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