Posted by: Dont agree Location: Rockford
Listen here, We didn't stand out there and pout until we got what we wanted! We were LOCKED OUT! If your so in tune to whats going on, you would have known that. What kind of example are you showing your community you ask? Do you support an investor to come to town and throw the local workers out on the street and bring in scabs from out of state? Your lucky thats all you see is a tent and a port-a-john!!!! You could have seen trailers lined up, with 10 port-a-johns! Ignorant people like yourself, dont see the whole picture, or know the facts. If I may ask, would you mind cleaning it up, seeing you have time on your hands to bash the innocent, take some of that time and donate it to your community. Theres always that 1% who dont get it, I think thats you. You sound like the type of person who would fly off in an American made f-16 jet....and sell it to the Russians! Have a nice day jerk.

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Posted by: AGREE Location: ROCKFORD
I think Gunite should send them out to clean up their mess (on their OWN time) and not let them back until it is clean. What kind of example are you showing to the community? I didn't get what I wanted so I stood outside and pouted until I made it look like I got something then to show them I won't clean my mess up? Do you treat your own home / neighborhood the same?

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Posted by: residents of Seminary St Location: Rockford
To the members of 718, we put up with your fowl smelling portapots, smoke from your fires and your parking cars in the street for over 3.5 months and we are and were tired of it. Now you will return to work the portapots are gone tents are gone but the stench from where you used the restroom in the tents is terrible, trash has not been picked up and if our honorable alderman does not do something quick about this trash he can find him a new job. Cops where are your tickets to these poor gentlemen or their president for littering and abandonment of these areas in the shape they are in This is not Gunites responsiblity its the responsiblity of those poor fools who left it. If it is not cleaned up soon the Mayor will be getting a piece of our mind.

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Posted by: anyone Location: rockford
Now is the time to let bygones be bygone but I do have one question. Was the contract you ratified better than the one that you never voted on? Did you make up for loosing the $2000 bonus you would have gotten if you had signed the contract by the date specified to get that bonus?

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Posted by: Lee Location: Rockford
I think tha tthe union did not up date the workers like they should of did when they had meetings and did not tell people.

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Posted by: Anonymous You poor guys, paying more for insurance, too bad, most of us out here are paying more for insurance, at least you make good money to be able to pay for it. you dont like your jobs GET OUT and let the rest of us have a chance of making some money, you wont find anther job out here making what your making. i hope most of you quit and let the new guys come in and make a good living. oh yeah pick up your mess and grow up! life isnt always fair. thank god you have a job to go back to. As you can tell the world is changing and it wont include unions anymore, and if you are a good worker, you wont have a problem with that. good luck guys your gonna need it,cause i'm shooting for your job!!!!!!

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Posted by: tired Location: rockford
saw the article in the paper about you guys paying more for health insurance. sorry to hear about that. I'm paying $500 more this year than last. now paying almost double what I did a few years ago. not feeling sorry for you. everyone is paying more. about time you did too. at least you have company provided insurance. many don't.

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Posted by: optional Location: rockford
A big thanks to the members of 718, from the neighborhood, for leaving the trash on the curbs. Looks real nice guys! At least you could clean up your mess.

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Posted by: Karl Location: Rockford
The vote was 55 to 45? Hahahahaha! Not a chance. You guys are being fed....you know what. Don't you see your leaders are just saving face? Hahahahaha! They fooled ya.

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Posted by: Anonymous you should grow up and all be mens and take care of your family and stop blameing some one elese for yor on pride because men dont do that

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Posted by: optional Location: rockford
Our union leaders at local 718 are idiots. we need new leaders. how do we vote the bums out?

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Posted by: tired Location: rockford
to Think About It - blah, blah, blah. Do you have something constructive because all I've heard from you is beware of the boogie man, stop the great evil or we'll all be destroyed! When people can stop spouting their doomsday rhetoric maybe they will be able to update that caveman intellect and realize that there is a new world out that has changed over the last 20, 10, and 5 years. Want to be competitive then learn how to compete, which means things change whether you or I like it so adjust and prosper or stand firm and find another job!

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Posted by: Think About It Hello all it been a while since I played with you kids. Just one thing left to say. To all who think they have gain by crossing the picket line you've only bought yourself one more day. I know you all can't see it now but when this evil that is trying to take over, once he gains controll welcome to the new China. Then it will be to late and you will see what this fight is all about. A man who stand for nothing will except anything.

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Posted by: local 718 member Location: rockford
well fellow members from what i heard at the local pub last night, if ..... a few of the other negotiators we have don't grow up and get serious we will still be on the line next week. Come on .... be a man or go sock it

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Posted by: stupid on picket line Location: better look for a new job
sounds like joe is the only one with a brain, figure it out boys your union sucks!!!

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Posted by: Everybody in town Location: everywhere
Hey Joe! 30 years of good pay, a nice house on the hill, put the kids through college, new truck, health insurance, pension....your right! What did the union do for you? Look up scab in the dictionary, theres a pullout picture of you. Thanks Joe, you did 718 proud

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Posted by: Local 718 Location: Out in the cold
Local 718 just wants to give Joe and Gary a nice warm applause, and thank you for stabbing your brothers in the back. After all.....what did the union do for you right? God bless the two of ya'!!!!

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Posted by: Anonymous Gunite is hiring! What does that tell you? They are replacing all of the union workers jobs. I feel real bad for all you out picketing for nothing. I feel bad that your union let you down. I hope all of you find other work soon. The economy sucks though and so does the prospect of getting a job that pays as well as gunite does.

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Posted by: 4local718alltheway Location: almost broke
you have on you. God bless us all..

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Posted by: Anonymous Gunite DID offer us a contract several times in November and December. You just played hard ball and denied them each time they offered us the contract (....)! You know this. We know this. Stop lying!

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Posted by: Anonymous lOOK AT WWW.RRSTAR.COM OR IN ANY LOCAL COPY OF THE ROCKFORD REGISTER STAR UNDER JOBS. GUNITE IS NOW HIRING PEOPLE TO REPLACE US THEY AINT GOOD FELLAS WE HAVE LOST OUR JOBS. OUR UNION HAS FAILED US.

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Posted by: Anonymous I love my committeee and no, Gunite did not offer us a contract. There were 26 issues they refused to talk about. They said here is what we want and we do not care what you want The people who are against us, do not know us, especially this rockfordian. When was the last time you worked with veterens and offered them a bed for the weekend and a nice bath and clean clothes? or worked in a soup kitchen? or did toy drives at christmas? and help out the poor to make their thanksgiving nice? you see you do not even know who union people are.What I just memtioned IS local 718 and I will compare our deeds to yours anyday. You see, guys like you (rockfordian) are just complainers and individuals who just want to cause trouble. and yes we have permits.

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Posted by: Gunite Union Member Its over. The wait is over. We are not going back to work at Gunite. This I know for a fact. Its over boys.

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Posted by: Rockfordian Location: rockford
We should not be supporting those on the picket lines nor the politicians in the city of rockford, gunite approached each with a contract and a petetion which went unanswered from the picketters and the politicians. Did the picketters get a permit to install their shanks on the side of the road, has the city enforced the traffic laws when it comes to the picketters parking on the street impeding the lawful flow of traffic, no. Has the alderman in the district protested these non permitted buildings or the trash from these on the city streets no. To the picketters, guys and gals there are not that many jobs left out there. Now what do you think of your bargaining committee.

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Posted by: Member First Nida, then Hamme, Next Figi.

