Thread regarding Altice USA (Cablevision) layoffs

To all the "veterans" technicians in the Altice threshold, wondering "what should I do?".... then consider this possibility. Let's say you decided to sign the "dreaded" union card. "I'll be damned. I'm screwed." OH, REALLY? Firstly, let me say that I never liked unions. The reasons are abundant. But.... but..... when all else is failing... then there is NO OTHER RECOURSE if you wish to temporarily keep your wages on hold. In other words, you're still employed, wages are frozen, staying the same, buying you more time to decide on the direction your future should take. If you sign, then yes, your voice is gone. Someone else will do the listening and talking for you. That representative CAN NOT decide for you. That's when the union members (you guys) decide whether the agreement is acceptable. Brooklyn went through the same barrage. Their wages were frozen for 3 years. But.... but..... they were still employed. Whether or not the agreement they signed was good or bad..... THEY'RE STILL EMPLOYED. Hopefully, some took advantage of it and searched for other venues of employment, new careers, no longer carrying a 28-foot ladder, wondering aimlessly through backyard easements or MDUs. Any interested buyer of a piece of Altice property or depot (say Monmouth, Oakland or Raritan) would stand back to await the outcome (if all were unionized). Would you buy a car if the title had a tax lien? Now, if the owner clears the title, you might still be interested... if the price remains the same. But who knows. No new owner wants to walk into a "union situation." When you buy a house, you hire an inspector to make sure there are no surprises. Ask Brooklyn if they're worried about Altice. And, if Altice decided to sell the Brooklyn depot (it'll never happen) a new contract will evolve with a new owner. Of course, 2-3% wage increases from a union contract isn't something to cheer about. But, my fellow techs... this is a no-brainer. What other option do you have if you INSIST that nothing will change, that you're untouchable, that Altice CAN NOT survive without you? Immediate action FROM YOU is the key. Want to hold on to save your medical benefits? That's fine..... assuming you are still employed. And remember new "performance" guidelines can be easily created to assure your failure. Would it be a surprise if Altice made it harder for you to succeed, raising impossible standards, giving Altice reasons to either demote or submit your release? And once they've "cleaned house", they'll simply say their standards were too high "so now we'll lower them." Of course, you'll be long gone by then. Do you HONESTLY THINK that Altice isn't prepared for this? Read all Wall street financial articles concerning Altice's future plans for "Cablevision." All the same. THEY'RE CUTTING DOWN ON SALARIES AND COSTS.... PERIOD! But, my bad, I momentarily had forgotten..... that everyone else will suffer the ax.... EXCEPT FOR YOU. So, I apologize for putting YOU in the same group as all the other non-essentials on the chopping block. You're the exception and not the rule. And that's why the "newbies" (non-veterans) are taking it in stride.... BECAUSE YOU ARE !!!