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Letters to the Editor |
Writer rips
Kongsberg on labor dispute
To the Editor:
I agree with Georgianna (Adkins) completely. The issue with
Kongsberg isn't about wages and never has been.
Kongsberg representatives are saying Teleflex hadn't won a
bid for new business in 2½ years, and weren't competitive, but when the union
rep. asked to see those figures in black and white, nothing was ever shown. They
probably got shredded by accident, or somehow got lost in all the excitement, or
maybe the dog ate 'em. If this statement is true, show the figures and prove
these workers need to work for $9.00 an hour to be profitable. It may or may not
make a difference, but at least it would prove that ONE thing they are saying is
true.
The issue isn't one of being profitable or keeping jobs here, it is an issue of making the CEO the president, and the stockholders of Kongsberg richer, even if it means shipping poor quality parts to the companies they supply. After all, how can you expect 300 new scab employees with no experience and no training to produce good parts? They would be lucky to even fill the orders with bad parts.
I just read an article from the ABN Newswire (Asia Business News) that Kongsberg is closing a facility in Westland, Mich., and moving it to Reynosa, Mexico. Kongsberg is also moving part of another plant from Willis, Texas, to Matamoros, Mexico. These are just the latest of a long list of plants being moved out of the U.S. by Kongsberg. That is how Kongsberg operates: they buy up profitable ongoing businesses and if they can't force the workers to work for a few pennies above minimum wage, they move to Mexico, and you can bet Van Wert is somewhere on that list, too.
I heard that Brian McGonagle
went to visit the picket line at Kongsberg and show his support for the locked
out workers (see photo and story on News Page). He wanted to support them as
much as everyone in Van Wert supported him after he was wounded overseas. I
think that was a wonderful gesture on Brian's part.
These locked out workers need all the support they can get
from everyone right now. I've heard a few people say they didn't care one way or
the other since it really didn't concern them directly. I imagine these people
aren't looking too far down the road, since the economy will eventually affect
everyone, either directly or indirectly.
Hearing about Brian
McGonagle started me thinking. Every year our government sends hundreds of
thousands of young men and women just like Brian to fight and die in foreign
countries. Our government says it’s better to fight terrorists there rather than
in our homeland, but then they (the government) allow companies like Kongsberg
to come into the United States (our homeland) and do what they do best: close
factories and move them to other countries, put people out of work, and destroy
our economy. T
True, Kongsberg Automotive may not be wearing towels around
their heads, or carry automatic weapons, or even fly planes into buildings, but
the end results are the same. Day by day, year by year, piece by
piece, Kongsberg and foreign companies just like Kongsberg are destroying the
United States, packing it on trucks and moving it to Mexico or some other low
wage, low tax country, AND IT'S ALL LEGAL!
I wonder if our government will ever catch on? Maybe when the
President of The United States has to drive to Reynosa, Mexico, to get to his
office things will sink in! I wouldn't bet your minimum wage job on it though!
Larry Gibson
Van Wert
via email
4/23
Kongsberg worker thanks supporters
To the Editor:
I would like to give a big “thumbs up” to the Van Wert County
Fair Board, Shannon Station (shopping center) and Towne Center (shopping center)
for standing behind the Local 1-524 people who are locked out by Kongsberg by
not letting the temporary people and the company people park in their lots.
And also a big “thumbs up” to the unionized truckers that are
refusing to pick up and deliver the Kongsberg product.
As union people ourselves, we truly appreciate the effort and
support we are receiving in this challenging time.
Once again, thank you very much!
Pamela Murphy
25 years at Teleflex
via email
4/23
Local resident pleased with VWHS play
To the Editor:
If you missed the Van Wert high school production of Hello
Dolly!, you really missed something.
I've been lucky enough to attend productions by professional
groups like Queen, Marie Osmond, Brian Culbertson and others at the PAC. You
expect great performances by these professional groups, but never did I
expect this quality and kind of performance by a high school, even one that I am
endeared to.
Every student and every scene were fantastic. The students
were so talented and it would have been good in the old gym I'm sure, but when
you add the professional mikes each student wore, the lighting and the
truly beautiful sound coming out of the orchestra pit, it all added up to a
big " WOW”!
