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Saturday , December 30 1899

Comments (total comments:88)

MONEY HUNGRY PEOPLE!! :

all that is wrong with this crowd, they are money hungry, greedy. my god, take what you can get for this area..jesus, $29 an hour...I'm working 12 hour days for $13.50 an hour, standing outside in any weather that comes across...stuck it up!!! this is absolutely ridiculous. yeah, you make more in alberta, but you then have to fly, be away from your family....so is that extra $10-$15 dollars worth it?? you think about the people here working in alberta, get flights paid for, LOA an what-not...BUT do the people that live in alberta an have this as their home town get the treatment?? DOUBTFUL! you dont see them pussin an bawling. Im so sick of heaing about the crap from long harbor its unreal, people think they are the cats meow because they work there. your just the same as anyone else except the money is gone to your heads....heres a reality check, go apply for a crane job in placentia with browns, ecc , or another contracting company and go to work for $17.50 an hour like the people in the area are getting, then complain about it!! again, all long harbor workers are, are money hungry...grow up and go to work like any normal person has to do to make a living!

Posted: 7/17/2012 4:24:39 PM

Not Surprised :

I would understand if it was a safety issue or something unfair but the tradespeople out there understood that it wasn't a free bus trip so if there is such a problem with it then make the concern to the company without the shutdown or quit and look for other employment. Sounds like Charlie Sheen syndrome to me. Sorry I can't agree with this strike at all.

Posted: 7/13/2012 10:19:42 AM

Kevin :

in Alberta Oil sands the Unions all work together and the Christian Labour Assoc. of Canada has workers on same sites. Everyone works and lives together, all there for one reason, make money to raise familes and pay bills! How come the same cant happen here? If it wasnt for The Christian Labour Assoc. of Canada there would be no east coast workers in Alberta Oil Sands making big bucks and getting free flights back and forth to Eastern Canada! The workers from NL are contributing in a HUGE way to the economy of this province, and if they all came home and went on EI or Welfare they would break the banks of the federal and Provincial Governments. They dont even get a tax break from here and yet they spend millions here as they buy everything here at home! Someone should take a survey and find out exactly how many NLers are in Alberta working, and in other parts of CAnada and the world.....keeping this economy going?

Posted: 7/12/2012 10:00:04 PM

JJ Mt. Pearl :

UNIONS ARE RUN BY THE MOB!
AND THE COMPANYS OWN THE COURT SYSTEMS
ENOUGH SAID. Hell I wish I had a $29.00 an hour job. The best thing for the company is to close up shop and put the lot of them out of work you guys that said you made $40 plus dollars and hour out west then go the hell back there!!!!!!

Posted: 7/12/2012 9:45:06 PM

Margaret :

I read about the wildcat strike at long Harbout over wages. As I try to understand the wage issue, I do see these workers get around $29 per hour. It's good money in this province and these employees get to remain in NL with their families. I work for just over minimal wage with no benefits and I am very educated. There are many talented people in NL with an education and trades who can't get a look in the door. I know many of them earning minimal wage or a little better just to pay bills. I would gladly work for $29 bucks an hour to stay home in NL to near family. Unfortunately I have to go to Alberta this fall just for the chance to make that kind of money. Those workers squawking about their wages should count their blessings because other fellow workers in this province don't earn enough to live on. Be grateful for there are those worse off.

Posted: 7/12/2012 6:43:06 PM

True Newfoundlander :

I also agree with 98% of commenters here. Haven't we all learned after all these years that we should just take whatever we can get and don't dare cause a fuss in the fear of possibly not getting anything at all. Listen, as long as we are at least making more than some other fella, somewhere, we should be happy. I mean, what are you guys trying to do, drive away all the nice men who have graciously provided us the opportunity to provide our resources to the rest of the world. Helping others, and rolling over. It's the old Newfoundlander way. Cheers by's.

