Update: September 12, 2006
This was posted on the Ottawa Daily Times
Posted by Disgusted from Kendall County at 8:28PM on Monday, 9/11/06
Hey Gateway Striking Counselors - How do you like your new assignments now that you are back to work? You going to protest that too??? HA HA HA!!!!!!!
Posted by Fred Nance Jr. at 11:06PM on Monday, 9/11/06
Whoever this is, please stop hasseling the strikers. We have to work together for the clients. Please, let's be professional. We have to learn to agree to disagree. There are no winners, only losers. We all lost something. It may be our dignity and respect. Let's turn this around and take one for the team. Okay. Thanks.
Posted by Fred Nance Jr. at 11:28PM on Monday, 9/11/06
Also, we are all working again at Sheridan Correctional Center. Whatever is going on inside Sheridan with the clients and with work assignments, stays inside Sheridan. People, we have to think about security. We are not supposed to be talking publicly about what is going on inside Sheridan with the clients or with our work assignments. Please, do not breach the security of Sheridan. This would be a serious mistake.
If you guys have legal issues to address, the appropriate forum is our court system, not the IDOC system. This will only hurt the inmates and our performance at work.
Update: September 10, 2006
On August 31, 2006 the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued a written statement regarding the compulsory unionism charge I filed against an AFSCME, the union, representative back in June 2006.
The NLRB issued a "Conditional Decision to Dismiss" with the investigator reporting "I have concluded that further proceedings on the arguably meritorious allegations disclosed by the investigation are not warranted at this time. For the reasons set forth below, I have conditionally decided to dismiss your charge 6 months from this date...I have conditionally decided to dismiss because there were no prior meritorious unfair labor practice charges against the Charged Party within the past several years, and the conduct appears isolated, the conduct does not have impact on other employees, and there is no ongoing unlawful effect on an employee's terms and conditions of employment. I intend to dismiss your charge 6 months from this date unless a new meritorious charge is filed within that time alleging that the Charged Party has engaged in other unfair labor practices that make dismissal of your charge inappropriate."
This is absurd. This is why "compulsory unionism" flourishes. I returned to work for Gateway Foundation (Gateway) as a Counselor III at Sheridan Correctional Center (Sheridan) on September 7, 2006. I have been "blasted" with this "forced" unionism upon returning to work.
I will file 3 incident reports on Monday, September 11, 2006, with the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC)/Sheridan alleging compulsory unionism, which is threatening, harassing, and intimidating to me.
The incident report will report Gateway union representatives/members openly discussing union business on IDOC/Sheridan property, in my presence, without prior permission from IDOC/Sheridan. AFSCME, the union, is a bargaining unit for Gateway counselors. There is no union contract at this time at Sheridan.
I am threatened with being "walked" (terminated) or locked out of Sheridan if it is thought that "I" am a threat to the security of Sheridan because I oppose compulsory unionism. I am not a threat to security. I have not and will not talk to anyone unless they talk to me first, and these discussions have not and will not be about the union but rather, about services to the clients of Gateway. IDOC/Sheridan is not the environment for these discussions.
I have informed the Director of Gateway/Sheridan that I have not and will not discuss, with any union representative/member, their politics or mine. The union representatives/members have been openly discussing their union politics in my presence. These "open" discussions, on IDOC/Sheridan property by union representatives/members, intimidates, harrasses and threatens me because of the financial hardships the strike and the "forced" lockout from my employment, created by the union, on me and my family. The discussions on IDOC/Sheridan property create a "hostile work environment" for me. I should be able to provide counseling and treatment to the inmates without the thought of compulsory unionism by the union representatives/members.
I have informed the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation, Inc. who is my legal representative in this matter.
Update: September 6, 2006
Gateway Foundation contacted me this morning informing me I could return to work. I will return to work on Thursday, September 7, 2006, at 7:30 am. I was forced out from my employment by the Illinois Department of Corrections on June 6, 2006 because I did not participate in the AFSCME strike against Gateway. AFSCME claims to be the bargaining unit for all the counselors at Sheridan, which I am a counselor at Sheridan. AFSCME did not contact me informing me I should return to work. AFSCME informed the counselors who were striking to return to work today. AFSCME discriminated against me because I did not strike. AFSCME cannot be my bargaining unit.
Thanks a lot Governor Blagojevich for how you handled this matter of my rights being taken from me. Thanks a lot Governor Blagojevich for how you allowed AFSCME to conduct its compulsory unionism. Thanks a lot Governor Blagojevich for how you let my family starve for 3 months because you need the union vote.
