Encore across from Lafayette: Protesters return; police called

10:45 AM: Six days after a loud protest outside the Admiral Safeway construction site, the protesters are back, and Lafayette Elementary staffers across the street say the noise is “unbearable” – so they have called the police again. The protesters again carry signs saying they are from the Regional Carpenters’ Council, targeting Marquise Drywall for allegedly not paying the “area standard.” Last time they agreed to stop using drums as they marched; this morning, so far, no such deal. Here’s our coverage from last week; again, the school says they’re not opposed to protesting, but wishing for some consideration for their students and staff.

12:06 PM: Substituted video for the original cameraphone photo atop this story. You can’t hear drums in our clip but they were being used along with whistles and megaphones before our photographer crossed the street; school staff and parents in the office told us the protesters quieted down every time police showed up, then ramped it up again as soon as officers left.

71 Replies to "Encore across from Lafayette: Protesters return; police called"

  • Rob April 6, 2011 (10:56 am)

    LOL!!! Don’t like the pay? Don’t take the job! Nice try union thugs.

  • MargL April 6, 2011 (11:07 am)

    Think of the children!
    Seriously, what do the kids think? Is the Union setting a good example for the kids who might grow up thinking folks who join a union and protest are loud and mean?
    Childhood memory is an interesting thing and can color perception for a very long time.

  • HelperMonkey April 6, 2011 (11:12 am)

    Those who would destroy or further limit the rights of organized labor — those who would cripple collective bargaining or prevent organization of the unorganized — do a disservice to the cause of democracy.
    .
    Fifty years or so ago the American Labor Movement was little more than a group of dreamers, and look at it now. From coast to coast, in factories, stores, warehouse and business establishments of all kinds, industrial democracy is at work.
    .
    Employees, represented by free and democratic trade unions of their own choosing, participate actively in determining their wages, hours and working conditions. Their living standards are the highest in the world. Their job rights are protected by collective bargaining agreements. They have fringe benefits that were unheard of less than a generation ago.
    .
    Our labor unions are not narrow, self-seeking groups. They have raised wages, shortened hours and provided supplemental benefits. Through collective bargaining and grievance procedures, they have brought justice and democracy to the shop floor. But their work goes beyond their own jobs, and even beyond our borders.
    .
    Our unions have fought for aid to education, for better housing, for development of our national resources, and for saving the family-sized farms. They have spoken, not for narrow self-interest, but for the public interest and for the people.
    .
    John F. Kennedy, August 30, 1960

  • J.J. April 6, 2011 (11:21 am)

    Annoying–my kid is in school right now, her classroom is in on the CA ave side. Is there a noise limit the police can enforce? What a bunch of jackasses. Whatever they are for, I’m now against.

  • Alki Jon April 6, 2011 (11:21 am)

    We should all be so lucky to only take the high paying labor jobs, you know since there is so many great jobs available right now lol indeed

  • s April 6, 2011 (11:24 am)

    Want more pay? Go back to school.

  • homesweethome April 6, 2011 (11:38 am)

    Seriously? Police called for this? You’ve got 10 fellows out there with some instruments. Lafayette – teachable moment missed here. March the kids out there to interview the picket line, let them interview the owners of the company, write a story about 2 sides of an issue, let them brainstorm solutions. Oh wait that would be educational. Do children really need to be protected from such a small protest? I think not.

  • hopey April 6, 2011 (11:42 am)

    Uh, the kids had a teaching moment last time this happened. I know because my kid’s classroom looks out on the scene. His teacher sent a note home to parents explaining the even-handed discussion they had, and encouraging the parents to talk about it at home as well.
    .
    This time? This time they’re just being rude. Can’t they make their point without drums and noisemakers? Are they really so worried that people driving by will not see their yellow/orange vests and big signs, so they need to make a disturbance as well?
    .
    I support their right to protest, but I do not support them disrupting the school day for hundreds of children. The protesters don’t need noisemakers and drums to make their point.

  • gannonjf April 6, 2011 (11:44 am)

    Did you miss where construction jobs are one of the top jobs NOT coming back with our little economic recovery? They also aren’t as high paying as you would like to believe.

