Originally posted by Cow Poke
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Fresh out of high school, I worked for a company in the telecommunications business that was "family owned". There was a union that was constantly trying to push the employees to vote to "go union". The owner of the company got tired of this, and called for a company-wide meeting to address the situation. He had everybody meet at a local high school auditorium after lunch on a Friday, and he gave an interesting speech. He said that he knew that there were efforts to unionize, so he said, "let me list some of the benefits you enjoy that few other businesses provide...." and he listed some interesting benefits, like "flex time" way before it was popular, and competitive pay, and unparalleled Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance with ZERO cost to families, etc etc etc.....
Then he said, "we're going to vote today -- but let me be very clear. I believe I have provided a work environment far superior to what a union would be able to provide, but you have a choice. You can decide, today, that you wish to proceed with the process of unionizing, in which case, at my age, I really don't need the hassle and aggravation, so I will simply shut down the company and enjoy my retirement." I'll never forget, he repeated that again, slowly and deliberately, to let everybody know he was dead serious. Then he said, "I invited the union officials to whom some of you have been talking, and they're right down here in front - so here's how we vote -- if you're happy with the way things are, you may leave now and enjoy the rest of your Friday afternoon at home -- if, however, you prefer to continue the attempt to unionize, come down here and meet with these union officials".
The vast majority of people left the building, and I didn't stay to see who, if anybody, stayed to talk to the union reps.
Then he said, "we're going to vote today -- but let me be very clear. I believe I have provided a work environment far superior to what a union would be able to provide, but you have a choice. You can decide, today, that you wish to proceed with the process of unionizing, in which case, at my age, I really don't need the hassle and aggravation, so I will simply shut down the company and enjoy my retirement." I'll never forget, he repeated that again, slowly and deliberately, to let everybody know he was dead serious. Then he said, "I invited the union officials to whom some of you have been talking, and they're right down here in front - so here's how we vote -- if you're happy with the way things are, you may leave now and enjoy the rest of your Friday afternoon at home -- if, however, you prefer to continue the attempt to unionize, come down here and meet with these union officials".
The vast majority of people left the building, and I didn't stay to see who, if anybody, stayed to talk to the union reps.
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