For your participation and assistance in the compulsory unionism, thanks a lot Illinois Department of Corrections, Illinois Department of Employment Security and National Labor Relations Board for letting my family lose their income to further the cause of AFSCME the union.
Update: August 31, 2006
These are post made on the Ottawa Daily Times Newspaper under the titles "LaSalle Co. prison counselors back to work; private company bows out" and "Gateway workers returning to jobs".
Posted by some anonymous person at 10:38AM on Wednesday, 8/30/06
This deal has cost the taxpayers big bucks. Good job, Gov. Bla!What a joke.
Posted by some anonymous person at 12:15PM on Wednesday, 8/30/06
what a joke these strikers are??? what did they gain over all this except cost tax payers and union members money.
Posted by some anonymous person at 12:36PM on Wednesday, 8/30/06
They feel some false sense of victory. I'm more concerned with the fact that they're in the mental health industry after reading their comments. Fire them based on that alone!
Posted by from at 12:41PM on Wednesday, 8/30/06
Seems to me they got rid of an employer who refused to deal fairly with its employees.Thank your lucky stars for the ground work unions have set or you'd not see decent working conditions in this country. They've set the standard for working conditions be it union shop or not.
Posted by some anonymous person at 2:47PM on Wednesday, 8/30/06
No, the governor screwed up, it's as simple as that. This was his pet project, and he screwed up the contract, so now the taxpayers get to pay for it.
As for unions, the establishment of unions were necessary, but those were different times. Now they're just opportunistic, backlashing operations.
Take a good look at those strikers, do they look like they're starving to you? Their insurance co's should hike their rates based on their obesity!
Posted by Fred Nance Jr. at 6:29PM on Wednesday, 8/30/06
If you really want to know how screwed up this issue is visit my website at http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/. The Governor's departments IDOC, the Illinois Department of Employment Security and AFSCME, the union, have been involved in compulsory unionism. IDOC purposely locked out Gateway employees from their employment to further the agenda of the union. And the Governor did nothing about it. The Governor's office has known about this compulsory unionism since June 7, 2006. A day after the strike.
Posted by some anonymous person at 8:27PM on Wednesday, 8/30/06
Current State of Illinois employees will become State counselors before anyone from the street. And the counselors we do have didn't get the money they have by being counselors they have been in State Government for 10+ years of service as CO's, Office Associates, etc. That is how they recieve high salaries. Besides, the State doesn't hire people with felony convictions as it has been rumored that Gateway does.
Posted by some anonymous person at 8:33PM on Wednesday, 8/30/06
They have had food provided to them by the union for breakfast and lunch everyday of the strike, tents, grill...they lay on blankets, play guitar. Most union strikers I know WALK THE PICKET LINE! Perhaps they could get state jobs in the dietary.
Posted by Fred Nance Jr. at 8:48PM on Wednesday, 8/30/06
The anonymous writer gives a wonderful example of why State counselors receive the salaries and benefits reported by the strikers. This is why the demands of the strikers are unreasonable.
It is not a rumor but It is true that many, but not all, social service agencies hire people who have prior felony convictions. The belief is a person who has experienced drug and alcohol addiction and the prison system may be better able to identify the need of the inmate for treatment rather than judgment. It is also true that people who have not had this "felony" experience seem to judge the convicted felon rather than treat the symptoms of drug and alcohol addiction.
I guess my pastor gives the best example I have heard. He reports some people may not have a skeleton or two in their closets but they do have some bones there.
Posted by some anonymous person at 5:57AM on Thursday, 8/31/06
Sheridan Gateway staff was paid a higher salary than any other Gateway staff in Illinois to begin with...they are "special" because of the Sheridan Project. Do they really think another vendor will have the money to pay them and give them MORE benefits? Do they realize that most union people get paid less on there checks because you have to count all your Benefits as part of your salary. They might just end up lossing money....not to mention the bad realtions they have made with Sheridan Staff from HARRASSING THEM DAILY!
Update: August 30, 2006
This was sent to me by email to post on my website.
From: "Anonymous" <anonymous-comment@blogger.com> Add to Address Book Add Mobile Alert
To: frednance@clickservices.org
Subject: New comment on Blagojevich, Gateway and AFSCME agree...
