EMPLOYEE of LOCAL MFG PlANTS....

I have many gripe about the workplace. My views are derived not only from many of my own experiences, but from those of people I know. Not so surprisingly, 99% of us are suffering and enduring the similar circumstances.

Today, I want fellow employees to feel a sense of empowerment by being able to talk about their own situations. To do this CONSTRUCTIVELY, and for your own best interests, DO NOT place the name of your employers.

To continue, I have many issues that...anger me so much. One that stands out is SAFETY. Our employers talk about it, but in practice we see no really sincere (that's a key word) to give us a safe workplace.

On the surface, they will have safety committees that do what? Make a few notes about things they might want to see changed. Then what? The company is only pro-active on the nickel and dime fixes.

But what about big issues that affect all of us, like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Well here they might have some exercise program, but it's not carried out just-right, and is only there as a front to lower liability premiums. IN reality, no one cares because it costs money to significantly lower CTS occurrences.

What about noise? Haha. This is a good one. Many claim to do in-house testing. But those of us out there working don't understand how.....a piece of machinery can be within legal limits yet be so G_d damned loud! In reality, they are not concerned about getting near the loud machinery and I'd be they rig those results. IN REALITY, it costs money to maintain the noise muffling devices and also offer the CORRECT amount of noise protection. Those little earplugs, in many cases, DO NOT DO THE JOB!!!

Then there is the toxic vapors and dust from plastics, solvents, and byproducts of manufacturing. When company upper management offices are attached to the facility, the actual air systems are SEPARATED from the floor system for a reason: They don't want to breath in what we breath in, AND, they don't want to share air with people they think are dirty and carriers of illness.

So WHO are we in the eyes of our employers? Are we people or are we commodities? When we get injured, are they concerned...or quietly outraged?
When we have personal grief with a loved one, are they EMPATHETIC/CONCERNED from the heart, or do they see it as an annoying occurrence, our grief a non-issue. When it snows and you should not be driving, will they dock you or tell you to stay home for your own safety?

If you work for a good employer that goes against the above stereotypes, BE LOYAL to them, LOVE THEM and tell them how much you appreciate their presence in your life. Otherwise, keep your eyes open because your job is ALWAYS ON THE LINE.

I am worried about all workers, not just myself. Why? Because I am a spiritual human being first! I must care. When Christmas comes, I don't want to carry around an invisible ball and chain due to all of the bad choices I made (at other people's expense) so I can enjoy the holiday with a COMPLETE heart.

A lot of upper management people are out for the kill RIGHT NOW. These are cold animals who are driven by one GREEEEEEEEEN God, and they are dangerous to all workers.

Be patient. Be alert. Don't do anything to lose your job. Most of all, stand together.

ImTiredOf_It wrote:

I have many gripe about the workplace. My views are derived not only from many of my own experiences, but from those of people I know. Not so surprisingly, 99% of us are suffering and enduring the similar circumstances.
Today, I want fellow employees to feel a sense of empowerment by being able to talk about their own situations. To do this CONSTRUCTIVELY, and for your own best interests, DO NOT place the name of your employers.
To continue, I have many issues that...anger me so much. One that stands out is SAFETY. Our employers talk about it, but in practice we see no really sincere (that's a key word) to give us a safe workplace.
On the surface, they will have safety committees that do what? Make a few notes about things they might want to see changed. Then what? The company is only pro-active on the nickel and dime fixes.
But what about big issues that affect all of us, like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Well here they might have some exercise program, but it's not carried out just-right, and is only there as a front to lower liability premiums. IN reality, no one cares because it costs money to significantly lower CTS occurrences.
What about noise? Haha. This is a good one. Many claim to do in-house testing. But those of us out there working don't understand how.....a piece of machinery can be within legal limits yet be so G_d damned loud! In reality, they are not concerned about getting near the loud machinery and I'd be they rig those results. IN REALITY, it costs money to maintain the noise muffling devices and also offer the CORRECT amount of noise protection. Those little earplugs, in many cases, DO NOT DO THE JOB!!!
Then there is the toxic vapors and dust from plastics, solvents, and byproducts of manufacturing. When company upper management offices are attached to the facility, the actual air systems are SEPARATED from the floor system for a reason: They don't want to breath in what we breath in, AND, they don't want to share air with people they think are dirty and carriers of illness.
So WHO are we in the eyes of our employers? Are we people or are we commodities? When we get injured, are they concerned...or quietly outraged?
When we have personal grief with a loved one, are they EMPATHETIC/CONCERNED from the heart, or do they see it as an annoying occurrence, our grief a non-issue. When it snows and you should not be driving, will they dock you or tell you to stay home for your own safety?
If you work for a good employer that goes against the above stereotypes, BE LOYAL to them, LOVE THEM and tell them how much you appreciate their presence in your life. Otherwise, keep your eyes open because your job is ALWAYS ON THE LINE.
I am worried about all workers, not just myself. Why? Because I am a spiritual human being first! I must care. When Christmas comes, I don't want to carry around an invisible ball and chain due to all of the bad choices I made (at other people's expense) so I can enjoy the holiday with a COMPLETE heart.
A lot of upper management people are out for the kill RIGHT NOW. These are cold animals who are driven by one GREEEEEEEEEN God, and they are dangerous to all workers.
Be patient. Be alert. Don't do anything to lose your job. Most of all, stand together.

