to fight for there needs and rights also. We all took an oath to help better this Union and all our Brothers and Sisters, this is not a time to stab each other in the backs!! We all need each other as much as we need you. It was great to hear Steve say in the meeting that he would not vote to pass the crap that IR Bobcat proposed on to us, AND OUR YOUNGER GENERATION!! "

to insider wrote on Oct 8, 2006 11:20 PM:

" 200 units were just sold that were supposedly "unsold". Oops! There goes some of that ready reserve. And your comment just proves that Bobcat has been messing with its employees to stockpile things and not have to give them a dime! "

All about economics wrote on Oct 8, 2006 11:19 PM:

" Good point Billy Bob. Don't think for a minute that IR won't outsource a lot more jobs to Czech. For every 2 USW employees here, IR can hire 10 laborers, or 5 engineers in Czech. It is all about the bottom line, and if the demands of the union are too high, you can bet that no one will have to worry about their salaries or healthcare. There simply won't be any jobs at Bobcat here, they will all be outsourced. I think everyone in the union is looking out for themselves, but so is this large corporation, they are not going to keep increasing the salaries here when they could be getting more for their dollar oversees. Please don't be ignorant, we want to keep these jobs here, our local economy depends on it. "

bis-mom wrote on Oct 8, 2006 11:17 PM:

" As for the outsourcing to Czechloslovakia - who do you think did that? It certainly wasn't the workers. It was IR Bobcat!! Don't expect public sympathy for that company, only for its employees. "

bis-mom wrote on Oct 8, 2006 11:15 PM:

" Billy Bob, there is no hate for the salaried. They'll be getting paid during this strike whether they get in the building or not. If Bobcat pulls out of Bismarck, blame BC, not the hard working employees looking for better treatment. And, to "get a life" - the community's perception and support has been overwhelmingly positive at the picket lines so far. As for Dennis Schneider, Bobcat Vp's comment that this was "the company's best offer" - what a load of bull. This was their ONLY OFFER. They certainly did not tell the union that they were willing to meet to resolve this - that comment was reserved for what they told the media to make themselves look good.The union was told to take it or leave it. "

To go usw: wrote on Oct 8, 2006 11:09 PM:

" I only have two words for you: Caps Lock..... "

RodM wrote on Oct 8, 2006 11:05 PM:

" I'm a federal employee, and boy would I love to have my health care paid fully. I get close to $200 a month taken out for health care, and I thought that was a pretty good deal. Nobody pays full health care. These guys have some good gripes, but the health care is a little off base. Perhaps they are asking for full benefits in order to get partial benefits once the negotiating is done. Anybody think of that?? "

Alley wrote on Oct 8, 2006 10:49 PM:

" Tell you BC/IR strikers what, you keep up with your striking and the company just might start bringing in foreign workers who will work for half of what you're all making and not care about what the CEO'S of the company are making. It's just a thought on my part, ND is a RIGHT TO WORK STATE YOU KNOW! You can be done on the turn of a dime! "

insider wrote on Oct 8, 2006 10:47 PM:

" Here's some info. During the last few months, sales have been WAY DOWN, and IR is welcoming this shut-down to build up orders. If the contract hadn't expired, the company probably would be forced into a temporary shut-down anyways. You guys in Bismark have been building unsold units in anticipation of this strike. IR can easily drag this out for a long time! Fight for what you can, but IR has more leverage this time than you might realize. "

stand up and be proud wrote on Oct 8, 2006 10:44 PM:

" KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK USW!!!!! FROM IDAHO "

sadmom wrote on Oct 8, 2006 10:40 PM:

" For all of you who think that IR can bring in a bunch of people to replace the workers, I have one question. Who is going to train all of these people? I wonder how many of the salary people know how to put these machines together and how well they can teach others to do so. "

A Question? wrote on Oct 8, 2006 10:37 PM:

" If a person is making $19.00 per hour and he goes on strike for two weeks, then the strike is settled and the worker receives a 5% pay raise, how long does he have to work to recover the losses from the strike? "

Billy Bob wrote on Oct 8, 2006 10:26 PM:

" Hey “bis-mom and bobcat wife”, why the hate for salaried employees? They don’t have a union to hide behind. If they don’t go to work, they’re out of a job, their families suffer. Salaried people don’t have the choice to not work. Another thing, look what happened to the 319, and 553. OUTSOURCED TO CZECK! What makes you think more models won’t be outsourced? I know they’d be happy to have your jobs overseas and they take more pride in their work. Maybe you should think about that before there are 1100 people all looking for jobs in this area. "

get a life wrote on Oct 8, 2006 10:15 PM:

" There is nothing you union people can say that will change the communities perception of this ill fated strike. GET A LIFE, IF NOT AT BOBCAT GO SOMEWHERE ELSE "

tothesalariedemployees wrote on Oct 8, 2006 10:03 PM:

" to the ones that made comments on its going to be great to get your hands dirty again, hows it going. Hope you guys get pushed as hard as we did. Don't forget quality. "

numbers wrote on Oct 8, 2006 10:01 PM:

" YES - 54% to strike - and that is only true because of the "new" union...the old union demanded a 2/3 majority - there would have NOT been a strike 4 years ago....if these people(union bloggers) continue this, there will not be a bobcat plant in bismarck.... "

Online Editor wrote on Oct 8, 2006 9:57 PM:

" To Rob: Your comments may be true, but because we can't easily verify them they could be libelous, therefore I cannot post them. "

union member wrote on Oct 8, 2006 9:55 PM:

" Tippy,you are right!! Sunday is a day of rest and for the lord. I guarantee there will be organized support come monday morning. ALL MEMBERS OF LOCAL 566 KEEP YOUR HEADS UP WE ALL DESERVE A PIECE OF THE PROFFITS!!!!!! "

uswunionworker wrote on Oct 8, 2006 9:49 PM:

" Our health care isn't the best and it's not the worst! Why do you think Ford is laying thousands and thousands of people off? It's because of healthcare people. Deal with it and move on and lets go back to work. Why is it that they have stacks and stacks of applications? Figure it out for yourself. "

bis-mom AND bobcat wife wrote on Oct 8, 2006 9:46 PM:

" I find it amusing that some of you (viewer, funny, by pass viewer) seem to be complaining that not ALL 800 employees are out there picketing 24 hours a day. Bobcat is a 24 hour operation, therefore the gates need to be manned at all times, and times split into shifts. However, I expect you will see huge support out there tomorrow morning if BC salaried employees think they're going to get through the lines and into the buildings. Keep 'em out USW! We know you're fighting for what's right. "

Dave wrote on Oct 8, 2006 9:44 PM:

" Is it true that only 54% voted to strike. I hope the number is higher than that. "

uswunionworker wrote on Oct 8, 2006 9:39 PM:

" I work at bobcat and we all know monkeys could do our jobs. I don't care if it's welding, running a lathe, or whatever it is in this plant but this strike is an absolute joke. Do you think that the guy and gals serving hot dogs at the Civic Center yesterday couldn't come and take our jobs? You know what brothers and sisters, they could in a heart beat! By the way, North Dakota is a right to work state. For those of my brothers and sisters that work here with a college education, go work in that field. Let's go back to work ASAP people, think about it. Whoever "funny" is, great comments!! Lets work!! "

Insider wrote on Oct 8, 2006 9:32 PM:

" Hey Union- keep up the fight for insurance I know a company employee who pays a premium of about $80 monthly for the same healthcare insurance thay you all pay $260 plus, and work at the Bismarck Plant. If you get 100% converage let the company employees know so they can ask for the same. If you don't settle, looks like the company employees may be looking for work soon too. "

Tippy wrote on Oct 8, 2006 9:26 PM:

" The way it sounds, is that there were not very many workers outside BC today. I say, thats GREAT, because this is Sunday, remember, the day of rest, for the LORD! A day to also be spent with FAMILY! If needed, I will stand out there with those men and women that are standing up against a big company like BC/IR. Dont think for one minute that the decision to strike was easy for any of them, because of the burdens that come with striking. This is not about greed this is about them standing up and fighting for not only their families, but also this community. There are other small/large companies in this town that need to take a stand too. If you disagree with what the employees are doing, turn your back then, its not your burden to carry anyways, and stop being cruel and heartless, like the company they work for. Those of you that are striking, Hang strong, through all things bad, good always comes. "

go usw wrote on Oct 8, 2006 9:17 PM:

" FOR ALL YOU NEGATIVE PEOPLE WHO HAVE MADE RUDE COMMENTS. IF IT IS NOT YOUR PROBLEM STAY OUT OF IT! I AM AMZAED HOW MANY PEOPLE THRIVE OFF OF THE NEGATIVITY GOING ON IN THIS COMPANY. IF YOU DON'T WORK THERE AND ARE NOT INVOLVED, HOW DOES IT CONCERN YOU? WORRY ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR OWN FAMILY. AND TO THOSE OF YOU WHO THINK MELROE IS SUCH A GREAT JOB---LOOKS LIKE THEY HAVE PLENTY OF OPENINGS NOW--SO GO APPLY. WIFE OF A EMPLOYEE. "

DB wrote on Oct 8, 2006 9:12 PM:

" Neil - You nailed it - there is plenty of greed going on. Do you realize the CEO of this company received an 8 million dollar bonus last year on top of his large salary. Is that greed or is he really worth that? "

to Neil wrote on Oct 8, 2006 9:11 PM:

" Why are you just calling the employees greedy? You don't think bobcat's refusal to bend and share their profits is due to greed????? "

upset wrote on Oct 8, 2006 9:03 PM:

" u people that havent been there wouldnt understand. ask yourself what your familly is worth or your health.ive been with ir bobcat a while i lost my marriage as well as seen other marriages lost due to the hours we are forced to work.also i have seen many co wo-workers sustain life time injuries do to the constant repetitive work we have to do with minimal time off. so why you people who think you know it all are at home with your families, we will slaving away to take smaller paychecks home every year. im proud to be a member of usw 566. lets stand our ground and let management try our jobs and see how it treats them.. "

its about time wrote on Oct 8, 2006 9:02 PM:

