Reply #16: URW and USW member for 32 years

[aka-chmeee]

and grew up with Dad in URW for over 20. My observation is that the Company (and to some extent the union) made it more and more difficult for Rank and File to move from union to management to union, etc. This policy change prevented many good managers in the bargaining unit from crossing over (and I suppose it WAS a paperwork pain in the ass!)
Those who did cross to management and were good at it had the advantage of knowing the contract. I don't think the company gives their new college grad managers any exposure to the contract contents.
It is no wonder then, that these people see the worst in their workers...they don't know the protocols established by the contract.