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Posted by: Friend Location: rockford
Buchanan is out looking for a job because his wife got tired of him twiddling around the house and besides that he has to keep that new mercedes from getting repoed. Mercedes, hm non american made and not made by UAW members is there something wrong here.

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Posted by: citizen Location: rockford
We as Rockfordians should be standing by our neighbors on the picket lines. they are OUR neighbors, We should be supporting them. I live on 11th street and seen those busses coming from The Howard Johnsons bringing in people from other states to cross the picket lines and try to keep Gunite running. I have had conversations with people in area resturants who think what Gunite is doing to the loyal workers is a disgrace.. We as Rockfordians need to get behind our friends and neighbors and stop this at once.. And to the managment of Gunite, You know who your friends and coworkers are that have been working with you for years you need to stand up with them as well. I sure hope you all can come together as a team again. Gunite is a part of our Rockford history. Its a shame to see this happening to such a nostalgic place.. To the people on the picket lines, God bless all of you and your families...

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Posted by: Friend Location: Rockford
I don't read these blogs much anymore because when I do I get upset that so many people are all hung up on things they know so little about. These workers have families that are hurting also. With the economy in the situation it is in we should be supporting these folks. They are out there in the cold EVERY DAY! People need to take a stance and refuse to cross the picket line, God Bless the people coming by giving them a warm cup of coffee, wood, or just keeping them company.

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Posted by: Anonymous UNION FREE!

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Posted by: Disappointed Yes Im still Locked out here in the cold and others are making products that I should be. Why is buchanan out looking for a job??? cant he and Kardell accept the old contract and get us back working? WTF is going on here?

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Posted by: honker Location: rockford
based on this mornings newspaper, Gunite's locked out workers are still not getting anywhere in their latest talks with the company. Too bad, in talking with a guy by the name of Rob or bob? they think it is strange that Mr. Kardell wasn't around to answer his cell phone, especially since he is always anxious to talk to the news media. Felt so bad for them I gave them some wood.

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Posted by: MT Location: Mag Gate
Just saying hi to my fellow picketeer, John

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Posted by: Anonymous Lets all get together and get these idiot union reps of ours terminated and get some good quality union reps to speak for us. we shouldve been working by now. I have seen in the paper how many of us are in fopreclosure and bankruptcy. Its sickening to me. LETS GO BACK TO WORK NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Posted by: Former Gunite Employee Why don’t you remove the current leadership from its position and try to start talks again with the Company. There must be some provision that allows the rank and file to remove the leadership. You have a very short window left to get back to work. At some point down the road the option will no longer be available. And yes, the relationship between Gunite and the Union was fine until Accuride showed up. Accuride has unfortunately run this business into the ground. Take it from me, I dealt with the Evansville folks first hand, in fact I made many a trip to Evansville, and they have little regard for Gunite or the Union.

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Posted by: A honker Location: Rockford
yes I honk and I wave but it is not out of support, but pity. This solidarity for the lockout was ok, but the more I read on this and other sources I definitely pity you poor, cold, wet people whom were lead down the narrow by what appears to be a committee of idiots. Your quaint smiles have turned to frowns every time that bus load of contract workers drives by or a tractor trailer of parts leave. Yes I would say your local was watching out for you as the other locals are trying to insure their jobs don't get lost either.

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Posted by: anonymous vote ron paul he is the best person for the job

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Posted by: YOUR FRIEND UP NORTH Location: SHAWNO WI
YOU GUYS SHOULD HAVE BEEN READY FOR THIS I TRIED TO TELL YOU SO IF YOU DECIDE TO VENTURE NORTH I COULD USE A FEW GOOD MEN GOOD LUCK BIG D

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Posted by: anonymous you can say whatever you want to say but we had a good working relationship between the company and the union and that all went away when accuride bought us you were not there so dont expect you to understand

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Posted by: unhappy Location: rockford
the only time Rick shows up is for the TV

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Posted by: Union Member I would like to say thank you. Thank you to the people who have honked, waved, and stopped at the picket lines showing their support. I would like to thank the other area UAW locals for their support. A thank you to the unions at Brillion and Elkhart for their information and support. I send thanks to my union brothers and sister for their strength and their support. I would also like thank the UAW Local 718 Bargaining Unit, they have been subject to a lot of attacks on this blog, for all that you are doing and trying to do for this membership body. Finally, I would like to thank the few, but growing number of Gunite management who show their support to us daily while going through the picket line. It is good that you are no longer intimidated by Accuride and remember the friends you have. To everyone I mentioned and to the ones I might have missed, thank you and may God bless you. UAW Local 718 Member

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Posted by: Rockford Citizen The other part of that film that amused me is this: You guys complain a great deal about Henry Kravitz and his wealth. You might want to think about that. If I read correctly 70% of you are making OVER $75k a year. If you get this perfect socialist society you are begging for you will be forced to give up half YOUR income. You guys are making more money than most people in the nation. The average household income in Rockford (that could be 2 people) is $45k! You would be just fine having someone pass out Mr. Kravitz wealth, what will you think when someone tells you that your paycheck will is too high and you need to divide your wealth among the people making less than you? I'm sure there are plenty of people in this city who think you are making too much money. Be careful what you wish for boys!

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Posted by: Rockford Citizen I watched your propoganda film. Thanks, I needed a good laugh. My favorite part is when guy#1 says he thought he would be treated as an "individual". You are in a union- your company is not allowed to treat you as an individual. You are all a unit, and therein lies the problem. The laziest guys, the cheats, the guys who barely do enough to get by....they are tied to your cart. It is almost impossible to fire them. The hardest working guys cannot be rewarded (or the co. is also forced to raise the pay/benefits of the guy at the bottom). Real trouble is that 90% of people fall closer to the lesser of these two groups. You can't be in a union and complain that you are not being treated as an "individual"!

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Posted by: citizen Location: rockford
well now boys and gal if what i have heard is correct thru the grape vine, you accomplished nothing the past few days of Jan. at the bargaining table. Nuts, but I did hear you contacted OSHA again and the NLRB what for Rick, David? you guys are really sticking your you know what out, you are not representing us with misrepresentations to agencies like this, this is your agenda items not us get our jobs back

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Posted by: anonymous please watch www.warongreed.org make a stand for the right thing

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Posted by: gary Location: rockford
I worked for gunites 1n the early 90`s and the union did`nt do a damn thing for me.

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Posted by: Silica Syd Location: Elkhart , IN.
I truly wish that some of you so called "union workers" (if that is truly who you purport to be) would get the picture. The product that Gunite is putting out consistently is 3600A only and that is because they are coming from two different foundrys. You guys know damn well that Gunite makes hundreds of different drums. Today at Plant 1 we will no longer accept castings from the Rockford SCABS (what VERY FEW that they poured) due to piss poor quality and the multiple mixing of different castings on skids. Hell one skid had five different parts on it. The only records that the SCABS are setting is in botching the job! They cannot hold a candle to you 718! The castings coming from East Jordan and Waupaca Foundry cost much more for Accuride and will exact a toll if this hasn't happened already. They need you guys as much as you want and need a contract that you can live with. Don't let scumbag Accuride and their sleezy lawyers pull the wool over your eyes. Stay strong brothers!

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Posted by: anonymous you did vote and it passed 100% to strike and instead we got locked out and now you can collect unemployment not strike pay so have some faith in the way things are done

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Posted by: Anonymous I worked in a coal mine. Got hurt, and fired while on compensation. union didnt help me a bit. Had to hire a lawyer to ge my job back. was off work due to safty violations. union sued for back wages. won and union got the money. been waiting for the money for 30 yrs. Unions have never done me any good. I think you should get rid of your union President and commite and get back to work. letting the pres. and commite to vote for u is A dictatorship.