Posted: 7/12/2012 5:45:49 PM

You have to be kidding me :

People know the rate before they go to work , whatever the rate is , it seems to be different on here . It seems like they operators now think they can hand cuff the company well I hope it backfires and CLAC gets in it just boils my blood to see this kind of stuff , I have what is to be considered a dangerous job and do have a better hourly rate but no other benifits and make no where near the money these people clear . If you like the money out west well guess what go back out there and work .

Posted: 7/12/2012 5:14:14 PM

War on wages :

Newfoundland cannot compete, with larger centers of population. If you want 42 bucks per hour, move to alberta with its larger population base. Fact is nl.as about 500 thousand people. I think the ones who complain dont realize the actual wage rate for the average newfounderlander.......

Posted: 7/12/2012 5:12:10 PM

S :

I like this back and forth between operator and engineer. Both very much needed to do a job. Books vs. Experience, both very educated in their field.
I have worked on many large projects, I have seen many mistake's with plans. I have seen bad operator's as well. I haven't seen a engineer be responsible for anything yet.
Get over yourselves, do your jobs the best you can and go home.

Posted: 7/12/2012 4:21:55 PM

Wayne P :

Cause of work stoppage: undue sense of entitlement. You want parity with other provinces, but you aren't working in other provinces. And you are still making a DAMN good wage for what you do and how long it took you to complete the required schooling.

Posted: 7/12/2012 3:55:58 PM

Scott :

I agree with 98% of the comments here. Stop whinin and get back to work. I find it hilarious that they are complaining about getting paid for hours worked. If so, your cheque would be worth about 4 hrs per day. You don't put in an honest days work so you should get paid as such. It's like a bunch of five year olds whining over a telletubby. And one more thing: if you don't slow down going through the towns in the morning, you or someone(who works "8" hours a day) is going to get seriously hurt or killed. 95% of the speeders are "working" in Long Harbour. I've already reported you once. I don't want the next to be an accident report. so, wake up, wise up, smarten up, whatever your maturity understands but do it now! Believe it or not, there are other workers out there besides you union bros and sistas. pathetic.

Posted: 7/12/2012 3:53:11 PM

Rate is NOT $29.00 :

Where is everyone getting $29.00 per hour?? That is not correct...read the Agreement! A crane operator gets $34.70 per hour basic wages and $45.16 per hour as their total package which includes Pension and Health & Welfare! Get your facts straight!

Posted: 7/12/2012 3:37:58 PM

29 bucks is still over payed :

whoever found the house in fort mcmurray for 450 thousand..please let me know.. i havent seen that in 10 years

Posted: 7/12/2012 3:36:20 PM

Non union hard worker :

one word to sum up all this problem " union"

Posted: 7/12/2012 3:33:47 PM

To - informed yet confused...I hope this clarifies. :

LHPP Rate $30.71 overtime= Time and one half on Friday, Double time Saturday,Sunday and Holidays.

NL Rate $31.41 Double time after 8 hours per day. Double time after 40hours per week. Double time Saturday, Sunday and Holidays.

AB Rate $42.40 10 hours per day. First hour paid at time and one half. the next 7 hours at straight time then last 2 hours at time and one half. There is NO Double time at all.
7days 10hours per day at LH rate = $2917.45
7days 10hours per day at NL rate = $3141.00
7days 10hours per day at AB rate = $3413.20

If you add in the benefits and calculate the DOUBLE TIME on that, the difference is even less.

Posted: 7/12/2012 3:29:12 PM

Laugh :

Got to laugh...sure the guy working at McDonald's would glady take the crane jobs...well guess what, your no qualified to do the job and there a reason your working where you are.

Posted: 7/12/2012 3:23:49 PM

Brandy :

Just reading through the comments. Surprised at so many "Newfoundlanders" that are't supporting the construction workers at Long Harbour. It is about time that Newfoundlander's stopped settling for less wages for their trades than workers in other provinces (example Alberta, Sask etc). Wages should be the same across Canada for equal trades.

Posted: 7/12/2012 2:54:04 PM

Peng :

operator:

you need to remember that these job you may have a small part in constructing, are designed by engineers that carry the liability of public safety with them to the end of their carer. this is a much greater responsibility...

