Utility crews from Alabama drove all the way to New Jersey to help restore power in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy only to be turned away because they are non-union. According to WAFF one crew turned around and went home, while other crews left New Jersey and will be helping to restore power on Long Island.
Here’s the video report. If this doesn’t tell you all you need to know about unions, I don’t know what else to say.
WAFF-TV: News, Weather and Sports for Huntsville, AL
For more see Michelle Malkin who provides a brief history of the IBEW’s history of violence and intimidation.
Update: Linked by Da TechGuy who noted that President Obama and Governor Christie made a big deal about working together and cutting red tape. Are they aware that these workers were turned away because of their union status? If so, they’re both going to have a lot of explaining to do. This is beyond reprehensible.
Update: The utility company put out a press release explaining what happened. They say they were not “turned away” but were told they would have had to sign an agreement allowing their employees to join the union in order to do work in the area. They were also told that there was no need for more utility workers. (Tell that to the people without power.) There were similar requirements in other areas, and the company said it could not agree to those requirements so the employees were sent home. So in effect, the unions did keep these workers from helping to restore power to the people who need it.
Update: According to The Blaze, Governor Christie was unaware of the unions turning away non-union help.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie addressed the Alabama utility controversy during his afternoon press conference on Friday.
In short, he says the Alabama workers were on their way to New Jersey and called someone (it’s unknown who) while in Virginia. That’s when they were told they couldn’t help if they were non-union. Christie says they were given “bad information,” and such a requirement does not exist. He also said he’s talked with all the power companies involved and assured the public that if such a requirement was in place, he would exercise his power as governor to override it.
Here’s the video:
[...] the Lonely Conservative video: Here’s the video report. If this doesn’t tell you all you need to know about unions, I don’t [...]
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
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It’s not reprehensible, it’s business as usual. The people of NJ suffer from these labor lockouts and even in dire straits when people’s lives are at stake, the Unions won’t bend an inch. Never. Remember all the posts you’ve done, LC, writing of unions choosing layoffs for their members rather than concessions. It’s not about the individual union member, it’s all about labor leaders ideology, money and political connections. Membership needs to wake the f&@# up and smell the toast burning.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
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Stupid….
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Just add this to list of 500 things to hate about unions.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
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http://lonelyconservative.com/2012/11/non-union-utility-workers-turned-away-in-new-jersey/
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IBEW – to the residents of New Jersey: We couldn’t care less that your suffering from the effects of this devastating storm. Union solidarity is more important than your insignificant little lives, and your health and safety for that matter. GOOD LUCK!
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BTW, I’m beginning to think this storm may not be as beneficial to BO’s bid for reelection as the MSM first thought.
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Hey people of New York.. You want your power turned back on..get the unions out of the way!! http://lonelyconservative.com/2012/11/non-union-utility-workers-turned-away-in-new-jersey/
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You fools. Government should be glad people came to help and offered the same rate the rest were being paid to restore electric in a timely manner and not leaving people in the cold and dark. Having them sign a Union Contract would have no bearing where they are from probably so why would they even agree to such. The Unions are nothing but greedy people at the top who found some way to keep their jobs but never fight for the rights of those working people who are paying them when a Union person gets fired.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
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Well, Christi knows it now!!! There are too many people still living without electricity, and I’m not hearing Christi welcome non-union workers in with open arms…..even if these workers need police protection. Christi won’t put the people first above the union because he knows that it would be his last term as Governor.
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