" For those of you who think Bobcat does not make money,go to Ir's web page and you will see that Bobcat has posted record profits 3 years in a row. Their operating expenses are down and sales are up. When I started out there 8 years ago I thought I had it made to. Good pay, good benes, After going backwards year after year I realized it is time to stand up to this corporate greed. If I lose my job so be it. I am tired of getting run over by IR "

also wrote on Oct 8, 2006 8:59 PM:

" We are also picketing 24 hrs. a day 7 days a week, on a voluntary basis. We are trying to split up this time between our brothers and sisters so they all don't have to be out there 24/7 "

greedyNOT wrote on Oct 8, 2006 8:58 PM:

" I refuse to let anyone who does not pay my bill's, raise my children, or love my family tell me what I'am worth to satisfy their illgotten short sited comments. I also refuse to crawl into a gutter and criticize or pretend to know what anyone is worth to their loved ones. My goal in life was to leave this earth better for those I leave behind. And if that means standing up for myself then let that be my decision not yours. Any time someone wants my advice they will let me know . I tell you not what to think do not try to tell me. Just try to understand that you are respected for those decisions that you made for your self.What I found so interesting is every trime I let my family guide my decisions they are the best decisions I have made. "

tofunnyanddave wrote on Oct 8, 2006 8:56 PM:

" Funny how long have you worked there. Have you been there long enough to work 6 days a week for three years. get unpaid time off on Contract years. And then back to it after the next contract. I think you are slandering your union brothers and sisters, and that is termination, nice to see you hide behind this column. Some of these people are burnt out physically, and mentally for the time and bull crap they put up with. And to Dave: Lots of these people chose to make this a CAREER when this job WAS GOOD. and yeah the pay is decent, but when you 20 or 30 years of work into a place don't you think you deserve a little respect, or are you some corporate person who would spit on your employees like this company has. "

Online Editor wrote on Oct 8, 2006 8:55 PM:

" To wife of third shifter: Thanks for reading. Editing comments is subjective. "

numbers wrote on Oct 8, 2006 8:44 PM:

" We have a set limit of people that can be at each entrance to the plant at the time, Drive completely around the plant, just not the main streets "

wife of third shifter wrote on Oct 8, 2006 8:43 PM:

" Online editor - you can't tell me that my post was any harsher than the people on this blog calling the union members "whiners", "greedy", "lazy", and myself "ignorant". You will post all of those degrading words, but mine speaking of the truth and honesty - you think is to harsh. Wow!! You must be friends with the other haters on this site. What a pity!! I gotta go - my husband has to go picket. There aren't many out there doing so now - but for those who are - great job and I hope you get to go back to work soon with a decent contract. For those in the union not picketing because "they don't agree" (we don't either, but you have to go with the majority) - you need to get off your duffs and go picket too. When you get a decent contract - you'd better thank those showing their "brotherhood" by picketing. Remember - there is strength in numbers. Out of 840 union members, there were 12 there tonight at 7:00 pm!!! Not the numbers needed!!! To 8675309 - you need to get a life!!!!!!!!!!! "

union member wrote on Oct 8, 2006 8:38 PM:

" It just amazes me what people post that don't know what they are talking about. As far as picketers drive by tommorrow you will see a ton more. Everything has to be organized first to see who pickets when. There will be union members there 24/7 until the company relizes what they need to do. Just visited the line at 26th street and all are very positive. They did say that 99 percent of the vehicles passing by support them 100 percent. Thanks for your support!! "

daughter of a union father wrote on Oct 8, 2006 8:35 PM:

" My dad has worked as a union coal miner and I have seen how important the union was for his family. I do feel that a union is always looking for the best for the workers and their families. The company seems to see money for there pockets. I do agree with many people that bobcats salaries are great paying but when you have to pay out so much for health insurance it makes the take home much less. I just want to say good luck to all the strikers and their families. It was a big decision but a right one!!! "

Concerned for Bobcat families wrote on Oct 8, 2006 8:35 PM:

" I know a family that both parents work for Bobcat and they have two children ages 12 and 4. The 12 year old sees his mom about 15 minutes a day. His stepdad, probably 2 hours. The 4 year old sees his mom 4 hours a day, and his dad, maybe 2 hours a day. This happens six days a week. Mom has been to one of the 12 year old's football games, one of his baseball games, and one or two of his basketball games. They have missed countless weddings, funerals, and family get-togethers. This is pathetic! And what's even sicker is that Bobcat has some of these people believing that they are doing them such a favor! I'd like to see a study done within Bobcat as to the rate of divorce. Do the people at the top have to give this much for what they get paid? I am betting not! As far as I am concerned, you (Bobcat) cant ever pay your employees enough for the family life you have taken from them. Shame on you! "

Another former employee wrote on Oct 8, 2006 8:33 PM:

" I worked at this plant for 8 years and I know the conditions these employees are talking about. It's not all about money. I support them 100%. Go USW!! "

Dave wrote on Oct 8, 2006 8:29 PM:

" It still amazes me that we have Bobcat employees (or wives) complaining of the working conditions. If they are so bad, QUIT. They won't quit though because it's not that bad and they won't be able to find any jobs that pay comparable wages. I'd bet my non-union paycheck that nobody is being forced to work at Bobcat. "

ND Conservative wrote on Oct 8, 2006 8:22 PM:

" Let me see if i've got the jest of all these comments. It all comes down to a couple of viewpoints in North Dakota. One viewpoint is "Bravo, let the strike go on." The other viewpoint is "You should go back to work without union representation because I am stuck in a non-union job without benefits or a decent paycheck." It seems to me that instead of becoming jealous of the union employees (Jealousy, Republicans, is one of the seven evil servants) we should all join or begin unions. If EVERYONE demanded a living wage NO ONE would be making less than one. "

funny wrote on Oct 8, 2006 8:16 PM:

" Hey Steve, how many people have not been showing up to picket? "

negotiations wrote on Oct 8, 2006 8:10 PM:

" Ok, MAYBE, Steve may have said we want all of the health ins. paid for. Have any of you guys done this before, that may have been what he said and when you negotiate, you usually lose a little ground or meet in the middle or something or other. Maybe he did say it and maybe the reporter misinterpretted what he said. I'm anxious to see what the company will do. It was cold and windy last night and I'm sure most didn't want to be there but I respect anyone who will stand up and fight for what they believe in. "

UnionSupporter wrote on Oct 8, 2006 8:06 PM:

" I think that company's need to start taking more pride and responsibilty for there employees. Healthcare is very important and is a very good thing for the the union to fight for. Company's now days take there employee's for granted to much and treat them like they are a dime a dozen!! I wish the Bobcat employees the best of luck and hope that there hard work pays off. "

Neil wrote on Oct 8, 2006 8:04 PM:

" I am in th epocess of buying a new skid steer loader. I will now buy a Case instead of a Bobcat. It is union greed that is all that it is, If you don't like it there quit and try to get another job with the pay and benifits you get. It won't happen. I will buy a different brand and maybe they can just lay a couple of you selfish people off. Be happy or move on. You make a great machine but don't let greed stand in the way of reason. "

Hot Carl wrote on Oct 8, 2006 8:03 PM:

" They should start bussing in replacements from Mexico. That way, everyone is happy. "

veiwer wrote on Oct 8, 2006 7:58 PM:

" went pass the BC plant i noticed there were not too many workers carrying picket signs. If you are looking for my support, i think you have to show more support for yourselves. Lets get all 800 workers carrying signs and make a strong statement "

USW Member wrote on Oct 8, 2006 7:50 PM:

" For all of you "tough guys" who can sit here and slam us and know absolutely nothing about how it works @ Bobcat. I have worked there 10 years and if you want to have a schooling on reality come to the picket line and talk your talk! "

funny wrote on Oct 8, 2006 7:31 PM:

" I work at bobcat and trust me over half of "my brothers" are being paid ten times more than what they are worth! Seriosly would any of you have a problem with making $20/hour to stand around, drink coffee and talk to your buddies? Even if its six days a week! "

sister of 2nd shift worker wrote on Oct 8, 2006 7:31 PM:

" I'm proud of all of you! I always honk for union strikers whether I know them or not. The union struggle has improved wages and benefits for all employees -- although many choose to forget that fact. "

union enployee wrote on Oct 8, 2006 7:27 PM:

" our wages should be based on what we do. the amount employees make should be reflect on the company, ergonomics, safety, and skill. if you make 12 or 14 an hour, why don't you make stand. The reason that low paying jobs exist is because people are willing to work for that amount if everything was a union then corporate america would not be able push the worker to the ground andkeep them their "

FUNNY wrote on Oct 8, 2006 7:25 PM:

" Dont u think its funny that they keep saying the majority of the union wanted this, but I dint see anywhere it said 54% majority! "

by pass viewer wrote on Oct 8, 2006 7:22 PM:

" I as a by passer went to see how much support is out there supporting this strike. I could not believe that out of 1100 empoloyees you can only get about 15 employees to carry a picket signs. We as the public are to help support this when you yourselves cant stick together. Or is this because you are not getting paid the $18 to hold the picket sign. I think alot of you have WORK to do. So get out there if you want other support. "

Another former employee wrote on Oct 8, 2006 7:16 PM:

" I worked at this plant for 8 years and I totally understand the conditions the employees are talking about. I'm behind them 100%. Go USW!! "

DB wrote on Oct 8, 2006 7:02 PM:

" Dave you feel sorry for management - why don't you ask the managers what kind of salary they are receiving and what benefits they are getting. All of these people are employed by the same company. They should all be getting the same benefits. Oh and by the way - if IR Bobcat would pull out of Bismarck it wouldn't just be the union people losing their jobs, the whole community would suffer. I too wish the Tribune would do a better job of reporting, there is a story to be told here, the people of Bismarck would be surprised at what is going on. These men and women are finally standing up to the company. They just want to be treated fairly. How many of you readers can never call in sick at your job? How many of you get disciplined if you go to the doctor? To a funeral of a good friend? These people can not take 1 hour of vacation to attend a concert of their child's, they have to use a whole day of vacation. I am appalled by the lack of support for these people. Bismarck you need to wake up and support this union. "

totheunionbrothersandsisters wrote on Oct 8, 2006 6:56 PM:

" Unions are broke by SCABS, for you young guys that just got there and burried yourselfs in the bank, it is not the end of the world, for what the company offered us, you might eventually lose it in the long run. It is way easier to let it go now, than hang on and bury yourself more. I know from experience. Times will be tough, and we will go backwards, but in the end it will be better. To all of the my Union Bros. and Sis' that are very close to retirement, i appreciate you fighting with us, I know this will probobly hurt you guys the most. To the scabs if they show up, and bust this union, especially those who are our brothers and sisters now, will you be able to look us in the eye when you lose the beni's and wages we have worked for when we lose them. Some people didn't want this, but all we are left to do is hang in for the long haul. All I have left to say is the F word, FIGHT "

union member wrote on Oct 8, 2006 6:56 PM:

" Gee, do you work at bobcat? Of course you don't but you sure seem to think you know how everything runs out at bobcat. I can tell you this we have been stepped on ever since IR took over,we are finally standing up for ourselves and our families. If you haven't worked out there don't ASSUME you know how it is. We have been beaten down long enough and know they will realize how important we really are. It will be funny come monday when they try to run the place without us. After the first two hours they will realize what it feels like to walk in our shoes. "

just think wrote on Oct 8, 2006 6:53 PM:

" If no one eles will tell what was offered I'll start. 4 yr contract with 3% raise every year. this is just the beginning. "

bobcat worker14 wrote on Oct 8, 2006 6:51 PM:

" Go Union!!! I have been at Bobcat for over 14 years and have seen poor working conditions and yes you think we make good money but with minimal cost of living raise(Barely 2%) and the cost of insurance going up we are actually making less money than a couple of years ago. If not for the union these jobs would probably barely top out at $9/hr. As for people not having a higher education you need to retract that. Many people do have higher education degrees. As for profits, it is amazing how they can go from record breaking profits that they brag about at the QCI banquets to now going broke and no sales. Guess what it, is a contract year so now is the time to mess with everyone. Go UNION!!! "

nounion wrote on Oct 8, 2006 6:49 PM:

" The union workers were working mandatory six days because they were not meeting the required build numbers. I do not know how you can build 45 machines a day when some union workers are taking 5-25 minutes over their allowed time per break and standing in line to leave sometimes 20-30 minutes before the shift ends. There are definitely some hard workers on the floor at Bobcat but there are the select few that ruin it for everyone and these are the ones demanding more. "

daughter of a union father wrote on Oct 8, 2006 6:43 PM:

" I have lived my life with a coal mining father. It is so important not to have a company run your life. They look at dollar signs and themselves not what is good for the workers and there families. Good luck to all of you standing up for yourselves and going on strike. Its a big step for all of you. "

Ralphie wrote on Oct 8, 2006 6:42 PM:

" sounds like the working conditions are deplorable.... IR should probably help the union employees out by black listing them and firing them. Then hire a whole new slate of workers... then the union members will be able to regain their health and mend their marriages... just an idea.... "

Time to be Informed wrote on Oct 8, 2006 6:41 PM:

" Where do you suppose all of the benefits, safety on the job, and wages that all people receive come from. It is through the blood sweat and tears of labor unions throughout the history of this great country. Some of you need a history lesson. Going to work at seven didn't mean seven in the morning. It meant at age seven. Because of organized labor this practice was stopped. Labor unions efforts set minimum age requirements and helped to get minimum wage standards, even though these are now below the cost of living. This has happened because loss of the organized labor members strength. As far as safety on the job, in 1970 through the efforts of organized labor the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Act) was enacted by the US Government. I could go on and on, but you need to do some of this research for yourself. Remember education is the key to knowledge. To close the increased wages and benefits in all jobs in this country helps each and every one of us. Corporate greed is taking its toll on this country. They are only interested in shareholder profits and lining their own with millions and millions of dollars. We are not raising the standard of a middle class anymore, because the big corporations are finding ways to take your wages and my wages to the level of the third world countries. Do some research and find out for yourself. GO USW "

Wife of USW wrote on Oct 8, 2006 6:36 PM:

" People may not agree with the strike, however, they have to respect that these workers stood up for their rights and beliefs. At least through the union they have a say as to what goes on at their place of employment. Try working for the only Magnet hospital in ND, where these employees rights and "benefits" are taken away with a simple memo. They get no warning and no way to fight to get these bene's back. Bravo to the USW for fighting to have a voice that many others don't get to have without fear of retaliation! "

1 of the strikers wrote on Oct 8, 2006 6:22 PM:

" I need to make one comment If you do not work there and dont like what were doing Please let it be our problem!! All of you that suport us This is a big Thank you!! To all my brothers and sisters LETS take this all the way Thank you "

to Rob on 2nd shift wrote on Oct 8, 2006 6:19 PM:

" If this is all true, which is hard to believe, why hasn't OSHA been called? These statements of yours are OSHA violations. If you are standing up for yourself then take this step to make your job area safer. I think the saying is: nobody is more important to your safety than yourself. "

Melissa (Concerned citizen) wrote on Oct 8, 2006 6:16 PM:

" I understand that Bobcat employees do make a descent salary, but in turn they pay out of their butts for health insurance. They also do not get any sick leave days. If they call in sick they get written up for it? That is absolutely pathetic. In the summer the temperature in the plant can reach up to 100 degrees. Everyone out there who is saying negative things about the strike, how would you like to work in a 100 degree factory everyday, plus Saturdays and Sundays. If I was in that situation I would strike too, and so would most of you out there. Good for them for standing up for what is right. You would too if you were in that situation. Most of these people have families and they are doing this to better their families. You would to. I think that the big cheeses at Bobcat are ignorant. They don't have a clue when it comes to their employees. I like the fact that they have record profits, and the CEO got an 8 million dollar bonus, but they can't pay more of their worker's health insurance. Does this make sense to anyone??? It reminds me of the gas prices. It is just so the big cheeses can make more money, and have record profits. Back off everyone, they are just trying to make a better life for themselves. They only had one option, take what the company wanted or go home. Well they decided to go home. Good for them. "

8675309 wrote on Oct 8, 2006 6:04 PM:

" So, you're saying that both television stations and the Tribune misquoted the union rep and he didn't say that you're asking to have all the benefits paid for? I am sure they have it all on tape somewhere and if he didn't say it then they should issue a correction. Odd that 3 reporters would get it wrong and all would get that one fact wrong isn't it? I'm not saying that you are asking for all benefits paid. But if your union rep said that then he is misrepresenting you all and making you look really bad! "

To 8675309 wrote on Oct 8, 2006 5:55 PM:

" Thank you for being the voice of reason! "

lied to wrote on Oct 8, 2006 5:52 PM:

" Before the press release of the Northern plains commerce center the union leadership was told by the VP of Bobcat human resources in Fargo that these jobs would be good paying union jobs, the individuals would be covered under our contract. That means you menlo workers would be a part of us with the same wages and benifits. I should know I WAS THERE! Bobcat' reaction when we asked about this promise They got rid of the VP therefor no more promise "

Spouse # ? of third shifter. wrote on Oct 8, 2006 5:43 PM:

" My spouse is now on restrictions - cannot work more than 40 hours per week. Doctor says must quit. Plans on it after helping union bros & sisters get best contract possible. Dave, lets see you work a machine that the company sets up for robots and then does not get the robots. Even with (medical) weight restrictions this operator lifts x pounds average per part times the number of parts handled per shift times lets say 1900 hours per year with a GENEROUS 5 weeks of vaction. The part weights vary but the average is 7000 pounds per shift or just under 1.6 MILLION pounds of parts in a year. This person is less than 50 years old and has worked there less than 20 years and has been told to quit quit by the family physican. The folks that are mandatoried are lifting much more. By the way the Healthcare costs are so high because A.) 30% of the people at MC1 phsical therapy and rehab were BC employees when my spouse has been there and B). If you stay home because you are running a fever (you don't want to give it to co workers), but really do not need Dr. care you MUST go to the Dr. to get a slip to satisfy BC. Send your kids there to work and feel good about it Dave!! Go Union and Bismarck and Mandan workers - remember - this helps the local economy as a whole....... "

gee wrote on Oct 8, 2006 5:34 PM:

" This place sounds like a reck. All of you bobcat workers make it sound like you have it sooo hard. I know a few bobcat workers and they think they are the best from the rest and they make all the cash. Well look what you're making now. Maybe if you would just appreciate what they offer you, this wouldn't have happened and you wouldn't be standing on the street holding a sign for sympathy. So I recommend just getting your butts back to work. You don't have it as bad as you all are making it sound. "

torivalcompanies wrote on Oct 8, 2006 5:34 PM:

" I think it was Cat or Case that brougt us goods last night to those of us on the picket line. We will not go down with out a fight, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If the Union gives in I don't think I'll go back, the bank can take everything back for all I care, I grew up poor, and I guarantee I was happier then than I am now. I would like to move out of state with some of my family, but cost of living where I want to go is too much, and there wages are the same there as it is here. For those of you that are looking to get out or if the worse comes of this, www.careerbuilder.com is a great place to look "

Al Gee wrote on Oct 8, 2006 5:32 PM:

" Man, this is gonna be rough on one of my friends. This company is all he ever talks about. Now how is he going to be able to tell everyone how many 80 hour weeks he puts in when he's slothing around his apartment? "

bis-mom wrote on Oct 8, 2006 5:25 PM:

" I do have some sympathy for the bobcat employees who do not want to be on strike right now. I know how hard it is to go without a paycheck. We still have to pay all of our expenses while my husband is on strike too: mortgage, utilities, groceries, child support, etc..... However, sometime sacrifices need to made in order to move ahead in the world. Majority rules, and the majority voted to strike. I don't want to live in a society under the rule of Bush, but, unfortunately majority ruled and I'm stuck with him for another 2 years. Do you really want to just roll over for Bobcat, and keep taking the abuse you have been suffering for years? Do you want to keep going backward, while the company you work for is simply unwilling to share the profits. Remember the comment made by bobcat management, when asked a couple months back why profit sharing has not been initiated yet as promised, that "things happen".... ie: we changed our mind. And, this couldn't really have come as a shock to any of you. Contracts have been all the talk out there for months. I support the union 100% and hope they hold the picket line strong tomorrow and not let anyone through to work. I also pray that it does not get physical and violent, on either side, because no one wins in a situation like that. I have to ask one thing of the employees who would like to cross the line and work: After all these guys sacrifice themselves, their time, their livelihood, and possibly make some advances in their negotiations to earn a better contract, should you be entitled to all those benefits that OTHERS fought so hard for? No, you shouldn't - BUT, you will be. THAT'S the good that the union does! "

union member wrote on Oct 8, 2006 5:25 PM:

" This goes out to all the union brothers and sisters and our exteded union families on this forum. Don't let the ignorant posters and their comments on this forum bring you down,it's time to stand up to big company greed!!!! We are now all in this together and that includes businesses in bismarck and mandan because you will all feel the effects of this strike hopefully the company will realize what they are doing and share some of the wealth. As of right now I don't know how some of the company people sleep at night. Just remember big boys judgement day is nearing! "

nonskilledjobs?? wrote on Oct 8, 2006 5:21 PM:

" Fine place to work?? We had problems getting VR's to work in here the last few years. And yes there are some bad apples that don't pull their weight, I would say most jobs have a few, we have 800 hourly employees, I think we'd have some, not everyone stands around all day. When you get treated like a dog for years, we'd like to get a bone with a little meat left on it. For those of you that think most jobs are unskilled, I would love to see you go in there an try to weld some of the things that are welded, and run a lathe, saw, robotic welder, laser, or anything else that we have. For the statements by Steve C, I haven't seen them, but don't things get misinterpreted in the times of battle, Do you think he and the rest of the Union are a little stressed and you might slip up. I think the Union deserves a public statement, whether it be on the news or another article, or stated on here. That way all facts are brought forth "

Tippy wrote on Oct 8, 2006 5:18 PM:

" Editor: you made note of a bloggers harsh words, (not the profanity one). I'm glad the posts get looked at before actually listing them, however, I must say, there are many that got listed that are not only harsh, but very degrading to the workers, who are also a part of this community. There is no reason for anyone to add a post with name-calling and belittling. You can choose to agree or disagree with whats at hand here, but, hey, lets be civil, not a community that turns against each other. "

VR wrote on Oct 8, 2006 5:14 PM:

" In regards to Bis moms response on the BULL. Hey the Industrial Revolution is over its 2006, we have enough federal laws, state laws and OSHA regulations to protect the workers rights and safety. Yes there was a time and place for unions and they are somewhat responsable for what we have today, but that time is gone. Take a look at recent history no one wins from a strike anymore! "

IRespect union workers wrote on Oct 8, 2006 5:12 PM:

" As a past employee of the Gwinner plant, I just want to say that these workers are doing the right thing. If IR is not willing to negotiate at all with the Union that just shows how money hungry these corporate people are. All they care about is number 1. They dont realize that there are people and families at stake here. Granted the union worker does get payed more than an average Joe, but they also have to put up with alot more than one thinks. Working six days a week dose not help the situation out at all. How is one to have a life yet a family while working six days a week. And for those who are going to say thats the choice they made well you are right, but you try it your self. The fact is the Union is not asking for much, its IR Bobcat that is not willing to budge. That just shows you the respect that IR Bobcat has for there employees. Stay strong Brothers and Sisters, and just know that there are people here supporting you throught this time. GO USW!!! "

Rob on 2nd shift wrote on Oct 8, 2006 5:00 PM:

" --Mandatory 6th day of work for months on end doing physical work --Being told that my doctors note has been rejected by the company. People have been disciplined for "taking to many days off" (sick). --Being in a loud enviroment (90 db+) and losing your hearing because ideas that you have talked to managers about are not taken seriously. I am 28 and have the hearing of a 44 years old. This happened over the years of employment with Bobcat even though I wear ear plugs every day. --Working around chemicals that give you skin rashes (lathe coolant, die forming oil), oil that burns off when it is welded on and makes the air smokey. The company is suppose to have exhaust fans for this. --Working an offshift for 10+years, this gets hard on family life, and alot of people get divorced because of it. --Safety problems that are not addressed until somebody gets hurt. --No respect for quality work. --Being told by the top company management every year that they are making record profits ( I have had no less than 5 meetings like this in the last 4 years). I seriously could go on and on but I won't. If you haven't worked on the floor of Bobcat then you have no idea what it is like. "

Rob on 2nd shift wrote on Oct 8, 2006 4:58 PM:

" Some days I wish that I would have never even applied. For those of you that are going to post If it is so bad why don't I quit, I AM. I am following a couple of job leads. For those of you that would like to know I am college educated. I am considered the hard working youth that this great state is looking to retain. I have a wife and a son, and my house is valued under 115k. So much for my mansion! I don't believe that life in general is easy for anyone anymore. I think that we ALL go backwards. Unions are for bringing people up, not down. We don't want to see anybody taken advantage of. I am a firm believer in bringing your people with you, using them to their full potential. That just doesn't happen here. "

SAD wrote on Oct 8, 2006 4:56 PM:

" It's so easy to condemn and call these Bobcat employees names for standing up for what they believe in. Don't all of you do the same--they are not whining, but trying to make this a better world for their families--don't the rest of you do the same for your loved ones? Not all people have fancy cars and homes, but live reasonably. Also, I know many of the people that work at Bobcat and they HAVE GOOD EDUCATIONS AND COLLEGE DEGREES--but guess what--this state doesn't have jobs for these degrees that pay! Before you condemn, remember that you have not 'walked in their shoes, worked their jobs'. I've not heard comments saying they don't like their jobs, either. And to all of us condemning and calling names--wouldn't you want their support if you were in the same position? I am proud of these people for standing up for what they believe in--isn't that what our country is about? "

waiges wrote on Oct 8, 2006 4:54 PM:

" To those who would love the wages. When you put in an application, put on it, willing to be a vr. That is what gets a lot of people hired. It is temp work that gets you hired, the mines do the same thing. Those of you that hope the union breaks and want the job. GO FOR IT, I guarantee they will be under $15/hr job with way less beni's, It was the UNION fighting for these wages and beni's in the past that got them this far. I think the USW spokeman needs to get on here and make an official statement or the Tribune to do an article with him or the Union Committee to see the WHOLE PICTURE. as for now GO USW "

to wife of third shifter wrote on Oct 8, 2006 4:51 PM:

" Wow are you ignorant. You would think that your family is the only one that goes through this. Many others do the same for less wage. Many people would jump at the opportunity to take those jobs at current wages and benefits. The decision to leave ND is not a 5 minute decision as stated below, but it may have been a decision to be made if the best offer was not taken. I hope they don't leave and just replace the whiners. If there are union members that perform substandard they need to go. I've seen it before. "

SHAME ON USW LEADERSHIP wrote on Oct 8, 2006 4:51 PM:

" Why does it seem there is no public support for the union. Another thing to consider is why has the union taken such a defensive posture. "

Toallof the UnionBros&Sis's wrote on Oct 8, 2006 4:49 PM:

" thanks for all the support. Yes it is a choice to work here. Some of the people have been working here 10, 20, and even 30 and more years!! These are the people that it hurts the most. These people buy houses and vehicles and settler their families in these parts and patronize this very local businesses. Over a few years of losing money it makes it very hard to pay for these things. Some of the workers are going to college to get away from this company, and I support every single one of them that do, and I hope it is soon so they don't have to sacrifice their family's lives anymore. I work there and and in the last year 4 guys that work within 50 feet of me have been divorced. I have been looking for a decent job outside of North Dakota for about a year now, I wanted to wait out contract to see if it will get better, but obviously not, I support the strike and I will be there to fight with my UNION BROTHERS AND SISTERS!!!! "

Chomper wrote on Oct 8, 2006 4:39 PM:

" I've been an employee of Bobcat and Union member since 1997. Initially I didn't have an opinion of the union good or bad. However after following at least arbitrations on wrongful terminations,and wrongful time off disciplines and seeing how the UNION righted these wrongs by getting these people their lost wages and jobs back,a sense of pride started building. WE negotiated a contract in good faith in 2002. In the duration of that contract the company changed many policies and procedures,such as allowing me an excused abscence to see my doctor or accompany my wife or sick child to the doctor. Another change was not allowing an excused absence to attend the funeral for extended family or close friends even pallbears are unexcused,we are told to use vacation time. After 6 enexcused absences an employee enters the discipline process or better known termination process. Keep in mind 3 days of the flu is unexcused if your doctor doesn't prescribe a medication for this virus, not very fair is it? I Like my job I just want some respect. "

wife of bobcat worker wrote on Oct 8, 2006 4:32 PM:

" Will you people wake up and look and listen to what the employees of this company are saying? Not what the misimformed media or some other hoity toity "so-called skilled" know it all says. The whole issue is NOT about the health care. It is about being taken advantage of. These guys work hard and mostly 6 and 7 days a week. And the harder they work, the more the company asks for. But, do the employees get anything more? Yeah, higher insurance premiums and more taken out of their check because of the "company costs". You think that all Bobcat workers do is pad their pockets? WRONG!! Bobcat thinks that these guys are too desperate and will just sit back and take anything. Well, guess what! The jig is up. The people here in North Dakota are hard workers and are now finally demanding the respect that they deserve. Rising costs keep getting thrown back in our faces, well, what about our rising costs? Don't you think that our bills go up just like all the rest? This issue is not just for Bobcat workers. It is an issue that needs to be addressed by all North Dakotans that work in factories across the state. Stand up for yourselves. Demand the respect that you deserve. Just because we are a smaller state in numbers doesn't mean we have to be a smaller state in wages and benefits. PLEASE SUPPORT USW Thank You "

