On Strike as of Today 5/28 at SWAN/DOLPHIN

[Tony P. IL.]

Dolphin, Swan workers go on strike

The Associated Press
Posted May 28, 2002, 11:01 AM EDT


LAKE BUENA VISTA -- Hundreds of workers at two hotels on Walt Disney World property went on strike Tuesday in what is the first strike in years in Orlando's tourism industry.

Teamsters-affiliated housekeepers, laundry workers, seamstresses and public area attendants at The Walt Disney World's Swan and Dolphin hotels began picketing outside the hotels this morning. Last week, the workers rejected for a second time a three-year contract covering 400 of the hotels' 2,000 workers. Management said it would implement the contract unilaterally.

Although the hotels are on Disney property, they are owned by Tishman Hotel Corp. and managed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc.

Treva Marshall, a spokeswoman for the hotels, couldn't comment immediately on whether there was any disruption in services.

Workers were demanding a guaranteed 40-hour work week and job assignments based on seniority.

Strikes in Orlando's tourism industry are rare. In the past decade, there have been only two that area labor leaders can recall: a musicians' strike at Walt Disney World and one by hotel workers at the Grosvenor Resort near Walt Disney World. In addition, hundreds of hotel workers were laid off last year during the tourism slowdown.
Copyright 2002 Associated Press

[jwfla422]

So does anyone know how they're getting along without those people at work right now??? Yikes...that's too bad. Wonder how it's affecting guest's stays??

Hope things get settled soon.

[epcotfan]

Yikes!:eek: I was wondering how the hotel is managing guests as well? There's bound to be more guests due to Memorial week. I'd hate to be staying there right now.

[Gail T AGAIN]

Almost makes me glad I changed from the swan concierge to the BWI concierge.

[dreamflight99]

I just spoke with the management at the Dolphin, and was assured the strike was very "miniscule" in size (only a FEW workers actually opted to strike), and this was in NO WAY affecting the services a patron of either of these resorts receives.

If other associates were to join in the strike, the resort would "immediately" hire and bring in workers to accomodate the needs of all guests. If you were staying at the WDW Dolphin/Swan, you would not even be aware of the strike, or feel any effects/changes in the level of service provided by the staff. ;)

[epcotfan]

That's good to know. Thanks for the info dreamflight!

[jwfla422]

I had also read the other thread and someone who is staying at the Swan now said he didn't notice any difference.

[CookieGVB]

You might not notice a change in service, but I'd say you might notice a picket line or two!

[Ityldu]

Where are they picketing? I'd be so surprised Disney would allow picketers on their property - it kind of crushes the "magic" and allows the real world in.

We will be at the Dolphin in about 26 days and I'm not worried. I've dealt with their service before. It's so top-notched that I know they will go above and beyond to make sure this doesn't effect anyone's stay.

[wdisneyaholic]

Dreamflight,

I knew I could count on you to get me info. I hope everything is settled by July.:D :D

[Mercy]

On the news this morning it showed the picketers at the beginning of the driveway. Glad we aren't staying there, my DH would never cross their picket line.

[Robinrs]

I'm with your DH, Mercy, I would NEVER cross one either.

[Kitty 34]

Originally posted by Mercy
On the news this morning it showed the picketers at the beginning of the driveway. Glad we aren't staying there, my DH would never cross their picket line.


I would love to be able to say the same but we will be there in 6 days.......what are we suppose to do? Change our ressies????:eek: :(

[Eloise@the Plaza]

It could all be solved before your arrival, no worries. The media makes it appear much worse than it actually is.

Have a great vacation!

[OKDisneyFans]

Our family leaves tomorrow and I am kind of worried. We called the hotel and they said guests wouldn't be experiencing any of the effects, but I don't know. Going through a picket line could ruin our trip. We actually arrive on 6/8, I just hope it's over by then. We've never stayed anywhere but Disney and I am unsure if the Swan will go to the trouble that Disney would (under the circumstances).

