Wheels Read Online Free PDF Page A

Newkirk. Brother Newkirk stays fired. Because if he doesn't, if he gets away with slugging a foreman without reason, you can stuff a surrender flag up your ass and wave goodbye to any discipline around this place from this day on. That's what I mean when I say be fair .”
    "You've got a point or two there," Zaleski said. Ironically, he thought, Frank Parkland had been fair with black workers, maybe fairer than a good many others around the plant. He asked Mas, "How do you feel about all that .”
    The union man looked blandly through his thick-lensed glasses. "I've already stated the union's position, Mr. Zaleski .”
    "So if I tum you down, if I decide to back up Frank the way he just said I should, what then .”
    Illas said stiffly, "We'd be obliged to go through further grievance procedure .”
    "Okay .”
    The assistant plant manager nodded. -1bat's your privilege. Except, if we go through a full grievance drill it can mean thirty days or more. In the meantime, does everybody keep working .”
    "Naturally. The collective bargaining agreement specifies . . .”
    Zaleski flared, "I don't need you to tell me what th e agreement says It says everybody stays on the job while we negotiate. But right now a good many of your men are getting ready to walk off their jobs in violation of the contract .”
    For the first time, Illas looked uneasy. "The UAW does not condone illegal strikes .”
    "Goddamit, thenl Stop this one ! "
    "If what you say is true, I'll talk to some of our people .”
    "Talking won't do any good. You know it, and I know it .”
    Zaleski eyed the union committeeman whose pink face had paled slightly; obviously Illas didn't relish the thought of arguing with some of the black militants in their present mood. The union-as Matt Zaleski was shrewdly aware-was in a tight dilemma in situations of this kind. If the union failed to support its black militants at all, the militants would charge union leaders with racial prejudice and being "management lackeys .”
    Yet ff the union went too far with its support, it could find itself in an untenable position legally, as party to a wildcat strike. Illegal strikes were anathema to UAW leaders like Woodcock, Fraser, Greathouse, Bannon, and others, who had built reputations for tough negotiating, but also for honoring agreements once made, and settling grievances through due process. Wild catting debased the union's word and undermined its bargaining strength. "They're not going to thank you at Solidarity House if we let this thing get away from us," Matt Zaleski persisted. "There's only one thing can stop a walkout, and that's for us to make a decision here, then go down on the floor and announce it .”
    Ill as said, "That depends on the decision .”
    But it was plain that the union man was weighing Zaleski's words. Matt Zaleski had already decided what the ruling had to be, and he knew that nobody would like it entirely, including himself. He thought sourly: these were lousy times, when a man had to shove his convictions in his pocket along with pride-at least, if he figured to keep an automobile plant running. He an nounced brusquely, "Nobody gets fired. Newkirk goes back to his job, but from now on he uses his fists for working, nothing else .”
    The assistant plant manager fixed his eyes on Illas. "I want it clearly understood by you and by Newkirk-one more time, he's out. And before he goes back, I'll talk to him myself .”
    "He'll be paid for lost time .”
    The union man had a slight smile of triumph. "Is he still at the plant .”
    "Yes .”
    Zaleski hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. "Okay, providing he finishes the shift. But there'll be no more talk about anybody replacing Frank .”
    He swung to face Parkland. "And you'll do what you said you would-talk to the young guy. Tell him what was said was a mistake .”
    "An apology is what it's known as," Illas said. Frank Parkland glared at them both. "Of all the crummy, sleazy backdownst" "Take it easy! "