Jimmy Johns operator fighting unionization in Minnesota

This is scary folks...
 
Jimmy John’s operator speaks out on union efforts Minneapolis franchisee faces stepped up pressure from labor group
March 11, 2011 | By Mark Brandau

http://www.nrn.com/articl...eaks-out-union-efforts

 

Definitely different scenarios then we have here in the south.  I never really understood the whole modern union thing. Sure there was a time and place for unions and probably still is in some cases (Walmart). Being that my in-laws are from Pennsylvania I did witness the migration of business from the north to the south. Said thing is that most of these businesses paid very well in the north but left because of frugal demands.  

This is what Jimmy John's in MN is facing. If you have not seen the video I am posting here, watch it. If you are not a Glenn Beck fan suck it up, it will not kill you, listen to the words of the kid. And I am not a big Beck fan, personally he depresses the hell out of me. This kid in the video is employed by Noodle's and Company, a restaurant chain. Be careful who you hire.

Glenn Beck Reacts to WI Worker Who Wants to "Take Control" of Workplace to Be "Free"

 

 

 

Ok, thanks I got the link to work.  I dont think we have Jimmy John's down here, I havent seen one anyway, but since I cook so good, I'd rather eat my own food...lol.
I have never had a soft spot for unions, and I have first hand experiences where a union put a couple of companies I worked for out of business.  This entitlement generation really burns my azz.  Back in the day, offering health care was a enticement to bring in the employees from the competition, nowadays people think its their right to make companies provide healthcare.  The world is a turned upside down place anymore, and I for one think its better to stay small and profitable, than grow large and have to deal with this entitlement mentality.

PS.  The kid in the GB video, is an idiot, and I hope does not represent the youth of america today.

I think it is fixed now, give it a shot. Working on my end.

I'm looking at this from the food industry side of things, especially for mom and pops like the above Jimmy John's franchise owners. When you realize what damage these groups can do to a small business, you would understand my concern, especially for growing enterprises or those thinking of growing. I think people can be very naive in thinking that groups like this do not exist.
 
Watch the (Glenn Beck) Noodle and Company employee above, and just imagine having a group of his ilk running your business. Yes, running your business. They have more rights than the business owner.
 

JodyP


Definitely different scenarios then we have here in the south.  I never really understood the whole modern union thing. Sure there was a time and place for unions and probably still is in some cases (Walmart). Being that my in-laws are from Pennsylvania I did witness the migration of business from the north to the south. Said thing is that most of these businesses paid very well in the north but left because of frugal demands.  

 
I think you've been drinking some of the union Koolaid concerning Walmart.  The vast majority of Walmart employees make more and have better benefits than they had when working for locally-owned stores.  The unions have gone after Walmart because of the number of employees at Walmart.  If they could unionize Walmart employees, it would fatten the unions' bank accounts immensely.

Speaking as someone with 40+ years management experience in both union and non-union shops, it's not wages that's the problem in a union shop, it the loss of the ability to manage a union shop effectively. 
 
In a non-union shop, if a problem crops up, you can jump in to help out or even bring in people to help solve the problem.  It doesn't work that way in a union shop.
 
Successful companies that are non-union stay that way by teaching and living what is called "union avoidance".  To wit, you compensate your employees for the full value of their jobs, you train them properly, you make sure they understand the work rules, you enforce the rules equally, you treat your employees with dignity, you don't put your employees in an environment where they are always looking for a better place to work, and you quickly get rid of the ne're do-wells.
 
I learned something early in my career;  Lowball your employees on compensation, and you will rarely get your money's worth.
 
I had a simple creed:  Treat your people well (including compensation) and demand great things from them.  

Do they have Noodles franchises in Iran?

the single best way to avoid unions is simply to treat people right in the first place--we--humans-not bosses-are not very good at this--MOST employers are decent folk---they are also SMALL businesses and really cant afford any more then what they offer their employees---the unions came about as a result of the operations of larger companies and unsafe work conditions and unfair labor practises---like 10-12 hr days,6&1/2 day work weeks, child labor.etc---Granted--unions are not always the "good guys"-but they are NOT out to ruin America---Jman list the things you have to do for "Union Avoidance"---these are EXACTLY what Union s fought for and i find it hard to believe that just becasues a shop is "union" that means that you can not jump in and help out to fix a problem--in all the years i have been working i never saw a union contract that forbids cooperation! Nuff said.1

jman



I think you've been drinking some of the union Koolaid concerning Walmart.  The vast majority of Walmart employees make more and have better benefits than they had when working for locally-owned stores.  The unions have gone after Walmart because of the number of employees at Walmart.  If they could unionize Walmart employees, it would fatten the unions' bank accounts immensely.

 
In what state does that happen?
 
 

I think this is getting out of the area of "unions and the operation of a food business".
 
The discussion of political issues as they apply to running your business is tolerated but not encouraged. If it moves past that this thread will be closed.

at least this one isn't my fault.

bill voss


at least this one isn't my fault.

 
We'll find a way to blame you anyway.

tiki


the single best way to avoid unions is simply to treat people right in the first place--we--humans-not bosses-are not very good at this--MOST employers are decent folk---they are also SMALL businesses and really cant afford any more then what they offer their employees---the unions came about as a result of the operations of larger companies and unsafe work conditions and unfair labor practises---like 10-12 hr days,6&1/2 day work weeks, child labor.etc---Granted--unions are not always the "good guys"-but they are NOT out to ruin America---Jman list the things you have to do for "Union Avoidance"---these are EXACTLY what Union s fought for and i find it hard to believe that just becasues a shop is "union" that means that you can not jump in and help out to fix a problem--in all the years i have been working i never saw a union contract that forbids cooperation! Nuff said.1

Tiki, I still have membership in a couple of unions that I'd never give up. But I have belonged to unions that forbade any sort of cooperation with management outside the specifics of the contract. When I was a kid I worked as an oiler on permit from the Operating Engineers. We were forbidden to spend half a second after a whisle blew working. I once had to let a generator to kill itself because I was on break when it needed lubrication. Working for Detroit Steel I had to drop coils while operating a crane because it was time for lunch. As a member of the Wire Service Guild I wasn't allowed to shoot pictures when a photographer was not on assignment, and I couldn't even hand copy to a teletype operator for transmission. Also, I was not permitted to finish writing or editing a news story if my shift had ended, regardless of the urgency of the story. As a member of the stagehands union (IATSE) I couldn't even page a chimp at an ice show under certain circumstances.

chimps have the best union. No layoffs and great benefits.

I think you are going bananas!

 

joerogo


I think you are going bananas!

they are wizardly window salesmen, I've heard, and don't frequent Italian
restaurants while on expense account.