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Posted by: Citizen Location: rockford
Well guys and gal, we have shivered out here on the line and hopefully when that band of Union representatives meet today and or tomorrow maybe they will think about us instead of them. We do not need anymore discussion on job descriptions just get our jobs back. Even if you have to kiss someting Rick

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Posted by: Union member Location: Rockford, IL GUNITE
I am a Union Member and my name is not Bruce,Jamie-Candyman, Howard, Ray, Mike or Jeff! Why are you calling out peoples names on here when you yourself are writing anonymously?? cmon now man! I wish like hell I was working the hours any of those people mentioned were! I think its Kardell & Buchanan feeling like crap cuz they took us all for a ride down a dirty road. Gunite is making product without us -why we are out in the cold! You go to these negotiations holding out for a day that will never come! Man wake up! Why are you pointing the finger at Gunite management? They want us back at work so they dont have to do our jobs. Stop being so ignorant and go to this weeks negotiations with the idea of getting our jobs back not holding out for a day that YOU know wont come. We need and want our jobs! Stop whining and complaining on here and do your union job and get our jobs back.

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Posted by: anonymous the person who wrote former gunite employee is gary ingram stop writing this propaganda the other people who a writing it saying they are union members are jamie,bruce and howard please stop its very dirty

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Posted by: Anonymous TO: THINK ABOUT IT, because we gave all of our rights over to our union leaders and didnt sign the contract w/ the signing bonus and because each and every time our union goes in to negotiate for us, they are negative and not moving toward a resolution is the reason Accuride wont let us cross individually. We are screwed!!!!! They dont need us anymore. PLEASE PLEASE sned in some intelligence to this weeks negotiations...its our last chance. Trust!

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Posted by: Former Gunite Employee Location: Rockford
Most of you should take a breath and understand that you are being used by many, including your union leaders who have hitched their wagon to outsiders who are pushing an agenda. If you knew the truth about KKR and Accuride, you would know that KKR jumped ship long before Gunite started to sprial out of control. The issue's with Gunite are mainly realted to Accurides inability to manage the business as it should be managed. You might as well start looking for work, I have it from reliable sources that drums are being make at, at least three other foundries, two in WI and one in IN. If you cant see the end from here, it is because you are not looking. Be sure to thank your union leaders on the way out. I dont completly blame them, they under-estimated who they were up against. They should not have, all the evidence was right there for them to see.

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Posted by: anonymous union worker you wouldnt know the first thing about doing the right thing your nothing but a sellout stay strong together thats the right thing to do if you need help all you have to do is ask the union they will help but you have to tell them

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Posted by: WAKEUP AMERICA How, you may ask, can a group of only about 300 individuals get control over the rest of us? One way is by placing microchips in individuals (recently done by the President of a large American bank to "allow him access to secret vaults and store rooms in his bank"), the International Monetary Fund's Wolfowitz who will control the World Bank, the Federal Reserve Bank, all European banks, the Secretary General of NATO and therefore NATO itself; it includes the Tri-Lateral Commission's plan, already in process, of NAFTA, the Euro Group and to include a group of Asian countries. Their plans, over the years, have already been witnessed - World War II, the Korean War, starvation of nations, Viet Nam, and the fact that virtually nothing is being done for the Hurricane Katrina victims in New Orleans.

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Posted by: WAKEUP AMERICA They discussed the One World Order the Bilderbergers have been planning for all the rest of us, to include the Canamex Highway which would run straight from Mexico, through the U.S.A. up to Canada with no border inspections; transponders for taxation purposes to be placed in all new automobiles (which has already come up for discussion in the Texas legislature); the U.S.'s future of undefended borders which started only recently when the government backed down on a plan to spend $60 million to update all U.S. ports; a future where the Bilderbergers will appoint all world leaders and return to feudalism and a plan to reduce the world population by 80-90 percent, to name just a few.

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Posted by: THINK ABOUT IT IF THEY ARE DOING SO WELL WITHOUT US THEN WHY WOULD THEY NEED IT TO BE EVERYONE OR NO ONE, WHY NOT CONTINUE WITHOUT US. CAN YOU SAY COMPANY PROPAGANDA THIS IS THE WAY THEY WIN TO PUT US ONE AGAINST ANOTHER. THIS IS NOT A UNION WORKER SPEAKING. WHAT WILL IT TAKE, FOR SOMEONE TO BE KILLED BEFORE THIS COMPANY DO THE RIGHT THING, WE SEE THE FIRE DEPT WEEK AFTER WEEK. THINK ABOUT IT BEFORE YOU BUY INTO THIS BLOLOGNA

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Posted by: WAKEUP AMERICA If the opinions I heard while interviewing working people on a recent trip across the country for Brave New Films' 'War On Greed' video series are an indication of the general mood of the country, the question of class and corporate influence on policy-making should be disturbing the public consciousness long after the cameras leave town. 2008 is certainly not 1963, Martin Luther King and most blue-collar workers today don't speak with the exact cadences or deliberative pathos, but profoundly conflicted times require equally profound and radical solutions to those conflicts, then as now. Martin Luther King changed as his time changed, and no more dramatically than on the Vietnam War and on the question of class in America. In the Gandhi Memorial Lecture at Howard University, King pointed out that "We are grappling with basic class issues between the privileged and underprivileged."

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Posted by: union worker To the other union memeber wanting to quit the union and do the right thing like me and go back to work. GOOD LUCK! I called Susan and was told we cannot individually cross the picket line. Its everyone or no one at this point. she also said she has received many calls from union workers wanting to cross the line. Our union leaders have done us wrong boys. We are screwed. Gunite is putting out product everyday. They are starting a second shift soon and our jobs are being taken right from under our noses while we walk out in the cold. Im sick about it

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Posted by: Anonymous Your never getting your jobs back. This is obvious. You shouldve signed when you had the chance and that signing bonus. You can keep arguing point after point after point but the fact remains, your houses are in foreclosure, your loans are not getting paid, your children and wives are suffering, your new homes have halted construction and your all looking at the jobs out there and the economy and hopefully regreting the decisions youve made. Good luck finding work for the pay Gunite gave you. Its a shame that you guys didnt sign.

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Posted by: anonymous to the citizen, first of all this is not a right to work state and second if we vote on the contract we all know it will get voted down because its that bad just read the company rights art. and we will be at impasse and if were at impasse they can lift the lock out and we would have to go on strike and its a differnce of $300 a week so use your head we all would like to go back to work but not under a ratical dictatorship.

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Posted by: Rockford citizen Location: Rockford
All right union members we all know they are making product, and personnaly I would rather be in there getting paid instead of paying to walk this line let alone being cold. All we have to do is vote on the contract, if not i am going to resign from the union and give them a call to see if I can't come back this is a right to work state isn't it.

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Posted by: Think About It Buyout firms like KKR and Blackstone make their money by purchasing companies, cutting back on wages, benefits and jobs, re-selling them at much higher margins and taking a 20 percent commission for the job. The buyout industry is gobbling up huge portions of the American economy like Pac-man. The top 20 firms own companies employing nearly 4 million workers. In 2007, buyout firms in the U.S. controlled a $400 billion war chest to acquire yet more. This kind of Wall Street pirate profiteering impacts middle America like a kick in the stomach.

