Anyone that is a member of an Illinois Union might think the Mark Janus decision is a loss. Wrong. The Mark Janus decision is a much-needed reality check for all Unions to wake the fuck up and get their shit together. Sorry about the tough guy language but these Union Goons have milked the fat for far too long.
While many Union Managers and Business agents have gone to bat for their members, most are greedy and lazy. Most members are unaware of their high pay and benefits. Union agents have not done their duty to aggressively protect members and have gotten far to close with management. Many City of Chicago employees are falsely accused of behavior infractions, are disciplined and have Union Agents at meeting doing nothing. In almost every case, the agents do not provide lawyers to fight unfair charges. One agent went to my hearing drunk and failed to me protect at all.
Many of the Union Goons are arrogant, disrespectful, and full of self-worth. They talk down to members and do nothing. The agents are always available to make overtime at meetings, drink and drive union cars, and enjoy untold benefits. Most agents live an unhealthy life.
Now, many agents are going to have to provide a service to members and do their job. The old days of cuddling up to politicians, hiring their unqualified family members are over. If you would see Chicago Union agents tripping over themselves to accommodate the alderman and Mayor, you would be embarrassed. Chicago union goons would also become too closely associated with Judges and their campaigns. Maybe now, agents are going to make sure their members are not permanently crippled in dangerous ditches anymore. Maybe agents will stop by jobsites and make sure their members needs are met. This could be a great time for union agents to learn their respective trades and become more valuable to society. Maybe the union goons will stop pissing money away on silly expenses and have more respect for the people paying their way.
I told all of you years ago this day would arrive. The Unions kept screwing with people and they got their payback. This could cause union agents to retaliate against workers that refuse to pay. Many Union members in Chicago pay thousands and thousands of dollars in yearly fees and get nothing in return. There is big money at stake.
Some Unions provide a great service to their industries. The Union training programs are the best in the world. The benefits come at a high price but are well deserved. I hope the Union goons are aware this day would arrive just like I said it would. Rauner is a maggot that is destroying the Illinois Workers Compensation System, memos to arbitrators include demands to shortchange the injured. Now the Unions need to get together and fight for their lives. If the Unions fail to change they are doomed. If the unions keep the Illinois Labor Board cases for their friends and family, the members will not pay.
Work hard and faithfully and you will enjoy the benefits and respect of your customers.
Laborers’ Local 1092 warns members about Retaliation at Chicago Department of Water Management
Today I called The Chicago Department of Water Management offices to find out about the memo that many City of Chicago Department of Water Management Laborers are upset about. My call was forwarded to Gary Litherland, the DOWM spokesman. Gary knew nothing about this and did not get back to Chicago Clout for a comment. Many City employees are getting time off for not wearing proper gear. Many city workers get hurt thanks to a foolish lack of common sense safety rules. Chicago is broke and Alderman Burke has stopped paying injured City Workers because he is an idiot. Rahm left him to shake down venders for political contributions.
Many City DOWM employees feel D.C. Hightower is acting mighty uppity since Paul Hansen got removed for racist emails. One employee said, “Give a N@$$#$” some power and they act the fool”. I want all DOWM Management employees to know, wear your safety gear, and if they order you to work in a ditch with no shoring, call 911. You need shoring and all safety gear to live a decent life when you get old. Work safe, no exceptions. Chicago Clout is still waiting for the Konrad Tucharski Safety records. Do not allow Konrad to die in vain. Work safe. Work smart.
If you are verbally assaulted by any City of Chicago employee, call 911. Make a record of the actions. Do not tolerate any negative behavior against you. Take pictures. I never had a bad experience from Dwyane Hightower, he always acted in a professional manner toward me. I though he was very tolerant under the circumstances of blatant racism and outrageous behavior by Barrett Murphy and William “putz” Bresnahan. Most laborers are lucky to have a Union that cares about the working man, just imagine if you had a windbag like Mike Tierney from Plumbers Local 130 moping around. Count your blessings Local 1092, wear your gear and work as if your life depends on it, it might.
Chicago Department of Water Management 50 year employee Tony Fico Retires
Last week Anthony Fico celebrated 50 years of service to the City of Chicago Department of Water Management. He retired. I was hoping Rahm Emanuel or the Commissioner would have celebrated the milestone. I was hoping to hear of a party, a nice goodbye. Tony also worked side by side with my father for many years, they became true friends. Fifty years of busting his ass on the Hydrant truck as his twilight neared. Tony got the short end of the stick when it came to promotions; he is a walking Shakman violation. I have never in my life seen any man work as hard as this guy. Tony Fico, on behalf of the working guys at the City of Chicago, thank you for all you have done. Tony is the best ever, period. Thank you. Photo by Patrick McDonough