Posted: 7/12/2012 2:27:50 PM

Got the solution :

Just go back out west if you don't like the wages here.Simple

Posted: 7/12/2012 2:26:36 PM

Not surprised :

Why are people complaining...enjoy long harbour while you have it. Once this project is complete...most of the workers are gonna end up back in Alberta anyway. And with so many people whining and complaining about wages, well the next big project might end up getting done somewhere else. I had a call for long harbour back in may...then sat for 5 weeks only for the union to call and say I wasnt needed. $29 bucks is a hell of alot better than nothing. Maybe it is time to get rid of the useless and whiners...hire people that are gonna work.

Posted: 7/12/2012 2:20:58 PM

R :

To the operator answer this question, who's name is on the documents and who is responsible if the structure collapses? Not the operator the engineer is. If a building or structure or what ever fails they don't come looking for you they go to the person approved the design, which last I checked there wasn't a section for the operators name.

Posted: 7/12/2012 2:15:58 PM

Over paid Long Harbour employee :

I worked on Long Harbour site now for 18+ months.
I am appalled that people taking home over 100,000.00 complain so much for doing so little work.
There all asholes.Maybe they should go work at Tim Hortons or Mc Donalds and try to feed a family and pay for a house.I wonder what they would say then.
Over paid under worked whiners who do not deserve the best job in Newfoundland.
I am sure there would be a line up of people happily to take a job for the money we get paid.

Posted: 7/12/2012 2:13:19 PM

Both sides off the coin, :

i worked both an educated job now, and a union trade job back when, i enjoy being home every night but i sure miss geting over paid doing mindless work.

Posted: 7/12/2012 2:12:47 PM

WHATS WRONG :

do you think your worth anymore than 29 dollars an hour. doctors get 140000 a year not as much as a crane operator why should anybody go to school.

Posted: 7/12/2012 2:06:34 PM

Oe member and supporter :

My hats off to my fellow brothers.

I support them all the way . It's time to pay the newfies what they deserve Equality, and on pare pay with the rest of Canada. we union members have to join a union to have some form of decent standard of living or else you will have to go work with a Newfoundland company that has the 1800's mentality of still robbing the poor Fishermen and there families!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted: 7/12/2012 2:02:26 PM

Robb :

Hey "Proud Pro Union"......you really think that skilled workers would be getting minimum wages without the unions....this is the level of intelligence of union members.....all they see is the almightly dollar, period. The laziness and greed of unions is astounding, yet you try to glaze it over with inuendo......I have been in unions, so don't even try, even the wives, don't even try.....seen it all first-hand.....and the unions are the cause of it all. The unions should be banned in the province, and if you don't like the wages paid here, then go to the greener grass, but please, stop complaining to the public, we don't care.......you don't hear non-union people crying about how much someone, somewhere else is getting paid......just pure greed, period.

Posted: 7/12/2012 1:54:30 PM

Ashamed :

Just saw some of these poor abused, down trodden workers on facebook bragging about having a nice unexpected day off to enjoy the weather. Must be nice.

Posted: 7/12/2012 1:45:20 PM

Work Shortage... :

I often wonder if there is an actual work shortage here in NL. Its possible the unions are limiting their membership numbers to give the appearance of a worker shortage and in turn try and drive the wages up.
Unions were a necessity 50 or 60 years ago, but nowadays, they are way more problematic and hassle then anything.
Just my opinion

Posted: 7/12/2012 1:40:13 PM

Operator :

To the person who made the comment about us getting 1/3 more than than those with 4 years of college: When you are responsible for the safety of all the people and property around you at all times, come back and talk to me. Until then get back in your cubicle and type something.

Posted: 7/12/2012 1:38:21 PM

Penney :

P, not everyone in Long Harbour receives room and board subsidies. Many families are paying out of pocket for an extra apartment in Long Harbour or Placentia or Clarenville. How would you like to carry a mortgage in town and have to pay for a $600/month ROOM in a house in Placentia? The town residents of Placentia and area should also be ashamed for jacking up their rental amounts because they think that the oil companies pay the rent.

