36 page document on the decision for the injunction by District Court Judge Matsumoto. 27 more pages on the NLRB's ruling on the appeal of the coalition. I read each and every page of them and was enlightened to the competent job our president and executive board did on our behalf, not only in negotiations but in the testimony they gave in each of these cases. Not to mention the many members  and shop stewards that took the time to file unfair labor practice charges and to follow up with testimony. Without this concerted effort we all would be up the creek without a paddle. I hope all of our members will take the time to go through these documents, although it's hard to follow sometimes, so all can understand and be enlightened as I was.

  As I said before we are winning our battles in court just as our leadership predicted. We have prevailed with the utmost integrity throughout these trying times. Our union, whether it be our leadership, or our valuable membership, have not engaged in any underhanded tactics. The same cannot be said for the people that employ us. They have time and again tried in vain to break our spirit with their "unfair labor practices" and holding our money hostage. The light can now be seen at the end of the tunnel with court rulings in our favor and a new Mayor on the horizon. As Ernie continues to lead the people of Pioneer in the right direction with his support and committment. It is as important now as it ever was to follow his lead and continue down that path with him. Our strength, unity and resolve is no match for anyone that crosses our path and as always we are the example. I for one am grateful that we have Ernie and Andrew there for us to lean on. It seems that that they never grow tired and are never at a loss for encouragement. Great job guys and thank you!!!!   1181 STRONG

Another victory. Put it in the books!!!! The only thing left to do is to collect our money with interest as ordered by the NLRB. The "respondents" do have the right to appeal, but doing so will only further destroy their credibility and they will continue to lose what little, and I mean little, respect they may or may not still have.

The union is continuing to gain ground on our behalf. We have not lost any decision in court up to this point. Our shop steward and our union officials have been telling everyone all along to to stay strong and united and we will win our battles in court which is exactly what's happening. We still have a few more bumps in the road ahead and I for one am confident that we will continue to overcome those obstacles. So please let's all stay the course and enjoy each and every victory as they come. Remember the wheels turn slowly but they are turning in our favor.

Retired driver Vincent Tomaselli passed away Friday morning. He is being waked at Matthew Funeral Home, 2508 Victory Blvd, Sunday 7-9 PM, Monday 2-4, 7-9

Greetings to all the members of my Pioneer family and the rest of my 1181 brothers and sisters. I just wanted to take the time to add my sentiments. I want to thank Ernie and Andy who worked tirelessly throughout this entire ordeal. The two of them together never wavered in their efforts to bring information, support, guidance and leadership to the rank and file not only at Pioneer but all of Staten Island. This was as monumental of a task that any of you can imagine especially due to the health concerns not only of Ernie but his wife as well. I can tell you that I was fortunate to be part of the team working closely with them day after day and I sincerely hope that every one of you appreciate the brave faces that came before you even when the news was not so good. I also want to commend Barry on the great job he did keeping people informed on this site. I often don't visit here but it was a vital source of information for me and everyone else I'm sure. In closing I want to praise all of the drivers, matrons and mechanics that I had the priveledge to stand shoulder to shoulder with over the last 4 plus weeks. You have shown incredible integrity and resolve and you make me proud to be called your brother. Our show of strength and solidarity was on display for all the world to learn from and I know that they can only hope to emmulate what we showed them in our darkest hours. One more thing YEAH HAH!!!!!!