I don't pretend to really know anything about theatre, but I
do know what I like, and I couldn't believe this was coming from a stage in Van
Wert!
Mrs. Stoller, the students and the countless other people involved in this should be commended. Thanks for a Hello Dolly! well done!
Steve
Laudick
Van Wert
via email
4/21
Woman supports
Kongsberg workers
To the Editor:
If robbing Peter to pay Paul is how Kongsberg manages their finances, it's no wonder they think they have issues.
They say they need to cut wages but yet are spending LOTS of money to hire charter buses, security people and I have heard bring workers in from out of town. Or is the wages not the issue they just want to break the union?
If they spent as much time and effort in trying to negotiate as they are in trying to lockout the "employees" maybe things would change.
My understanding is they are fighting the unemployment applications; there is a difference between striking and being locked out.
I commend the businesses that will not let buses and cars park on their lots. If people want to work there more power to them but use the Company parking lot. It is still suppose to be a free country. That is their choice. We have many friends and families who have fought and died for our rights. It is a sad state of affairs when our own government is selling away our rights (Democrat or Republican doesn't matter), it is happening.
What would our congressmen and senators do if China bought out the USA and told them they would need to take a 30-40 percent pay cut or hit the road? They better think about it, as it could happen.
Who do they represent Foreign countries or the citizens that put them in office? Politicians talk a big talk but what happens when they get in office? Nothing!
If anyone thinks that what is happening out to Kongsberg doesn't affect them they need to look again.
Everyone should be making calls or e-mails to the senators and congressmen and letting them know what is happening is not acceptable.
Georgianna
Adkins
Van Wert
via email
4/21
Woman grateful for birthday wishes
To the Editor:
From the bottom of my heart I want to thank all who helped me
celebrate my birthday whether you attended my party, sent cards, or stopped by
for a visit.
Because of each of you, it was one of the most beautiful days
of my 90 years with which God has blessed me.
Sincerely,
Helen E Etzler
via email
4/21
Voting fair ticketholders: Attend mtgs.
To the
Editor:
Just a
reminder to all persons who have a "voting fair pass", put it to use. Show up at
the fair board meetings (and) voice your opinion. Make sure you get a "voting
pass," if you get one at all this year.
The Fair Board wants to keep you in the dark, and look what
has happened to OUR fair. That's why there are two different passes. They don't
want to be bothered.
Lynn Davis
Middle Point
via email
4/15
Kongsberg actions sadden worker
To the Editor:
You know it's a sad world that we live in when it comes down
to the fact that we as Americans can't hold on to our American jobs. We are
supposed to be living in the "land of the free and the home of the brave". Well,
that's what it's boiled down to... the land, FREE of jobs and soon we will have
to BRAVE the streets of poverty and be at war with ourselves to make ends meet.
What a sad world we live in when we have to tell our children
that their parents are out of a job. Kongsberg is only one of the millions of
companies that our government has allowed to ruin the hard working, dedicated
American people.
It's high time we as Americans all over the U.S. stand up for
our jobs and bring back the true meaning of "Land of the Free, Home of the
Brave". I encourage everyone in Van Wert County and surrounding counties to
stand up with the 300-plus families that are currently struggling to hold on to
what is rightfully theirs.
No one can afford to lose their job, please keep us in your
prayers.
Pam Murphy
25 years at Teleflex
via email
4/15
Kongsberg not
bargaining in good faith
To the editor:
It should be obvious to the good citizens of Van Wert and the surrounding area
that Kongsberg is not bargaining in good faith. With a single, swift, unethical
maneuver they have put over 300 people out of work. Many of these people are
individuals with whom I personally worked until 1992.
For all of you wonderful owners of Kongsberg who supposedly
want so badly to bring these people back to work let me tell you that they are
much more than just numbers. They are people, real flesh and blood people who
have given a good portion of their lives to work at your Van Wert facility and
produce the quality automotive parts that make your profits. I can remember many
of them going through personal crisis after personal crisis and still coming to
work. I can remember at least one of the employees giving the ultimate sacrifice
and ending up being carried out on a stretcher, never to return.
