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AFGE Attacks FLRA General Counsel (GC) Over Proposed Changes

unions, the FLRA and neutrality

Service Writer
usmc
Thu Jan 24, 2008 8:21 AM

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Mr. Gilson, at least the FLRA PRETENDS to be neutral. You are not weighed down by such a burden. Get over the sour grapes!!! so you lost a few to some barely educated, poorly trained, working stiff union rep. Just because he had some horsepower in the FLRA.
Since you cannot deal with reality, perhaps it is better you write articles bemoaning you lack of success as an agency rep!!!
I look forward to your next diatribe blaiming unions for the attacks of 9/11!!!

Bob Gilson's Article on a Union Complaint

Employee
IRS
Thu Jan 24, 2008 8:27 AM

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Typically, Mr. Gilson has shown his bias in his rhetoric by calling the union's complaints rhetoric. He would have more credibility if he used just facts, which support and oppose his opinion, instead of his labels.
I have not commented on the rest of the article due to lack of knowledge about the content. Also, based on prior comments, he admits to leaving out facts opposed to his position that could be relevant.

speaking out on LR Issues

HR Manager
Dod Agency
Thu Jan 24, 2008 8:44 AM

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Federal agency representatives are constrained from speaking out on most controversial issues such as the ones addressed in this article. Bob Gilson is retired but knows the community and the issues inside and out. I anticipate the usual barrage of complaints from union representatives bemoaning the fact he is not a neutral observer but, instead, speaks up from a management perspective. In fact, he is perhaps the only one who does so.

I for one appreciate his candor. The dichotomy is striking; we expect and tolerate the whining from unions about "anti-union" statements and we simultaneously expect them to bemoan anyone who dares to speak out against them.

Kudos to Bob for taking on this rather strange amalgam of bureaucratic double-speak and hypocrisy. While there are not many who will speak out, the opinions he cites are probably the most commonly held opinions among many in the federal community working for agencies. Kudos also to FedSmith for bucking the trend among the journalistic lemmings who don't want to ruffle or even acknowledge the bias among the media serving the federal community.

Re: speaking out on LR Issues

Fed ee
Fed Agency
Thu Jan 24, 2008 9:12 AM
What a bunch of crock. Most of the union reps I know go through the grievance and arbitration procedures because it's a more fair playing field than filing ULP's where the only penalties imposed on out-of-control managers is a posting on the bulletin board. I should also say that I wish more managers would use their common sense than to listen to HR officers who are so full of themselves with the "Power" that they can't see the writing on the wall.

Re: speaking out on LR Issues

UNIONIST
DOD
Fri Jan 25, 2008 5:51 PM
Since when are federal managers constrained? If they were, you wouldn't be making posts to this article.

Your post clearly articulates the position of many federal managers. I am the boss, I have the power, and everyone else is wrong.

You give good managers a bad name.

Who died and left Bob Gilson in charge?

Former Fed
I resigned years ago
Thu Jan 24, 2008 8:53 AM

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I want to commend Bob on the many instructive articles he's posted on this site. Articles like "Ten Critical Mistakes Made by Supervisors Dealing with Federal Employees in Trouble at Work" or "Getting a Handle on Attendance Problems: 10 Steps Every Federal Supervisor Can Take" reflect not only a fascination with the decimal system, but solid advice based on real experience.

In this one, however, Bob dons the mantle of pundit and hero, whose job it is to defend federal management's positions, advantages, and honor. Mr. Roth is a partisan. After all, he works for a union. Bob's role isn't as clear, and probably should be. Is he attacking Roth and AFGE from the vantgage point of some position with the FLRA or Fedsmith, or is this just personal opinions getting into a federal newsletter? If it's the latter, I suggest he stick to technical advice, and leave his "Defender of Management" cape and tights in the closet.

Re: Who died and left Bob Gilson in charge?

Retired Fed
N.A.
Thu Jan 24, 2008 12:14 PM
Citizens of this country have a right to speak about matters of public interest. LMR strongly impacts the efficiency of the Government, and is a legitimate subject of public discussion.

The unions speak out without restraint on one side. On the other side? Almost nothing.

Management advocates are not in a position to do so. Politicians don't get into that level of detail during campaigns. Ditto for the general press. Those very few management organizations seldom have much to say.

So, the point is that Gilson should be silenced. Just stick to technical articles. Typical.