Wife of an IR Bobcat employee from Gwinner, ND wrote on Oct 8, 2006 4:15 PM:

" My husband has worked for IR Bobcat in Gwinner, ND for 3 years. Yes, it is one of the better paying jobs in ND but unless you have ever worked for the company you have NO idea how the employees are treated. I have family and friends that work at the Bismarck plant and my husband works for the Gwinner plant. Ever since my husband has worked in Gwinner he has had to work manditory overtime. What happened to the labor laws protecting employees from being forced to work more than 40 hours a week! Also, the health benefits aren't as great as everyone thinks they are. We pay around $254 a month for our BCBS and everytime we turn around it seems it's going up!!! In the last 3 years that my husband has work for IR Bobcat I believe our health insurance as increased aleast 3 or 4 times. At lease when Melroe owed the company they cared about their employees and their families. Now that it is IR Bobcat they could care less about their employees that work in the plant. My hats off the the union workers at the Bismarck plant for taking a stand and fighting for what's right. The Gwinner plants contract is up the first part of December and I'm sure we will be in the same boat. By the way, I'm not sure if it was mentioned but the Gwinner and Bismarck plants are IR Bobcats only plants that have made them any profits!!!! "

usw rules wrote on Oct 8, 2006 4:09 PM:

" Dave,aren't you late for your shift a scotty's? You obviously don't work at bobcat by your statements you made! All we are looking for is better health care and a small piece of the huge profits that IR makes every quarter. Just because you don't want a better life and have goals like the members of local 566 doesn't mean we don't!! "

sadmom wrote on Oct 8, 2006 4:05 PM:

" I am not quite sure why there are so many very angry people on the board. I understand that it is a heated topic, but some people are downright cruel. I think it is important to remember that the "fat" paycheck that employees at IR Bobcat are receiving is due to the Union. Do you really think that if they decide to hire other people and break up the union they will continue to make $14+ an hour? Get it straight, the reason Bobcat has good pay with "decent" benefits is because the workers have fought for fair wages. Employees do not just strike because they think it is an easy way to get money. It has to be pretty bad for the majority of 800 people to say they will go without a paycheck unless they can come to a compromise. This is not easy on them and public support is very important. Those of you who think $14/hour is a lot of money should maybe get a backbone yourself and do something about it. Look at other countries who pay their workers 60 cents an hour because they don't band together and demand better treatment. Don't expect the government to take care of you with a minimum wage of $5 an hour. Support these guys and gals who are doing what they believe in. "

former employee wrote on Oct 8, 2006 4:02 PM:

" to unknown, do you know how to run robotics? Or maybye you are a whiz at running a cnc lathe or milling machine they have college programs that focus on welding, cnc operating (are you lost yet?) and many others that focus on this type of work and many people including myself have attended these college programs. Where did you get your GED from? And I have spent a lot of money on my education and so have many others that needed a good education to get hired on , people are very deserving on what they are asking for. GO USW "

Dave wrote on Oct 8, 2006 4:01 PM:

" I also feel sorry for management. I can't imagine having to work with such ignorant and whiny employees. "

Dave wrote on Oct 8, 2006 4:00 PM:

" What a bunch of whiners. This is another example of why unions are completely out of touch with reality. The beauty of America is that nobody is forced to work anywhere. If you don't like it at Bobcat, LEAVE. It's that simple. Quit your whining and get back to work. "

union member wrote on Oct 8, 2006 3:57 PM:

" Fact driven, I couldn't have said it better myself. Thanks for your insight!! "

union member wrote on Oct 8, 2006 3:54 PM:

" wow,you are obviously another ignorant outsider trying to think you know something about what is going on,guess what you don't!! I will say it one more tme(for the slow learners on this forum) we are not looking for IR to pay 100 percent of our insurance but to just do better than they are doing now. Just came from the lines and there has been no negative actions today all positve. Thanks for the support!!! "

bobcat employee wrote on Oct 8, 2006 3:42 PM:

" Until the public is fully aware of the issues at hand and have been educated correctly they should not respond with such ill words against these workers. These workers were not asking for 100% paid health insurance which they currently don't have--they were asking to not have to pay additional out of pocket expenses for the health care benefits. These people that are being called "greedy" have contributed to this community in many ways including economically such as buying their "fancy" vehicles from perhaps your business or you as an employee, building their homes with local suppliers and workers who may be from your family, etc., Now that Bobcat employees are standing behind their union to maintain their wages and benefits that can continue to support themselves and your community, is it fair to criticize and call these individuals ill educated and greedy? Support USW! "

Online Editor wrote on Oct 8, 2006 3:37 PM:

" To wife of night-shifter: We do not post attack on others. Your post had good stuff, but the tone was very harsh. "

Fact Driven wrote on Oct 8, 2006 3:34 PM:

" I would like to thank all the people that write comments that actually take the time to get their facts straight before spouting off. As for the others who think you know what is going on, please try to do a little research first. I am not in the union but know many people at Bobcat. As for lazy -NOT- For the person called drop the union. You want the union to be dropped so the companies can pay whatever they want such as alot of 9.00 hour jobs we have already? Maybe your daughter or son can work for them someday. Hopefully not mine. That is why I am glad the union is doing what they are doing. You know. Fighting for yours and my kids future. These people are losing wages they could have laid down and said fine - we will take what you give us and let our children deal with it. But they did not. Yeah!! for them. As for a $8,000,000.00 bonus. Those of you who think somebody actually deserves that, I dont care how much college, butt kissing, or running over people you do to get that you do not deserve that kind of a bonus. Divide that up amongst the homeless and people less fortunate. Maybe make a whole bunch of people a little happier instead of one person alot happier. That to my understanding was just a bonus. "

wife of third shifter wrote on Oct 8, 2006 3:30 PM:

" Also - you negative, hatred people need to realize that no matter what the education level - everyone has value. My husband does make a great wage, but he works his butt off for it. Countless 12 hour mandatory shifts, countless mandatory Saturdays, and countless times having his girls cry because he is never home due to work. Yes, he does have the choice to work somewhere else - but those of you criticizing him and the others - you can change your position in life as well by going somewhere else. North Dakota is an awesome place to live and we wouldn't trade it, but all of the people on this site making such horrible comments about "ALL" of the Bobcat employees, do some soul searching and quit generalizing against them all - stand in judgement if you will, but you will meet your maker some day and be judged!!! "

wow wrote on Oct 8, 2006 3:28 PM:

" 8675309, thanks for the links to KXNET.com. Also check out KFYR.com for the replay. I will give the union this, their rep didn't say they wanted 100% of the healthcare paid. However, he pointed out a fact that NON union people have known for the last 10 years!!! I'll let you in on a little secret, "HEALTH CARE COSTS ARE RISING!!!" As union empolyees you have been insulated from this for quite some time. Finally, I read a lot of comments about "We are not asking for 100% of healthcare beni's to be paid". So, you are telling me that KX, KFYR AND the Bismarck Tribune got it wrong?!?!?!? Maybe next time you should be a little more careful who you chose for your represenitive. "

unknown wrote on Oct 8, 2006 3:09 PM:

" does the usw realy think it will be that hand to replace them? very few of the jobs at that plant are skilled labor jobs. they could easily replace those over payed whiners with people willing to work harder and a lower wage. maybe if some of the people that work there worked harder and whined less ir would be more willing to give them a better offer. the bad part is not all usw wanted to go on strike. some of them can see how good thier jobs are but they still have to strike or cross the line. maybe a week or two of not getting that fat paycheck and some will see the light and cross the line. "

former employee wrote on Oct 8, 2006 3:07 PM:

" I have seen what IR is capable of, the first thing that makes a person want to work there is of course the wages but that is by far the only thing it has going for them. This company will put on a good show for the community, just to turn around and stick it to the little guy. The company is a prime example of corporate america. Do not support this company during this strike people who are on the outside do not know what IR is capable of. Go USW even though I am not a brother anymore I still support eveything you guys are fighting for. "

Bobcat employee Gwinner wrote on Oct 8, 2006 3:04 PM:

" You guys in Bismarck know the whole story, you know why you are on strike, you know how IR works, don't worry about the negative people that don't work there and don't have a clue what it is like to work for this company. Stand up for what is right. IF IR is going to move this company out of North Dakota because of us going on strike, "Guess what, they were going to do it anyway" That is not a 5 minute decision. How many of you non supporters know that right after 911 at the same time IR sent some red, white, and blue bobcats to NYC "Which was a nice thing to do" they were moving there headquarters out of the USA so they would no longer be an American company, therefore they do not have to pay taxes. Twice a year they set us down and show us charts about how many billions of dollars they are making, we work 6 days a week until a few months before contract time because we are told the customer is waiting for there machines, then a few months before contract time they lay us off and tell us the economy is bad and the demand isn't there anymore. Every contract year it is just like you turn a switch off on the economy the way they sound. Before you brag up this company, cut us down and call us greedy, get your facts straight, and remember there is a reason why union jobs generally pay more then other jobs, if wasen't for people comming together and standing up to these companies for what is right we would be at $5.00 an hour with no health care. "

to 8675309 wrote on Oct 8, 2006 3:04 PM:

" I can't quite figure out which side you're on in this debate, based on your last post. It's a bit confusing. But, on KXMB website, watch the video again. Steve C says "it is almost impossible to afford coverage out of our pocket that we have to pick up". It was then the REPORTER who said "they're asking the company to pay all of the employee health care costs". I know there are many other issues at stake in this. The Tribune and the local news stations need to do a better job of covering all aspects and not just making one blatant statement that it is all about health care. "

fromstateemployee wrote on Oct 8, 2006 2:57 PM:

" Wow, now I think that the state employees should go on strike. Nobody made this big of a deal when the state employees didn't get raises for how many years and that was determined by legislators! Nobody had trouble with no raises and BND and state mill and elevator making record profits. You can't look at only how much of premium is being paid-you have to look at what it costs out of pocket to have health insurance. "