Posted: 7/12/2012 1:28:58 PM

S :

To Wife with facts..quote Also how would you feel if one or two of your jobs someone came in from another Country with less experience then you and get paid more??
This should not make a difference Wife with facts. Newfoundlanders go to work all around the country and world for that matter. This is a double standard people. Everyone has a right to work. These people took the job and new what the wages were, so get back at it. Wages are better here now than they were due to Alberta. The more we get the more we want. Never happy, unless we have something to complain about.

Posted: 7/12/2012 1:27:51 PM

CBN :

Short version is this: if two parties come to a mutual agreement and put it in writing (i.e., job offer, etc), then one party alone can't make changes afterwards. If workers were promised a certain wage, benefits, etc., then they have to be compensated according to the agreement. Even if later on either party decides they don't like what they agreed to, they have to live by it until time to renegotiate. End of story. Whether posters to this comment section agree or disagree with the hourly wage and other benifits is irrelevant. All parties must adhere to the contract.

Posted: 7/12/2012 1:18:38 PM

Looking for work :

The Long Harbour site would run much smoother if they werent any unions. Ive worked there...and I have a dozen friends out there, not including the people ive met...all say the same thing...that no one works hard, and things are taking a long time to get done. People take their time and milk it because its a union job. The union is also the problem when it comes to getting new workers. There are alot of good workers who cant get a job because they cant get in the union.

Posted: 7/12/2012 1:15:48 PM

Get Real :

Well, if they want to make $40 bucks an hour, then go!!! But as a person who lived in Alberta for a year, the cost of living is more than in Newfoundland. Get real and get back to work!!

Posted: 7/12/2012 1:07:32 PM

$29?! :

Anyone who makes $29 an hour working a piece of heavy equipment needs to shut up and go back to work. When you make 1/3 more than people with advanced degrees who spent 4 or more years in university or college you need to count yourself lucky in life and be thankful for what you have.

Posted: 7/12/2012 1:06:33 PM

Shortage? :

My husband has been trying to get in the union for over 5 years now. For over 10 years he has been working in Alberta because he gets 4 times the wages there. Recently he has gone to Labrador for work for less money just to be closer to home. He has sent resumes and applications all over Newfoundland and has not recieved one call for work! Shortage you say? I say there is alot more workers in Newfoundland just like him...maybe the companies should start reading the resumes they receive! Seems there is more to this story then we know!

Posted: 7/12/2012 1:05:27 PM

To Holy Moly :

I'm not sure when you graduated or what type of engineer you are, but if you are making less the $29/hr then you should be looking for a new job. I'm an Engineer as well in the energy/o&g sector and make $50+/hr plus amazing benefits and perks....and thats a staff position @ 40hrs/wk...not a contract position working 50-60 hrs a week. Look around....there are plenty of good engineering jobs in NL.

As for the so called worker shortage, I agree with many on here. I also have friends who are journey men pipe fitters, electricians, etc and they can't get a look in. In their defense, they are good hard workers which means they are not really union material.

Posted: 7/12/2012 1:03:18 PM

Seriously :

First off stop comparing to Alberta there is a reason they get paid more out there and its because the cost to live there is more. Second your getting paid more then someone who went to school for 3 and 5 years. I went to school for 4 years and not getting any where near that and I'm not complaining. If you want what they get in Alberta move there but you will realize when you take into account the cost of living there to here, your not making anymore. Your lucky you got a job, like most people its hard to find work home.

Posted: 7/12/2012 1:01:35 PM

Long harbour worker :

i have been in the union since 1993, in ont the same union in which i am still a member but the rate of pay which i get in nfld compared to ont is different,in 2000 i was getting 34 dollors a hr for carpenter.In nfld now we get $29 do this seem right to you. a foreman or a gf get a little increase for the stress of talking care of crew 1 to 3 dollors more a hr In bull this year with loa i could take home 3000 per 7 days for 70 hrs long harbour for 7 days with loa and jump time i get 2200 ,800 less that much diffence i dont think so why take a pay cut for vale you think the union breaker that locked out the wokers in vosey bay for most of the last 2 years need the break i dont think so let the isses be solved now while we are all out as a united union united we stand departed we will fall

Posted: 7/12/2012 1:01:35 PM

Greed! :

I think people are just greedy, if it is so much better in Alberta, then what are you doing here!!! As for peoples wifes complaining, why don't you look at people making minimum wage and raising a family.