[bdpa]

We will be arriving Monday! What should we do? Just drive through the picket line? I feel really bad. But, this is OUR vacation time. Somebody tell me I'm not being selfish. This is our first time to stay at the Dolphin. :confused: :confused:

[DISNEYWORLDBORN2SHOP]

I just got off the phone with my co-worker who had just checked into the Swan and was in her room. She said that there are some picketers outside but the service at the hotel did not seem to be affected.

[dreamflight99]

Wdisneyaholic..."You're welcome!" :D

The picket line is "Friendly & not obstructing any traffic!" Just honk the horn, smile and wave as you drive past. They'll wave back, as most are friendly associates merely exercising their rights to picket, and are still employed by the Swan/Dolphin. As the resort manager explained to me..."the picket line is VERY SMALL...a few employees displaying their frustration with labor/wages, etc. These persons are either on their days off work, or even on break. They are by no means an ANGRY line mob anyone should fear crossing."

Once past the few employees...you're IN! It's the last time you'll be affected by them if you use the Disney transportation. Once inside, you'll forget all about these things...and settle into the MAGIC! Enjoy all your upcoming visits, and remember...these resorts are a business. Sometimes events such as these are unavoidable. A couple years ago...we were prevented from returning to our BW suite, as a madman had a gun inside and was demanding to see his wife whom worked in housekeeping (she was having an affair w/another employee). It all ended effectively w/SWAT after about 12 hours...but was frustrating and a bit unsettling. You are still in the REAL world while on Disney Property...and events such as these are vivid reminders. But, for us...they never spoil the MAGIC we relish. Relax, and enjoy!:D

[bdpa]

Thank you for putting our minds at ease! We all understand what it's like to work for a living. I wish them the best of luck.

[Mercy]

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Mercy
On the news this morning it showed the picketers at the beginning of the driveway. Glad we aren't staying there, my DH would never cross their picket line.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Crossing the picket line has nothing to do with fear of angry mobs. It has to do with principle.

[Laura]

I'm with you there too, Mercy.:D There are tons of other resorts to stay at, and some really nice ones just a stone's throw away. I would certainly switch hotels instead of crossing a picket line. But I'm not going to blame anyone who doesn't!

[disneyjunkie]

There's no way I could cross that picket line. I would just find another resort.

[DC Mouse]

I just wanted to take this chance to encourage anyone who is going over the next couple of days that if you can switch your reservation to another resort to at least think about it.

The people on strike are the ones who make the magic happen. And most of them can't afford to take their families someplace like Disney. They work for very low wages and don't have any guarantees of how many hours they can work, forget full time. The only weapon they have is to stand together and withhold their labor until they can achieve a fairer deal. If you don't think they need a fairer deal, check out Starwood's profits.

Yes, the strike is peaceful. But there are many more people on the strike line than management says. Think about it, why would they tell you otherwise? By continuing smooth operations, the hotel can "beat" the strike. This strike will have an effect on the hotel as there are many delivery unions and other types of union workers who will not cross picket lines.

Again, everyone must make their own choices, I just wanted to give ya'll something to think about. Thanks!

[wdisneyaholic]

How are you supposed to switch your reservations just days before a trip? Especially if you have a cheap rate. Are you just supposed to to pay full rack rate at some other hotel?

I feel really bad that workers have to strike. Maybe sending letters to the management and voicing your concerns about the workers is better. We are not crossing a picket line to work for the hotel, we are crossing the picket line to stay there. If teachers are on strike kids still need to be educated. Would you keep your kids out of school if the teachers were striking?

[jimmiej]

I have ressies beginning on June 14th. I checked on other nearby hotels(Y&B, BW) & they are all too expensive. Changing to a moderate or AllStars would cause severe changes in my itinerary. You may think bad of me, but I'm not changing. I've been looking forward to this location for a year. I hope the strike ends before I get there!

[Dumbo]

Unhappy employees do not make happy magic. Personally I would not stay at a hotel that was having labor problems. And I certainly would not eat at a restaurant that was having labor problems!