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Posted by: Wake Up America "the retention of private ownership of the means of production under centralized governmental control" -- This is the merging of corporate and government power. This is what you get when the government regulators are the same people who are the corporate executives.

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Posted by: Wake Up America The Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language, College Edition, 1966, defines fascism as : "a system of government characterized by rigid one-party dictatorship, forcible suppression of the opposition (unions, other, especially leftist, parties, minority groups, etc), the retention of private ownership of the means of production under centralized governmental control, belligerent nationalism and racism, glorification of war, etc."

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Posted by: Wake Up America Facism, Bush-style "A tyrant must put on the appearance of uncommon devotion to religion. (for) Subjects are less apprehensive of illegal treatment from a ruler whom they consider god-fearing and pious. On the other hand, they do less easily move against him, believing that he has the gods on his side." Aristotle "Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms of government those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny." Thomas Jefferson "When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross." "If this were a dictatorship, it'd be a heck of a lot easier, just so long as I'm the dictator." - George W Bush during a photo-op with Congressional leaders on 12 /18 /2000 (?).

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Posted by: anonymous hey waddell im sorry but its only going to get worse

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Posted by: Waddell Location: Alabama
Accuride has bought Bostrom.. and things are going down hill, fast. Is there anything you can do to help! Bostrom Seating is in Piedmont Alabama. We are working seven days a week, They say, for a little while till the orders get caught up.. We use to get double time for Sunday.. And they stopped it. working condition are not good. Oh but they are going to buy us all pizza Sunday !!!

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Posted by: anonymous hey union member you have a lot to say instead of saying it on some stupid blog why dont you be a man and say it at the next union meeting but you wont because you would rather hid behind a blog like a coward!!!!!!!!!

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Posted by: Wake Up America Pt 3 Give up liberty for security. Tasering 82-Year-old Alzheimer patients is good. Mercury in vaccines is nutritious. Open borders means safety. Submit to us. Trust us. We don't lie.." The fact is, just because the Supreme Court says we don't have any property rights doesn't mean it's true. A previous court ruled that black Americans were not human beings and thus had no rights. Would you follow a similar decree today? Despots know the power of setting precedents. That's why they've been bragging about their unprecedented ruling. I for one am glad that the mask is beginning to slide from the demon's face. They've been land-grabbing for a long time. Now it's just going to be more overt. So let it come, and let everybody know what you are: a pack of wolves, a pack of criminals, a pack of liars, and a pack of scum.

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Posted by: Wake up Amrica Pt 2 The all-powerful Imperial State has thrown down the gauntlet. They have slapped the American people upside the head and brutally raped us, and we have put up with it. So, now they're placing what's left of American freedom on a spit so they can roast and eat us. The founding fathers said over and over again that the level of tyranny under which we will live is the exact amount that we will accept. A group of hard-core criminals has gained control of our society. They could care less about the future of this country or the general public's welfare. What we are witnessing is a mad gold rush of corrupt politicians and corporations strip-mining western society. We are being looted and sacked like ancient Rome by a heard of blood-thirsty barbarians. The only difference is the barbarians of today have high-tech public relation firms and cable news channels launching their psychological warfare barrages: "lie down, lie down, don't resist, Government loves you.

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Posted by: wake up america Wake up America pt1 while we fight they win Private property rights are the foundation of freedom. Now developers can pay off your local politicians and then come in and steal your property without even giving you best use price. Imagine middle class neighborhoods across America being bulldozed because developers have written up a proposal for making more money off of your property. Either it's your property or it isn't. The United States is simply going back to feudalism. In medieval England, before the Magna Carta, in 1214 the local lord would decide what you could and could not do with the King's property. This ruling overturns 800 years of common law and common sense. It butchers the Bill of Rights. To put it frankly, it's gone. So many Americans are asking why the Justices would make such a decision, overtly, 180 degrees away from freedom. That's the point. It's in your face. The big police state dog is off the porch, and they think there is nothing you can do

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Posted by: IN HONOR OF HIS MEMORY Here is some of what he declared about labor in general, while speaking at the UAW District 65 Convention, in September of 1962: “The labor movement was the principal force that transformed misery and despair into hope and progress. Out of its bold struggles, economic and social reform gave birth to unemployment insurance, old age pensions, government relief to the destitute and, above all, new wage levels that meant not mere survival, but a tolerable life.” Dr. King was a staunch opponent of the “right-to-work” scam. Here is how he described it: “In our glorious fight for civil rights, we must guard against being fooled by false slogans, such as right-to-work. It is a law to rob us of our civil rights and job rights. Its purpose is to destroy labor unions and the freedom of collective bargaining by which unions have improved wages and working conditions of everyone. Wherever these laws have been passed, wages are lower, job opportunities are fewer and there are no civil rights.”

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Posted by: Anonymous Location: LOVES PARK
Seems to me since you boys will not be getting your jobs back how are you going to make those house,car,and boat payments.Thank you from our lovely stay strong union LOCAL 718 UAW.

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Posted by: Caring Location: Rockford
I feel sorry for most of you guys, truly heart felt. All that Gunite wants is an honest days work, no slacking, no stealing, no complaining, good pay for good work. Some of you feel it is necesary to try and hurt the company for what ever reason, the hand that feeds you!! Worried about job description? Your job is to do what your boss tell,s you to do. We live by gods rules we dont have a job discription for that. What im trying to say is get back to work, that is one of gods rule!! Stop the hate...

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Posted by: Anonymous shut the place down who cares anyway thanks to our so called union

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Posted by: Union Member Gunite Worker We are not getting our jobs back. This is obvious. We let six idiots speak for us and cast our votes. We as a group shouldnt have let these guys run our lives. Many people have posted negative comments about Gunite on here, and it makes me sick. Gunite has been very good to all of us. Picketing out in the cold has not. Listening to Buchanan and kardell is the worst mistake we made. I cant make it on the little bit unemployment is paying. Then I have to pay to pickett? This is insane. I wish i could go back and sign the contract. Hell, I would even cross union lines to have my job back. but this isnt an option to me anymore because my wonderful union leaders made it so none of us can cross the picket lines now. I am mad as hell and need a job. None of us realized how good we had it. Until now.

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Posted by: employee Location: Rockford
People, please understand, blogs are for anyone to post. I am willing to bet that half the people posting stuff on these blogs,dont even work at gunite. They just have nothing else to do, trying to start crap amongst the workers, the salaried staff, and even the citizens of rockford. Whoever is writing this stuff needs to grow up, and quit attacking people like that. The salary and the employees are friends, someone is trying to light a fire where there shouldnt be one. Dont believe anything you read on this blog, because anybody can sit behind a computer and make things up and create problems for others, and hide behind a computer. Please people, quit doing this dumb shit. Whoever you are....GROW UP! Get a life. The union and the salary should realize that the person writing this crap is only trying to create tension amongst everyone......DONT BUY INTO IT1

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Posted by: long time employee Location: Rockford
it is disappointing that union members feel the need to personally attack salaried employees. Salaried employees are hired to perform a job just like the union members are. You may not like them, but you should resepect them for the job they do. Just as they respect you for the job you do. Your personal attacks contribute nothing constructive to resolving the issue. As a long time employee and union member I am embarrassed by the personal attacks. I hope the union leadership will not condone these attacks. Remember when this issue is resolved we will all be once again working together.