Posted: 7/12/2012 12:59:56 PM

Holy Moly!!! :

$29 an hour to work a crane!!!! I'm an engineer, who went to school for 6 long years, with a mountain of student loans to repay, and I am making less than that!!!

Looks like I should have taken the easy route... I would have gotten paid more!

Posted: 7/12/2012 12:51:53 PM

4th Year Pipefitter : Micheal :

I agree with Michael!! Called the union and they said they are not looking for anyone cause there is no work!!!1 Why the shortage then???? Someone extremly close to me is in the same situation, a 4th year and can't get a look in with the union!!!!

Posted: 7/12/2012 12:49:36 PM

Wayne P :

I suppose you can justify anything in your own mind. Hence what we see on this site. Illegal strike. Shameful.

Posted: 7/12/2012 12:47:29 PM

Worker Shortages????? :

I support any and all, but when I hear about going outside of NL because of worker shortage, it really bothers me!!!! What about those that the union will not take and are looking for work so they CAN stay home???? The union won't take new members saying there is no work, but then in turn you hear about sites crying out for workers!! Isn't there something wrong with THIS picture??? Why will the union not take the people on that want to stay in NL for work? There are some that would love to stay here and work asn they are unable to fly!!!! Think about that one!

Posted: 7/12/2012 12:39:07 PM

Michael :

having to go outside for pipefitters is bull, I am a forth year fitter and along with alot more can't get a look into the 740 local union?

Posted: 7/12/2012 12:24:33 PM

Apprentice lookin for work! :

"the regular wages are about $29 an hour in NL, but about $40 an hour out west" are you kidding me? 29 bucks an hour in NL is just as good or better as 40 in alberta.. why dont these workers just quit and go out west? im sure us young guys would love to take over and get it done quicker anyways!! They wont be complainin when thier on EI tho well they???

Posted: 7/12/2012 12:17:17 PM

What a Joke :

....well we have been having nice weather and who wants to work on these beautiful days. The so called "poor wages" and "US workers" is as good an excuse as any to get a day off work I guess

Posted: 7/12/2012 12:12:26 PM

Stop Whining :

I'm sure there are lots of people out there that would gladly take these malcontents' jobs.

Posted: 7/12/2012 11:57:09 AM

P :

To wife of worker.
I know for a fact that these workers are paid for the room and borad above and beyond their salaries...Unions are great for those who look for excuses......

Posted: 7/12/2012 11:51:42 AM

Wife of Long Harbour worker :

To all of the naysayers out there. Try giving up most of your easy lives to go to work in Long Harbour. Give up your camping each weekend and your vacations each year. Most of these men are hard working. They get up at 4 or 5 each morning and work ten to fourteen hours per day. These men work ten days on and four days off. Two of their off days are spent travelling to their homes as much as ten hours away. Yes they make twenty nine dollars an hour but they pay upwards of six to eight hundred dollars for room and board. Those who rent have to buy groceries plus pay utilities in some cases. You try doing this plus paying a mortgage and utilities on your home that you had to leave. Many marriages are destroyed by this way of life but no one talks about this. It is not an easy life so if you don"t work away from the comfort of your home or you don't travel than keep your comments to yourself. By the way my husband worked for a company for nineteen dollars an hour but this company closed it's doors so he was forced to work out of town so we know what it is like. He would gladly come back to work for the same if there were any jobs.

Posted: 7/12/2012 11:35:01 AM

M :

Does anybody truly wonder why they are trying to not build all of the GBS modules in Newfoundland? Long Harbor work ethic and productivity is a joke. Now an illegal strike. South Korean ship yards look good from here.