Wow, is this all true?

May I inquire about the type of plant this is? what do you manufacture?

Don't you fall under OSHA regulations or something?
Did anyone test for noise? Aren't there rules about exposure limits?

Isn't there a toxic fume regulatory agency in PA?

Did you report this to anyone in authority, OSHA or the state?

Thnaks for answers. Just curious,,sounds terrible.

Same thing in Berks

Machines, noise, hearing damage, thoughtless owners, fumes,and the rest

Do some deal drugs there too like here?

Sorry buddy for your problems

their all the same

Profits over health

How much you make an hour to get sick?

Just curious wrote:

<quoted text>
Wow, is this all true?
May I inquire about the type of plant this is? what do you manufacture?
Don't you fall under OSHA regulations or something?
Did anyone test for noise? Aren't there rules about exposure limits?
Isn't there a toxic fume regulatory agency in PA?
Did you report this to anyone in authority, OSHA or the state?
Thnaks for answers. Just curious,,sounds terrible.

Are you playing around, or are you that naive? I'd guarantee that this situation is not just happening in our area, it's happening all over. That's part of the reason why workplace morale is the pits. On TV they talk about the "quality" products that the American worker puts out. Give me a break! IN reality, manufacturing cuts corners everywhere, and workers are mistreated so much that they don't care a whole lot.
Unions are getting a foot-hold because workers are fed up. It's just a matter of time.
Workplace management is full of unprofessional, cut-throaty liars, who are out ONLY for themselves.
If all of this is news to you, I'm surprised. Something tells you you are one of them.

People are literally walking around with varying stages of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Tinnitus, but they are too scared to say anything because they know the company will be take revenge.
Many companies are making a big deal out of safety, so people know they are concerned about it (PAYING FOR ACCIDENTS), so they put up tally boards that say something like "83 days," as in accident-free, and NOBODY wants to be responsible for zeroing out the tally.
Why one woman took a fall and fell right down on her knees, ON CONCRETE. This, I know, must have done some damage, but there she is, on her knees in pain, telling motioning to people not to say anything.
This is ALL OVER and I am pissed off!

The Mexicans and Puerto Ricans are ALL LEGAL, and most are nice people. Many also don't speak English very well, and they get dumped on. My gosh, if you saw how most of them do their jobs without complaining, it's a sight for eyes like mine because I have much thinner skin.

I am really very sorry for your terrible workplace conditions. Yes, I am well aware of only some of the things that go on in one plant and no, I am not one of them. Happy and proud to say I would never treat people like that.

Why don't you unionize at your workplace? Really!

I do know how horrible supervisors can be. Also know how dangerous fumes are. And yes noises will cause tinnitis. I know...I have it from loud noises. No carpal tunnel, but I left the area and got away.

Why don't you measure the noise levels there? And report?

Why not Call OSHA anon and report?

I firmly believe you have the duty and responsibility to do everything you can to improve the conditions there for everyone's health and welfare.

Maybe the others do not understand the dangers, but it sounds like you do. Cannot let people get sick!

Unions!!!!!!!!!!