Date: Wed, 30 Aug 2006 04:58:55 -0700 (PDT)
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Blagojevich, Gateway and AFSCME agree...":
Victory! Gateway is WEAK! Why did they lie to the 14 RAT SCABS for 13 weeks??? CHICKEN! Poor Michael Darcy didn't want to give up one of his raises?? You don't have a clue Fred Nance, Do more research because we WON! The new vendor will finally finally give people rights. Oh I'm sorry you don't know what rights are because for years someone told you when it was time to eat, sleep, potty, etc.
This is the type of person who is supposed to assist the inmates at Sheridan Correctional Center with counseling, possibly preventing recidivism. I don't think so. This is a Sheridan Correctional Center "union" person who went on strike against Gateway. This person has a criminal mindset, they have reckless behavior, they have no professionalism, no ethics and no integrity. This is the character and behavior the new vendor will inherit.
Mr. Governor: This is what "your" union represents. And this is the future "Sheridan Project."
Sir, I have been counseling for nearly 12 years. I have and still provide counseling to sex offenders on parole, probation and supervision, people with mental health issues, substance abuse and alcoholism. One of the reasons we have so much recividism in the State of Illinois is because of evil and vengeful people working in our prison system, such as correctional guards and counselors. When inmates encounter this character and behavior they figure they can just keep doing what they do because they just happen to have gotten caught doing what they do. The inmates leave our prison system hating everyone, wanting to hurt anyone they encounter because of the treatment they have received from the employees of our prison system. This is one of the elements of recidivism.
How will you monitor this character and behavior? You surely cannot do it through our judicial system. Our judicial system does not work for the inmate. Our government does not work for the inmate. Therefore, the inmate will continue to be an inmate. This may mean job security for those who work in our prisons. So, maybe it works. If this is the agenda.
Update: August 30, 2006
Bob commented on the website of the Ottawa Daily Times reporting the strikers had won. What did they win? The strikers still do not have a contract. The strikers get a chance to battle another agency for a union contract.
Gateway won because they did not get unionized. Gateway stood its ground. Gateway refused to get defeated. The money coming from the State is not worth the battle. In order for another vendor to provide the demands of the union, the State will have to shell out more money for the contract. This means the taxpayers of Illinois will lose out. I guess this is exceptable. This is the strikers victory. The strikers beat the State of Illinois, not Gateway. This is the victory the strikers won. The strikers beat the State. Let's not get it wrong.
Gateway will provide comprehensive and optimal services until December 31, 2006. The strikers and non-strikers still have to work together until the new vendor comes in to operate. I hope the "present" employees of Gateway can conduct themselves in a professional manner.
The good thing about a new vendor is they will know what they are facing entering the door. Gateway had no clue they had hired individuals who would undermine the program's ethical standing. This is about ethics.
I am okay with Gateway's pullout. The strikers did not unionize Gateway. Gateway achieved the victory of automony toward developing and producing a clinical model, which will prevail the storms of union involvement. The State of Illinois decided it was best to let the union run the prison. Hmmmmmmmmm
On August 29, 2006:
At approximately 2:00 pm Gateway Foundation (Gateway) cancelled its contract with the State of Illinois/Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC). The State of Illinois/IDOC is looking for another vendor to provide services to the inmates at Sheridan Correctional Center (Sheridan). Gateway will continue to provide optimal services to the inmates at Sheridan until the State of Illinois/IDOC finds their vendor.
Is the strike over? Will the new vendor unionize? Will all the employees working for Gateway continue working at Sheridan until the new vendor is in place? What will happen to the employees of Gateway who work at Sheridan? Will the employees of Gateway who were locked out of Sheridan by IDOC be able to come back to work until the State of Illinois/IDOC finds a new vendor? How does this decision effect the employees of Gateway who filed an appeal with the Illinois Department of Employment Security seeking their unemployment benefits? Will the new vendor retain the current employees of Gateway working at Sheridan? These are some of the questions surrounding this issue. Details will follow.
Update: August 28, 2006
On August 28, 2006 I received a phone call from Vivian Fontellas, Scheduler for the Honorable Jesse White, Illinois' Secretary of State. Vivian informed me the Secretary of State does not deal with the union on this issue. Vivian informed me I would have to alert the Governor's office on this issue. I informed Vivian the Secretary of State does deal with issues surrounding traffic violations and ordinances. Vivian informed me she forwarded my letter to Governor Blagojevich's office.