Dumbo

[Bimmy56]

My mother died in late March. Being an only child, I spent most of the 2 months before her death 500 miles away from my home to help her. The one thing that got me through this terrible time was to look forward to my trip to WDW at the Dolphin on June 15th with my daughter. I may be heartless, but yes, I will cross the picket line if I absolutely have to. However, this has done a lot to make me aware of what a tough life some of these employees must have, and how I personally should have been more generous with my tips to housekeeping. I will try to be more thoughtful from now on.

One thing does worry me - Will the shuttles and limo services from the airport cross the picket line? Does anyone know?

Thanks!!

[DISNEYWORLDBORN2SHOP]

Yes, they will. My co-worker who arrived at the Swan yesterday got there by shuttle.

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by wdisneyaholic
We are not crossing a picket line to work for the hotel, we are crossing the picket line to stay there. If teachers are on strike kids still need to be educated. Would you keep your kids out of school if the teachers were striking? Kudos to you for putting this in perspective! These striking workers are on the sidelines to voice their opinions... to educate the patrons, & MOSTLY, to pressure the management. They absolutely do NOT want patrons to STOP visiting the Dolphin/Swan...as it would DEFEAT their purpose in the long run. After all, most of their jobs depend upon "patrons"! If I am having a cardiac arrest, and the nurses are out front of the Hospital striking...and I supposed to turn around/leave and risk death? Sorry...."I'm coming through"....and my sister is a Registered Nurse.;)

[tltjet]

My heart goes out to the people on the picket line. The only thing they want is to be treated fairly. I am booked for the Dolphin in September, but if they are still on strike when my final payment is due I am going to switch hotels. I am with all of you that will not cross a picket line.

[Mercy]

If I am having a cardiac arrest, and the nurses are out front of the Hospital striking...and I supposed to turn around/leave and risk death?

Hhmmm.... since when is staying at the S/D a matter of life and death?

[Ityldu]

If they are on strike when I'm there, I will do exactly what Dreamflt99 suggests. Wave and smile as I go by, then enjoy the time of my life. Just because people are picketing doesn't mean S/D is a horrible place. They are a business, going through difficult times just like the employees. They have to do what's needed to stay in business. Yes, I feel for the employees and I hope they get what they want, but that won't effect my vacation in the least.

I'm a teacher and I agree wholeheartedly with the person who posted about children still needing to be educated. Picketing is a part of life, life goes on, so will my vacation.

I think it was just last year or the year before that the people in the costumes at Disney went on strike. I didn't see anyone canceling their Disney vacations. And I'm sure Disney didn't lose any of the "magic" because of it.

To me, switching resorts is just ridiculous. S/D is just as "magical" as the Disney resorts and if you find that's not the truth, I can assure you it won't be because of the strike, but simply b/c S/D isn't your type of resort like the Contemporary isn't my type.

[lorilori]

Hi all. Has there been any indication how long they might expect the strike to last?

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by Mercy


Hhmmm.... since when is staying at the S/D a matter of life and death?

....For some of us...it is! :D (LOL) Vacation @ the S/D...makes the REAL WORLD bearable! (P.S....it's called a metaphor.)

*You Go Ityldu...VERY WELL EXPLAINED! (Teachers know best!;) ) I recall the "costumed" performers from WDW on strike too (great point). Life goes on...Strike or NO strike! When the airlines strike...folks continue to fly, etc. :)

[wdisneyaholic]

Dreamflight99,

You hit the nail on the head. I didn't see anyone canceling Disney when the Disney employees were on stike. Everyone continued to fly when the airlines were on strike. Why is this any different?

Many of us having been planning these trips for months. Many of us are traveling with children and other family and friends. Many of us have invested alot of time and money into our vacations. I will be there strike or no strike.

The more people that cancel their stays, the less business the S/D gets. The easier it is to just lay the stikers off. The more business they get the more they need the workers.

[Jen80370]

I was always taught it is employees who shouldn't cross a picket line, not customers. If all of the customers go away, the company goes belly up and the employees have no jobs to return to.