YEP wrote:

I am really very sorry for your terrible workplace conditions. Yes, I am well aware of only some of the things that go on in one plant and no, I am not one of them. Happy and proud to say I would never treat people like that.
Why don't you unionize at your workplace? Really!
I do know how horrible supervisors can be. Also know how dangerous fumes are. And yes noises will cause tinnitis. I know...I have it from loud noises. No carpal tunnel, but I left the area and got away.
Why don't you measure the noise levels there? And report?
Why not Call OSHA anon and report?
I firmly believe you have the duty and responsibility to do everything you can to improve the conditions there for everyone's health and welfare.
Maybe the others do not understand the dangers, but it sounds like you do. Cannot let people get sick!
Unions!!!!!!!!!!

Your questions seem a little detached. I cannot believe you don't know the answers.
Noise measuring? Who cares but the lowly worker? They walk around with noise meters to put on a show, but it's not for-real. Air quality: You ask about testing, they give you lots of concern in a group meeting then avoid you thereafter. AND, you're most likely being watched because you're so smart.
I am not alone, my friend. This hell is coast to coast. Benefits: These new plans have offered very high deductibles to, literally, keep people from using the benefits enough to get past the deductible period.
Here's what I heard the other day from very large groups of people who were scared.
"I want to die"
"I don't want to live anymore"
"I have Diabetes, how will I pay for my insulin"
"I hope I die soon"
"If I can't afford my blood pressure medicine..."

Death talk was in the air, and it was depressing.
How in the world can there be people who do not know what has been going on in this country for the last decade?
How can people not see where this is going?
How can people be so apathetic?
We are a country ruled by money interests who say they are offering us job (like we should appreciate them)
In reality, they aren't offering us much at all.
I look forward to a major change in the business world--maybe even a complete collapse of the market which is the fuel of the greed interests that have ruined out lives.

ImTiredOf_It wrote:

<quoted text>
Your questions seem a little detached. I cannot believe you don't know the answers.
Noise measuring? Who cares but the lowly worker? They walk around with noise meters to put on a show, but it's not for-real. Air quality: You ask about testing, they give you lots of concern in a group meeting then avoid you thereafter. AND, you're most likely being watched because you're so smart.
I am not alone, my friend. This hell is coast to coast. Benefits: These new plans have offered very high deductibles to, literally, keep people from using the benefits enough to get past the deductible period.
Here's what I heard the other day from very large groups of people who were scared.
"I want to die"
"I don't want to live anymore"
"I have Diabetes, how will I pay for my insulin"
"I hope I die soon"
"If I can't afford my blood pressure medicine..."
Death talk was in the air, and it was depressing.
How in the world can there be people who do not know what has been going on in this country for the last decade?
How can people not see where this is going?
How can people be so apathetic?
We are a country ruled by money interests who say they are offering us job (like we should appreciate them)
In reality, they aren't offering us much at all.
I look forward to a major change in the business world--maybe even a complete collapse of the market which is the fuel of the greed interests that have ruined out lives.

This is horrible.

Again, what do you manufacture?

OSHA can be called anonymously and you can report them for all workplace violations. It's only a phone call...with facts.

Tell OSHA to come in with sound meters and air testing equipt...and report any other violations to them on the phone.

Detached? I don't work in those kinds of conditions, never did, but it is important that you and your coworkers DO SOMETHING.

Talk about dying, lack of medications, etc. is reprehensible. Do Something. I am not apathetic because I believe US workers should be treated well...a hell of a lot better than you are being treated now.

DO SOMETHING CONSTRUCTIVE SO THAT THIS STOPS. UNIONIZE , CALL OSHA. YOU MUST BE ABLE TO FIGURE SOMETHING OUT TO HELP YOURSELF AND YOUR COWORKERS.

No on the OSHA. Anonymous complaints do not get acted on. I know this for a fact as I tried many times over the years to get complaints acted on but hit brick wall because they wanted my name.
Haha. Well, once I gave my name when it concerned electrical and other issues. The first thing they did was give out my name, but told me I was "protected" because they'd be watching.
Hahahaha. A total joke.
The only thing the company could not do is fire me. So I got treated so poorly, and most of it you cannot prove unless you have the money for an attorney.
All OSHA is watching for is IF you are fired.
IN the meantime, the company is applying the company handbook of rules to your every move, among other things.
You outlook seems so detached, it almost seems like a joke post.
Are you completely serious in your belief that OSHA really protects workers, and companies are save and professionally managed?
I am telling you, for a fact, that the whole country is full of over-worked, underpaid, SUFFERING people who are working hard, and ARE NOT LAZY!
I could rant, but I will stop.
Guaranteed, people are going to die because they cannot afford medical help. Guaranteed!!!!! Don't let anyone tell you any different.
Obama's plan: So far, I don't think it's going to do much.