  • bridge to somewhere April 6, 2011 (11:45 am)

    Regional Carpenters’ Council: not a way to ingratiate yourselves with the community.

  • GenHillOne April 6, 2011 (11:49 am)

    I would totally agree with you, homesweethome, if this were middle or high school – excellent opportunity. But I do feel for the teachers/staff on this one since this it’s an age group that may only grasp a very simplified version of the situation and can be distracted from classwork by a butterfly outside the window, let alone constant yelling.

  • Cclarue April 6, 2011 (11:57 am)

    The ignorance of the protesters outweighs their message when they have zero respect for young children attempting to learn or the union teachers trying to do their job which IMHO they are under paid to do.

  • R April 6, 2011 (11:59 am)

    The comment about going back to school is an ignorant statement. It implies carpenters are not professional and highly trained but anyone who goes to college is, which is quite wrong, of course.

  • Skeeter April 6, 2011 (12:02 pm)

    I just went to my boss and told her that I’m not being paid the “area standard.” She handed me a copy of the classified section of the paper (employment/jobs) and told me I was smart enough to know what to do!

  • wsguy April 6, 2011 (12:07 pm)

    Just a thought – Why can’t the protesters move to another side of the project and stop interfering with the limited time the teachers have with the kids…?

    MAybe not as much visibility but they can still protest and the school has a conducive environment (such as it is) for learning…

  • duder April 6, 2011 (12:09 pm)

    why was my comment deleted?

    • WSB April 6, 2011 (12:20 pm)

      Duder, I don’t usually comment on deleted comments or those held but not approved. However, every so often, especially in topics that tend to attract first-time commenters: You called everyone here a name. No name-calling, thank you. You threw in an insult for WSB, to boot. (We are always puzzled by those who choose to be here even though they claim WSB sucks. I don’t patronize businesses that I think suck, and that would seem to be a good course of action.) If you would like to try again, our rule is most simply summarized as: Criticize the comment, not the commenter. You can say someone’s idea is idiotic, but you can’t call them an idiot. Just a little tiny rule (honored last year as part of our national award from the Online News Association for “community collaboration”) that keeps the comment section on this site from falling into the detestable snipey state many other news organizations allow their comments to fall into. Thanks – TR

  • socamr April 6, 2011 (12:13 pm)

    Gee Skeeter, wouldn’t be nice if a union had your back so your boss/company couldn’t take advantage of you?

  • T-Rex April 6, 2011 (12:16 pm)

    I am pretty sure that none of the kids are going to neeed counseling just because of a little noise outside their classroom.
    The teachers should close the blinds, tell the little boys and girls to ignore the sounds outside and get back to work.
    It’s called teaching them how to be big kids for God’s sake!
    Most of you with kids have no problem letting your kid scream in Target while I am concentrating on how to save money!!!!!!!!!

  • yourneighbor April 6, 2011 (12:21 pm)

    Homesweethome is obviously not a parent of an elementary school age child, or any most likely. My third grader said how terribly distracting it was ALL day last week. His teacher did go across the street to see what it was about and told the kids about it. Not a real big topic for 9 year olds though.
    I believe in standing up for what you believe, but have some respect for a school with young kids. I also know many people out there who would happily work regardless of the pay.

  • BJMcSmith April 6, 2011 (12:28 pm)

    Historically unions have been the driving force for equal pay across genders and for cost of living wages. Unions organize and defend the rights of the working class. The economy sucks that does not mean that we should sit back and let contractors cut wages and employee rights. Every small instance is a big opportunity for either progress or oppression. I bow to those who protest and thank them for helping set the standards.

    .

    As for disrupting the classes… I’m glad to hear at least one teacher turned it into a learning opportunity. I’m sorry to hear the contractor is being so stubborn as to continue their unethical actions. Instead of attacking the union that is protesting you should be attacking the contractor for not meeting area standards.

    .

    Additionally, if there is another protest in the future, perhaps the community could wage a petition against the contractor…and perhaps the union could protest from 7am to 9am and then come back from 1:30 to 3:30. It would still disrupt class but not as badly and it would still get the word out.

    .