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Posted by: Ironman Location: Elkhart, Indiana
To Rockford Citizen who can't decide where your house is. The only people who are offended by the word "scab" are scabs themselves as defined per your human nature. Calling a scab a "replacement worker" is like calling a illegal alien a "undocumented worker" (I wonder how many of those you have in there). I can see why you don't like the looks of those "disgusting dwellings" it's because you have to cross through them on your way to work. You know what you are! Well now, Chrysler workers as replacements, sounds like a good idea, interesting! Judging by the way Accuride/Gunite treats their employees they'd use all 1,100 of those laid off Chrysler employees to fill in that sink hole in the foundry. You boys should really get back to the bargaining table and negotiate a fair and livable contract. I hope you guys found more brake drums to buy as you are finding out your precious scabs can't keep up. Perhaps Walmart can give you an everyday low price on some drums.:)

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Posted by: Insider Location: Rockford
Definition of Scab = "Rick Kardell" Definition of Scabs = "Union Officials who gave away jobs so they could keep theirs"

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Posted by: Rob Location: outside the gate
Darn cold today, colder tomorrow, why am i here when I don't see rick, Eddie or David spending that much time out here except when they know the news is. Common guys i've got ex's and houses to pay for and would much rather be inside than out here. Let's start negotiating and quit worrying about the job descriptions, Rick your mouth is going to overload your mind

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Posted by: Anonymous Sounds to me... that with all the personal attacks the Union members are making against gunite and its management team that they must be really taking the fact that they didnt sign the GREAT contract offered to them pretty hard! Hey Kardell stop getting personal...wheres your wife right now?? And Stowe...hows the LITLLE stowe doing??? STOP complaining about Gunite and go get yourself a new job!!!! BEST OF LUCK TEMP WORKERS!!!

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Posted by: ROBERT Location: FREEPORT
stay strong brothers and sister he will see you through what ever you are going throug smile on you god bless.

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Posted by: Joe Location: Rockford
IF people have work at gunite before then they undrestand what the people are going thru but first of all they should get riddle Ray Hart this is not the 1920 back when people did not have a voice to say something RAY your time is up you just leave ASAP so gunite can get back on track with making drums the way they where because you are the problem its just only A mattre of time before the compay see it after they see all the money they have paid to you was just a waste of compay extra cash should have been used to buy goods and pay for repairs something good with but no you wanted it and gave them no result know who are you going to blame know BRUCE FIGE or bill mills,

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Posted by: Ironman Location: Elkhart, Indiana
Hey Anonymous To substantiate my "claim" I run what's called a eight station Type "L" Mult-Au-Matic or Bullard. Station one is the loading station. Station two cuts the rough pilot. Station three cuts top of squealer band, rough overall, rough bolt stop and rough back face along with the pilot chamfer. Station four cuts rough brake id, and finish pilot. Station five cuts squealer band od, brake id chamfer, squealer band chamfer, and dust shield od. Station six cuts finish brake id. Station seven cuts finish overall, dust shield chamfer, finish bolt stop, finish back face,and chamfer for the back face side of the pilot, station eight drills the lug holes. I do work at Gunite Plant one and I run and scrap out most of that garbage you've been sending me for ten hours a day, six days a week. Scrap code 301 seems to be your injustice over there. As for your opinion, it's like an anus. Everybody's got one and they all stink!

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Posted by: Rockford citizen Location: Rockford
Well now, people using dictionaries, interesting! Since you boys are locked out and not on strike then anyone working at Gunite is thus not a scab are they per your definition. You all should really be getting back to work. I hope you guys found firewood cause it looks like some of you have found out there are no other jobs out there and you got more Chrysler workers going to be unemployed next month who are going to be looking for work, would be a shame if they took your jobs and some of the existing temps. from discussion with them at Walmart are talking about possibly moving to this area since they like their new jobs

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Posted by: anonymous Location: rockford
Hey, the person who says they are a union member and are saying those things if you are a union member what did we talk about at the meeting last night and in what order did the commity sit from left to right thank you

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Posted by: anonmous Location: rockford
to the person claming they are a union member i know you are management from the company i was told by a good source from the inside so please stop the childish games

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Posted by: former replacement worker Location: ohio
we did freeze the cupala up 4 times and we are not putting out good drums they are all scrap trust me i know what i am talking about hold strong they can not run that place without you people

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Posted by: replacement worker Location: ohio
i know what you guys are fighting for this company treats people like garbage

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Posted by: anonymous Location: rockford
To the rockford citizen who wrote the blog. I think you should look up the definition before you speak because you sound like a fool. The definition is a worker who refuses to join a labor union or to participate in a union strike, who takes a striking worker's place on the job. A scab is also referd to as a rascal or scoundrel but whats the difference. Do your homework before you speak!!!!!

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Posted by: Anonymous Dear Anonymous I am here to set the record straight! You union workers are a bunch of whining complaining rumor spreaders. The cupola froze-this your correct about. However, the new temp workers fixed it in two days!! Your crew takes at least two weeks to fix the cupola. Also, the new workers are a joy to be around, they are great hard working individuals that are happy to be employed. They are setting record numbers of drums and sending out top quality products. Dont be fooled by the union rumors...just look at that smoke stack producing product eachday. You shouldve signed when you had the six chances given to you!

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Posted by: Ironman Location: Elkhart, Indiana
Scab as defined by Webster's II New Riverside Dictionary: SCAB n. 1. The crustlike exudate that covers a healing wound. 2. Any of various plant diseases characterized by crust-like spots. 3. a. ONE WHO WORKS WHILE OTHERS ARE ON STRIKE: STRIKEBREAKER. b. ONE WHO IS HIRED TO REPLACE A STRIKING WORKER. -v. scabbed, scabbing. 1. To form a scab. 2. Informal. TO ACT OR WORK AS A SCAB. -scabby adj. Oh Lordy there's your definition as clearly defined in the King's english. I've known its meaning for years. Apparently, you don't. Didn't your mother ever teach you how to use a dictionary?

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Posted by: Union Member I just want my job back. I dont want my decisions to come from Kardell or Buchanan or Stowe. Thay are poor workers anyhow. Stowe only works 2-3 days a week. The rest are making poor judgements. Please re-negotiate and sign this time for the rest of us. Please get our jobs back. Our families are suffering. Do the right thing and stop thinking of yourselves. Theres NO jobs out there guys. NONE.

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Posted by: Anonymous The new workers are breaking records left and right. True the cupola froze but that was due to (a veteran) whos been with the company how many years?? The new temp workers are doing great ! You will see next week when second shift starts up and Gunite keeps producing GREAT products!To the person claiming to work in Elkhart--your facts are not accurate. The product being sent from Gunite is exceptional quality and made by workers who are happy to work. The few union members you have heading you up are truly doing all 138 of you an injustice. In my opinoin, You wont be back to work at Gunite....you had plenty of chances to sign a great contract.

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Posted by: BCP Location: Rockford
I hope Accuride treats their customers better than they do their employees. Guess who Jack.

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Posted by: Rockford Citizen Location: Rockford
Magnolia is in the front, Seminary in rear I can still see the disgusting mess of your campfires and dwellings. Since I live on the wedge I guess I live on both streets, did you Mother not teach you anything mr anonymous. And Lordy, please look up the definition of a Scab>)

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Posted by: anonymous Location: Rockford, Il.
Dear Citizen in Rockford on Siminary street which there is no such thing near Gunite! So you say the Temorary worker are making the product better than we? I think not, because they have forzen the cupala up now 4 times. That costs them 10's of thousands of dollars! We are not asking for money except for the ones that make 11 to 14 dollars per hour. All we want is to have a weekend off with our vacation and some language changes. that is all.....by the way I bet you do not see 45 to 75 trucks per day coming in and out of there like when we were in. P.S You must live on Magnolia not siminary

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Posted by: anonymous Location: rockford
To the rockford citizen who wrote the blog are you sure you know where you live. there are no dwellings on magnolia st. the tents you are referring to are on seminary st. Are you sure your not some SCAB trying to spread propaganda!!!!!