If you want to support them, call and email the resort asking them to meet the demands. Show them your support by walking in and mentioning to management how you agree with them.

Staying away equals silence and silence equals no progress. JMHO. I'd always much prefer to make a stink. Email Starwood Corporate and voice your support.

I loved DF99's point...if you needed to go to a hospital and nurses were on strike, would you leave?

Do you keep your kids home when teachers strike? No. You voice your concerns and live your life. There is a difference between a strike and a boycott. A strike involves labor. If you are not involved directly, you are not responsible for joining in. I for one send an email every day in support, and I remind them how many people are cancelling. A boycott is another matter entirely. The staff has not asked for a boycott.

[NancyIL]

Excellent points, Jen and Lisa!

[m&m's mom]

I don't know ALL of the specifics. But in case no one has noticed there is a little thing called the economy that pretty much stinks now. I do not think this would be the most effective time. But them again I am from Texas and there is rarely a strike down here, except airlines.
I would most definitely NOT have a problem crossing a picket line.

[corndog]

Let's try to put a Disney spin on this and look at it in another light.

Unions demand equal pay for unequal work. They don't think the level of contribution should affect the level of compensation. Everybody should be paid the same.

What if all the Disney resorts all charged the same rate for a night's stay? Would that be fair to us, the consumer? Would you be just as willing to stay at the All Star Music for $300/night as you would the Grand Floridian? I'm guessing not. That's because the GF has more to offer than the ASMu, thus it's higher price. Paying the same amount for each resort is like paying every member in the union same for different work. It just isn't right.

Unions should be considered unconstitutional as a infringement on a person's right to contract.

Besides, how can you really consider the institutional S/D part of the Disney magic? I don't understand that.

[Kitty 34]

Originally posted by Ityldu
If they are on strike when I'm there, I will do exactly what Dreamflt99 suggests. Wave and smile as I go by, then enjoy the time of my life. Just because people are picketing doesn't mean S/D is a horrible place. They are a business, going through difficult times just like the employees. They have to do what's needed to stay in business. Yes, I feel for the employees and I hope they get what they want, but that won't effect my vacation in the least.

I'm a teacher and I agree wholeheartedly with the person who posted about children still needing to be educated. Picketing is a part of life, life goes on, so will my vacation.

I think it was just last year or the year before that the people in the costumes at Disney went on strike. I didn't see anyone canceling their Disney vacations. And I'm sure Disney didn't lose any of the "magic" because of it.

To me, switching resorts is just ridiculous. S/D is just as "magical" as the Disney resorts and if you find that's not the truth, I can assure you it won't be because of the strike, but simply b/c S/D isn't your type of resort like the Contemporary isn't my type.

Thankyou for making me feel better about going next week!! After months of planning, it would have been extremely hard to "just" switch to another resort!!:)

[hmp2z]

Bravo, Corndog! I agree wholeheartedly about unions. Not only that, but they seem to be the "bad guys" more often than the institutions are. My father is in construction and refuses to work in Northern states, where unions are common. He and his employees have actually had attempts made on their lives, b/c the unions were irate that his company philosophy was to just get the job done in the quickest time possible. The unions often demand that their membrs only do a certain amount of work each day, so as to ensure that the workers will always have more work left to do. They then protect this philosophy by forming monopolies and making others look like the unprincipled ones for daring to attack the workers' right to work as slowly as possible for a maximum amount of pay.
And the other posts are indeed correct: "crossing the picket line" does ONLY refer to other workers, not to consumers.
If I were so concerned about making sure others get fair pay for their jobs, my first priority would be to worry about the teachers, not the hotel workers. Already, there is a dramatic teacher shortage, b/c of the long hours, tiring work, and poor compensation. Perhaps some of you who are e-mailing the S/D every day might want to consider putting a word in for those who are teaching your children, or take a look at what state salary rates are for teachers in your area. They are probably dramatically low for skilled laborers, as opposed to the mainly unskilled labor pool of the S/D workers. Priorities!!!
Cheers!
Heather P

[dreamflight99]

Thanks Wdisneyaholic, Jen, Nancy, kitty...and Heather P.! The greatest thing we hve all learned after 9/11...is to "continue to live our lives, and enjoy them to the fullest." We have learned NOT to be intimidated, or live in fear...etc.