    In my opinion, if the community wants peace and quiet and for the union to be respectful, then perhaps the community should be respectful as well and help take care of their neighbor’s financial and physical well being. Remember just because it is a Carpenter’s Union that is protesting doesn’t mean the results of protest are meaningless to you if you are not a labor worker. Unions are everywhere and they fight for everyone.

  • BJMcSmith April 6, 2011 (12:30 pm)

    One last thing, the construction site makes noise and disrupts class all day long. If the teachers can teach through that, they can teach through a few handfuls of protesters as well.

  • D.C. April 6, 2011 (12:31 pm)

    I drove by the protest earlier today and have to admit that I was puzzled, so I checked WSB when I got home to see what was up.
    .
    I know unions did some important work in the past, but the feeling I get when I see actions like this one today is that they are trying to use bully tactics to get what they want. With the economy like it is, I don’t have a lot of sympathy for someone who complains about a job not paying enough. Either accept the job and the pay, or don’t, like the rest of us do. Throwing what amounts to a temper tantrum doesn’t seem like a productive response.

  • Neighbor April 6, 2011 (12:32 pm)

    Thanks Helpermonkey-it seems that Americans have forgot what America stands for. The ignorance is astounding. Seems as though a couple on this board need to go back and take civics. The words “just society” have lost meaning for so many.

  • BJMcSmith April 6, 2011 (12:49 pm)

    @ D.C. Perhaps the problem isn’t as black and white as you are painting it. The problem I have with protests is people assume they know what the protesters are fighting for instead of asking about it or researching the history/problem.

    .

    When you accept a job and get paid it is for an agreed upon amount of money at the time you accept the position. The protest right now is saying that there are agreements in place stating the employees are supposed to receive ‘x’ wage, work ‘x’ hours, and have ‘x’ safety conditions. These agreements are not being met and the contractor is using the economy as an excuse to ‘Bully’ any and all employees.

    .

    I strongly encourage you to look deeper into the situation instead of making a quick judgment call based on very little information.

    • WSB April 6, 2011 (12:54 pm)

      To the previous point – when this happened last week, there was a fair amount of followup information in the comment section, including what I learned from the Carpenters’ Union, etc., as well as contributions from commenters. Follow the link to the previous story (which is used twice in this one) and jump to the comments if you want to check back on that.

  • J April 6, 2011 (12:56 pm)

    I’ve survived the workforce for sometime without the help of a union. I was able to negotiate my own wage/salary, file complaints if I felt rules weren’t being followed and would leave if I could do better somewhere else.

    I think standing up for yourself is great but why would you accept a job when you feel the pay isn’t fair?

  • Eric April 6, 2011 (12:57 pm)

    @BJMcSmith

    I’d suggest that making a racket and making it unpleasant to be in the general area makes it much less likely that people are going to stop ask detailed questions to find out more about the situation.

  • T April 6, 2011 (1:13 pm)

    So the union hired day laborers that aren’t in the union to protest the lack of union jobs on the work site? Anyone see that as a bit hypocritical? Maybe another union can protest that the protesters aren’t union. I am sure there is a sign carriers union, someone should contact them.

  • Skeeter April 6, 2011 (1:14 pm)

    Well we need a little fact checking. The article states that the disagreement about wages. (Not paying the “area standard.”) Comment by BJMcSmith is saying that employer is violating a binding contract it signed with the workers. If that’s the case, I’d be mad as heck, too. If I signed on to do a job for $100 and halfway through the employer reduced it to $80 then I would definitely take all action I could to enforce the contract. So I’ll hold off on judgment until there is resolution on the facts.

  • simplyannoyed April 6, 2011 (1:18 pm)

    As a teacher, not in Seattle, I take every opportunity to teach my students something that relates to the world outside of our school building. I am also a very active union member in my district and understand the importance of standing up for what you believe. I support the protestors need to get the word out about their union, however there is a time and place for it. Across the street from an elementary school is not the time, nor the place for a loud, disruptive protest. In my classroom there are several disruptions throughout the day, anything going on outside is a greater disruption, especially for the kids that have a hard time focusing their attention in general. I find it very disrespectful that the noise the protestors are making is interfering with the education those students are receiving, for a second day. Classroom noise has a detrimental affect on student learning, so when there is much more added to the norm, it becomes close to impossible to accomplish the goals for the day. I feel for those students and teachers.

