Be your own Advocate

I do not want to be represented by a union. 

Do not misconstrue my resistance to union representation to be, in any way,disdain of my fellow employees who may wish to be represented by a union.  During the past few months those who desire union representation have been active in the workplace presenting the CWA (Communications Workers of America) position.  I respect their right to do so, but at this time I would like to share another point of view.

I recognize the historical contributions of organized labor and appreciate the efforts and sacrifices of those trail blazers of the social movement which produced the 40 hour work week, paid vacations, and pensions.

However, I am also cognizant of the differences which exist in the market systems of the late 19th, early 20th century, and the 21st century.  As opposed to an agrarian, rural, manufacturing based economy, I live in a consumer driven, urban, service based economy.  This economy requires much greater levels of employment, and consequently more enticements to employees, to maintain a level of consumption which will sustain the economic model in which we currently reside.

I do not work in a sweat shop with heavy machinery and the constant threat of severe bodily injury or even death.  I do not farm and risk exposure to toxic chemicals and use dangerous equipment.  I work in a climate controlled environment with modern technology.  I receive a reasonable wage for reasonable effort.  I am provided with training and tools to accomplish my assigned tasks.  In addition to exchanging my time and labor for financial compensation I am also afforded many additional benefits.  I have worked in an environment of cooperation and mutual reward.  I do not desire to enter into a relationship based on the interaction of adversaries.

I have always represented myself in dealing with AA management.  The members of management with whom I have had personal dealings have ranged from immediate supervisor to corporate vice-president.  I have always been treated profesionally and personably.  I have not always achieved the results I desired but neither have I been denied just and appropriate resolutions.

If I am no longer allowed to represent myself I can see three options.  I would be represented by someone of greater, equal, or lesser abilities.  2 of the 3 options obviously present no advantage to me.  However, I would be paying for this third party to function on my behalf regardless of the results.  There can be no more dedicated advocate for you than yourself.

Currently I receive several benefits which I very much appreciate as they exist and are applied.  As noted above, when my existing benefits are negotiated, in only one of three cases will I benefit from the service for which I will be paying a union.  Also, although my work group is not currently organized, I have benefited from the large union presence in other AA work groups.  Granted, this view may be rather Machiavellian, but since I already receive the benefits for free I am hard pressed to discern the benefit in paying for something I receive for free.

I am only 1 member of the work group being discussed.  I respect the right of each individual in this group to express their opinion by virtue of casting a ballot.  I accept the validity of majority rule.  However, in the event of a vote, I would like to share this with those who will or may vote no.

Previously a non vote for a union was effectively a vote of no.  In the past, for a group to be organized there was a 50% plus 1 vote of yes required based on the total mebership of the group voting.  Now, to organize, the yes vote required is 50% plus 1 only of those who vote regardless of whether the number of voters could be considered significant.  So, if only 500 vote from a group consisting of 5000 members, then 251 people can determine the fate of all the individuals in the work group. 
Example A-previous rules
Work group size-5,000
Yes votes-500, No votes-100, Non votes-4400 = No Union

Example B-current rules
Yes votes-501, No votes-499, Non votes-4000 = Union

As you can see the vote of no is absolutely essential if you desire to remain an independent body.  In the past a non vote was effectively the same as a vote of no and that is no longer the case.  If you want your opinion to count, your voice to be heard, you MUST vote.  Whether you vote no or vote yes do not allow apathy to determine your fate.

I will vote no should the opportunity arise and I invite you to vote with me.

Sequere me.                                              MAWesley

Pay Attention

When I sing in church I think the words deserve attention.  I don't pay attention merely to achieve proper pronunciation but to discern what I am declaring.  Being a Methodist I even have instructions for singing.  For those who may not be familiar with Methodism, it was founded by John Wesley and he gave the following instructions; Sing all; Sing lustily, and with a good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but, Sing modestly. Do not bawl, as to be heard above, or distinct from, the rest of the congregation, that you may not destroy the harmony; but strive to unite your voices together, so as to make one clear melodious sound; Sing in time; and Above all, sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you sing. Aim at pleasing Him more than yourself, or any other creature. In order to do this, attend strictly to the sense of what you sing, and see that your heart is not carried away with the sound, but offered to God continually; so shall your singing be such as the Lord will approve of here, and reward when he cometh in the clouds of heaven.

I sang a new hymn today, a hymn being a song or ode in praise or honor of God, a deity, a nation, etc. The title was "Our God". 
The chorus is:
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
The bridge is:
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
What can stand against?
Thinking about these lyrics I was struck by the possessiveness of the words.  Our God is greater, Our God is stronger, as if I am in possession of the Almighty.  These words seem to say I own something and therefore am in some manner superior to others who don't possess this deity. 

I would never presume to establish nor even declare to exist a condition wherein I possess God.  If anything, I pray that my speech and actions will declare me humbly satisfied to be claimed by Him, through Jesus, in grace.  He has provided me with the means to redemption but I find no justification for a proclamation of superiority.  Rather, a call to share that which has so graciously, and at great expense, been provided for me. 

And Our God is stronger and greater than what, your God?  I would hold there is only 1 God and subsequently there would exist no relationship of stronger or greater. 

God is for us and with us?  If anything, I hope I am for and with God.  How many teams have both armies claimed that God is with them?  Who could ever stop us?  What is the concern being expressed here?  Nothing can stop God.  Exclusively it is us who reject the blessing and bounty which the Lord has desired to provide to us.  Who can stand against?  We are not defeated by opposing force but by fear and ignorance.  I think G. K. Chesterton had a point when he said "Christianity has not been tried and found wanting, it has been found difficult and not tried". 

We do not need to be worried about who has the best God, nor who is against us, nor what is going to stop us.  Let us be concerned about how we will be the best we can be for God, how we will be for Him, and what we will do to discern and act to execute His will.  The song I sang tonight certainly gave me pause, and in that, provided for my spiritual growth but I don't really think is serves as a hymn.

As an aside, my favorite hymn is "It is well with my soul", penned by Horation G. Spafford in 1873.  I would reccomend you read the lyrics and make known to yourself the circumstances which spurred him to write this song.

Please feel free to peruse previous posts and do not hesitate to leave your thoughts.  Thanks for reading and God Bless You.