New Perspective wrote on Oct 8, 2006 2:45 PM:

" Just reading some of the comments that people have made, it has suddenly become clear that maybe a journalist should do an article on some of the Bobcat workers' families and their way of life. Not all families are fortunate enough to have healthy children. Some are raising children who struggle with a disability or a handicap. Insurance may help these people somewhat, but sometimes it isn’t enough due to the rising costs. As a result, these people are living from paycheck to paycheck. These people begin to reply on money to pay their bills and when Bobcat lays off their workers for a week or 2 at a crack, these families really struggle to make ends meet. One person commented that 99% of the workers probably didn’t finish high school or don’t have a college degree. One thing that I have learned in life is that it really doesn’t matter how much education you receive. In the end, people are hired based on work experience. "

More & More... wrote on Oct 8, 2006 2:44 PM:

" Companies are finding that they can work out deals with health insurance providers, behind their employees backs, and pocket the difference while raising the employees premiums. What I have done in the past is purchase my own private insurance, and say NO to the company insurance plan. It certainly doesn't earn you any points with management, because then they can't rip you off. But some companies try to illegally force you to take their insurance package. You can buy your own plan for as little as $75-100 for an individual. Employee offered programs that exceed $200+ per month are nothing more than a ruse designed to rip you off! The whole idea of group enrollment is to LOWER costs, but somehow in the late 90's the insurance industry figured out how to perpetrate this profiteering with a little help from your employers. "

to 8675309 wrote on Oct 8, 2006 1:56 PM:

" Again - listen again to KX - Steve C said "is almost impossible to be able to afford coverage out of our pocket that we have to pay" - to which, in turn, the REPORTER SAID they ask for bobcat to pay "all of the employees healthcare costs". Talk about a misquote! "

bis-mom wrote on Oct 8, 2006 1:49 PM:

" Thanks editor, I was trying to leave the profanity out. I couldn't think of any other way to refer to the particular comment. But, I'm sure most of you union guys out there will know exactly to what I am referring when I say: When asked about when union employees could expect to see profit sharing, as has been promised in the past, you were told that "things happen" - and even had buttons made! You guys keep standing up for yourselves and all the others out there. Here's hope that it will all be worth it. "

8675309 wrote on Oct 8, 2006 1:45 PM:

" Bobcat is NOT making money for Ingersol Rand. You are wrong about that. Bobcat has been doing very poorly. Perhaps YOU should check out the facts before YOU post! Bobcat has NOT done well in the past few years, not at all, and this most certainly is not going to help that situation any. There are people here who ARE Bobcat employees and who do NOT support the strike, but have to try to find other ways to feed our families and pay for our insurance now. THANKS! Not only do we get threatened from the union (That is NOT the thing of yester-year people, it's happening TODAY), we get told that we don't know what we are talking about and we should not post on here. Well, ya know what? I have a voice too and be darned if you're going to stop me from using it. "

bis-mom wrote on Oct 8, 2006 1:45 PM:

" to "worker" - Great points! Family life is especially lacking if you happen to be on the 3rd shift. As for temps in the building, they are sometime even higher than you mention. In the north shop, where air conditioning has been promised for years but has yet to happen, I have seen a picture of the thermometer topped out at 120 degrees on more than one occasion this past summer. You can bet management wouldn't want to leave their cushy offices and go work in that. And, finally, to VR - I say BULL - the union is not bad. If it weren't for the union, just IMAGINE how bad things would truly be out there! "

Online Editor wrote on Oct 8, 2006 1:39 PM:

" To Bismom: Our policy is to not print profanity or references to it. If you can write your comment without the reference we will publish it. "

8675309 wrote on Oct 8, 2006 1:38 PM:

" In response to "8675309,you simply don't know the facts of the company's proposal. We are NOT asking for 100 percent coverage,I don't care what you think you heard. That is only one of the issues at hand,there are many other management issues that are going on that the tribune hasn't reported on and probably wont. Don't be ignorant!!! " GO TO KXNET.COM and listen to it from the horses' mouth buddy. HE SAID IT (your union rep). If it's not what you're asking for then HE misrepresented you, not the Tribune, and not me talking about what I "think I heard". Attack me over what YOUR rep said? I have the news recorded from BOTH channels. HE SAID IT. Oh and, I DO know what I am talking about. You all don't know who is posting here so maybe YOU shouldn't be ignorant! Don't assume that all of us are just not employees there and don't know what is going on. You dished it out. Now you're gonna come on here and CRY about it because you can't take people not agreeing with you. You want people to deliver you donuts and coffee while you stand out there and prevent people from going to work... that's a good example of what you stand for I guess. "

to 8675309 wrote on Oct 8, 2006 1:36 PM:

" (continued) IT WAS THE REPORTER who made the statement that they want 100% of their health care covered, not the union spokesman. Get your facts straight! "

to 8675309 wrote on Oct 8, 2006 1:34 PM:

" Hmmmmmm! Perhaps you are one of the higher ups at Bobcat? Or perhaps someone who couldn't get hired on out there, maybe because you couldn't pass a drug test and are a little bitter? Realize that the MAJORITY of union members voted for this strike and support it. Are you seriously looking for sympathy for IR Bobcat????? Yes, I know the IR is the parent company, and do you realize that they are known for trying to bust up unions? Great idea to get rid of the unions and let big business run rampant over their employees. Bobcat dug its own grave by not being willing to negotiate a reasonable offer. As far as the "quote" - you heard what you wanted to hear. I recorded the news last night, and listened to it again. Steve chimelewski spoke about the rising health care costs being taken out of their pockets, BUT IT WAS THE REPORTER "

worker wrote on Oct 8, 2006 1:21 PM:

" If you had to work 9 out of 10 saturdays with no choice because it was mandatory some of you people would think differently. When your son says hey dad lets go fishing,or go play ball today,you have to disappoint him and say I have work. If you or a family member get sick and go to the doctor. Do you get disciplinned? Bobcat employees get written up. They are treated like robots with batteries.They are expected to be there sick or not. They make decent $ but pay the price with lack of family time,working nights and lots and lots of saturdays. In the summertime temps in the building get upwards of 95 to 100 degrees. SUPPORT THE USW. Everybody in the working world wants a little more,why cant they.If cost of living is going up 8% why should a worker not have the right to ask for a little more. After all the WORKER makes the company the $$ they should be appriciated.By the way IR BOBCAT has posted record gains the last 3 years and the ceo got an 8 MILLION DOLLAR BONUS, 1 guy, is that fair.the usw workers are not asking for that much.GO USW!!!!! "

VR wrote on Oct 8, 2006 1:21 PM:

" I have worked out at Bobcat for the past couple of summers while I've been in college. The majority of people out there are good workers, but you have a percent that makes them all look bad and the union protects them. I had talked with some Bobcat hourlies after there meeting yesterday and some union members threatened other members about crossing the line. So now these people not only have to worry about not getting a paycheck but some idiot hurting them or their family. From what I have seen out there, some people don't want anything to do with the company, they treat them like the ememy and do what they can to work against them. These are the people who brain wash and force other workers to go along. This union is bad and you all need to relize this before you and your families lose everything! "

union member wrote on Oct 8, 2006 1:16 PM:

" The figures that were mentioned earlier were from the bobcat sector of IR not IR as a whole. Again if you don't know the facts don't comment!! It's easy to complain when You are on the outside. It has nothing to do with greed it has everything to do with compensation for making a great product and getting a LITTLE piece of the pie. "

8675309 wrote on Oct 8, 2006 1:05 PM:

" Because of the union IR may just decide that they don't like North Dakota anymore and pull out of here. They have plants all over the country, and world, and Bobcat is the ONLY unionized plants. Bobcat has NOT made record profits. IR and Bobcat are not all one in the same. IR is the parent company and is making money with it's other companies. If Bobcat isn't making them money here don't think that they won't pull out of here. That is what scares me. Because of some of the employess they could ALL lose their jobs. Because of SOME even the management people could lose their jobs. (where would they go if Bobcat closed up here??). And if Bobcat was gone, where else would you all work? Where isn't "INCONVENIENT" and pays better with better benefits here in ND?? Seriously. Northern Improvement? Those people work their butts off for 14-16 hour days (MANDATORY TOO!) for 6-7 days a week. Where else can you make that kind of money? Other construction? Seriously. You name where you're going to go replace your Bobcat income and benefits AND "INCONVENIENCES". What a crock! "

union member wrote on Oct 8, 2006 12:56 PM:

" 8675309,you simply don't know the facts of the company's proposal. We are NOT asking for 100 percent coverage,I don't care what you think you heard. That is only one of the issues at hand,there are many other management issues that are going on that the tribune hasn't reported on and probably wont. Don't be ignorant!!! "

U.S.W. local 566 member wrote on Oct 8, 2006 12:56 PM:

" It sure is great to have all this support of our community at a time like this. THANK YOU !! What does bother me though is all the union bashing that is going on by people who have know idea what we are really fighting for. How can you judge us when you don't even know what is going on. Educate yourselves before you start making assumptions. We are your friends, family and neighbors. The money we make, we spend here in OUR community. The taxes we pay, stay in OUR state. Ingersol Rand has a small little office in Bermuda. They avoid paying corporate taxes this way. The share holders do not live here. Well, enough about them. If your want to show your support for us, when your drive by us, honk your horn, and wave. If you want stop and talk to your friends, family, and neighbors, by all means do so. Find out for yourself why we are there. If you want to donate by all means do. Drop off your donations to the people on the picket lines or stop by the Labor Hall @ 1323 E Front Ave in Bismarck. Things like water, coffee, and donuts would be greatly appreciated. A special thanks for all the burgers that were donated last night. Come on out and take a drive around the plant. Take a look for yourselves. Stop by and say Hi. "

381 wrote on Oct 8, 2006 12:43 PM:

" Yeah the state of north dakota may pay for your health insurance, however those who have it already know they don't cover a whole lot. "

S wrote on Oct 8, 2006 12:40 PM:

" So former employee, are you saying if it was not for the union Bimarck would have more jobs? Hmmm interesting.... "

what wrote on Oct 8, 2006 12:40 PM:

" These guys should go back to work, where else can you make decent money with a GED. "

8675309 wrote on Oct 8, 2006 12:27 PM:

" Bobcat has some of the best pay and benefits around here. Without a college education people can make as much or more than college graduates. They get off Christmas every year. They get off a holidays (paid off that is). They get off a day for hunting for God's sake. WHO has their healthcare paid for? People on medicaid. NOT people with full time good paying jobs. What company pays 100% of healthcare costs? That is unreasonable unless you're on welfare. Perhaps that is more up your alley though. To go as far as to compare what you all make to what the CEO makes is insanity. Do you suppose that the CEO went to college, has some higher ed. degree, worked his way up through companies,... If you want to live where everyone makes the same amount of money move to a communist nation. The union makes me ill. It's nothing more than a bunch of whiners. There are people in this community who would LOVE your jobs. There are people in this community who have tried to get jobs there for years and haven't been able to. This makes me ashamed to have this group as fellow North Dakota citizens. We are proud and hardworking here. Not greedy, selfish, and lazy. I hope the union gets busted. Go to McDonald's and watch the employees. They work hard and I bet they'd love to work at Bobcat. I bet they would love the pay and benefits. Oh and that misquote?? Not. He was on the news last night and that 100% figure came out of his mouth. Don't blame the Tribune for that now that you see how rediculous it is! "

just think wrote on Oct 8, 2006 12:26 PM:

" IR has 2 unions left, Bis and Gwinner. Hmmm, what does that tell you? "

boohoo bobcat wrote on Oct 8, 2006 12:23 PM:

" to concerned 3 I don't work for Menlo, I have a full time job and my insurance is paid by my employer...but I don't make what Bobcat employees do.My out of pocket medical costs are over $2500 so far this year. Nothing is free. I know guys who have applied many times at Bobcat....no one ever seems to leave, and if it's so bad to work there as others say, FIND A NEW JOB! "

Just me wrote on Oct 8, 2006 12:06 PM:

" About the strike at Bobcat, they are not fighting for a 100% coverage on their insurance they just want to even it out over the next 4yrs. I think the employees are upset, when the company is telling the employees about all the record profits they are making and then turn around and tell them they can't afford a little better contract. Go and read the IR profits on the web. "

SHAME ON USW LEADERSHIP wrote on Oct 8, 2006 11:58 AM:

" I feel bad for the many good union members and their families that have been led down this path by their union leaders. Now that this strike has become a reality there is no way to know how ingersoll rand will respond. I realize the company offer may not be considered fair and equitable, but i also know there are hundreds of people ready and willing to work for what they are getting now. Probably work for considerably less. I am not picking sides. I hope your elected union officials didn't cost all of you your jobs. "

gr wrote on Oct 8, 2006 11:57 AM:

" if you don't know anyone who works at Bobcat,how can you say they are greedy?my husband works 3rd shift,which at times is a hugh inconvenience.they deserve more pay because of the inconvenience. they often work 12hour days 6 days of week,not because they want to,but because the company makes it mandatory. good for them for standing up to this compayy!!!! "

Tippy wrote on Oct 8, 2006 11:46 AM:

" I am very proud of the workers for standing up to Bobcat/IR. There are many rumors that run wild regarding these employees, state employees, postal workers, etc. Its easy to be on the outside looking in, making our own judgements when reality is, we dont know all the facts. But the workers DO, and I do know that they are treated very wrong. Its not just about healthcare, its about all the things that are wrong inside the doors of the company, all balled up together. Its not our job to make judgement on these workers, and as for the fancy trucks/homes that are being mentioned, these workers have worked extremely hard for what they have, have put up with a lot of mistreatment from the company too, they deserve to have what they have worked so hard for! God Bless You USW's and families! "

The quote was WRONG! wrote on Oct 8, 2006 11:44 AM:

" We are NOT asking for 100% paid healthcare! We were MISQUOTED. We just do not want to pay as much. As to our educations, we are exceptionally qualified and many of us have higher education degrees. "

just like to say wrote on Oct 8, 2006 11:37 AM:

" those boys know what they were offered when they hired on. I would like to see how many places pay 100% insurnce in the bismarck area, with the hourly wage they get. Not only the $15-20/hour wage but they get good over time. I just hope they put lots away because now they are on the picket line and they still don't get 100% of there insurnce paid for. Not only that their paychecks are alot smaller. "

wife of night-shifter wrote on Oct 8, 2006 11:29 AM:

" continued... To "dj" - health insurance is NOT free to the employees by any stretch of the imagination. To "ND" - learn how to spell! To the rest of you upset and calling us "greedy" - get a life and concentrate on your own problems - you could benefit by taking some classes on "class." All of you need to understand that while our husbands, wives in some cases, family members, or friends are striking - we are without a very large portion of our income and that we still need to be able to provide food, shelter, and clothing to our family. To those of you who think we are all stuck up greedy snobs - get over it - we are not!!! We have the things we have because we work HARD for them!! I shop at Wal-Mart, buy everything on sale, and do not live beyond our means. We have nice things, yes - but we also have a nice savings account and retirement fund going. You could have the same if your CHOSE to. Get the jealousy card out of the game and be supportive of the people trying to make a better life for their families!! Also - remember "you reap what you sow" you have the CHOICE to be gracious to other people. You also have the CHOICE to continue to be mindless, arrogant, jealous, cruel people also. How about listening to Martin Luther King, Jr. and "just all get along!!!" "

Wife of night-shifter wrote on Oct 8, 2006 11:24 AM:

" The funny part about most of you is that you are spouting off about something you know NOTHING about! My husband has worked the night shift for 8 years at Bobcat. Yes - he CHOSE to work there and no - he does not have a college degree - but he made this choice (sacrifice) to give his family a better income and give us a better life. I can tell you that I have a 4 year college education and that I make SIGNIFICANTLY less money than he does every year and I am employed by "the finest" healthcare facility in North Dakota. The healthcare coverage at the hospital USED to be much more expensive than at Bobcat - but the cost has increased from $90.00 per month (approximately) for a family plan to about $250 a month out of pocket in the past 8 years. I can truly say that the cost of insurance at the place I work has not increased that much to the employees in that time. My husband and I were not "pro-strike" because we did not want to disrupt our lives and family income, but we do agree with the decision made and he will be walking the picket line on his night shift. Something needs to be done so that things get straightened out. The story was not told in full by the Tribune or most other people spouting off on this site. "

son of employee wrote on Oct 8, 2006 11:23 AM:

" In reference to the above comment of Bob, that seems like a bold statement you are making that no one at Bobcat has a college degree, to relate them to Wal-mart workers... Some of these workers did not have a choice due to the limited jobs in the area, even with their college degree. They chose to stick around Bismarck where they could have moved elsewhere to boost another city and state's economy. Remember a lot of these employees have been there over fifteen years when the economy was extremely poor in Bismarck. "

wow wrote on Oct 8, 2006 11:13 AM:

" A lot of talk about Bobcat making "record profits". Do some homework. Bobcat hasn't posted "record profits", IR has. And that is due in LARGE part to it's other business units (security technologies, construction technlogies and climat technologies). Bobcat is a capital intensive, lower margin segment of IR's overall business. If IR continues to see higher costs in North Dakota don't be suprised if the pull Bobcat OUT of North Dakota all together. "Farm them out"? Yup, they are going to move it to where they can make money, not friends. "

droptheunion wrote on Oct 8, 2006 11:04 AM:

" FIRST OF ALL, BOBCAT IS A VERY ORGANIZED COMPANY. AND WOULD DO A LOT BETTER WITH OUT THE UNION IN THERE,PRODUCTION WOULD PICK UP WAY MORE. AS OF RIGHT NOW THE UNION BOYS STAND AROUND AND DO NOTHING AND WORK WHEN THEY WANT. IF IT WAS NON UNION THE PRODUCTION WOULD INCREASE GREATLY. I AM HAPPY TO SEE THESE CRY BABIES STAND ON THE STREET AND CRY HOW THEY WANT EVERYTHING, AND CLAIM THEY GET NOTHING, 99% OF THESE GUYS PROBABLY DIDNT EVEN GRADUATE HIGHSCHOOL AND ARE MAKING 16-18 AND HR, THEY SHOULD BE HAPPY. I HOPE IR GETS SMART AND DROPS THEM COMPLETELY AND OPENS THE JOBS UP TO NORMAL PEOPLE THERE IS 1000'S OF PEOPLE THAT WOULD WORK AT BOBCAT FOR 12 AN HR, SO ALL YOU CRY BABIES GROW UP AND LEARN WHAT YOU ACTUALLY GET FROM THE COMPANY INSTEAD OF ACTING LIKE BABIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

union member wrote on Oct 8, 2006 10:57 AM:

" I want to encourage all the business owners of bismarck and Mandan to support the union members of 566 as they have supported you all these years!!! If the tribune would report the whole story accurately everyone would see why we had to make a stand now! We have seen a ton of support at the picket lines,thanks for all your support. We are in it for the long haul if need be!!! "

bis-mom wrote on Oct 8, 2006 10:55 AM:

" Thank you former employee!!!!! "

Numbers Guy wrote on Oct 8, 2006 10:51 AM:

" I find it interesting that IR operating income has increased from 523 million in 2001 to 1.44 Billion this past year. That is nearly a 3 fold increase. I would think they could afford to share a little more of the gains. Makes me wonder who is being greedy. "

former employee wrote on Oct 8, 2006 10:38 AM:

" Greed?? you people think these people are greedy. The CEO gets his salary, PLUS AN $8,000,000 BONUS. Now who's GREEDY?? Do you realize that IR Bobcat has farmed out lots of jobs to non union companies already. Do you realize most of the attachments used to be made here, but are farmed out now to non union jobs, that should've been valuable jobs in Bismarck. IR I believe has 2 unions left, Bis and Gwinner. The Whole Corporate America is trying to break all unions. Now who's greedy. IR has threatened to move this plant out of here already, look at the gamble that these people are willing to take to fight for what they believe in. GO USW "

union member wrote on Oct 8, 2006 10:22 AM:

" First of all the tribune misquoted our union president when they wrote that we wanted our medical insurance 100% paid,that is not what we are asking for. Right now we are paying a little over 254 dollars out of our pocket every month and it will go up in april after blue cross comes out with new rates. As someone mentioned earlier we are making less than we were 8 years ago. How many of you are going backwards in your proffession? Apparently some of you don't understand what it's like to get treated like a door mat. We have been madatoried 6 days a week for the last three years getting only an occasional weekend off to spend with our family. For big corporate companies like bobcat it comes down to making money for their shareholders,at any cost. Don't critisize the union memebers that are on strike fighting to provide a better way of life for themselves and their families!!! Vacation replacements make 14 dollars an hour and that has not gone up in quite a few years. "

Rick wrote on Oct 8, 2006 10:15 AM:

" How about the city employees? Don't they get their health care paid 100%? "

Missing the Point wrote on Oct 8, 2006 10:06 AM:

" I think many of you are missing the point. It is not about these workers being worth X number of dollars per hour. It is about the fact the they haven't seen a raise in 5-6 years. With the cost of living increases we have seen. Especially the cost of housing increased 25-30 percent over that period of time and the effect gas prices have had on everything from groceries to entertainment. Who doesn't deserve a raise. And to the person that is happy to be making 14 dollars an hour, you are just the kind of worker that the rich company owners in this city are counting on. Because none of them want to pay what people are worth. "

bis-mom wrote on Oct 8, 2006 10:02 AM:

" The last time Bobcat had contract negotiations 4 years ago, the union employees got royally mistreated by Bobcat, but didn't have enough people willing to stand up for their rights at that time. Well, guess what Bobcat? They've had enough and are now willing to fight for what's right. Just a few short months ago when we received Bobcat's newsletter, they boasted of a record profit year, and now they claim they simply don't have the money. Bobcat likes to play little games with its employees during contract years, by trying to stockpile equipment, and by laying off workers shortly before contract time comes, so they can feel the pinch of a couple weeks without a paycheck. And then they have the audacity to claim they are willing to negotiate with the union - well they weren't willing to do that yesterday BEFORE the employees actually went on strike. They were given the opportunity to negotiate at that time, and chose not to. DO NOT make these employees out there to be the bad guys. If the majority of the public realized what kind of working conditions actually exist out there for these guys, they wouldn't be so quick to condemn them for asking to be better compensated. Please suppport these people out on the picket lines as you drive by! "

bis-mom wrote on Oct 8, 2006 9:59 AM:

" First of all, to the person CLAIMING to be a "bobcat employee" - YOU ARE LYING!!! If what you say was actually true, these workers would not be striking right now. VR's do NOT make 20/hour, and regular employees do NOT make more than 20/hour. My husband is in the top wage group out there, and even including his night differential and tech pay, he is making less than 20/hour, and believe me, MOST of the guys out there aren't making even that much. As for asking the company to pay ALL healthcare, surprisingly, I think the Tribune got this "quote" from Steve C wrong - all they are asking is that their wages keep in line with with their out of pocket health care expenses, which have increased HUNDREDS of percent in the past few years! (one of the guys actually compared a paycheck from 5 years ago, to one from just recently, and his net pay was .23 cents more - and some of you think this is fair?) As for "almost no out of pocket expense" for healthcare - what a lie. We pay about 300/month for our insurance premiums, so don't tell me there is no expense to us. While I agree that the plan is a good one, it is far from free. Get all your facts straight before you condemn these guys! This strike is not as simplified as the Tribune would have you believe. It isn't just about the money for healthcare, but many other issues. "

State Employee wrote on Oct 8, 2006 9:53 AM:

" State Employees DO NOT get FULL health paid in full. Our premium is paid, but when we go to the clinic or hospital, there is a chunk that comes out of our own pockets when BILL time comes. Blue Cross Blue Shield does NOT pay 100% of the hospital or clinic bill. We are co-pay with BLBC. "

Concerned 3 wrote on Oct 8, 2006 9:50 AM:

" To"BooHoo"--Your are the kind of employees that companies like Bobcat want to prey upon to keep wages and benefits lower for union people. So Menlo, if you don't like it, unionize to get better paying, full-time jobs. That's why this country's labor organized unions to fight back against big corporate greed which is surfacing more and more at IR Bobcat. "

union member wrote on Oct 8, 2006 9:46 AM:

" Lots of the temps that work at the plant are FAMILY MEMBERS and FRIENDS, most know the ins and outs of the company and very few come back for more than one summer. And for the commerce center and I believe menlo also, THESE WERE SUPPOSE TO BE UNION JOBS ALSO, remember when they made a bid deal about bringing jobs to ND. We've been trying to help these people out and the company won't agree with us!! "

Family wrote on Oct 8, 2006 9:42 AM:

" To ND. your family members are stuck up?? Maybe its you, 800 or so employees, I'm pretty sure they all don't know everything, and all aren't stuck up!! "

S wrote on Oct 8, 2006 9:40 AM:

" This is why Unions are out of date. No the worker do not have the perfect job, but who does? When is the last time you herd a worker there say their job is horrible. This state is and at-will employer, if the workers don’t like it they can take another job elsewhere. Good luck however finding somewhere in this area that pays so well. Unions were formed in a much different time, for much more dire reasons, this is going to hurt the employees in the end. And people wonder why so many manf. jobs are going oversees. "

ND wrote on Oct 8, 2006 9:25 AM:

" I think the people should be happy they make good money some people are not even lucky enough to afford a house and let alone a new truck here and there I have family members that work at bobcat and they are stuck up snobs who think that they know everything so they all should just get a life and go back to work. "

$$ wrote on Oct 8, 2006 9:20 AM:

" The Vacaiton Replacements DO NOT make $20 and hour, they get about $14/hr. This Company post record profits 3 out of 4 years, which people are mandated to work 6 days a week, and on contract year are laid off for 2 weeks without pay. They post record profits in those three years and give a CEO an $8 mill plus bonus, but can't split up $3 and a half mill between 800 workers. Yea $20/hr looks great but look what they give in to get slapped in the face by a multi BILLION dollar company. You people that make $14/hr, what is your family and personal life like compared to these people. AND HOW DOES YOUR EMPLOYER TREAT YOU?? "

BooHoo Bobcat wrote on Oct 8, 2006 9:09 AM:

" Bobcat workers make a decent wage for sure. Why should they get free insurance?? I don't believe they're hurting as bad as Chmielewski says...They are hurting the temporary workers at Menlo; they won't have work while Bobcat is on strike. Temps don't have insurance period! "

bobcat emplyee wrote on Oct 8, 2006 8:43 AM:

" Your are a little off the Vacation Replacement workers make $20+ / hr the regular employees are making more than that. "

dj wrote on Oct 8, 2006 8:35 AM:

" I know many people that work there. They are way off base on the health care issues. They have some of the best coverage that I have seen. There is almost no out of pocket expenses. As far as the wages, I agree with concerned person. They make very good money and I think they are getting greedy. "

cold wrote on Oct 8, 2006 8:29 AM:

" I think the Tribune needs to get the whole story out. This is a Cold hearted company that keeps taking more and more from its employees and slaps them in the face with record profits each quarter. The whole story needs to be told. "

Bob wrote on Oct 8, 2006 8:22 AM:

" I agree with the above writer. These employees should be grateful that without a college education that they make as much as they do, I don't think the employees at walmart make 17-19 dollars an hour with the same education level. I also don't know any company in Bismarck that pays 100% of health insurance. "

Go USW!!!! wrote on Oct 8, 2006 8:13 AM:

" Every State employee in ND has their healthcare paid completely. Why should a company that reports billions of dollars in profit require their employees to pay part of their premiums? Their take-home pay is less now than five years ago because of increased healthcare costs. These people work shift work, mandatory overtime, they can't leave work for an hour to watch their kid's school play or take them to the doctor...is it too much to ask a billion dollar company to treat their employees a little better. They aren't asking for that much. GO USW!!! "

anti wrote on Oct 8, 2006 8:07 AM:

" they are just to greedy spend less money on your big houses and less onyour fanch trucks and you can live a good life if you guys cant make it off 20$ dollars why do you need more. I MAKE 14.00 I DO ALL RIGHT................................................................... "

Concerned 2 wrote on Oct 8, 2006 7:56 AM:

" To "Concerned Person"--only those people employed by Bobcat & their families know what it is like to work for and how they are treated by this huge international corporation. Until you have walked in their shoes and have worked their jobs, you have no right to judge these hard working, devoted employees. Many of these people have worked for this company for over thirty years and deserve better than this. "

bouttime wrote on Oct 8, 2006 7:55 AM:

" its about time, these people have been MANDITORIED to work 6 days a week for 3 years, now that its contract year(plus last contract) laid off for 2 weeks WITHOUT pay. but in those other 3 years can post RECORD PROFITS just to slap them in the face. The company can pay a CEO (one person) an 8 million dollar BONUS in one year but can't justify a little over 3 mill to about 900 people. These people are making less now than what they were used to 6 years ago. How would you like to set your lifestyle to your income and go backwards? Lots of people going broke, and Lots of Divorce to these workers when they break their backs for this company. I think the TRIBUNE needs to do a little better job to inform the general public on these peoples plea!!! "

bismarck wrote on Oct 8, 2006 7:27 AM:

" I agree with concerned, show me another employer in ND that pays the type of wages and offers benifits that these guys make where you do not need anything more then a GED or High School education. These guys have worked there too long to understand what the wage market is like for the rest of us. "

concerned person wrote on Oct 8, 2006 2:30 AM:

" have they lost their minds, we all want free medical insurance. Name one company in this state, or region that has that! These people make $17-19 bucks an hour, with beni's, wow. I know families that the parents work 2-3 jobs just to make that kind of money. doesn't add up, something is wrong in their thought process! You can take that to the bank "

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