Even after being wronged in various ways over the years by
the previous owners, Teleflex, these dedicated workers stayed on the job and
gave you an honest day's work. Kongsberg, I think most people can see that you
have no intention of settling this lockout. You have the mindset and mentality
of 19th century industrialists. I truly think that if you could get away with
it you would hire 12 year olds and pay them a dollar a day.
Now, you have added insult to injury by denying these workers
unemployment. Many of these people have serious medical conditions and require
expensive medications. Do they eat or do they get their medicine? Maybe neither.
I simply do not see how any company can be so heartless.
The previous writer was correct that the damage is going to
go much further than the individuals who are now unemployed. Every business in
the area is going to feel the sting. All of Van Wert is going to suffer and the
tax base will decrease dramatically. The next bond up for vote in Van Wert might
be doomed to rejection. City Fathers, think about that.
I also agree with the comment about the fair board allowing
the scabs to use the fairgrounds and I really hope that each and every one of
these workers remember the "thoughtfulness" of the fair board. Not only will
many of these people boycott the next fair but even if they wanted to, many of
them won't have the extra money to spend on the fair. What goes around comes
around.
As far as the scabs themselves, yes, I know they need jobs,
too, but at the expense of their neighbors? That's totally unacceptable.
I will close by saying that no matter what happens the good
workers of Kongsberg will hold their heads up high because they were not the
cause of this and I sincerely think … no, I KNOW that Kongsberg's so called
leaders will someday get their reward for this gross injustice.
Gary Lane
Van Wert
via email
4/12
Kongsberg
management given shot
To the Editor:
In the day of global economy and the fierce competition it
would be understandable the companies are looking for ways to reduce cost, but
should it not start at the TOP management, including the CEO paychecks?
Did Kongsberg not know the pay scale when they made the
purchase? Was it their intent all along to get rid of the current workforce?
Will the CEO get a BIG bonus for putting over 300 families out of work? How does
the Board of Directors of the company justify that? Or does it matter, it
doesn't affect them … yet.
Can the top management live on what they expect the employees
to? Are they willing to take the same percentage cut in pay? People have built
their lives around wages they have been earning for years and had no reason to
believe this drastic of cuts would happen.
Who is going to buy all the homes that will be foreclosed on or the vehicles that will be repossessed? The CEO of Kongsberg?
If all companies continue to do this, who is going to have the money to buy any of the products (including cars) being made? China? Mexico? Brazil?
The concept that you start with the workforce that makes the company products, therefore producing the money that pays EVERYONE does not hold water You don't bite the hand that feeds you. I am self-employed and know that I cannot expect employees to bite the bullet when I am not willing to do it also.
It seems common sense has been left out of the equation.
America has sold its soul (land, companies, etc.) to foreign companies for the almighty dollar and the foreign companies do not care about their employees or what they do to them and the communities. This (Kongsberg) is a good example.
I believe employees would be willing to negotiate and be reasonable but it seems they have not been given that opportunity by Kongsberg. It was their way or be LOCKED OUT. That's the American way? If you don't like the American way of life, stay where you are.
Georgianna Adkins
Van Wert
via email
4/12
Writer upset
over Kongsberg actions
To the Editor:
I have a question for Mr. Aberdeen, plant manager of
Kongsberg. Why haven't you paid your property taxes? As of now, you owe $21,929
in back taxes and penalties. You won't pay your taxes, you refuse to negotiate
in good faith with you employees and you feel compelled to bring in "security"
to maintain the peace. These aren't the actions of a company "committed" to the
Van Wert plant. These are the actions of a company looking to provoke an excuse
to abandon the Van Wert plant.
So when does
Kongsberg intend to tell us they're moving the product line to their new 350,000
SF plant in Brazil? And the 300 plus employees left in Van Wert are the victims
of the "global economy?"
Kirby R. Kelly
Van Wert
via email
4/10
Victims show
courage afterwards
To the Editor:
Can there be a better example of courage than someone who has
fallen victim to a violent crime? Their life has been shattered to the core, yet
somehow they find the courage to pick themselves back up and go on with the task
of living.