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Posted by: Ironman Location: Elkhart, Indiana
Hey Rockford Citizen, I work at Gunite plant one in Elkhart and if you think that scab drums are better than 718 drums I beg to differ. They're nothing but junk! I ran some that were out of round, micro wouldn't hold, and excessive sand in the castings. If they're so good, let me ask you, why is accuride spending more money buying castings from East Jordan and Waupaca foundrys? I ran scab drums for just one day and I don't think your beloved scabs can fill the boots of anybody. We machine quicker than they can pour! There's so much sand in these castings it looks like someone sprinkled pepper in the brake id. Furthermore, I'd rather look at 718 tents than that FEMA trailer park accuride wanted in their parking lot. I'm glad they got turned down for it. The last thing that community needs is a bunch of scab lot lizards running around.

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Posted by: Rockford Citizen Location: Rockford
mR. stowe, I am one of the citizens on Seminary st. that has to look at those disgusting dwellings you have constructed on Magnolia St. For a man to quote the Dr. I know your color as everyone that reads this knows. With the steam vapor and the 18 wheelers leaving the property recently, it appears that those on the inside seem to know how to make things as well as if not as better than those of you still on the street. Seems like someone has filled those boots of Union 718 UAW. May God bless you Eddie Stowe and keep you safe as you sit in your tent.

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Posted by: union member Location: Rockford
Guys stop!!!! This right here is what Accuride wants. Right now is the time to stand strong and come together. I know tempers are on edge, But we do not need to be complaining or arguing via the internet.We have the Hall for this. We all get along at work so lets get along ESPECIALLY NOW....

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Posted by: Eddie Stowe Location: Freeport
Hey Union member if you really are a member of Local 718 to which I doubt!! But just incase you are reread what I said never did I say shut up all I said was it not in your best interest to air out your dirty laundry here, why do you think we have Union meeting that where you can get in my face and any of your other rep and tell them what you think. Why would you get on this blog and tell the opponent what cards you are holding. But again I dont think you are a Local 718 brother, sound like a Aucrride plant who wants to spread their propaganda. Again like I said to the other step forward state your name and come to your brothers like a man, show us where were are wrong. we are willing to listen. But I refuse to go back and forth with a blog and a hidden identity. God bless my brother.

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Posted by: union member Location: rockford
Really Eddie your going to quote Martin Luther King? The only injustice i see here is that i didnot get a vote. Gunite is a good place to work and we all kknow it. If it was so dangrous osha would have shut them down. I just want my job back. I dont see that happening. I just want my job back. How come you tellus to shut up and you have just begun to speak.

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Posted by: Eddie Stowe Dear Mr. Rockford Citizen I think you have me at a disadventage you know who I am but I dont't know you. If you want me to take anything you say serious then please reveal your identity, other wise I haven't anything else to say to you. I didn't call any card I never mention race or color you did. And as for the noose I have the pictures to prove what I say is true and they speak for themselves. And I will truly pray for you, you have already judge me, and any christian know we don't judge any man. Your not doing very well at this point. God Bless

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Posted by: anonymous Location: Rockford, Illinois
Hey Eddie Stoe: Is that a fact?......"a noose hanging in a supervisors office"? Is that a hate crime?

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Posted by: Rockford Citizen Location: Rockford
Mr. stowe, with all the complaining on this blog I've been waiting for some to play that "Black card" and you just did, may the Good Lord have mercy on your soul, if he can.

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Posted by: Edidie Stowe (Chief Steward Local 718) Location: Freeport
To all my Local 718 brothers whom my be using this blog to release some of your frustrations I would say this is not in your best interest to be airing out all your dirty laundry for the community to see. There comes a time in every ones life where they have to stand up and fight for what is right, with all that is going on in America this fight isn't just our fight we're fighting for those who can't fight for themselves. Martin Luther King said and I Quote "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." There are those on this form whom continue to talk about money. What every happen to dignity, self-respect, being able to come to work without worrying about being fired because you sweep in the wrong place, or you get sick after 10 years of service and someone places document in your file you've never seen to justify firing you. Or being subjected to hanging noose hanging from a supervisors office window. I have only just begun to speak!!!!!!!!!! There is much more to say

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Posted by: Concerned Location: Rockford
Do everyone involved in this dispute a favor, use this website to list meaningful information. The majority of the comments have been stated with emotion in mind. Of course it's an emotional time for eveyone involved. Listing facts will ensure that everyone involved hears the "full" story. Stop listing names of union reps., company employees, etc. That is very unprofessional! Degrading the union workers, company officials, etc., moves each side no closer to establishing a contract. Bashing each side does not solve problems. Pray that God will touch both sides and each side will do what's best for those involved. We live in a society today that must put their trust in "God" and not man. Stay faithful, do the right thing, and all things will work out for the employees, the company, and the city as a whole. Lead by example! Remember, post comments that are factual, keep the faith, and pray for ALL the families involved. Union and company employees!

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Posted by: Union Member Location: rockford
I do not believe Rick will be in any bargaining position now, he let our chances for anything descent fall right thru our fingertiips by not letting us vote to begin with. He and the other negotiators wanted to keep their easy chair positions and us young ones on the ropes. We are not dumb here guys on the bargaining committee.

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Posted by: union member Location: rockford
Its not Rick its all the bargaining comittee. They are doing all they can for the good of the union and the company.I believe they will do what they can for all of us. The company they are dealing with is not a fair player in this. We have to be patient. Our union will do the right thing...

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Posted by: union member Location: rockford
Seems the union cares only for employees with a alot of time in. They seem not to care for new hires. 2nd tier members have no say in anything. We want a voice to Rick. You need to disable this 2nd tier crap and get gunite employees back to where they should be. Or at least get them up to 16 - 18 an hour. Lets see what kind of President you are and stand up for us as well..

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Posted by: Rockford citizen Location: Rockford
yo, union brothers, do you realize that you are costing the city of Rockford, winnebago cty and the state of Illinois valuable tax dollars by not negotiating. Let alone the lost business to local vendors who will not be selling their wares to you or the others inside. you may be drawing unemployment which won't pay for those expensive cars/trucks we see illegally parked in the street and on right of ways. You guys need to get your head out of the sand and realize you just kissed away some nice jobs which there are not many of in the Rockford area. Gunite can afford to freeze up a few cupolas with what they are saving on insurance, wages and benefits from you dumbies.

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Posted by: Anonymous Location: Rockford
Gunite is paying temp workers $18.00 per hour, while in their great contract most new hires will make at least $3 less. How far is that?

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Posted by: Union Brother Location: Rockford
To my fellow 718 brothers. We know the situation in the plant. We are strong. We know they can not run that plant like we can. Let us not forget, We are Gunite. Accuride purchased us and is doing what they can to shut down OUR UNION. We will remain strong and will be back to work. do not let the negative comments from people who do not know what is going on effect us in any way. which clearly they wont. We are all family at Gunite. We know where we stand we are doing whats right. for all you SCABS Accuride brought in. Please do a good job sweeping and sucking sand in the foundry so when we come back to work it nice and clean. Work them boys Ray work em.... and I betchya a hundred dollars he is.