You know, we really only need to hear one side of the issues: otherwise we might e confused. It is better to shut somebody up than to risk and argument that you can't win. But that is not what our country is about.

I thank Gilson, and FedSmith for prividing thoughtful articles that one cannot find elsewhere.

Re: Who died and left Bob Gilson in charge?

ATC
FAA
Fri Jan 25, 2008 12:14 AM
It is not about a difference of opinion or just hearing "one" side, it is about providing facts and that Mr. Gilson did not do, hence forth his credibility is suspect. Check the facts hear all sides and then make an informed decision, just don't throw one out there showing you're ridiculous bias, of course that is what management and thier Hr drones are well known for

Re: Who died and left Bob Gilson in charge?

Retired Fed
N.A.
Fri Jan 25, 2008 9:11 AM
"...of course that is what management and thier Hr drones are well known for."

Oh, now I get it! You are saying that we are supposed to have reasoned discussions which cite specific factual data for all of our opinions!

But wait, where is the specific factual data for the above quote? Prove that HR Specialists are drones. Data! I want data!

Bias is a mirror not a fence

Employee
GSA
Thu Jan 24, 2008 9:04 AM

Post Reply

It is very amusing how we have a tendency of not recognizing our own bias when we have someone like Mr. Gilson who, by his own admission, has a management bias. However, does that bias turn its head to the abuses of management and only cite the perceived abuses of the union. Management bias toward unions and ultimately, the common working man have led this country to a very dangerous brink. But thank God for the American principle of discourse because it is the only thing that gives us hope of adapting to adverse conditions. Mr. Gilson you have a right to your opinion, whether it be truthful or not. I enjoy reading dialogue such as yours because it is the motivation for anyone that believes in what is right and may spur the activism neccessary to keep such bias at bay.

FLRA changes

DOL
Union Rep
Thu Jan 24, 2008 9:29 AM

Post Reply

its one thing to speak out on an issue and voice your opinion. Ths article is nothing more then another whine session for Mr. Gilson. Givne the tenor of his article he must have relly taken it on the chin countless time from the union officials he dealt with.

I can't wait to hear hs column about these new regulations being pulled by a new administration. Might need to send him some cheese for that whine.

Gibson's latest rant

Specialist
DOT/FAA
Thu Jan 24, 2008 9:32 AM

Post Reply

I see Gibson's usual lapdogs lifting their leg against his knee to show their support and love because he says what they have no courage to say. But here is the problem Bob - none of you have figured out that UNIONS are the EMPLOYEES. When you rail against the union, you rail against the employees. Have you forgot who actually does the work. The very people you decrie. Take all open positions and fill them with "managers" and see how long it takes for the organization to implode. An organization functions well with a LEADER, something NONE of your lapdogs know about. Their is a distinct difference between the two. I am not sure what your career consists of outside of "killing" employees, but I will thankyou for this. YOU and your lapdogs are the reason I stepped away from management to become a working employee rep in the trenches where real work is accomplished and integrity is important. Keep showing me I am right!

Re: Gibson's latest rant

IT Specialist
USDA
Thu Jan 24, 2008 8:14 PM
If you're going to shun the guy, at least get his name right. It's "Gilson" with an "L", not "Gibson."

Re: Gibson's latest rant

IT Spec
dod
Fri Jan 25, 2008 8:12 AM
Repeating the word "lapdog" and numerous personal attacks and misspellings (not only the author's name) don't prove anything.

Re: Gibson's latest rant

Specialist
DOT/FAA
Fri Jan 25, 2008 9:22 AM
Thanks for the feedback. You are right, I actually have not paid close enough attention to his name; more to what he is saying. As for the typos. Sorry, limited time, but you clearly got the message and apparently had no issue with what I said. Go see your employee rep and join a union to show you care about your fellow employees and care about management following the law. Just minutes ago I won two grievances that will rightly put about $3000 BACK in the pockets of two recently promoted GS-14 employees. If GILSON had his way, they'd be stripped of their right to their proper pay check! I think I got the name correct this time but have NOT spell checked this. Break time is over and it is back to work!

Re: Gibson's latest rant

IT Spec
dod
Fri Jan 25, 2008 10:52 AM
"If GILSON had his way, they'd be stripped of their right to their proper pay check!"

If you really believe this you need more help than anybody here can give you.
Total Comments: 34
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