EIT CONNECTIONS

Communications Workers of America Local 1701 Alliance@IBM/CWA
Newsletter of information. Opinion and support for EIT employees

Employees say EIT has created a hostile workplace

In recent weeks, EIT and Huron employees have told the Union that the owners and senior EIT management has created a workplace with high stress levels, intolerable working conditions and a hostile atmosphere.

December vacation requests are being denied to many employees
The General Manager of EIT has been prowling the plant chewing out employees at every turn. In fact we were told that the day before Thanksgiving the General Manager instead of wishing people a good holiday, embarked on a “terror” campaign in the plant.
Employees are getting written up for minor infractions
Holiday parties and decorations are not allowed
Managers are concerned that morale continues to drop due to lack of respect towards employees and workers are quitting the company.

It doesn’t have to be like this

A union and a contract are the only things that will help employees create a less stressful and a fair workplace. The members of CWA, 700,000 strong, know this. You have already seen what it is like without a union, isn’t it time to see what it is like WITH one?

With a Union and a Contract:
Terms and conditions of your employment must be negotiated in good faith by the union (you) and the company. EIT workers would be part of the negotiating process and would have copies of the contract once it is voted on.
A Union of EIT employees would have strength and power. You wouldn’t be treated like you work on a chain gang.
A Union of EIT employees could have contract language that brings respect back to you and has a real grievance system.
A Union of EIT employees could negotiate and have in writing pay increases, cost of living increases, merit pay increases and profit sharing, not empty management promises.
A Union of EIT employees would have an elected shop steward system that will be your frontline protection from abusive management.
Changing exemption status would have to follow the terms of the contract. No unilateral changes.
A Union and a contract would create a more stable environment that could help retain and attract new employees.
A contract is cut and dried-no making up rules at management’s whim.
A contract eliminates the “guessing game” creating less stress for management and employees.

Beyond the guaranteed provisions of a contract most Union workplaces have joint committees to work out problems and create positive business conditions. The following is actual contract language:

“Dialogue Committee: The committee will be 5 company representatives and 5 union representatives. The co-chairs are the HR operations manager and the Union president. This committee will continually upgrade the working relationship between all employees by
--Communicating effectively
--Reducing conflict
--Building rapport
In such a way that trust, morale and organizational harmony are constantly improving so that the process continues to increase its contribution to people and business excellence.”

The owners of EIT told employees from day one that they didn’t want a Union of EIT employees. A year later we see why. Is this how you want to continue your life at EIT or would you rather take a different path?
EIT owners had their chance. It is time for yours.