Therefore, GO to the WDW SWAN/DOLPHIN...have the time of your lives! It's what FREEDOMS are all about. The employees have the RIGHT to strike (God Bless America)...and we have the RIGHT to travel, patronize the S/D and have a GREAT TIME!:D

Oh, Heather P...don't get me started about the "U" thing! We could turn this thread around! I SO appreciate your clarification of the term "crossing the picket line" (just as I thought!). Also...I'll post a blue-streak when it comes to the issue of america's Teacher's & Nurses...the most "underpaid-overworked-underappreciated" group of skilled workers in the nation! Where would we be w/o them? After reading your post...I fully understand WHY my sister and her fellow nurses resist being "unionized" (they are the only hospital hold-outs in this city...catholic healthcare west, inc.). Verywell-written, clearly stated. Thank you. ;)

[Bedknobs/Broomsticks]

I disagree that the strikers want you to cross their picket lines. The point of a picket line is to disrupt business, forcing management to meet labor's demands. A picket line encorages patrons to show solidarity with workers by refusing to spend their money in an anti-labor business. When the management sees that business is down during a strike, it realizes that its patrons care about dignity for all workers and it is more likely to negotiate for an end to the strike. If management sees that its patrons continue to spend their money despite a picket line, it is more likely to refuse to negotiate.

My reservations for the Swan (10/25-10/29/02) will be cancelled if there is not a successful resolution to this dispute.

Incidentally, I am a registered nurse. RNs have been oppressed by hospital systems since the advent of the hospital. If ever a profession was in need of the protection afforded by a union, nursing is it.

[Mercy]

Well said Bedknobs! :)

[wdisneyaholic]

Hey Dreamflight,

Maybe if everyone cancels their ressies we will have a better chance of getting an upgrade!!! Just trying to lighten things up.

[skuttle]

DH and I have ressies at the Dolphin in early August. If the strike is still going on, I will NOT change my ressies. I love the Dolphin and have been planning on staying at the Dolphin. I will go and have a great trip! Yes, I will probably feel bad crossing their picket line, but I will still enjoy my trip. :)

[sha_lyn]

Thanks for the great post corndog. All unions do is drive up the prices of everything that we the consumers buy whether it be food (thank you teamsters, meat cutter's etc) or a service such as a hotel room.

[Dumbo]

Heather P wrote:

>>Already, there is a dramatic teacher shortage, b/c of the long hours, tiring work, and poor compensation.<<
----------------------------------------------------------------

Heather,

Thanks for giving some of the reasons unions exist. I couldn't have said it better myself.


Dumbo

[HorizonsFan]

The point of a picket line is to disrupt business, forcing management to meet labor's demands.
Sounds like extortion to me...
A picket line encorages patrons to show solidarity with workers by refusing to spend their money in an anti-labor business.
So we as patrons should assume that a business is "anti-labor" simply because some union workers say they are?
BTW, I'm a teacher and as far as I'm concerned, there are no teacher's "unions" only teacher's political action committees, of which I want no part.

[Dismom63]

I find the whole comparison to teachers striking very interesting...It is illegal for teachers to strike. It is in violation of labor law.
I feel strongly about picketing as a form of free expression, but I also feel strongly about my vacations to WDW.
Finally, just have to say this...I think some opinions here are way over simplifying the functions of union (or organized labor). Very rarely are things in life "all bad" or "all good" for that matter.
BTW, the very reason many folks get those great rates at S/D is because they are members of unions!