Posted: 7/12/2012 11:34:41 AM

Wife with facts :

Ok Taxpayer. How would you like to go to one or both of your jobs and not get paid fully for what you worked.. These men are hard working men, all they want to do is be home with there family and get paid what is owed to them.. Also how would you feel if in one or two of you jobs someone came in from another Country with less experience then you and get paid more??

Posted: 7/12/2012 11:15:21 AM

Lou :

They want you to do 12 hours work in 10 hours and pay you for 8.
This is not about getting raises, this is about getting paid the hours worked and having to deal with the stress of not knowing if you will be getting laid off next week. This is a poorly managed project.

Posted: 7/12/2012 10:39:08 AM

To to annoyed :

Did I say to bring back people who live there? , no. The people who work there, as in camp jobs, who live in Newfoundland & get probably only a week home, those people. Im sure they would love to be working in Newfoundland compared to working in Alberta for about 3 weeks and only getting one week home.

Posted: 7/12/2012 10:19:45 AM

OilisKing :

It's hilarious how the majority of these LH tradespeople have absolutely no idea how basic economics work.

Sorry but equal work does not mean equal wages.

An entry-level house in STJ does not cost $700k. In Fort McMurray it does. I'm sure you can figure out the rest.

Posted: 7/12/2012 10:19:36 AM

Blasty Boughs :

I work on a lot of union work sites and most union workers work harder at finding a way out of doing their job than actually getting it done. The unions protect a lot of lazy people who would be fired anywhere else and all the so called brothers know i'm right.!!!!!!!!

Posted: 7/12/2012 10:11:56 AM

Get the facts :

Just because you know how to use a computer, doesn't mean your intelligent. Do some research before you comment on a situation you clearly know nothing about.

Workers are not being treated right at the Long Harbor Site.

Posted: 7/12/2012 10:03:10 AM

Taxpayer :

What makes you assume I did not "Go to School and better myself"? As a matter of fact, I did. I have an education and all the bells/whistles that go with it. ONE of my TWO jobs is directly related to my field of study. I am making a better than comfortable living that allows me and my family to enjoy the lifestyle that we want. Its purely my choice to work the second job and you wont see me complaining - it just bothers me to no end to see newfoundlanders who are making a good wage kick up such a fuss! This really does send a message to any company thats interested in doing business in NL. The way the labour force complains and whines here would make anyone think twice. When there is no work for these guys in future because of all the drama that THEY caused, what will these workers do then? Move to Alberta or live on EI or assistance? Programs that are funded by tax payers like me who are quite satisfied with what I have. Isnt it better to be thankful for what you have rather than let greed take it all away from you?

Posted: 7/12/2012 9:59:08 AM

Roller :

It's time to stop being runover by large companies that make us feel like we should be happy just to have work at home. We are just as qualified as other Canadians. NLers shouldn't stand for being the punchline of an economical joke

Posted: 7/12/2012 9:57:16 AM

Proud Pro Union :

If it wasn't for the NL unions, skilled trade workers would be working for min. wage with no benefits. There would be a shortage of people going into the construction field and there would be no major projects in the province and no certified trades people to do the work. What little of that work force that remained would be in other provinces working like in years past.

equal work = equal wage

equal work = equal wage

Posted: 7/12/2012 9:44:37 AM

Long harbour worker :

People should educate themselves on the issues before they open their big mouths and make stupid comments

Posted: 7/12/2012 9:42:44 AM

Equality :

Equal wage for equal work for Canadian skilled trades workers

Posted: 7/12/2012 9:32:24 AM

Lets be clear :

OE 904 is not stopping anyone from going to work. All the building trades are supportive and standing united.

Posted: 7/12/2012 9:29:22 AM

Informed yet confused... :

LHPP Rate $30.71
NL Rate $31.41
AB Rate $42.40

These are all base rates. The larger the crane, the higher the premium. However, the increase in LHPP premium is insubstantial compared to other provinces and even our own provincial collective agreement. Cost of living in the greater St. Johns Area is on par with the rest of Canada's cities, so why wouldn't the wages for the same work be on par?

