[Ducati] Strike at Harley (with Ducati content)

[S & L Warburton]

> Sometimes our digressions are the best part of this fourm as long as folks remain civil.  And, are there unions at the Ducati
plant and if so how do they function?  Does anyone know?  Moonbeam

Yes, Ducati is unionized. From what I've been told it functions like most unions. That is to say, once in a while they do things
right and every so often they really screw up.
I think my favourite story is about the time the workers went out on a wild cat strike due to a change in the cafeteria menu.
Everyone walked off the job early in the morning. They brought in house trailers to block off both ends of the road that runs along
the side of the plant and set up a soccer pitch. It was one big party until word leaked out that the dish that was dropped from the
menu was being put back. But, because of the time frame it could not be available for that day. So, Ducati ordered in some special
meal for the management who had remained. I don't recall the dish but it was good enough that the trailers were removed and everyone
was back to work in time for lunch.

And just for the record, I'm a former union steward and was Chief Contract Negotiator at a company that is no more. My present
employer, (going on 24 years now) is none union and never will be. NO union contracts have had a positive effect on our pay, health
care benefits or R.R.S.P. contributions. We don't have a pension plan, and I pay a percentage of all my health care products.

I kick my butt everyday 'cause I got a job with the provincial government when I was 19. If I'd stuck it out I'd have retired over
four years ago with one helluva huge pension. Mind you I'd be a useless slug, with no personality. But... retired at 49 would have
given me plenty of years, (and funds) to correct that. ;-)

the Dreamer
(a.k.a. Ducati Dreamin' Stephen)
Living life on the edge. Less crowded, better view.
'98 900 SS FE (biposto), silFEr
DOCC #19
DOCC Executive member in charge of vice
Club web site: http://www.docc.ca
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