I've been having PC problems again, and to get it to work I have to keep turning it on and off until I can get online without an error message that forces it to shut down. My IE browser is also down, but fortunately I discovered I can surf the web using the browser on my Realplayer.
Like the above title says, there is the likelihood of a strike where I work unless the company meets the union's demands by November 13 (Friday the 13th). That appears unlikely. The company has made it pretty clear that they have made their final proposal, so the union will likely call a strike. They so far refuse to allow a vote on the company's proposal. Their rationale is that we already voted on it at a union meeting in September, one which I and many other members did not attend for a variety of reasons, in which members voted to authorize a strike. That vote, however, was not so much a refusal by members of the new proposal, as a vote to give the union bargaining power. Now it appears they have already gotten the best proposal we can hope for. In my observation, most of my fellow employees, at least at my store, find the new proposal agreeable, and anything better is not worth risking our homes over. Yesterday at work there was a petition calling on the union to allow us to vote on the contract, and the number of signatures was overwhelming. As far as I know, this petition has no binding authority, but we're hoping it will convince the union that there is little support for a strike, and that they should let us vote.
In past comments I have defended being a union member, and I do not regret it. Unions come in handy as a safeguard against companies that try to make a profit with little or no concern for their workers. Years ago at one time this company had such leadership, and that was what provided the welcome mat for this union to come in, whereas before there had been little talk of unionization. I only wish that this union would defend our rights without forcing us out of our homes. This strike isn't necessary.
I have some money in a savings account, already made smaller by giving to relatives in need, and some of which I had hoped to use for a pilgrimage to Italy and the Vatican. If this strike happens, a strike that would likely last for months, I will need every penny just to get by until it runs out in a few months. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and my head bowed in prayer.
Sorry, no quizzes for a while. Perhaps when and if this thing blows over.
P.S. Thanks for your comments and well wishes and prayers, everybody. I'll keep you posted, as long as my computer permits. I'm posting this in an edit of the blog because I can't get get "submit" button tp work when I try to post a comment.