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Posted by: Georgia Vern, when you use language like that, people think you are ignorant. If you and your union stand back and look at the big picture, you will get the sense that you are shooting yourself in the foot. The sad thing is, there are union guys out there who just want to go to work!!! Can you say INTIMIDATED?

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Posted by: ruckus Location: Rockford
yes its a bad deal we went to work they lock us out our union didn't even get through the entire negotiation! so how do u vote on a contract so we know nothing about the company played around,so its take it or leave it gunite is a nice place to work but we have to have a voice because they will mistreat you so if you don't know don't judge us for doing whats right

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Posted by: Drew Location: Sunshine State
Vern, Clearly your opinion is based on emotion rather than a rational argument. We are not a socialist or communist society, not yet. You and your union are “cutting off your nose to spite your face”. You are going to put Gunite out of business and then where are you going to work? Your union should be taking wage cuts so that Gunite can stay competitive and your union brothers can keep their jobs. I understand that it is a difficult concept but I will draw you picture if you need me too. Question, How can Bill “sound like a dumb butt? Could you hear him through the blog? Here is an idea, use your time out of work to get an education. I suggest: reading, writing, and then economics……………

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Posted by: Hank The people posting great things about that contract are undercover scab lovers inside the plant, trying to smear local 718! These are the people that accuride has hypnotized, the people who beleive this shit. Puppets like hart, Bill Mills, Susan, Ruth Ingram, Bruce Figi, and that Mike!!!! These are the people who fell victim to Accurides shenanigans, they bought into the game. Thats ok though, All the knowlege and experience is standing outside the gate, laughing at you scumbags as you drive out with dirt under your nails, actually working for a living, and seeing first hand that it's not easy walking in local 718's boots. We know whats going on in there, we actually still have a few friends left, that give us detailed reports.....DAILY! Ha Ha, keep up the good work, and please quit freezing up the cupola, thats got to be expensive! and Susan.. good job on core set

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Posted by: Matt Location: Cassopolis , MI
Hey Bill, it appears that you have a warm view of those communist pricks in China. Why don't you purchase their tooth paste , pet food , tires , lead based paint toys , Aqua Dots complete with date rape drugs , perscription medicines with concrete dust within , bread stuffed with flavored cardboard and ladies hair bands made from recycled condoms , just to name a few of their top notch quality products. You will certainly get your "pennies on the dollar" worth...

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Posted by: Drew Location: Sunshine State
Vern, Clearly your opinion is based on emotion rather than a rational argument. We are not a socialist or communist society, not yet. You and your union are “cutting off your nose to spite your face”. You are going to put Gunite out of business and then where are you going to work? Your union should be taking wage cuts so that Gunite can stay competitive and your union brothers can keep their jobs. I understand that it is a difficult concept but I will draw you picture if you need me too. Question, How can Bill sound stupid? Could you hear him through the blog? Here is an idea, use your time out of work to get an education. I suggest: reading, writing, and then economics……………

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Posted by: Ron Location: Rockford
Nice language, Vern! You seem to be missing Bill's point. He was not saying that they SHOULD send your job to Indonesia, but you have to understand that is what you are competing with. If your competitors are using cheap labor, and Gunite wants to stay in business, they HAVE TO be competitive. They apparantly are trying to do that AND still give you a bonus and a 2% raise. Also, you guys complaining about wanting "a voice" is hilarious to me. I never worked a job in my life where i had "a voice". When the boss tells you to do something, you do it or you have the freedom to go work elsewhere. But you go ahead, Vern, and stay out in the cold without a paycheck and sing the praises of your union...

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Posted by: Bill Location: Rockford
Vern. Will the union that you are so eagerly defending pay your mortgage, your insurance and your car payment. Seems they've negotiated you right out of a job. They didn't even think enough of you to allow you to use your own judgement as to whether you wanted to accept the contract offered or not. They didn't even give you an opportunity to read it. Your union must not think much of your abilities to make a reasonable decision on your own. So, call me all kinds of names, but whose standing out in the snow without a paycheck...not me.

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Posted by: Anonymous Thank GOODNESS for common sense! Finally someone with some intelligence realizes the contract that was offered was GREAT! The Union has EXTREMELY poor reasons for not signing, most of which are just not true. I will post a copy of the contract if WIFR lets me and you all can form your own opinoins. There is NO mention of pay cuts or safety or any of the complaints of the union. As a matter of fact, I thought it was a great contract. It also came with a 1250 dollar signing bonus that wouldve been just in time for the holidays! The new temp workers are enjoying great pay and seem to love their jobs. None of which are convicts as previously mentioned on here. Not one of the new temp workers has a criminal record...more lies.

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Posted by: vern Hey Bill, the place is dangerous and the hours are long and the benefits are bad and we are treated poorly! But before you post a blog dogging my union, get your facts straight! If you have watched the news, the only thing we want is a voice. These people have come in took everything the union has built. and treat us like shit. We could give a damn less if you feel sorry for anyone. you sound like a dumb ass, you have no problem selling your country to China or Indonesia, thats the problem with this country now, its people like you, letting these criminals get away with unfair labor. You are a prick, and I never even met ya'! Get your facts straight, then blog...asshole

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Posted by: Pappy Location: Rockford
Rick Kardel is or more correctly was a member of the plant saftey committee and that committee is very proactive, Gunite is very proactive Environmentally. What was the safety recommendations Rick? Gunite did not lose to the city over our permit request, the quaint politicians politically stalmated the petition by refusing to act either way. If the majority of the union brothers had the oppurtunity to vote on the contract I belive they would have been working. The city by the way of not acting on the request has created quite a shantty town on the side of the road with temporary structures constructed without proper permits being applied for, where is the Alderman for this district and why has he not done something about it?

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Posted by: Anonymous Location: Rockford
Maybe Rick Kardel can provide a copy of the contract language the union supposedly recommended regarding safety? I don't think it exists. No paycuts were in the contract. Let's start being honest.

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Posted by: Bill Location: Rockford
If the place is so dangerous, and the hours are so long and the benefits are so bad and you are treated so poorly, why don't you go find a job somewhere else? Don't like the company...leave. Have you noticed that there aren't many manufacturing plants left to work at any more? How come union people always feel the company is making millions? Ever heard of China or Indonesia or Viet Nam. They'll make your product for pennies on the dollar without all the whining and in worse conditions than you could imagine. And you guys are offered a contract with a nice sign up bonus. I don't think anybody is feeling to sorry for your situation.

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Posted by: Anonymous Location: Rockford, IL
Wow...complain, complain, complain. If it's so bad at Gunite, what are you standing around griping for? Go get yourself another job! I'm guessing there are about 1000 Chrystler people who are just dying to get a crack at your old job! It seems to me that It's your precious Union that you should be pissed at. Why didn't they even give you a chance to vote? Is the union looking out for you, or the future of the union? Seems to me, if you're standing out in the cold right now, and you missed out on a $1200 bonus and a guaranteed 2% raise, the union was looking out for "the union". You might want to reconsider where your loyalties lie.

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Posted by: Anonymous Gunite is paying the temp workers $18.00 an hour. I work there.