  • Skeeter April 6, 2011 (1:20 pm)

    Socamr, I’m not being taken advantage of. My employer offered me a position and I accepted it. I was not forced or coerced in any way. I examined my options and took the option most appealing to me.

  • BJMcSmith April 6, 2011 (1:26 pm)

    @ J … That is a dang good question and my guess is, a) people don’t know any better b) not everyone has the strength or resources to stand up for themselves and c) well any number of other reasons.

    @ Eric … you weren’t asking or talking about it period until the “racket” was made. Other suggestions on how to get the public’s attention and increase area education on worker rights?

  • BJMcSmith April 6, 2011 (1:56 pm)

    @ Skeeter. A union contractor agrees to union wages. Yes there is a contract signed and agreed upon by the collective.

    .

    My understanding is the UBC is protesting this specific subcontractor is because it does not adhere to the previously negotiated terms. Generally this means that the employer is hiring union members that may not be aware of their rights OR that the employer is undercutting and hiring non union members … either way paying less than previously negotiated. Frequently with subcontractors it gets even more complicated than what I’ve stated but the gist is the same.

    .

    @ all. I noticed a comment about the protesters getting paid to protest. Sometimes this happens. Generally the protesters are only paid to protest when they are protesting their own job site and are missing work as a result. In this case, the UBC members protesting, most if not all are unemployed at this time and are speaking up to help their members who are employed. That isn’t always the case but in this instance it is my understanding it is.

    .

    Also I saw a comment about the wages being in the high 30s/low 40s and that some people think that is insane. I’d like to point out that union workers are paid hourly because they never know when they will have a job. Some people work as little as 3 months out of the year and have to live off that. Others are lucky enough to be employed year round. Additionally, labor work is a very dangerous job. It is not a temper tantrum to want appropriate wages and a safe environment.

    .

    Thanks to all for your comments and discussion.

  • Mike April 6, 2011 (2:05 pm)

    Drove by there this morning. Probably over 30 people in the demonstration. I support their cause, generally, but raising this kind of racket across the street from an elementary school is simply unacceptable.

  • Paying Attention April 6, 2011 (2:14 pm)

    To WSB: It seems to me that you continue to WILDLY miss the point of this story . Not merely in your presentation(Oy,the lil kiddies are being disturbed),but,mostly in your nearly complete ignorance of the plight,and position of these represented workers protest,not to mention the underpaid benefitless workers actually doing the labor via Safeway(union busting tyrant corp that they are)Bless their lil ole black corporate heart;BUT perhaps most incredulous is your seeming obliviosity to the ongoing Union Battle going on throughout our great land,these UnUnited States of Amerikkka ! Um,didjya hear the one about the union busting Gubbner of Wisconsin?? Ohio?? How’s about in your own backyard of West Seattle?!?! Why , in your estimations,is the sole point of your coverage regard the plight of the elementary school’s proximity to this otherwise invisible crime of morality and fairness for ALL workers ?? Huh,Tracy,huh? Couldjya maybe touch on that,or is there a Starbucks parking lot being blocked on Admiral by picketing Central American coffee field workers,whose action is inconveniencing the ingress and egress of rich yuppies in their Lexus’ and BMW’s from quickly buying their Frappucino’s on the way back to Microsoft Bellevue campus?!?! OH THE HORROR !

    • WSB April 6, 2011 (2:31 pm)

      Hi, PA. No, actually, for purposes of this story, it’s about loud protesters/demonstrators/whatever and the school calling the police. No matter whether it was a demonstration for better pay, a demonstration by shoppers who wanted the old Safeway back, people doing a Hallelujah Chorus flash mob with timpanis, even a gathering of people loudly shouting their support for public education – there’s a group of people doing something that the school across the street says is so loud, they want police help. I did my best to look into the dispute itself when this came around last week, since that came up as a subject of discussion here, but in reality, it’s irrelevant for the purposes of “people across the street from elementary school are hollering during school hours” (which, regardless of what they’re doing, police have made it clear, they have the right to do it, which seems like at least an educational point that emerges from this). We presented the union’s contention last week – they say area standard is $48/hour (combined pay and benefits); they say Marquise Drywall pays no more than $20. (I have been unable to reach Marquise Drywall for their side of the story.) And they say they have been targeting them at various jobsites for 3 years.