It doesn't matter what I produce as I have worked in many places and know a lot of people in various areas, including plastics, warehouse workers, packaging, extrusion... etc..
We are the forgotten.
If you see a company exec telling you how great the "American worker's morale" is, you're being conned.
All of them are cutting our throats, which also cuts America's throat because WE cannot affort medical help which, in turn, at some point, puts us on the welfare medical rolls

People in upper management are trolling this site.
I wasn't born yesterday. You people are the worst of the worst, who sold all of yourself for green stuff. YOu'll kill for it and, even, destroy the lives of God only knows how many innocent, good workers because it "looks good" on paper and will get you an even bigger bonus.
Long gone are heroes, who would "put it all on the line" because it's right. Today we have cowards in 3-piece suits, who oversee hundreds or thousands who revere them ONLY because they the employer. Nowhere do I see moral men. It is actually scary to see these (mostly) men in action.
Women: Well, long gone are the feminists who were fighting men for equality. Today we have women who "play the game" which could mean, strutting their femininity to get a promotion, or acting exactly like these moral-less men.

(deep breath)

May all of the "suffering souls" have a better day, and experience the true meaning of Christmas. And may the Spirit of Christmas make all who look down on the suffering workers, and take advantage of them....lose all of their power.
I leave everything up to God.

I also pray to see a new breed of corporate leaders who embrace morality. For if this happens, there will be tremendously sweep of positive change.

Merry Christmas to the good people

If you know someone who is having a hard time, and is angry, counsel them. Do whatever you can to ease their pain. Don't judge them by the way they look, if they smoke too much (they are scared), or don't have a good vocabulary.
These are people who need heartfelt help.

Again...I am so sorry for you and all workers mistreated by management. I see working people and I see human beings with hearts, families and families who require good health insurance.

And , No, I am not one of them. I would never waste your time or mine and I never joke about worker safety...this is nothing to joke about. I am sorry you don't trust me either but I guess that goes with the territory and I do understand.

I have seen OSHA issue fines for violations at some places therefore I thought that would work. Where is the nearest OSHA office?

I feel and know this is disgraceful and demoralizing for the American worker. I was aware of one Berks local plant where the workers were unsafe but not that this occurs everywhere.

This is truly disgraceful and it has to change. Is there anything else to be done to stop these horrendous workplaces?

If I could do anything for you, I would.

Again, why can't you all unionize? I guess there is no one in management that can be reasoned with?

Is there anything elso to be done to improve your working conditions?

I am so sorry for you to have to endure such conditions.

"Unspoken" Anti-union policies are well-known in the business world. That "mart place," for instance, is one of the biggest offenders. If you want a job there (I am not insulting anyone), my firm opinion is that you have to come off as very docile, obedient and, maybe even...stupid. If you make too much eye contact and ask too many good questions, you could easily give off an air that you are a self-thinker..which might also mean you are capable of influencing others...into quiet unionization.

Companies today watch out people with leadership qualities, but also, a conspicuous sense of morality (right and wrong). The morality part is what makes them non-promotable, yet capable of carrying out a successful unionization campaign.

Sounds devious? You bet. And ANY employee who goes to work without any higher sense of what is going on can set themselves up to be fired.

Company meetings are great places to find leaders. Just stand up and voice a thought-out complaint, or ask a good question that puts management on the spot, and YOU WILL BE WATCHED!

Besides everything else, "forced turnover" is a tried and true tool that prevents employees from being around long enough enough to network and form relationships.

Up until 5 or so years ago, unionization was hard to do. But now, I feel that many companies are closer to it than ever before. Why? Because people are so damned fed up, can easily see the greed, are much more enlightened and DO watch their company's stock and DO read financial reports/news. People know it's about greed, and they know it couldn't get any worse with a union.