On August 28, 2006 the Sheriff of LaSalle County, Mr. Thomas J. Templeton and I talked about my letter to Mr. Trent. Mr. Templeton reports the first responder in this situation is the Sheridan Police Department. Mr. Templeton gave me the phone number to the Sheridan Police Department.
I called the Sheridan Police Department at 815-496-2186 requesting to speak to the Chief of Police. Mr. Charles Bergeron, Sheridan Police Department's Chief of Police, stated he had no knowledge of this issue. Mr. Bergeron informed me I should have informed him before I wrote others about this issue. I did not know how to contact him. I informed Mr. Bergeron I searched the Internet for information on the Sheridan Police Department, but could not get any information. I informed Mr. Bergeron I would send him a copy of the letter by fax. I sent a copy of the letter by fax.
Mr. Bergeron informed me that when incidents occur as I described people should call him just like I did so the Sheridan Police Department can act on the incident. I informed Mr. Bergeron that Mr. Templeton shared with me how the courts use photos to support incidents such as described in my letter. Mr. Templeton suggested when an incident like this occurs the person should take a photographic picture of the incident to use in a court of law. I informed Mr. Templeton and Mr. Bergeron that Sheridan Correctional Center has cameras all around the perimeter of the prison. I informed Mr. Templeton and Mr. Bergeron that retrieving a photo would not be a hard task.
Mr. Bergeron received my faxed letter and read it. Mr. Bergeron informed me to call him if I ever have any issues such as described when I return to work. Earlier in my conversation with Mr. Bergeron I informed him I had concerns about being harassed and intimidated while driving to and from work, when I returned to work at Sheridan Correctional Center. Mr. Bergeron assured me he will deal with any issues or incidents which break the laws of Illinois.
On another note: On August 28, 2006 I talked to Ms. Goosby, Supervisor Administrative Law Judge, of the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). Ms. Goosby informed me she was actively expediting the cases on appeal involving the strike at Sheridan Correctional Center. Ms. Goosby informed me it may take from 1 to 2 months before the cases will be heard. This is ludicrous. Our families are being systematically discriminated against by the government of Illinois.
Update: August 26, 2006
Here are some comments about the Sheridan Correctional Center Strike posted on the Ottawa Daily Times Website. Mr. Blagojevich: This is what the union has reduced your "Sheridan Project" too.
Posted by Gateway Employee from Kendall County at 9:41PM on Friday, 8/18/06
The union continues to lie to each and every one of you striking counselors and techs. Maybe you should think of your clients for once instead of you pocket book. If you want to make what the DOC counselors make, then get a job with DOC. ALL employees that continue services at Sheridan are sick and tired of hearing you whine and complain and call us names. Grow up and get a life already. We don't even want you to come back to work. You act like you are so superior to everyone else. The fact of the matter is that you are nothing but a bunch of losers! Additionally - you too cant make $300,00/year if you had the brains and the resources to own your own business. Michael Darcy has worked long and hard for what he has, he doesn't need jackasses like you ruining his lifes work and reputation.
Posted by Townsperson from Sheridan at 9:32PM on Saturday, 8/19/06
It's a shame that those who have chosen to stand out on the picket line continue to fight for something they know they can not have. What confuses me is how intelligent people can be led astray by the crap that the union is feeding them every day.
It takes a special kind of person to walk into a prison every day to counsel convicted felons...what did you get this job for? If you're confused and came there for the money - you're in the wrong line of work. A 45% increase in pay is NUTS....why are you still on that picket line? Striking Gateway workers are nothing but pons...is this realy worth your time and money? If this was a REAL strike with REAL issues then maybe there wouldn't have been so many workers choosing to continue to work...think about what your doing.
Posted by Counselor at 1:07PM on Monday, 8/21/06
I have worked in many agencies and Sheridan was the worst job I have had. This was not due to the inmates / clients ...but because of the UNION people and the GUARDS. .the meanest , cold blooded people I have ever met in or out of the field. My happiest day was when I left there.. GOOD RIDDENS... I think what is funny is that people that could not even come to work and would put the burden of there job onto others.. ( P.B) .. Are out on the picket line every day ..you are so out for yourselves We all see that clear as a bell ..