[madge]

we didn't even know there was a strike until someone asked us about it on the boat from Epcot--the level of service did not change one bit. we checked in on Monday (5/27) and checked out yesterday (5/31) :( we only noticed the picket lines yesterday--aparently they were much louder and bigger than they had been earlier in the week. we had no choice but to cross the line after going to breakfast and return to the hotel for our things.

someone mentioned they were surpried disney allowed the strikers. that didn't surprise me as much as the plane they allowed to fly over the area early in the week with the banner "stop worker abuse at the Swan and dolphin hotels" on the back of it....that did surprise us quite a bit.

[hmp2z]

I find the whole comparison to teachers striking very interesting... It is illegal for teachers to strike. It is in violation of labor law.
I think it depends on where you live, as to whether it's illegal or the law is enforced. When I was school age in Louisiana (not that long ago - late 80's and early 90's), the teachers spent a good 2 months of the school year on strike. Completely disrupted the students' learning, of course.
Long hours and low wages are not a reason for teachers to strike - I think that right now the teachers are voting with their feet, by leaving the profession. Schools are about to hit a real crunch in 2004, with the new No Child Left Behind mandate, which pretty much eliminates the use of lateral entry teachers who are right now helping to plug the hole in the dam. Many states are already catching on and offering signing bonuses and higher salaries to teachers.
I am strongly against unions, b/c I feel that giving an organization that much power is extremely dangerous. I got an e-mail from US Airways about a month ago, stating that if they did not get a bail out package from the gov't and if they could not reach an agreement with their employees' unions, they will go bankrupt. Look at how much money pilots and flight attendants already make - flight attendants begin with payment twice as high as that of teachers where I work, and pilots go well into 6 figures. Yet, b/c their unions are on a power trip, my hard-earned vacation may be disrupted. I may have to now buy tickets at 2 or 3 times the price I had originally paid, or I may end up having to drive, thus drastically cutting into our honeymoon.
I just think it's dangerous to give any union as much power as they are currently taking, b/c it invariably leads to abuses. Sadly, so many people don't understand the situation, and feel that they are sticking up for "workers' rights" by supporting unions and strikes.
Cheers!
Heather P

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by wdisneyaholic
Hey Dreamflight,

Maybe if everyone cancels their ressies we will have a better chance of getting an upgrade!!! Just trying to lighten things up.

"Here...Here"! LOL Wdisneyaholic! :D In that case, I would like the Prez. suite, please?!

To all the posters on this thread: Thank you for your wonderful input, both Pro/Con. Your information is entertaining and enlightening. If you are planning to KEEP your ressies, I wish you a SPLENDID vacation/visit to the WDW Dolphin/Swan. If you are planning to CANCEL your ressies, I wish you the same...wherever you may choose to stay. Again, it's all about Personal choices & FREEDOMS...;)

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by hmp2z
[B]I may have to now buy tickets at 2 or 3 times the price I had originally paid, or I may end up having to drive, thus drastically cutting into our honeymoon.


I certainly hope this does not happen to you, Heather. I wish you a Wonderful & memorable Honeymoon, one which is undisturbed by Labor disputes. Keep smiling, think happy thoughts...enjoy your wedding! :D :sunny: :wave:

[Tony P. IL.]

SWAN/DOLPHIN Workers file complaint alleging intimidation
Seems this could wind up getting worse but hope not. Seems allegedly there has been attempts by management to get workers to sign forms of resignation. I have also read strikers on the picket line are having there pictures taken by management. The strikers have filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board about these alleged intimidations.

Just want to update from what I've been reading.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/cfb3/orl-union-053102.story

[Ityldu]

Tony - thanks for the update. It doesn't sound good, but then again nothing ever does on the news. I'm sick of the media and others (unions, lawyers, etc.). These days it always seems like there is someone blowing things out of proportion just to "sell" their side of the story or to get people to feel more sorry for them then is really necessary.

I'm not saying this isn't happening, I've just become very cynical (sp?) about the news these days. All I know for sure is that there is no way any of this is going to detract from my stay at the Dolphin.