IUOE 904 ???

Posted: 7/12/2012 9:27:17 AM

Wayne P :

Here we go again. UNION this and UNION that. BROTHER this and SISTER that. What a load of crap. Unions already destroyed 2 mills in this province because it takes them 10 times as long to do something as contractors, they are costing healthcare a fortune and keep the best workers supressed in favor of those who have "been there longer", and this sort of crap will keep big business away. Well done "brothers and sisters". Maybe if you all worked individually and got paid based on what you are WORTH as opposed to what you negotiate as a group, you'd weed out the worst and get paid more. Makes me sick

Posted: 7/12/2012 9:21:23 AM

FACTS from a wife :

Don't say anything until you know the facts...These men and women are standing up for themselfs and its about time..Any one who made a bad comment they do not know all of it...This compay is bringing in men from the US and they are getting paid ALOT higher then our own newfoundlanders..This company hardly EVER pays what you worked, they owe my husband more than $6000. and he do not know when he will get it..All he wanted to do was come home with his family and work..NOW just think how would you like to get up every morning at 4am and come home at 7pm and not get paid for the full days work and the company taking things for you, it would be a different story now would't it..

Posted: 7/12/2012 9:16:56 AM

Penney :

From what I gather being the wife of someone who recently left Long Harbour for Alberta, it's not just wages. My husband said that the supervisors at Long Harbour treated him like they were doing him a favour by giving him job and that he should feel lucky. He gets more respect in Alberta than he did in Long Harbour. When he worked in Long Harbour, he came home mentally burnt-out each week. Now, he calls from Alberta and he enjoys telling me about his day.

Posted: 7/12/2012 9:14:09 AM

To annoyed :

Bring our people back? Really? Do you honestly think that the people who have left here to get those higher paying jobs in the land of milk and honey are going to come back now? Think about it - they have allready built a life up there. They have homes and family there. Invested in a life up there, where they have become happily acustomed to the life style. The roots are down my dear, its not feasible or practical for these folks to pull up stakes and move back here to a land of cuts, cuts and more cuts, just because of sentimentality. Yes, they will visit and vacation here, but the romantic idea of a mass influx of prodgical sons returning to a homeland that will welcome them with open arms is an idea for a romance novel. Not reality.

Posted: 7/12/2012 9:09:42 AM

Gen X :

Typical. Stupidity at its finest right there! Like to see them all get fired. They're almost as bad as the nurses!

Posted: 7/12/2012 9:05:10 AM

It's about time :

because in alberta the big companies are steady trying to take away from the workers,don't let it happen here, now is the time to get this fixed,enough of giving to the big oil companies,and only for unions we all be working for nothing,thumbs up

Posted: 7/12/2012 8:46:53 AM

Joe :

I work in Long Harbour and believe me all the workers do out there is whine and complain. They are making good money and they are never satisfied. If they brought in people from elsehwhere to do an honest days' work it would not bother me. Time to get rid of the dead wood out here!

Posted: 7/12/2012 8:41:36 AM

To Taxpayer: :

Is it the Crane Operators fault that you have to work two jobs to earn a living? They went to school and bettered themselves so that they could earn a good living without having to work two jobs.

Posted: 7/12/2012 8:40:44 AM

Surveyor :

The reason there is a labour shortage is be cause the wages are below average in comparison to other major projects in the country. There are jobs in Labrador and Alberta paying much more for the same work and providing transportation to their home province. People would flock here if there wages were more appealing... Bottom line.

Posted: 7/12/2012 8:34:22 AM

Linda W :

Get Back to work you wont get people sympathy. Greedy unions

Posted: 7/12/2012 8:27:49 AM

Annoyed :

of course people who AREN'T working there are the one's to tell them to suck it up. I don't work there, however i think it's crazy that they are thinking about bringing workers in from the US when there are so many Newfoundlanders that are working away. Bring our people back! Geesh!

