Universal Orlando asks union to change name

The park is in the right, and the union guy sounds like a real dick. Do you want someone like that representing you?

It was a smart-ass reply...but I liked it. I understand Universal's point of view though. If I thought it was official information from the company I'd be pretty ticked to learn it wasn't.

But, I'm all for amusement park employees unionizing IF the companies aren't treating them fairly.

Then Cedar Point will have to pay their seasonals 9/hr. Of course, the equivalent of 4 dollars of every hour (and .50 of the bonus) will be deducted for union dues.

This sounds like a great plan.

*** This post was edited by Juggalotus 9/20/2006 11:20:27 AM ***

Well, I wasn't really comparing Universal to Cedar Point...seeing as one is a year-round operation and one is a seasonal operation.

Actually, when I was a cast member at WDW I was in the union de facto but paid no Union dues. I was considered a temporary employee but still had representation.

Thats not so bad.

My comment though was more directed at Unions having a tendency to screw part-time workers. I have had a few friends who worked part time as cashiers at Meijers. Despite working only 20 hours per week at minimum wage (they were college students at the time) they still had to pay union dues.

Unions are great if they actually help workers. But unions are becoming the corporations that they are supposed to protect the workers from. And like any corporation, the guys at the top want to collect as much money as they can, sometimes at the expense of the workers.

I do see what you're saying about one being full time and one being only seasonal. That just means it might take a little longer for a union to get a foothold (if they ever do manage it).
*** This post was edited by Juggalotus 9/20/2006 11:57:13 AM ***

Not all unions screw part time workers. The part time workers in my union are cared about more then the full time workers are. Part time workers make more then a lot of the full time workers do and they work less hours then the full time workers do.

Union = Communists

Would you care to explain your position or are you just trying to start a flame war?

^ With "evil" in the SN, do you need to ask? ;)

Union Labor is 1/2 the problem at Great Adventure everyone is too busy screwing things up so they can get overtime.......

I think poor managment has a lot more to do with GrAdv's problems than union labor.

I support the union trying to form at Universal, I was very impressed with the level of the staff when I was there a few summers ago and they deserve to be treated fairly.

However, They also need to respect pre-existing trademarks. Universal does not seem to be acting out of line here, and by sticking with this name they are just going to cause a riff between managment and employees, and it could split the employees when it comes to the vote. Poor start for a union. This guy is kind of a jerk, they should find a new leader.

Unions, back in the day when I only needed ONE walker, were a good way for workers to join together to protect themselves from the so-called "robber barons" of the day.

NOW, when all companies treat all their employees like gold, and there's no longer abuse of employees with unpaid overtime, full-time workers without health benefits, and everyone's pension is completely secure, unions have become unnecessary.

Anyone want some swampland? :)

I can't say whether the guy is 1) a real jerk, or 2) SUPREMELY sarcastic.....

Given the way it was likely*received* at Universal (Big 'U'), it certainly is NOT the best way to represent your union members. Antognism rarely gets you want you want in negotiations....I think I read that somewhere. ;)

Probably something I'd have sent to my friends (privately CC'ing them the correspondence along with the smart-assed response), not to the Management.

Full response from the union:

http://www.centralfloridalaborcouncil.org/media/trademarkresponse9-18-06.pdf

Wow, what a dick. That's just not how you conduct business.

Apparently he has a hard time grasping Trademark laws.

Did anyone else find it that offensive for Universal to have trademarked "Universal" when it pertains to Amusement/Theme parks?

And I just realized that's on the labor councils site, like they're bragging about it.

Yeah, he's a jerk, but he's a jerk with a sense of humor....just NOT that appropriate time or place to display his amazing grasp of the *universal* art of sarcasm...

Besides, I have already TM'd sarcasm...if you use it, you must PAY me! :)

P.S. I am sure that Disney has 15-20 "Senior Trademark Counsel(s)" on staff...maybe more.

P.P.S. The middle paragraph, that specifically addresse items like pay and benefits, that stuff is what the Union is *supposed* to be fighting for (about?)...universally. ;)

P.S. I have been advised (by counsel) to exclaim in response to the above-referenced fax, with immense glee.....(apologies to paris)...."That's HOT!"

Next time she uses sarcasm , we'll call it even...;)

The Uranus bit was pure class.