Reply to a Few Recent Comments
There was a recent comment asking me to define the meaning of “open forum.” I did not allow the comment to be public because the chosen screen name was inappropriate and could be offensive to some readers. I want to reiterate my prior statement that I will allow anyone a voice on this site as long as they do not name a manager or supervisor by name or location, release private company information, degrade another employee or area, and or use inappropriate language. Our goal is not vindictive in nature and I will not allow a manager or supervisor to be degraded on this site. We do not wish harm to the company but only seek a working environment that is fair and balanced.
By “open forum” I mean an environment, for discussion, that allows employees the ability to express their opinions without fear of reprisal from management.
I would also like to address another post which stated “I don’t see many anti-union views in this alleged “open forum”, so much for a non-biased discussion.” That is true you did not see many because you are the first person to show any hint of opposition. I also allowed your comment to be made public so this should show we are willing to hear anyone’s opinion. I also open the floor to anyone, opposed or for unionization, to post on the main blog. If you want to research and present your case for easier reading access, just email it to me at voteunion01@hotmail.com. I will make it so. I promise you, this is more freedom than you have with the management at Centerpoint.
Ok guys let me put it like this. The open forums that you have in the meetings last time was rehersed, they wanted employees to speak up in the meetings so they could take names who was for the union.. There was some areas that pretty much was threatend to go to the meeting and tell employees that they were against the union,and yes there is a few that says they are for the union but would run and tell all. Things were not being done fairly. Its things like this that the management in the higher offices need to know. I would recommend that if you can have a meeting with some manager other than the local ones would be good. I read that you guys are going to have a meeting with someone from houston, if local managers are in the room you guys will not get anything accomplished. This is the best way to have a all open forum for everyone including managers and I commend the one that came up with this. Good luck I hope you guys can get this pulled off. I will keep reading and posting some comments, and i hope all of you that was blinded last time will come to your senses because if you think for one min that your local manager will back you 100% dont be fooled. later
hasbeen01
May 9, 2010 at 11:47 pm
Let me get this straight, one moderator has sole control over anything that gets posted here?
And that mod is pro-union with a obvious chip on his shoulder toward management..
Am I right so far?
Sawzall
May 10, 2010 at 3:26 pm
So you are pretty much accusing him of running everything and not allowing anyone else to have a say. If that is your view, then explain to me how that is any different than the management at Centerpoint. Cmon, this person has opened the floor up to everyone. Your are even allowed to post on the main blog if you have a lengthy comment. So, your answer is you are not right. The only reason comments must be approved are to protect management and other employees. You should really lay off the personal attacks and talk about why you oppose the union.
Anonymous
May 10, 2010 at 5:57 pm
Sawzall, thanks for your comment. I can respect your opinion and I’m sure you are dedicated to Centerpoint Energy and maintain a good work ethic. I just don’t think work ethic is the issue here. You can have all the work ethic in the world, but it doesn’t mean you’ll ever get what you’re worth. Of course you are going to keep your job. The company would be crazy to let you go, if you are being paid less than you are worth, and you’re willing to stay. There are people who have worked here for over 30 years and don’t make what they should. Do they have work ethic? Yes they do or the company would have let them go a long time ago. Look at the contracts and see what they are making in Minnesota. Do you think they have a better work ethic than you? No, they don’t. We work just as hard as they do and get compensated less even though we have virtually the same cost of living. I am not looking to degrade the management or bring down Centerpoint Energy. A union cannot do that or it would have happened already. They are already at Centerpoint and have a good working relationship with them. I am just asking you to look at the facts that I have researched and posted on this site. Your research is welcome also. As stated before I will not deny anyone a voice on this site as long as it is kept in a professional demeanor.
Moderator
May 10, 2010 at 9:52 pm
Oh hell sawzall don’t worry about who has the chip on there shoulder, and comment why you don’t want a union.
Topdog
May 10, 2010 at 8:05 pm
Personal attacks? Did I hurt your feelings Anonymous? The mod a buddy of yours?
I oppose unions because I have a work ethic that will help me keep my job.
I don’t need to pay dues so that some clown will “represent” me.