Posted by Resident Bystander from Sheridan at 6:42PM on Monday, 8/21/06
For those of you who really need to know the truth. The prision was shut down because of the UNION. The prison employees were asked to take 1-day off without pay, to help offset costs. But because the UNION said NO - the prison was closed. Now I ask you...... Which would you rather have done - take one day off without pay, or lose your job for 2-years? Seems to me that the answer was simple. But because of the bull headed union, the prison was closed down. So how did the union help them? Well most of them lost their jobs, their homes, their marraiges and not a single one of them was paid for their time off by the union and not a single one of them had their Cobra paid for them. So, if the prison closes again because of the assinine behavior of the Gateway Union Pawns then, you too will be out on your butt with nothing but a stupid look on your face. And if we look back - what businesses closed in Sheridan because of the closing of the prison..... NONE!! So it really did not effect the community.
And for those of you who are so proud of what you are doing out on that picket line and all your nasty comments to one another - why don't you give your real names, instead of hiding behind a fake name. Tell us who you really are since you are so proud of your cause.
If you check with other substance abuse providers, you will find that you need to have a degree to become a counselor. You don't get hired off the street with a High School Diploma, and you are not given 2-years to obtain your CADC certification. And, they make less money than Gateway is paying you.
It is time to stop the childish nonsense and bickering and act like adults.
Posted by Counselor at 8:02PM on Monday, 8/21/06
I so agree with the last remark.. I was target by the UNION folks due to my believe system. They made it hard to work. I feel bad for the rest of the counselor who do what has to be done and get flack for showing up to work.
Remember this is a small field. You have messed with some people that alot of people in the field know . So the arse you are kicking today may be the arse you will be kissing tommorrow.
Posted by CO from Sheridan CC at 9:23PM on Monday, 8/21/06
I agree with "Laughing My Head Off". Only one mistake - they were not 1-hour lunches - they were 1 1/2 hour lunches. Break at 11:00 maybe even as early as 10:45, and not go back until 12:30 group. Take, take, take. And what is it that you ever gave back to the Clients? Nothing. That is why even they are happy you aren't in the prison right now. They are saying that they are receiving the best groups and counseling than they ever have. Because they don't have to listen to you striking counselors bickering and complaining all day long.
Posted by Laughing my Head off at 10:43AM on Tuesday, 8/22/06
Hey Gateway Striker the 45% is now a comparison.??? . That is why you went on strike. !!!You want wages like the IDOC counselor. That is what you have said. We all know that >> so know its a comparison. Go to another agency and see what you would make. Let us all know... Takers... The clients are better off with you gone.. . This crap about we will raise the whole fields living wage is crap. When DASA or the Insurance companies gives the agency's more money for there servces...then maybe we can make more money.... It not that we think we are worth less .We came into the field we are eyes wide open. ..
Posted by Bob from LaSalle Co. at 7:34PM on Tuesday, 8/22/06
The real truth comes out with the comments that Paul Kubiak has made regarding this very hasty and very poorly thought out Strike. The Gateway employees (Counselors if you will) are making the claim that they do the same kind of work that IDOC Correctional Counselors do and on that false claim are trying to make a direct comparison. Based on that faulty and baseless comparison they say they should be paid the same as IDOC Correctional Counselors. The Union is saying that is not what the Gateway Employee are asking for but, on the AFSCME Council 31 website, it states precisely that, making that direct comparison. There is no real comparison that can be made between the two jobs. Using the faulty logic that the Gateway Employees and the Union are trying to put forward is to say that anyone who has a title of COUNSELOR, should be consider to be comparitively equivelent. That is to say, for example, that anyone who is called and ATTENDANT, should be considered to be on a equal basis. Certainly any reasonably intelligent person who knows, knows that there is no direct Comparison between say, a Flight Attendant and a Restroom Attendant. Thusly for those who know, know there is no direct comparison that can be made between IDOC Correctional Counselors and Gateway employee; Counselors if you will!
Also, State employees have been Unionized for many years and it took many hard fought negotiations to get to where state employees are now. Many contracts have been negotiated up to this date. To date Gateway employees are still working on a first contract. The only expectation that they can have is to go from the starting point of precisely where they are now, not trying to make a baseless comparison with something that is not comparable at all. It is highly offensive if not brazen, to demand to be made a state employee and to be placed into a position of state employment, where there are hundreds (If not thousands) of current state employees that have followed the proper procedures and have waited patiently for their change to become IDOC Correctoinal Counselor. If you want to be a State Employee then fill out an application, submit it and wait your turn.