  • J April 6, 2011 (2:27 pm)

    If the contractor does not adhere to the negotiated terms, why doesn’t the union take him to court? If they have been fighting this contractor for 3 years, why do they continue to work with him?
    And, these workers/protesters chose this profession. They weren’t forced into it, they should have educated themselves on the contractors, dangers, hours, etc.
    The timing of the protest today was for the benefit of the parents dropping off kids, not sure why?

  • bridge to somewhere April 6, 2011 (3:06 pm)

    I think what the pro-rally folks are missing is that it’s possible to be 1) pro-labor, 2) pro-protests, but 3) pro not creating so much noise next to an elementary school that the children cannot study. What’s so freakin’ hard to understand about that?
    .
    Just because I want the kids at the elementary school to be able to learn in peace does not make me anti-union, anti-protest, or anti-worker.

  • WSAC April 6, 2011 (3:06 pm)

    When my daughter was at Lafayette, it was the beeping of the microwave in the back of the room that was distracting. Hot coffee=good noise, protesters= bad noise.

  • ignorance April 6, 2011 (3:08 pm)

    Most people who are anti-union are basically ignorant about the importance of the institution. Granted some unions cause big problems for their own, sort of cutting off their noses despite their faces, but overall, there is a true legit reason for the union. I can’t believe all the parents complaining here, for goodness sake, the construction noise has got to be disruptive too, why not complain about that too. Your kids go to school at a very busy intersection. I am a parent of elementary age child, btw. I do think it is just one of life’s LITTLE inconveniences. These people have a legal right to protest and for a reason…go study up on unions a little and do your homework about this company and the complaint in general before making harsh judgments that sound …ignorant. Just my opinion. This is a city and there are going to be disruptions. I do feel badly for the teachers because the kids are easily distracted, but come on! Police have so much more to worry about, please do NOT waste our tax dollars on having them come to the the corner of Admiral and California unless the banks are being robbed again or such.

  • Eliza April 6, 2011 (3:25 pm)

    I think the kids should make signs and protest the protesters. There is your “teachable moment” Picket the picketers. Even if only during recess, I think that would be awesome. All the kids carrying signs saying “your protest is messing with my education” “keep it down so I can learn to read and write” “you ruined nap time”

  • Paying Attention April 6, 2011 (3:51 pm)

    THIS IS WHAT DEMOCRACY SOUNDS LIKE !! It must,and will,trump the provincial and quaint !!

  • MargL April 6, 2011 (4:02 pm)

    lol – Eliza, I love that idea!

  • Michael April 6, 2011 (4:22 pm)

    Are these ACTUAL CARPENTERS protesting (not “union members” but people who make their living working the job they’re protesting about), or rented day workers given union cards for the purpose of being a “union member”?
    .
    I’m all for union action where it’s warranted, as long as their workers can actually be bothered to do the protesting.

  • elo April 6, 2011 (4:45 pm)

    Here’s a thought for the lovely picketers that ruined my child’s learning for the day. I grew up in a union and support them whole heartedly but can’t help but pass this judgment as I was pulled over next to the picket line. If you want the community to listen to you and respect your messages, at least look like you care about your cause. Would getting dressed be harmful to your cause? Perhaps getting out of your pajama bottoms or sweats to go ‘fight’ for your rights could actually look presentable while doing it? It seems trivial but if you want to be taken seriously and not be accused of being hired to walk the picket line, then maybe dress respectfully. Show the kids at the elementary school that you are more than loud people in their pajamas, banging objects together and chanting! And for god sake’s – PULL UP YOUR PANTS!

  • NotMe April 6, 2011 (5:17 pm)

    A little noise? That’s pretty tame compared to what USED to happen at some union protests!
    .
    I think Eliza’s idea is the best one I have read, but I would be afraid at what the union protesters may do in retaliation.

