A brother has posed a question to our Lord (oh I'm sorry, I meant Laird) of "Human Resources" (now there's a contradictory label) asking why we can't record meetings with management. He's embroiled in a furious feud with this insensitive power-hungry mob, and has genuine concerns about fairness and accuracy in that department's dealings with him and the rest of US.
A high-ranking union official told me recently that Lord (oops) Cusack said "a scared employee" is the best kind. This suggests he's okay with management enjoying zero oversight. (We've watched for decades as the "Bored" of Directors snoozes through every bad episode of Management Malfeasance.) It seems only union employees should be constantly monitored for bad behavior. Lordy makes excuses as to why disciplinary meetings cannot or should not be recorded. Too expensive, not enough staff to handle requests for information, etc. blah blah blah. Excuses. Ultimately, it would shine a light on poor management techniques. This situation would be laughable if it were in some novel (which is very possible someday) or television show, but this is reality without TV.
The Laird (rats, I meant Lord) of HR is a heavy-handed brute who came to us from a local school district. They probably didn't like him either. We thought Stedman was bad, but this guy seems intent on making his predecessor a lightweight. Lord's currently in contract negotiations with our union, intent on dismantling decades of fair play and workplace protections as well as the Maintenance Apprenticeship Program. A raise? Ha! He refuses to reason or make concessions, and it's obvious his first intention was to force our contract resolution into binding arbitration. The last time this happened, we felt it right where we sit, and it hurts even more now. Nice chess move, if it wasn't blatantly obvious.
The media is uselessly quiet, only "reporting" what it's fed by transit. Still, they have the gall to beg for money because they're drowning in their own incompetent vomitus.
I'm hoping my brothers and sisters have had enough, and they join what little fight we have left. This transit operator is still fighting, and will continue. Tomorrow, ATU International will call me to discuss what can be done to beat down this untamed beast that has become Portland Transit. I intend to listen, then let my claws out, sharpen them and attack.
People today have allowed complacency to replace action. My mother's son, I have never been able to lie back and allow knife-wielding thugs have their way with me. When I see wrong, it's my way to try and make it right. It doesn't matter if there are others willing to join me, I'll still do the tough stuff.
"Nothing good is ever easy," Ma often said.
I have ONE career objective remaining: General Manager of TriMet. It's time to right this capsized ship before it pulls us all under. I will bring in a new team of fellow seasoned/decent people who KNOW how to provide transit to a tax-weary populace. Once I'm Captain, there will be a massive shift in the ship's cargo: Union Workers FIRST, others second. I'll work a lot cheaper and more efficiently than what we're saddled with now. In three to five years, my team will once again be able to boast this nation's #1 status as its premier transit agency. My first priority: improving facilities and working conditions while restoring pride to our once-respected Portland transit.
You make success by celebrating those who are the "lug nuts of transit" (RIP Thomas Dunn), not by stripping them until the wrench of success no longer works. You don't succeed by having fearful/angry workers at the wheel. You reward effort, gently nudging bad behavior toward positivity and rewarding outstanding work. Production increases with a happy workforce; it stagnates with a resentful one. Our management has such an inflated sense of self-worth it produced a book celebrating Portland Transit's successes without affording respect for those who make it work: US.
Meanwhile, allow us to record your mistakes, dear Lord (there I go again). Unless, of course, you're afraid of public oversight.
Management, you're done. You have failed. Again. Time to allow competence to reign once more. We're tired of this constant disrespect, mistrust and failure to create a positive work environment. We're sick of doing the hard work while you grudgingly shovel hollow praise only when expected to.
WE can't "hide at home" during this pandemic like you have. We show up for work, constantly exposed to those who disrespect us while possibly-infecting us with a deadly virus. We slog through the ice and snow while your fireplaces keep your evening cocktail parties cozy. When was the last time anyone saw our "leadership team" rolling the streets during a winter storm with warm drinks and words of encouragement while we white-knuckle icy routes? Yeah, me either. Our Union fellows do, and have.
Deke for General Manager!
We've seen how Corporata has wreaked havoc; it's time for the adults to step in.
Go for it!
ReplyDeleteI hope you get there sir. We expect the abuse from the riders. But it's always a surprise when it comes from management. It's got to end.
ReplyDeleteMake it happenn!!!
ReplyDelete