September 15, 2011

The Beatings Will Continue Until Morale Improves

Once again we find ourselves in a reactive mode to questionable measures taken by ConocoPhillips management. The constant and steady drone of demoralization of the workforce continues, this time through upper management sending planners to the streets to “audit” our members’ movements. If you are shaking your head in disbelief as you read this, you should be. ConocoPhillips doesn’t have the money to repair roads and fix unsafe potholes, yet they send management with six figure salaries to play traffic cop. This new wave of harassment and intimidation comes as no surprise but still is troubling, as these disruptions may adversely affect safety and productivity.

If you are confronted by management at a traffic stop please request Union representation. As an employee, management may believe that you forfeit your rights as you enter the gate, but as a Union member you have “Weingarten rights” as explained below:

In 1975, the United States Supreme Court upheld a decision by the Labor Board that employees have a right, protected by Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act, to insist upon union representation during an investigatory interview by the employer, provided the employee "reasonably believes" the interview "might result in disciplinary action."

Please don’t let their constant distractions interfere with our safety diligence. Prior to operating a motor vehicle, make sure it is in safe operating condition.  If you have any safety concerns about the vehicle you are expected to operate, immediately report it to your supervisor, and bring it to the garage as necessary. Remember, operating a motor vehicle safely goes beyond speed limits and stop signs.

In Solidarity,

Teamsters Local 877 Executive Board