April 4th Is An Informational Picket.

We are not attorneys however, We do have some experience since We went through the NorthWest Airlines Strike with the Mechanics and an Information Picket with Ryder at this very plant.  Our Understanding is that Yes we can conduct an Informational Picket Anywhere on Public Property.  A sidewalk outside of a fenced yard is considered Public Property. We May Cross Streets In The Cross Walk With the Lights.

The Northwest Mechanics conducted  Informational Pickets in-front of Management’s Houses without recourse because they stayed on the sidewalks.  Their purpose was to inform the neighborhood of the Exec.’s Actions.

So this is Not a Strike by any definition.  Only a Union can call a Strike and only after following specific protocols.  Strikers are restricted as to where they may picket.

Furthermore, We are encouraging GM Employees to keep up the good work!  GM Prides itself on producing the highest quality products in the safest environment in the industry.  Without a High Quality Competitively Priced Products No One will have a Job!

We Do Have The Right To Protest Our Treatment by Ryder and General Motors!  GM should not have allowed Scabs to replace Union Drivers!

We Want Our Jobs Back!

If Anyone can cite case law (not opinions) I will be glad to post it.

I hope this clarifies our Intent.

Chris Smith, Steve Webber.

2-23-2011

Chris Smith and Steve Webber visited Detroit Hamtramck Assembly Plant and handed out over 200 fliers to the workers in the plant.  Each and everyone of our fellow U.A.W. members encouraged us to keep up the fight and expressed a willingness to help us!  I felt that they were serious in their commitment to us.  Ryder had better wake up and smell the roses — RETURN US TO OUR RIGHTFUL JOBS NOW!  No more smoke and mirrors or slight of hand.  Ryder you know you are WRONG so just do the RIGHT THING and contact the U.A.W. Now!

Click here to download a copy in PDF Format

Below is a copy of the leaflet that was distributed at D-Ham:

Laid-off Ryder Drivers Need Your Help!

Ryder has refused to  Negotiate in good faith!

It is our understanding that Ryder has been awarded Transportation and Warehouse operations for Orion assembly plant and intends to use temps / sub-contractors to do the work.  We had similar events occur here at D-Ham over a year ago!    Many questions?    No answers:

• NO CONTACT FROM RYDER TO U.A.W.
• NO SEVERANCE PAY FOR LAID-OFF RYDER DRIVERS
• NO JOB PLACEMENT TO OTHER RYDER ACCOUNTS

• We Want to be Returned to our rightful jobs!  Then we will negotiate with Ryder!

How can you help?  If Ryder continues to use SCAB Drivers to do their work;  Demand the same level of safety and service you received from your fellow U.A.W. Union Drivers!  Refuse to unload unsafe Trailers and honor our pickets when they go up at D-Ham and Orion!

When Orion Re-Opens:

We Will Be There!

In Our Trucks

Or With Our Signs!

Laid-off Ryder Drivers Who Were “Thrown Under the Bus” by Ryder Integrated Logistics Have an Important Decision To Make!

This Sunday at 1:00 pm there will be a meeting at the U.A.W. Local 174 Union Hall.  The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the options that are available to us to persuade Ryder to do the right thing and Give our Jobs back to us!

We encourage all to attend and those of you that have personal knowledge of the violations Ryder has allegedly committed (innocent until proven guilty) bring a brief statement in the following format:

On or about (approx date,  can be end of sept, middle of sept, etc) I heard (name of person) say:  (enter a brief summary of what they said) .    Then sign your name and date.

That’s it!  That is all that is needed.

What am I looking for?

Anyone that heard a member of the negotiation committee state that the Union proposed a certain amount of wage and Ryder refused to negotiate.

Anyone that heard a member of management say that we were or were not coming back to work.

Anyone that applied for a job at another Ryder account and was refused consideration.

Anyone that applied for a job at another Ryder account and was hired.

Anyone that was told to “move on” or “get on with your life and forget about Ryder”.

Any other conversations that you feel might be relevant ( GM Employees, Non Management Ryder Employees, etc.)