What, giving up the ship already? with that kind of 'tude the company has ALREADY won. Hang on dude, the fun is just beginning and (a collective) we are going to need everyone,including Foxdouche to win this.
Not giving up, but the bottom line is we are screwed and there is no way we can win.
We are already losing 30% of our pay, if the union fights this (and they are) the company will retaliate with a bump and flush realignment. Then we will either be losing pay due to reduced hours or reduced seat position, or both. Then if it looks like the union might win the grievance the company will just furlough 600 guys to prove they were right in the need to furlough.
The only ones who have a chance, are the top 40% in seniority, and they are running around openly advocating for a furlough, as witnessed at two ANC union meetings. This of course will cause a rip in the union if it happens. There is no way to support a union where the top 40% do not believe in the principles of UNION. So in the end we will have less pay and QOL, either by seat position or hours. The union will be fractured and all company loyalty will be gone.
The only possible hope we have is that someone way up high can see the damage this is causing to the company and steps in. I'm not holding my breath since this appears to be a battle of wills/egos.
BTW I think the union is doing the right thing. They not only need to stand up to the company but also the top 40% of the seniority list, if they have any hope of keeping the union united in the future. As much as I think we have very little hope in this, one can't just roll over and take it. Good job so far MEC.