Buzz
Does that take affect immediately

Two things. First off what's all the talk about a SECRET BALLOT.  Everyone has the own opinion & right to vote whatever they believe will be best for them and their families now and in the future. If a Union Brother or Sister doesn't respect that then they shouldn't be in a Union. Having said that I personally although obviously reluctantly will vote YES. If we are being told that there WILL NOT be any more negotiations, that this proposal or worse will be IMPOSED on us anyway and we WILL PROBABLY NOT get our Retro for 2 YEARS as compared to 2 WEEKS for those of you who plan to vote NO please explain your reasoning.

From what I saw in the SI Advance for this school year most Catholic schools are off the same days for Christmas as public schools. Dec. 23-29 As for the February week that includes Presidents' Day Catholic schools are only closed for Presidents' Day. I'm sure the office could supply you an entire list.

The following is my opinion and I ask that you respect it as I do yours. First off no one ever wants to give anything back especially after it took years of negotiating to get. After reading the MOA and taking into consideration the loss of the EPP & the state of the economy in NYC I have to tip my hat to our representatives. I feel Michael, Eddie, The Executive Board, Ernie & Andy did a great job. For all of us that are not considered "2013 New Hires"(which is probably about 96%) this is far from a disaster whether you have one year or 30yrs. I personally have 14. Without getting into the particulars of each and every issue I feel this is really a good offer especially when you look at our options. Options such as turning down this proposal and eventually having it or worse (DON'T FORGET THE BEST &FINAL OFFER) imposed on us. The thing that irks me the most is a feel for anyone hired after April 1st, 2013. Best wishes to them and all of us.

It appeared to me that the majority of members on this site & at the yard wanted to have the pick postponed to after we got to look over a finalized contract proposal. Whether that was the reason or not Ernie obliged those members. Now guys are complaining just the opposite. It's my opinion we should all just sit back now and when the contract comes & the pick comes they come. Arguing amongst each other is not going to solve anything. We ALL had a rough year. As hard as it may be lets try to enjoy our holidays with our family & friends and be civilized to our UNION Brothers & Sisters (Senior & Junior).

Thanks Ernie
That does clear up a few issues. As far as I'm concerned if we weren't on the same page we are now. The past is the past lets look forward.

In reply to Andy's last post lets set the record straight. First and foremost I really don't think anyone doubts that Ernie and you have all of our best interests in mind. Whether it is a member with one month or one with 39 years. Having said that it's with regards to not having a pick it wasn't pressure it was our wishes. Wishes that at least for 6 hours we thought were heard and respected. Apparently not. As far as hiding behind the internet most people are afraid to speak up in public because Ernie is very intimidating and that is their own fault. It's a shame that you felt that you had to post your statement. Again at least for the last 6 hours everyone felt united with each other and with you and Ernie. Obviously you are only going to hear from the minority of members that agree with you. Apparently you are suggesting that there will be a pick before we vote on a contract. I hope my assumption is wrong. If not I suggest we have a vote on when to have a pick. The reason being as you state I have to do what is good for me & my family. Which I believe is voting on the contract before I pock.

Buzz
There is 3 things your missing. First of all standing in the dark & cold listening to someone reading 5 or ten lines of a contract is not the same as reading the 40 or 50 pages thoroughly then discussing it in an UNRUSHED manner. Secondly until voted on and signed Neil could just change his mine. Lastly and MOST IMPORTANTLY it appears the majority would rather vote first and pick later. After all Buzz this is why you have this site isn't it? It's not about me, you or Ernie it's about talking & listening to all the brothers and sisters of Pioneer and doing what the majority feels is in our best interest.

Buzz
Thanks for the update. It is well appreciated but unfortunate. From the majority of people on this site and the people I have spoke to in person we all feel just the opposite. It's unfair to force us to pick before a contract is voted on. If what you say is true it's apparent the voice of the majority doesn't mean a thing. That's a shame I thought this was a Union not a Dictatorship.

Buzz
You state "I don't think Ernie is opposed to delaying the pick". Did you actually approach him and ask him?

If someone thinks it's important enough to stand on the back of a pick-up truck & read bits & pieces of a contract proposal to 400 and something people before the pick. I believe it's important enough to read & examine & vote on before the pick especially because it has a direct effect on what you pick. When everyone is together, simply just have a vote on whether to postpone the pick or not.

At this point I truly believe the pick should be postponed. It is in the best interest for all of us to have a finalized SIGNED CONTRACT then have the pick. We've gone through enough this year. To ask us to pick without a contract in place or at least not voted on before we pick shows a lack of respect for all. It's fairly simple. VOTE ON A CONTRACT THEN PICK. It's not like it can't be done it was postponed twice last year.

Remember everything is rumor untill you actually read it. Obviously & unfortunately there will be give backs but it's still better than "THE BEST & FINAL OFFER" that was imposed on us. I don't recall any talk about going back on strike then. I have to assume that Ernie believes this is the best proposal that could be negotiated AT THIS TIME. If not he would not put it before us. Remember nobody knows all the people & circumstances involved better than him. I thank him & Andy for their part in this negotiation including them initiating the Opt-in. Also I want to thank all the members who offered to Opt back in. Your gesture truly shows what the word SOLIDARITY means
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Congratulations Bill DeBlasio
Whether or not he helps us in a direct way this is a victory for all middle class working people in NYC, including us. LETS HOPE FOR THE BEST & THANK GOD the bloomberg era IS OVER!

Gigi there's no cat fight. You just asked a question and I just gave what I think is the best answer.