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Posted by: Anonymous Location: Elkhart , IN
Iwas reading the most recent blog from Mike concerning Accuride's failure to secure permission for a miniature FEMA/scab trailer city. This would have also included a company meal wagon. Is this not an emulation of China? What self-respecting scab would tolerate such living conditions? I suppose it beats the hell out of solitary confinement and prison chow. In Elkhart we labled this foolish ass suggestion "Beds on sleds with meals on wheels." We are happy that the Union won that one! God bless all of you Local 718!!

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Posted by: mike Location: rockford
How can a born and raised, U.S. citizen, business owner lock out the hard wokers at gunite? Has this prick ever been to gunite? There is no way someone is gonna go in there and do that job for 10 dollars an hour! Good luck accuride..your going to need it! You kicked all the years of experience outside the gate. Then you bring in a bunch of criminals to try to run the place. What nerve. Do they have any morals? If that isnt enough, they hire security rejects, to sit out by the gate and video record everyone who comes and goes....come on buddy, this is America. Not some third world country. How can these people sleep at night? Anyone who stoops this low in life, should and probably will, go to hell. The workers wanted to work, they wanted to keep the show going until they worked something out, but these demons had this planned a long time ago, by trying to get trailers for these scabs. but the workers won that one, and in the long run, they will win this one also..god bless'm

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Posted by: Matt Location: Cassopolis , MI.
I work for Gunite , Plant 1 and have done so for the past 15 years.I am also on the Teamster's bargaining committee there. I have already dealt with Accuride and I truly sympathize with my UAW bretheren. Make no mistake about it. Accuride is truly to blame here. The UAW committee did their job by insisting on negotiating the numerous last minute proposals that Accuride attached to the final offer. These proposals had never before been discussed and were subject to collective bargaining. These last minute proposals would have taken much and offered little to nothing in return. Accuride is corporate sewage! They give honest corporate folks a bad name. I have had my hard times with Gunite too over the years as have all of us at one time or another. But Accuride takes the cake. I was in Rockford yesterday marching with the UAW. It was a honor to be with Rick Kardell and his men of the UAW and the men of Brillion. I thank all of them and the good folks of Rockford for their hospitality.

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Posted by: anonymous 2 Location: rockford
Well it seems there are a few undercover scabs posing as union members. I think they should cross the line and go into work. also read the contract. sign it and you will eventually work for 11 to 13 dollars an hr. You will become 2nd tier with no union.... Accuride wants this an open shop so they dont have to pay the wages they are now. Why pay someone 20 to 23 dollars an hour when they have someone next to them that will do it for 12 or 13 dollars an hour? They will run the high paying jobs out.. mark my words...

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Posted by: ted Location: rockford
fire ray hart and I will work in there for a buck twenty five!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

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Posted by: Anonymous I have worked at Gunite for many years and I dont understand why MOSt of the union workers are complaining. Each and every one of us complained like babies when Gunite took away our overtime, and you all know this. But now you wanna complain and say the overtime is too much? We all make GREAT money for having no formal education Half of the union didnt graduate high school let alone college. now that WE didnt sign the contract they offered now we wanna play hard ball and point out all the flaws real or not we think Gunite has. My only hope is that we are not locked out for good. I want to work and wouldve signed in a minute had i known what i know today. Lets all go back to work with the contract they offered us!!!!

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Posted by: kvor Location: elkhart
i have worked for gunite plant 1 for over 20 years. and i would like to add for the people who dont work for gunite is that anyone that has owned this place would expect there people to work 10 and 12 hours a day, 7 days a week all year every year and expect it. with no thought to your family or personal life. but you would think that a place like gunite that makes millions and millions of dollars a year in profit would share some of the cash with the people who have given up so much of there time to make the company what it is today. but no, they would rather be like alot of big companies take the money and share it with people who ride a desk and tell me how much more work they can add to my day so they can pad there pockets. then take retirement from me and make me pay for insurance, and the insurance would not be bad if they would give a little bigger pay raise to off set the insurance. it seems like everything in the world is going up except for the pay i get.

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Posted by: Anonymous What I dont understand is why the union president and other union members wish for Gunite to close??? They all preach they are good workers but when asked how they feel about the plant they respond I hope by us not signing that Gunite goes out of business. How would that help 136 workers and their families? Maybe the temporary workers will enjoy great pay and a solid job. Production is up and running and all seems to be working fine with the temp workers hired.

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Posted by: Eric Location: rockford
I would like to clear this up. It seems people keep posting comments in regards to the contract. First off, by signing the contract in question would have given way to the company dissolving the union.This is the reason the contract was not signed. It was the " language " the Company used that would have ended the union. And we as a union body would be subject to work without having a voice. Or being told you have to work 14 hour shifts with little or minimal notifications. After 10 hour in a foundry that is a very long day. now they want the right to come up to you and TELL you that you are staying an extra 2 hour.. That is not acceptable. So I ask if you do not understand what is invloved Don't say this is a perfectly acceptable contract. Would you accept this at your job?

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Posted by: Jane The workers were only locked out because they would not sign a perfectly acceptable contract which by the way came with a great signing bonus. No pay cuts were even mentioned in the contract.

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Posted by: Anonymous Location: elkhart Indiana
I work at the Gunite plant in Elkhart. They are the most unethical company I have ever been associated with. We ratified a contract with them much to our dismay and they have done everything in their power to disregard their responsibilities in that contract. They act like there is no union. I can sympathize with the workers there. Sure they make good money but like our place in Elkhart it's filthy, unsafe and at least for some of us we work many hours a week. Here's another viewpoint. Not only do the union workers feel threatened by Acuride but those in mangement from Gunite that was bought out by Accuride frrl threatened also. Accuride has treated them like shit also. Accuride is a very vindictive company so my job may be on the line after this but you know what? It's the truth. Something Accuride can't spell.

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Posted by: angelica Location: rockford,il
Hey bob i dont think you even know the whole story. In the first place the workers didnt go on strike they got locked out! In the second place It was not only health insurance deductibles going up but also they wanted to reduce the workers pay. I'm sure any person who worked one day at gunite would not think of it as acceptional.It is a very unsafe place to work,there is not many people who would want to risk their life to work at gunite for the kind of pay the company wants to reduce it to. The workers inhale silica dust everyday and a big percent of workers have ended up with lung cancer shortly after their retirement.

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Posted by: clown OSHA needs to be contacted. The union needs to step in. The workers should quit their jobs so the company has to close.

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Posted by: John Location: rockford
I feel for the hard dedicated workers at Gunite. That is a very unsafe place to work several people have lost thier lives at that place. The union guys have kept that place running for years. I think Rockford needs to step up and get behind them... Accuride states they are a world class supplier of wheel and truck componets, Why dont they show thier employees some class as well and come together and take it to the next level.... Then they could be a Better World Class Supplier.....

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Posted by: Doug Location: Northern IL
Hey Bob where have you been hiding. They didn't strike they were locked out, The key words are Locked Out. They are not striking they were locked out.

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Posted by: Bob Location: Rockford
Gunite is an exceptional place to work!! The union workers shouldve accepted the contract! Jobs are scarce in this area The union is upset because health insurance deductibles went up??? Everyones health insurance has gone up recently. They shouldve thought more about it and had union representatives explain more reasoning behind the strike. Many of the workers i spoke with didnt want to strike!

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Posted by: Doug Location: Northern IL
All Gunite is doing now is trying to break the Union. But this normal practice for some of these companies now. If you don't accept the offer we lock you out. Wasn't it a a couple months again Gunite was asking the city to let them but tempory housing on the property. I feel for the workers locked out. This company must be taking lessons from a another company could it be Chrysler when they failed to inform all the UAW there plans at Belivdere>

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