[ralphd]

The article that Tony references in his post says the hotel denies the charges made by the union. If the hotel tried to make the employees sign resignation forms- why can't they produce them to the NLRB.

ralphd:confused:

[happytrails2u]

Personally, I believe that union leaders are the most notorious, rabbel-rousers on the face of the earth - - perhaps even worse than the media - Lol. Allegorical "flak" will be shot from both sides.

Photographing/videotaping is common practice during a work stoppage. The potential for sabotage to property and facilities is the biggest risk to business interruption.

On a positive note, it appears guests currently visiting these resorts haven't experienced any disruptions or reduction in services.

Let's hope there's a speedy resolution.

[Luv2Roam]

DH & I noticed last week at Epcot an airplane flying over with a banner strung out in the wind behind it. The banner read something to the effect of "S/D Unfair to Employees".

[cmpdisney]

....I also have ressies for Swan for July, but unlike most will NOT cross their picket line. Shame on all of you teachers willing to enjoy the benefits of a union, but not support someone else's.(Sha-lyn) Are you really that ignorant to think that companies would lower prices if there were not union workers.....Everyone deserves a guaranteed work week and seniority benefits.....I'm sure many of you would not even be enjoying your time at Disney if it weren't for the salaries your union jobs provide. Is your selfishness really worth it?...

[hmp2z]

Cmpdisney,
Many of us teachers are not associated with any unions, nor would we ever deign to become union members. This thread is about your opinions on the S/D strike, not a chance for you to try to shame others who have posted here. And, once again, "crossing the picket line" refers to workers ONLY, not consumers.
I think that those of us on here who are against unions have made our reasons abundantly clear, and do not need to have judgements cast in this forum. Try to keep the spite out of the posts and stick to facts.
Cheers!
Heather P

[disneyjunkie]

I'm a teacher. I belong to a union. I don't agree with the poster who are anti union, however I don't think anyone has a right to bash them.

[jjskribs]

We have some teachers in my school district who do not belong to the union but they still enjoy the benefits that the union fights for them to have! If you do not belong to the union do you still accept the pay raises that the union negotiates for you?

[hmp2z]

I work in the South; we teachers have chosen to have NO unions - it's not a some in, some out kind of thing. Not that this question is terribly on topic...
Cheers!
Heather P

[dreamflight99]

Unions ...Schmoonions! :D Bravo to all the brilliant posters working hard to keep this thread in perspective! It's about the SWAN/DOLPHIN...and the little strike seemingly NOT affecting any DISer travelers...(HOORAY!). I'll be there in a short time, and I'll SWIM to the Dolphin Check-in if necessary! (Gators or NO gators!!LOL) It's not about selfishness, etc. It's just a fact of life, I've planned...and prepaid...prepared...saved...and most of all, DREAMED. I'm making it a reality...NO IF's...AND's...or BUT's! ;)

[macs4us]

I think the best way to help labor is to not give the company money, and tell them why you are not staying at their property. Personally, I will try not to stay at an establishment that is not union. That's my choice - I believe that the true idea of the union is to give labor a fair shake to get paid what they are truly worth, and they will be treated more fairly as a group (power in numbers). The comments about unions being equal pay for unequal work are a bit off - that is actually Communism in it's true form, and that does not exist in any country on this earth, and not what unions are suppose to stand for. Maybe some persons should read some history books to find out why we needed unions in the first place...instead of depending on political and other rhetoric.

[corndog]

Unions originated for very noble goals and changed industry in this nation. Their time has passed, however. There are now laws on the books to ensure that those things that the unions originally fought for are not lost. Unions are now interested the 2 things that you mentioned - 1) political and other rhetoric (using employees to fund their political objective), and that political objective being 2) Communism in its true form.

[hmp2z]

Corndog,
Bravo once again! How concise and well-said. I pity those who would disrupt their own, presumably hard-earned vacations, to support the "ideals" of an organization like a union. Communism is a fitting word for what the unions do in practice, however noble their aspirations may seem on paper.
Cheers!
Heather P

[WebmasterAlex]

This is a resorts board and this thread has went way off topic. If you wish to debate unions we have a debate board that would be more appropriate. This thread is closed.