Work Ethic (Don't get me started)

My frustration with much of what is going on at work, with the economy, politics, well just about everything these days was my initial reason for starting this blog. I don't enjoy starting on a negative subject but some things can't be helped. In the future I will be sharing some day to day adventures, some ranting, on any number of topics, but mainly today I just wanted to vent. I am a working dad who has worked since the age of 14. I started in the Grape fields of the San Joaquin Valley with my uncle. I grew up without a Fathers influence as he was killed when I was just five in a tragic auto accident on Thanksgiving Day. My male role models were my Grandfathers, whom I saw only during the summers when I visited. My moms dad was in construction and traveled often to what ever job site he was working. When he was at home he had a propensity to enjoy the spirits from the Gallo Brothers. Most of the time he would be chasing my Uncles and I out of his old Army Barracks. My Fathers dad I saw only occasionally, usually for a couple of days each year. Both taught me about work ethic, both did what they could to keep me on the right path. I gleaned what I could from them in our limited time together and I loved them both while they were alive.

After high school I joined the Military and spent 3 years in various locations across the US. My years following service for Uncle Sam I spent learning a Construction trade in a four year apprenticeship. Following my Grandfathers advice I stayed with it for fifteen years. Both the Military and the skilled trades required a strong work ethic. In the Military you either had it or you did allot of push ups, sit ups, etc. In the trades you worked based on the reputation you build as you came up.

Then came my current job. A new brand of work ethic was introduced. I started as a worker, then a leader, then I moved to Management. It wasn't so much that I was trying to climb the ladder, but more a natural progression one would take if they had a strong work ethic and spent many years in one place. Like many I spend my days sharing time between work and home. At home I have a wife and four children and they are my joy and my inspiration. At work I have my other children, my workers, all with unique personalities, and skill sets. They belong to a union which will remain nameless. Let me just say that I am not against Unions, I was in one for the fifteen years I was in construction. I believe unions have done allot for workers rights and I am in favor of doing the right thing.

What I don't understand about this particular Local is their willingness to back their members even when they are wrong. For example, sleeping on the job, complaining about every assignment, drugs, and the biggie, absenteeism. Why would you back members that only weaken you as an organization, weaken your position? Their reps come in and make out like the company is in the wrong no matter the infraction. How can this help them? It is the thought of most that their main interest is to get the members vote at election time, not the good of the Union. Their many factions clutter the cafeterias with leaflets berating the opponent, blaming them for any number of things, all of them ending with "In Solidarity". Are you kidding me?

Endorsing bad behavior, and poor workmanship is only hurting the membership, giving them a reason to accept poor work ethic. It festers, it grows, and it becomes ingrained in them. In nature, the weak are culled from the herd. It strengthens them as a whole. It prevents complacency, ensuring the herd will survive. I don't get it! In this day and age with our economy in shambles, one would think everyone would be going the extra mile to maintain their jobs, and present the strongest possible position. Nothing is guaranteed in this world, and all job markets are flooded with applicants. We have been witness to the biggest collapse of our economy in history and to think someone making thirty plus and hour would complain about anything and then be told it OK, is ludicrous. Where did they go wrong? Your membership represents you.

I hope that these Union leaders realize how lucky they are to have a job at all in this economy, I hope for it every day. Before it's too late. Before we all start spinning after the flush. Instill pride in your members, remind them there are consequences for their actions. It feels good to truly earn what you have. Your predecessor's fought hard to gain what you have. Don't lose it for your members and their family's. Promote a strong work ethic in all of them.This is my first rant, a mild rant, (thanks Mom) I told you, don't get me started. BigBlogAlphaDog