It is a foregone conclusion that the Gateway Employees have the right to Strike, that is not an issue of debate. What is an issue of consideration is what is the truth of what is being said regarding this Strike ! Is it a fair contract, starting from where Gateway employees are current as concerning pay and benefits; as compared to other persons who work for Vendors in the Substance Abuse Treatment field or is it what Paul Kubiak and AFSCME Council 31 is saying? The later is what you will find on AFSCME Council 31 website and the comments provided by Paul Kubiak. That being stated as the demand, does a great disservice to those of us who have been AFSCME members and state employees for many years. Gateway employees you work for the Vendor (The Gateway Foundation), not the State of Illinois. Compare yourselves to other persons that work in the Substance Abuse Treatment field, because that is the kind of work that you do. When the time comes that you have had as many contracts with your employeer (The Gateway Foundation) as State employees have had with their employer (The State of Illinois), you may be in a position to try to make comparisons: But not now and never with Correctional Counselors! Take the first step and learn how to crawl before you can walk!
Posted by Laughing my Head off at 11:29AM on Wednesday, 8/23/06
When the words Sheridan is said now in MY FIELD. People laugh and shake their heads. It was a good Idea but the big problem came when you had more Counselor 1's = (lack knowledge about recovery based counseling)..then u had experienced staff
If u WIN the field has lost. You have been name calling your Bosses and other counselors at Sheridan long enough, I can't wait until the day the place closes ,of course you will blame Gateway.
You have threatened Gateway with Cornell. Why don’t you seek then out .. That's right it goes to the lowest bidder.. But how many of you worked a real job.. P.R. the next Norma Rae… oh that’s right they pay even less then Gateway and they would want the CO.’s jobs to be privatized hmmm… not a bad Idea.
August 26, 2006
Illinois State Police
Mr. Larry G. Trent, Director
125 E. Monroe St., 124 E. Adams St.
P.O. Box 19461
Springfield, Illinois 62794-9461
Re: AFSCME Strikers Blocking Traffic at Sheridan Correctional Center
Mr. Trent:
I, Fred L Nance Jr., am sure you have heard of the strike at Sheridan Correctional Center (Sheridan). It appears, from their own statements (verbatim) below, the AFSCME strikers are purposely and maliciously blocking the streets, entrances and exits to and from Sheridan with their bodies. I am doing further research, but I believe they are violating Illinois law and should be arrested. In addition, it appears the AFSCME strikers are assisted in their endeavors of “putting themselves in harms way” by local law enforcement who are not enforcing traffic ordinances.
I will fax this document/letter to the Honorable Rod R. Blagojevich, Governor of Illinois; AFSCME; the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB); Roger E. Walker Jr., Director of IDOC; Jesse White, Illinois’ Secretary of State; Larry G. Trent, Director of the Illinois State Police; and post it on my website at http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/ for worldwide viewing of how Illinois permits a union get so out of hand as to put human life in harms way for an ideology. Have we regressed to medieval times? How far will the NLRB let these AFSCME strikers go? How far will the State of Illinois let AFSCME go to achieve a cause? How many lives will be put in harms way or in jeopardy of loss of life because of AFSCME’s ideology? Where do we go from here? How many lives will be put in harms way or in jeopardy when this strike is over? How will local law enforcement treat the non-strikers after the strike, whether traveling to work or leaving work? Will the non-strikers receive bogus traffic citations from local law enforcement authorities? What will we learn?
These are some of the comments/postings on the Ottawa Daily Times’ website. Go to the Ottawa Daily Times and search under Gateway for these postings.
Posted by GET OUT OF OUR WAY from Sheridan at 10:20PM on Wednesday, 8/23/06
Since you feel that the crossing employees are trying to hit you as we come and go to and from work, why don't you get out of our way already? Why is it that you feel that when we put on our turn signal that is the appropriate time to walk in front of our cars, and stop in the middle, and bend down and tie your shoe? If you don't want to get hit, stay out of our way.
Additionally since you want to portray that you are so open minded - why is is that you have NEVER taken the time to listen to what Gateway has to say, instead of listening to the lies that the Union and J.B want to feed you every day?
We are in no way tired of the work - we are just tired of you. Get a new job already. Speaking of which - how many counselors have you lost now since the beginning of the strike? How many have found new employment? Seems to me that your numbers are shrinking out there. Most of the time I only recognize 3 (at the most) faces out there? Where are the rest of the Gateway Striking employees? And who are all those people standing out there fighting for something that isn't even theri fight? I just have to wonder............