Posted: 7/12/2012 8:24:56 AM

Here she comes :

The days of being happy to just have a job in nl are over, these companies come in here take our resources and expect us to work for half of what they pay anywhere else in the country while announcing record profits every year at our expense.

Posted: 7/12/2012 8:24:48 AM

Don :

I was wondering how long it would be before the crowd went on strike. As soon as you give a Newfoundlander a good job he will go on strike. No wonder we are a joke to the rest of Canada. Go back to work and stop being so childish. If they don't go back to work, they should be fired and bring in people who want a job.

Posted: 7/12/2012 8:23:00 AM

Guy :

Apparently the Long Harbour union workers are not the brightest. With an illegal walkout it opens a lot of doors for the company to go for cheaper options. Also, like a couple of other commentors, they clearly do not understand anything about the economy. Wages at Long Harbour are grossly inflated compared to other people of the same profession in the province and almost laughably high compared to the amount of training and education required to complete the work. Also wages fluctuate by the cost of living in a particular area, where say if you live in Alberta it costs a lot more to live, so wages are higher. These workers need to realize that they should take what they get while the cash cow is still producing milk and stop expecting parity. If you want Alberta wages, go to Alberta.

Posted: 7/12/2012 8:22:07 AM

Wake up people :

We are being treated like second class citizens in our own province, bring people in and paying them over and above the collective agreement to do the same job the locals are doing.

Posted: 7/12/2012 8:21:11 AM

Avg NL :

Get back to work,My friend is a crane OE, I know what he makes a year and is is alot, If that is the second lowest paid on the project we have a major issue. No wonder they dont want to bulid the tird module in NL. Too greedy and expensive. It is their own union they should be mad at not this local project. Suck it up!

Posted: 7/12/2012 8:09:48 AM

To Rolling eyes :

So you are saying that the wages at Long Harbour are not better than elsewhere in Newfoundland. If not, could you please let us all know where the wages are higher.

Posted: 7/12/2012 8:04:55 AM

AJ :

Get a life people. Just work, like the rest of us folks. If you don't like your working conditions/pay/co-workers quit and get another job. Unions are ridiculous.

Posted: 7/12/2012 7:52:40 AM

Taxpayer :

I agree with amazed. We (Newfoundlanders) are our own worst enemy. This is ridiculous! Grown men whining the day away when they could be working for what I hear is a more than reasonable wage! Suck it up princesses and get back to work. Stop giving the NL labour force a bad name. On that note I must get ready to go to one of my TWO jobs so that I can pay my taxes and contribute to our fabulous EI and social assistance program. Next year or so, all you whiners will be depending on my tax dollars to feed your faces when big businesses wont look at your lazy work ethic! Sickens me.

Posted: 7/12/2012 7:31:48 AM

To Amazed: :

The wages may be better than anywhere else in NL but NOT in Canada. It is time that NLers stop acting like second class citizens and demand to be paid the same as workers in other provinces. You cannot use the old argument that it is cheaper to live in NL anymore. Have you been to the supermarket lately?

Posted: 7/12/2012 7:29:57 AM

Amazed :

Totally amazed that this day in age, so called civilized people cannot come to a peaceful conclusion to these types of situations, without going on an illegal strike.If they are indeed out illegally, a hefty fine to all will make them think twice next time. Hope the RCMP are at site, becasue it will definately be a ticking bomb overthere this morning

Posted: 7/12/2012 7:29:31 AM

Chris :

Just to clear it up, all trades are behind this walk out, we are union brother and sisters,standing as one.

Posted: 7/12/2012 7:24:20 AM

Rolling eyes :

Response to amazed , you don't know what your talking about , you are sure the wages are better but you really don't know do you . Get some facts befor making comments on here and stop assuming stuff !!

Posted: 7/12/2012 7:20:11 AM

Amazed :

It is amazing that anytime we has Newfoundlanders get something good, we always find sometime to complain about. I am sure the wages at the Long Harbour Project are better than anywhere else in Newfoundland but it appears this is not good enough. Its no wonder that the big companies want to construct as much as possible outside of Newfoundland.

Posted: 7/12/2012 7:08:47 AM

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