Sawzall
May 10, 2010 at 9:08 pm
UH…Oh looks like like sawzall is the real one with a chip on his shoulder. I didn’t realize he was the only one with a good work ethic. You know guys it takes more than ONE to run a successful company. As a UNION we are SECURED not HELPED to keep our jobs. Looks like we have management on site. We must be hitting a couple of weak minded people that allow others to dictate their future. Keep up the good work guys!
sumo
May 10, 2010 at 9:36 pm
i know people that have worked here for over thirty years and have checked their retirement package and found that they have less than $70,000.00 to retire on mixed with a possible social security they will almost be able to pay their gas bill if they eat spam or jack mackrel with a glass of water.ask any entergy retiree if being unionized hurt their retirement.i know answer to my question!!!!peace out from da dawg
dawg
May 10, 2010 at 11:10 pm
Oh sawzall, its people like you that makes us employees want a union in place. Weak minded, if you were to ever be in a law sute or diveorce, or any leagal problems are you saying you dont need a clown to represent you for sercurity,stability,or protect your family. You know were i come from i put my family first right there with god, and i will always protect them. So the clown that would represent me would be well worth it. You know even mangers and from what i hear its coming of relocating them they cant tell you but they would like be represented in this case. Put it like this if you have an accident are you going to let a group of people tell you that it is was proventable, would you not like for some one to argue your side of the story. If not, keep comment because you are pretty funny….
ASUfan
May 10, 2010 at 11:33 pm
WHAT IS IT ABOUT THESE TOWN HALL MEETINGS?WHY NOT EMBASSY SUITES!HAHAHAHAHAHA!ARE THEY AFRAID TO LET US MINGLE??DANG SKIPPIN.
bowhunter24
May 10, 2010 at 11:44 pm
Sounds like sawzall’s work ethic causes him to keep a “brown nose” all the time–smooch smooch–bet I nailed it big time !!!!!
RaZeR
May 11, 2010 at 7:49 pm
I hope everyone will listen to Sawzall and be polite. If he has real questions, answer them. Each person has their own point of view. Others think that if they kiss enough butt, management will keep them around. I’ve been around for several years and have yet to kiss anyones butt. I rely on my work ethic to keep my job here. I’m for the union. Not because I’m lazy and need someone to protect my job for me. I’m for the union to make promotions fair, hirings fair, and job security. Why should one guy with three years be a tech 3 and a guy with 12 years be a tech one doing the same job. Thats bull. A union will fix this problem. Pro union folks, be polite and make good points. Everyone, ask legit questions and see what answers you get or make a statement. We are all co-workers.
homewrecker
May 11, 2010 at 9:23 pm
Will tennis shoes be approved for field use if we unionize? You can’t beat ‘em for comfort and speed. Any input is appreciated.
civicdriver
May 11, 2010 at 11:00 pm
do you have spurs too!
bean
May 11, 2010 at 11:31 pm
Calling names is the best rebuttal you guys have got?
Weak minded, brown noser, etc..
Sucks when some opposition shows up doesn’t it?
Stay classy..
Sawzall
May 11, 2010 at 11:13 pm
Have you read the contracts and all the prior post that are referenced with facts? It doesn’t suck that opposition shows up, I welcome it and am willing to listen to every opinion. Those opinion are just more credible when backed up with facts.
voteunion01
May 12, 2010 at 7:51 am
You know hamewrecker that is the one thing that drives me crazy about some of this union stuff just because someone has been here longer does not mean they should make more money or even have a better title as someone that as been here less time. pay and promotions should be based on performance not just how long you been here. I don’t care if you been here 25 years if you are not getting the job done as well as someone that has been here 3 years he should get a better raise than you. Oh and just to save you some trouble this is not a member of managment. That seems to be the commen proseption of anyone that says anything bad against the union is “WELL LOOKS LIKE MANAGMENT IS ON OUR SITE”.
screwball
May 11, 2010 at 11:32 pm
I know people who have met all the qualifications for the next level, been here the required minimum time, are good workers, and were still denied promotions. Does that seem fair? It’s not just about protecting the people who have given 20 plus years of their life to the company. It’s also about protecting the future of those who are newer and guaranteeing they receive what they have earned.
voteunion01
May 12, 2010 at 7:48 am
Hey man, I don’t think your a manager. We all got opinions. Your opinion is a valuable as mine. Several people I’ve talked to that were part of unions at factories talked negatively about the unions they were apart of. There is no comparison between us and a factory. They can’t carry our pipeline to China to exploit cheap labor. It’s in our best interest to have a strong union. That’s why this blog is so important. Answering questions and discussing concerns is the way we can find out the truth. If you can find something negative about a utility union, by all means post it. You might convince me I’m wrong for being in support of this union drive. Nothing I’ve seen or read has done it so far. There’s negatives with everything. The positives far outweigh the negatives on this issue. Ask one of those older techs if he thought when he was young if he would have thought he would ever be one of those old guys. Bet he didn’t.
homewrecker
May 12, 2010 at 6:47 pm
If you think that just because you are a older hand makes you slow your wrong! However! You will be old one day and that arrogant attitude your displaying will change!! I promise you! Senority should mean something here but it doesn’t. By the time you worked here 30 years you deserve to have moved up to a litlle easier job! I think if you were taught a little more respect when you were young you just might have a little bit better statue! You are right however that if you are producing more then you should get a little extra on your check! Which you don’t now! I have seen a recent union contract that has that provision in it! We all do our jobs here so lets keep up the good work! The union will just better your work ethics!!
