LABOR MANAGEMENT COOPERATION

I recently attended a forum at a local college regarding labor/management cooperation.  Actually the subject matter was ethics in the corporate boardroom as well as the work place.  As the forum progressed however, the topic seemed to develop into the roles of both labor and management working towards mutual beneficial goals.   The forum was enlightening and it was refreshing to visit with college students who did not have a pre-conceived notion regarding labor’s place in the success or failure of their business partners.  I mean, let’s face it, many see labor as an automatic hindrance to business interest and not as the positive influence that it can and should be.  

As the evening progressed however, it was apparent that the participants representing both labor and management had a true desire to work together and to enhance the opportunities for success in their respective profession or industry.  The IBEW in conjunction with their partners, the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) have recognized the importance of labor management cooperation for quite some time.  Government agencies such as NASA and their counterparts have also seen the need for cooperation and developed a labor management committee under John F. Kennedy’s presidency.  The provision chartering this group was under the old missile sites labor commission and has since evolved into the Kennedy Labor Management Relations Council.  This has developed and became the catalyst to which a Florida State wide labor management conference has been established.  

Now in its 10th year, this conference   continues to grow.  Participants include Disney World, many government and private employers, as well as their corresponding labor organizations.  The workshops include interesting topics that impact our ability to conduct business in a variety of professions and industries throughout the state.  I mention this to appeal to those whose interest (whether labor or management) needs are not being met or are becoming stagnant.  Consider the possibilities of joining with those of similar interest in concerns in a joint effort to resolve issues and conflict in a neutral setting. Although there will always be separate and distinct differences between labor and management you may be surprised at the results of open communications between the groups.  It has been my experience that most leave with the opinion that the forum is extremely positive and many common goals are identified. The conference motto is “progress through partnership”.   The next statewide meeting will be this August.   If interested in gaining further information log onto:

 http://www-ss.ksc.nasa.gov/flmchomepage.html or contact the   NASA industry relations office at 321-867-4346.            

Steve Williams

                                               Business Manager

“BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR”

I have been listening to a local radio talk show on my morning drive lately. It, like most radio talk shows, is hosted by a couple of self proclaimed “Conservative Republicans” and, like on most of the shows, the primary topic lately has been the tragic Terri Schiavo situation. The two talkers have been highly critical of George and Jeb Bush, Tom Delay and both the state and federal legislatures for getting involved in such an agonizing and personal situation.  

These two Republican talk show hosts continued their assault on the actions of George, Jeb and their congressional allies for their arrogant disrespect for the Constitution and their full frontal assault on the separation of powers especially directed at the Judicial Branch.  A lady called in one morning last week and told the two talkers that they got what they voted for and now they had to live with it. I have to say that both of these Republican talkers agreed with the caller and they did indeed vote for these people and are now having to deal with it. Be careful what you wish for.  

Prior to the Schiavo situation, I heard these talkers and another conservative talk show host blasting their own chosen leaders for other things such as spiraling deficits, homeland security, and illegal immigration.

Unfortunately for us, Florida has been right in the middle of controversies for several years now. I suppose it’s just a coincidence that Jeb and compassionate conservatives have been in charge for several years now in Florida . I remember at one time the Republican’s battle cry was “ the rule of law”, which I thought involved the judiciary, unless of course you don’t like their ruling.  Then if you’re the governor or president you ignore it or change it. Jeb’s arrogance and disdain for the judiciary was dangerously close to causing a showdown between state and local authorities in Pinellas County .  

Didn’t a large majority of Floridians vote for a class size amendment a few years ago?  Remember, Jeb told his allies at that time not to worry, because he had a “devious plan” to negate the will of the people and the plan is being worked as we speak.  

Another republican philosophical battle cry has long been local rule and states rights. Well the local rule went out the window when we wanted to continue to have proper licensing of electricians and the local authority to enforce it. Remember when Jeb and the boys gutted the craft licensing system in the state of Florida , public safety be damned.  

As for the states rights issue, we saw what happened during the elections of 2000 and more recently the plight of Terri Schiavo. The most “Conservative Republicans” have to be cringing deep in their souls when they see what the Bush’s and their allies have done to their basic conservative ideals.

Like the lady calling into the talk show said to the Republican talk show hosts, you voted for them and you got them. It reminds me again of “sheep following the Judas goat”.  

Remember, folks, be careful what you wish for.

                                                Bill Sweeney

                                                Organizer

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INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF
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