I was against unions 10 yars ago, but have since changed my mind. If the card was put in my face, tomorrow, I'd sign it as would many (maybe most) of the people of know.

YOur prayers ARE needed and appreciated by the silent, unknown masses that amount to many hundred of people just in our local area.

It is so nice to know that there are intelligent people who empathize, and are supporting the bluecollar worker in their own little way.

Christmas is a holiday of Peace (of heart and soul), Giving and Compassion for those who suffer.
This is a beautiful time of year which we all should celebrate through acts of kindness and love, with much less department store spending.
This Christmas, trust me, there will be people who are crying, lonely and worrying about their future...all alone...without a Christmas tree. This is not a sad story, but the truth. Reach out and help someone in need.

Merry Christmas

ImTiredOf_It wrote:

"Unspoken" Anti-union policies are well-known in the business world. That "mart place," for instance, is one of the biggest offenders. If you want a job there (I am not insulting anyone), my firm opinion is that you have to come off as very docile, obedient and, maybe even...stupid. If you make too much eye contact and ask too many good questions, you could easily give off an air that you are a self-thinker..which might also mean you are capable of influencing others...into quiet unionization.
Companies today watch out people with leadership qualities, but also, a conspicuous sense of morality (right and wrong). The morality part is what makes them non-promotable, yet capable of carrying out a successful unionization campaign.
Sounds devious? You bet. And ANY employee who goes to work without any higher sense of what is going on can set themselves up to be fired.
Company meetings are great places to find leaders. Just stand up and voice a thought-out complaint, or ask a good question that puts management on the spot, and YOU WILL BE WATCHED!
Besides everything else, "forced turnover" is a tried and true tool that prevents employees from being around long enough enough to network and form relationships.
Up until 5 or so years ago, unionization was hard to do. But now, I feel that many companies are closer to it than ever before. Why? Because people are so damned fed up, can easily see the greed, are much more enlightened and DO watch their company's stock and DO read financial reports/news. People know it's about greed, and they know it couldn't get any worse with a union.
I was against unions 10 yars ago, but have since changed my mind. If the card was put in my face, tomorrow, I'd sign it as would many (maybe most) of the people of know.
YOur prayers ARE needed and appreciated by the silent, unknown masses that amount to many hundred of people just in our local area.
It is so nice to know that there are intelligent people who empathize, and are supporting the bluecollar worker in their own little way.
Christmas is a holiday of Peace (of heart and soul), Giving and Compassion for those who suffer.
This is a beautiful time of year which we all should celebrate through acts of kindness and love, with much less department store spending.
This Christmas, trust me, there will be people who are crying, lonely and worrying about their future...all alone...without a Christmas tree. This is not a sad story, but the truth. Reach out and help someone in need.
Merry Christmas

Get back to scrubbing them urinals, next time i find out you are on here, on company time, you will be terminated!! Move IT!!!!! Slacker!!

Manager wrote:

<quoted text>Get back to scrubbing them urinals, next time i find out you are on here, on company time, you will be terminated!! Move IT!!!!! Slacker!!

Most would tell you to go to h*ll but obviously you already live there.

Manager wrote:

<quoted text>Get back to scrubbing them urinals, next time i find out you are on here, on company time, you will be terminated!! Move IT!!!!! Slacker!!

You are just the kind of turkey I'd love to corner into a debate..minus your name badge and that title you clutch to so desperately for self worth.
Trust me, oh soul-less man, you would be at a loss for words, completely out of your element, unable to hold your own.

Now put your tail between your legs, cowardly one, and don't exit that office until you are ready to face-off with your subordinates(fellow humans) without the crutch of power that makes you feel ----so important---so invincible--so valued.

You sold you tired butt....for something so temporary.
Now down another hunk of pricey beef.

On a finer note, I spend a lot of time trying to help people I see in distress.

I will talk to them to find out about their living conditions, their spouses (sometimes their spouse is ill or deceased), etc. and be the ear they really need.

THey talk to me because I have proven myself through acts of kindness/selflessness and demonstrating an extremely high level of confidentiality on intimate conversations. Therefore, I am happy that lots of people know they can pull me aside to talk about almost anything personal, and feel reassured that it will not end up on the gossip vine.

Being someone's confidant is a priceless gift. Be one.

Most blue collar workers ARE NOT LAZY!