conway1
May 12, 2010 at 10:23 pm
I HOPE YOU HAVE BEEN PAYING ATTENTION. THE PERSON OF 25 YEARS OF SERVICE IS OVISIUSLY AT LEAST 43 TO HAVE BEEN HIRED BY FEDERAL LABOR LAW OF 18 BY THIS COMPANY.YES A 21 YEAR OLD WORKS WITH MORE VIGOR AND INTHUSIASM IN A PHYSICALLY DEMANDING JOB IN MOST CASES YOU WILL AGREE?WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME CENTERPOINT HIRED FIELD PERSONNEL OVER 50 NEVER!MUCH LESS 43?I’VE BEEN HERE LONGER THAN MOST OF YOU GUYS AND NEVER SEEN ANYONE HIRED AT THIS AGE,OTHER THAN MANAGEMENT.PLEASE PROTECT SENIORITY FOR ME AND YOU.PLEASE COMMENT.THANKS.
bowhunter24
May 13, 2010 at 12:30 am
Thanks for being a smarta** civic. You are the true definition of what this movement is not about. When you can go and get your big boy pants on and want to get on here and dicuss serious issues then we will all be on here waiting, good or bad.
sumo
May 11, 2010 at 11:59 pm
civicdriver, one thing for sure you need the protection because if you was to loose your job, you wouldnt make in comedy.,,,,
ASUfan
May 12, 2010 at 12:09 am
So far the info i am reading is good, i was against the union at first but the more i open my eyes and look at things i think a union will be good.
NInja
May 12, 2010 at 12:12 am
Glad to have ya
voteunion01
May 12, 2010 at 8:39 am
Screwball, I know some people that have washed out over the years because they couldn’t cut it. I’m talking about the unfair practices of filling positions and promotions. If your young now, you can probably work circles around some of the older guys. Think about this, one day you to will get old. You might not be able to hang with that new hire doing service work, ect. Wouldn’t you like to be able to use your seniority to get to an easier job or more stressful, less labor job. I’m young now. I get those good raises. But I can see down the road and it don’t look good. If your doing the job, you should get paid for doing it.
homewrecker
May 12, 2010 at 1:22 pm
That was well spoken. You know, this whole thing is about employees relying on each other rather than relying on management. It makes sense to rely on people you share a common goal with. It does not make sense to take the word of someone who’s goals are no aligned with yours. This is a business folks. No matter how much you are smiled at or how many steak dinners you attend, you are here for one reason. That reason is to make the company money. It is not a charity and you wouldn’t be here if they decide they don’t need you. I’ll never understand why people make a personnel attacment to it. You should treat it like what it is; a business. You deserve to get as much out of it as you can. I guarantee you the management isn’t leaving any money on the table. Don’t be fooled. All of those steak dinners, pats on the back, targeted raises, and free lunches are for one thing. They are there to keep you quiet and happy so you will not realize what you are really missing out on. It is nothing but union suppression and the company continues to profit fom it while you continue down the same road of busting your a** everyday for less than others are getting for doing the same job.
voteunion01
May 12, 2010 at 5:48 pm
I tell you all now that the older you get the more management wants to push you out the door without anything. I know for a fact that there hasn’t been anyone in our area that has ever retired with full benifits! Once you buy into the bs that this bunch carfes for you, think again! I often wonder if Houston even knows what really goes on here or if they set these rules then force on the local boys!
By the way! We are the ones that needs to step up and fight for the union to represent us. We are the working here not union reps. When we get ready to fight the tough battles then we give the reps a call to step in and help bring it to life!! So lets get ready and start standing for what we know is the only protection option out there!
bowhunter51
May 12, 2010 at 10:35 pm
I wish I would’ve had some protection 2 months ago…
civicdriver
May 12, 2010 at 9:08 pm
Can you elaborate on that one?
voteunion01
May 12, 2010 at 9:22 pm
ALTHOUGH WE HAVE DIFFERENT VIEWS I WOULD LIKE YOU TO JOIN OUR BROTHERHOOD. PLEASE RECONSIDER JOINING.YUR BRO BOW.
bowhunter24
May 13, 2010 at 12:05 am
its pretty intimidating when a ops superviser threatens your co-worker and friend in front of everyone about joining a union.i will not be puttin’ up with this s… any longer.send cards soon please guys.
walmart
May 12, 2010 at 11:48 pm
Dang walmart you was actually threatened the last go around. No wonder things are like they are.
ASUfan
May 13, 2010 at 9:11 pm