Company Future

As a group, we have an opportunity to pursue a better future for ourselves in 2006.

As individuals, we can only pursue our own futures.

More so than ever before, it will be paramount for our organization to stand together. Our wages have continued to slide backward against inflation for too long. A great many of our current issues could only have been foreseen by a true psychic, however we expect a certain amount from ourselves, as well as our employer.

With the annual rise in health insurance cost weighed against our negotiated increase for 2006, based on a forty hour workweek, we grossed less than three additional dollars for the year! With the dramatic increase in fuel cost, our personal fuel bills have tripled! I have spoken to several whom have indicated the increased cost of fuel has left one with the choice of eating or driving to work. I am fortunate enough to be able to carpool with another twice a week and still, my fuel bill equates to the net earnings of one work day per week! I do not go out on my days off. I line up all my errands so as to accomplish them en route home from work. I walk to my doctor’s office (two miles each way) and my pharmacist (three miles each way). I make one trip to the grocery store per week. There isn’t room to reduce my consumption anymore. There certainly isn’t enough room in my budget to take on a car payment that might produce more economy! There is Metro; however there is no service from my home to/from work that comes even close to my assigned work schedule. Driving myself, I’m away from home thirteen hours a day. With Metro’s scheduled service from my neighborhood, that would increase to fifteen or more hours per day away from home. Transfers, layovers, and multi-mile walks to/from the nearest bus stop account for the additional time.

The Company is not without responsibility. Of course, the Company has to make money. There is no argument here. The Company has to conduct business in a manner that makes money, as well as support the staff necessary to conduct their business profitably. The parent Company, Holland America, has a responsibility too. If Gray Line is required to keep its fleet available to conduct cruise operations at a price set by Holland America while potentially more profitable work is being turned away, Then Holland America needs to make adjustments to ensure ALL of its employees are compensated in a manner that allows them to continue working for the Company.

Consider this: Who will drive the Coaches, conduct the Cruise Ship Transfers, or provide the sightseeing products when we are forced to cease our employment simply because we cannot afford to drive to work?

At that point, we have all failed. Gray Line will have available for its employ, the few individuals fortunate enough to live within walking distance of the shop and the homeless, drifters than linger in and around the port district. Holland America will have lost its bus Company and be forced to pay another whatever fee that Company charges, and a great many of us, management and employees alike, will be unemployed.

Now is the time for change. Can we plot a secure course for the future, or will we simply prolong the inevitable?

Union and Management must work together to provide a future for all. When you ask yourself, “What difference do I make?” and you will, know that you are only one voice by yourself, but as a large group, you are a force!

Brian Donald

President

UTU Local 161