  • dlc April 6, 2011 (6:57 pm)

    To all of you that think the noise in the school was not that important…..next time: sign in at the office, get a visitor badge and spend some time in a classroom that is on California Ave. And then you can comment.
    To “s” – “want more pay? go back to school.”
    You do realize that some people with a Master’s degree make less than those that do manual labor don’t you?? But then maybe you don’t realize that it is quality versus quantity?

  • Melissa Parson April 6, 2011 (8:05 pm)

    I agree that it’s a teachable moment and even to elementary aged kids. There is so much history to make it meaningful to children, i.e. one could discuss with kids that before unions and labor law, young children could be forced to work in this country. I’m sure many fine teachers at Lafayette have already discussed these things even handedly as someone suggested they have. I strongly feel that the history of social change is not too complex for young kids. Kids have an innate sense for fairness and I’ve seen young children successfully protest and make change happen in this very city. (kids at Hilltop Children’s Center where I used to teach made signs asking that the city not cut down a cedar tree at a nearby play ground that was set to be cut. They protested around the tree. They made signs, they wrote letters. AND They suceeded in stopping the cutting of that tree. I bet they will never forget that, never forget that power of making change even at the age of five! asking the children what is a union? what does union mean? why are they making noise? who is their target “audience” what is protest anyway? who was Gandhi and MLK. how did they use protest to change the world for the better. Do you think these protesters are being effective. And YES to the person who wrote to have kids interview them etc… brilliant idea. I have to agree with those who say it’s tough patooties if it’s noisey. we live in a free country. maybe the protesters are being too loud and abnoxious, maybe they are not doing their best to change public opinion in this instance. maybe they’re even jerks, but they have a right to do what they are doing. if you don’t like this you might want to move to a non democratic country like China. The police have more important work to do. the kids will be all right. the teachers will be all right.

  • let them swim April 6, 2011 (8:25 pm)

    i find this so gall darn funny it’s sad.
    outside america these kids would be doing the work instead of being in school
    think about that — i don’t even want to comment on all the stupid -that’s it

  • Aye Jay April 6, 2011 (8:46 pm)

    my first thought:
    Teachers protest= school is delayed
    Others protest= cops called

  • 2 Much Whine April 6, 2011 (8:49 pm)

    I like the way they strike in Europe. They pick a nice, sunny summer day (usually a Friday) and they leave work at about noon and go to the beach or hang out with friends. Then they show up back to work on Monday. They make their point (sort of) and the company doesn’t ship their jobs overseas. . . . . no children are harmed with a nice day at the beach.

  • visitor April 7, 2011 (3:00 am)

    there’s the old stereotype that blue collar workers are uneducated. It’s not true. “going to school” is not necessarily going to get you more money these days.

  • Ken April 7, 2011 (5:43 am)

    I am at that school every day. The most used tool at that site seems to be the drill hammer used on the rebar before the next pour. The din is incredible. The union protestors would be hard pressed to exceed the noise level of the daily construction.

  • Mike April 7, 2011 (7:24 am)

    Nobody is holding them hostage to stay in that job or industry. Unions used to have a purpose, back when people were not making enough to buy bread and there was no such thing as health care and Coca-Cola had cocaine in it. Times have changed, so should unions. Don’t like the pay? Work hard to move into another position or industry.

  • socamr April 7, 2011 (7:31 am)

    So it’s OK to have a union when people weren’t paid enough to buy bread, but it’s not OK when people aren’t paid enough to afford to pay for medical care?

    Times have changed, but the basic elements of the marketplace have not. Perhaps you should go back to school.

  • visitor April 7, 2011 (8:21 am)

    Unions are more relevant today than ever. Corporations haven’t suddenly become compassionate and benevolent.

  • AJ April 7, 2011 (11:09 am)

    Can’t believe some of the anti-union comments on here!

    Seattle is a liberal city, democrats in general support the Labor Movement. The exact same unions that some of these kids are going to grow up and join.

    Since when did it become such a bad thing thing to fight for job that is safe and you can support your family on? Can you imagine a country without unions, ..or workers rights. No safety regulations and 80 hour work weeks, sounds fun huh? Does it sound like your job?