Posted by Tax payer at 3:14AM on Thursday, 8/24/06
In response to get out of our way. Pedestrians do have the ride away. Go back to drivers ed. and stop driving down wages in this county SCAB!!!!
Posted by some anonymous person at 3:33AM on Thursday, 8/24/06
Hey, get out of our way. You need to get a life. Wouldn't you love to know where were at??? You really have not figured it out. Keep listening to Gateway. HA!
Posted by GET OUT OF OUR WAY from Sheridan at 8:09AM on Thursday, 8/24/06
Why do you think they have baricades set up on the side of the driveway? That is to keep your butts behind it. I never once said that I want to run you over - but if you continue to walk in front of my car every day - one of these days SOMEONE is going to get hit. So just stop. That is all I am asking - I don't want to hit you and that is the concern here. Additionally Tax Payer - pedestrians have the RIGHT away not the RIDE away - go and get and education so that you can speak and write comment intelligently.
Posted by To: Get out of our way at 8:53AM on Thursday, 8/24/06
I think the majority rules! GET OUT OF OUR WAY! Strikers are walking. We aren't going to make it "easy" for you to cross OUR line. We are standing up for ourselves, better wages, lower healthcare, pension, tuition, senority rights, and one more thing you crossing employees no nothing about A VOICE ON THE JOB.
Go ahead and hit us . . . according to the police officer that is patroling, WE THE STRIKERS HAVE THE RIGHT AWAY. So start driving with caution . . . cause we aren't moving or LEAVING!
Posted by So Wrong at 12:05PM on Thursday, 8/24/06
What the heck is wrong with you so called counselors!!! . Walking in front of cars! calling people names!!! Paul regardless whether you have your CADC or Masters none of these certifications or degrees make the person. (I know I teach this fact to my clients.) You have to role model compassion in order to know it. I do know that most of the strikers do not have that quality. I have seen you work. So I can only conclude that you (Got a Job) when you came to work at Sheridan. I do know that most of the people that are continuing to work have a career. So no matter what you say or call people you will never again have the respect of real counselors? Never ...
Posted by I KNOW at 12:35PM on Thursday, 8/24/06
Is that you Fred? Are you off parole yet? Did you learn compassion from your cellmate?
Posted by So Wrong at 3:20PM on Thursday, 8/24/06
See your are So wrong again. Guess by elimanation.. Also I know I am guessing that Fred is someone not for the union and he may of been in jail at one time. Aren't the clients that you claim to care about in prison?? Is this a technique in encourgement. Shame on you..
Posted by some anonymous person at 12:41AM on Friday, 8/25/06
I am absolutely appalled at how so called "professional" individuals are behaving. You should all be ashamed of yourselves. I have been in this profession for nearly 20 years and I have never seen such immature, selfish behavior from counselors. As for "techs" they need to realize that they are nothing but glorified baby sitters and with their little experience in the field they should be thankful that Gateway even offerred them a position. You may be proud of yourselves now, but the talk is that no one wants anything to do with these strikers. You have made a terrible name for yourself and for Gateway and career wise you have really messed up your future possibilities. Unfortunately, there is no happy ending in all of this. If I was Gateway I wouldn't want you back. Though the client's may be suffering with the shortage of staff, they would be worse off if you were back on the job. It really is a shame that you are such selfish, inconsiderate people. You have some supervisors and managers working really hard to keep a program up and running. I truly hope that once this is settled you will thank them.
Posted by really discusted from chicago at 1:35AM on Friday, 8/25/06
What is wrong with you people. Name calling,putting people down, calling workers scabs. Some people have bills to pay and children to support. So you that have crossed. Good for you!! You know where your priorties lye. Family. That is why we work. So the rest of you strikers. I hope your children dont get sick. No insurance. That is really thinking about your famil.y. Most of you want to cross and go back to work however you are pressured by strikers. Dont give a dam what they think. Go back for your families. Strikers I would love to see you out there in Sheridan winters. Bring some coco. Because Gateway is not giving in. I admire Gateway!!! Hey strikers. How you paying bills???
Respectfully submitted,
Fred L Nance Jr., ABD, MA, CADC, NCRS
http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/
cc: Mr. Larry G. Trent, Director of the Illinois State Police
Honorable Rod R. Blagojevich, Governor of Illinois
Mr. Jesse White, Illinois Secretary of State
Mr. Roger E. Walker Jr., Director of IDOC
AFSCME
National Labor Relations Board