I shake my head in awe sometimes as I listen to what has been
happening, how long it has been happening and witness the signs of abuse. I
quietly say to myself: “Why has she waited so long to come in for whatever help
we can give her?” There is not just physical pain; there is emotional pain, not
only for her, but for her children.
Now, after she realizes things are not going to get better,
she has decided to proceed with prosecution in spite of her pain and fear. She
wants to, once again, be the person she used to be before all this abuse
started.
Courage is all
she needs and it takes courage to call a hotline, leave all your worldly goods
behind and go into a shelter where they know no one. Here, they will have to
share their living space with strangers, go to court, file charges against
someone they love or fear, soothe their children and start to plan their future.
This is only the beginning and Crime Victims Services joins Crisis Care to give
her the courage to take her family out of the violence into a more peaceful
world.
We are very grateful and wish to thank everyone for their
strong support, especially during the untimely death of Teri Sowers, our
Director. She will be missed; however, we must go on. During this period of
transition, Mr. Kent McMillen, our first director, has so graciously filled in,
and now we welcome Mr. Michael Kirkendall as our new Director. Thank you to this
community for your continued support. We would also like to thank those people
who support our cell phone program. Our victims continue to use these phones as
their lifeline in times of crisis.
Mary Callow
Van Wert Crime Victims Services
via email
4/10
Wife of
Kongsberg worker concerned
To The Editor:
Being a family
that is affected by the recent developments at Kongsberg Automotive (Teleflex),
I feel compelled to write to ask (for) the support of the Van Wert and
surrounding community. I think some people are of the opinion that these
displaced workers are on strike, which is not the case ... these people WANT to
work and were willing to continue working under their current contract until
something could be ratified. The COMPANY chose to lock these people out and
bring in employees from a temporary staffing company. This was the choice of the
COMPANY not the UNION EMPLOYEES. These people are your neighbors, your
children, or even grandchildren, and are trying to achieve the American dream:
To own their own home, to provide nice things for their families.
My husband is a 29-year employee at Kongsberg, this being the
only job he has known since graduation from high school. I think that it is
totally unfair to ask these people to take a cut in pay as the company is
asking. After 29 years to only make $10 an hour ... this is mind boggling at
best to even imagine that this could even be given a yes vote. I would like to
commend the local businesses who have said they will not cross the lines to
provide services to Kongsberg and also wonder if the Fair Board is endorsing the
activity of letting these people park their cars on their grounds and allowing
the busing of these people into the plant.
If they do stand behind this, I can guarantee that there will
be at least 350 families that will boycott the Van Wert County Fair this year.
The trickle down will be seen quickly, these people will no
longer be spending money to go to the gym for workouts ... no longer be spending
as much money at the grocery stores or eating establishments. Please, drive by
these workers on Industrial Drive, honk your horn in support of their cause, and
know that they are not looking to prosper – only to maintain their current level
of income ... they are not asking for a huge raise, but have stated on numerous
occasions that they would hold with their current wage.
With the rising cost of gas and everything else, I think this is commendable.
Thank you for the opportunity to voice my opinion.
Michelle Brincefield
Van Wert
via email
4/10
Family
grateful for support after loss
To the Editor:
The family of Richard D. Lewis would like to express our
appreciation to Brickner Funeral Home for all the special care you gave to use
during this time of loss. You went above and beyond.
To Vancrest Health Care Center, for taking such good care of
Richard throughout the years, and in his final days, we would like to extend a
very special thank you to aides Jared and Melissa for your help. Reverend Paul
Miller – You gave us a wonderful service. Thank you so much.
Thanks you to all the members at Wesley United Methodist
Church who prepared a delicious meal for us.
To all the family and friends who sent flowers, cards and
made memorial donations, and most of all, for all the hugs and prayers.
Thank you from the bottom our hearts.
Betty Lewis, Eric and Jenni Profit
and family, Maurice Lewis, Jon and Linda Lewis, Marvin and Linda Lewis, Billie
Lewis, David Taylor, Beth Engstrand
via email
4/10