    Well to me it sounds like some people simultaneously hate their jobs ….and unions. You can’t hate your current situation AND the one thing (and people) who could fix it.

    As someone once said, “There’s a few at the top, and then there’s the rest of us….doing the work. Which side are you on?”

    I’d like to ask those who are anti-union. WHICH SIDE ARE YOU ON?

    -Proud to be Union

  • Mike April 7, 2011 (1:06 pm)

    We have laws that corporations are required to follow that resolve the need for what unions used to fill. Having been a person that was in a union, being 16 at the time, I was only allowed to work 20 hours a week during the school year. State law made that decision for me. However, the union loved this. I was required to pay union dues, but since I didn’t work over 20 hours a week I got NO benefit from the union. Call it child labor paying into the union beast. Think of how many kids you see bagging groceries at QFC or Safeway, they all pay union dues but get no benefit from it. Unions LOVE child labor, it’s free money for them.

  • george April 7, 2011 (2:38 pm)

    Somehow, the inner Seinfeld in me wants to go back after all their protesting, with a gang of the loudest children I can find and see if they can disrupt their work environment with drums, whistles and megaphones to see if they find that a suitable “learning place”. LOL!!

  • george April 7, 2011 (2:40 pm)

    OK pro union activists, tell us what mediation has taken place before the protests came about? Talks? phone calls? face to face? Please fill us in the steps that are taken to resolve this dispute before it hit the streets.

  • visitor April 7, 2011 (3:30 pm)

    I’ll never understand why some people want to advocate against their own self-interest; why some people vote against their own benefit; and in some cases, why some people want to be a party to their own oppression. you have to drink the kool aid, I guess.

  • Melissa April 7, 2011 (3:53 pm)

    “History is a great teacher. Now everyone knows that the labor movement did not diminish the strength of the nation but enlarged it. By raising the living standards of millions, labor miraculously created a market for industry and lifted the whole nation to undreamed of levels of production. Those who attack labor forget these simple truths, but history remembers them.”
    Martin Luther King Jr.

  • Paul April 7, 2011 (4:07 pm)

    hey your on california deal with it! I live on california ave and I have to deal with noise all day and night. SO should the rest of you! If you want peace and quiet move to the country

  • AJ April 7, 2011 (5:05 pm)

    @ Melissa and visitor:

    Love it! They drank the Kool-Aid and probably don’t even realize it

    My favorite was the Bag-Boy who was mad that he had to pay dues to a union that probably prevented him from getting exploited. State laws my a@#! You have a union to thank for your wages and the benefits (you would have gotten from your employer, they don’t come from the union!) you would have gotten when you became an adult. The union protected you on both side of 18 and you don’t realize it or are thankful for it!

    I hope your boss cuts your pay and overworks you. Whats funny though, is you won’t be mad at him, you’ll be mad at the unions…some people never learn.

    Stay bitter, overworked, and underpayed Mike. Thats where they like you.

  • dlc April 7, 2011 (7:25 pm)

    To AJ-
    You sound bitter….what is your problem?
    Why do you need to blast a teen working as a bagger? You are so far off the main topic I have no idea what your point is.
    Oh yeah- why don’t you come to elementary school tomorrow and we can teach you that “gotten” is not even a word.

  • AJ April 7, 2011 (7:50 pm)

    dlc-

    Weird. Merriam-Webster defines gotten: as a past participle of get.

    I define Mikes comments as: anti-union with very little understanding of the history or the current reason for unions.

    As for being off topic, we must be reading different comments, as most of the ones I’ve read have to do with unions.

    The last sentence of your post had a definite bitter taste to it. Think about it…

  • Paul April 7, 2011 (8:40 pm)

    Too bad the teachers don’t feel as bad for the poor children when they themselves go on strike. I think I hear the pot calling the kettle

  • george April 8, 2011 (4:17 pm)

    no response. yep, thought so.

  • Karl April 11, 2011 (10:39 am)

    Bring your comments, concerns, and questions to the free public Admiral Neighborhood Association meeting on Tuesday, April 12 at 7:00 pm at 4320 SW Hill Street (California Ave SW & SW Hill St). Representatives from Marquise Drywall and the Carpenters’ Union will be there.

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