Opinions Please

[US & CA Tramp]

Hey Guys I have a situation going on The crew. I am pretty sure what I am going to do but want your opinions.

The short version is: my pole buddy is an older lineman as am I. There is the two of us, the foreman, and a 2 week old apprentice. The foreman had to leave early, and we [B]ALL[B] agreed that it was not a problem, since we were going to finish what we were doing and go home, about an hour and a half to finish. About 5 minutes after the foreman left I see the other lineman's personal pickup heading down the road with out saying a word to either of us, leaving myself and the two week old app in the bite. I can take care of myself, so got it to a safe spot and shut it down. But here is the the problem! I am debating on kicking my so called "brothers" _SS or just dragging up! My only worry is what is going to happen to the apprentice? What kind of example is this going to set for him? I am not one for telling the company anything even though they have a "ZERO" tolerance contract. I am strongly thinking about having a morning meeting with the crew to sort this out, and the outcome will not be pretty. Again my main concern is what we are teaching the apprentice knowing that several of the crew will be let go including the apprentice and he may not be able to continue the apprenticeship. Again it is not about me I can take care of my self!

What are your opinions?????????

[reppy007]

I thinks its admirable of you to be thinking of the apprentices future...his future may be in your hands,Im guessing that your happy where your located so dragging up really wouldnt solve anything.You need to look at all the pluses you have now and look at the negitives if you decide to leave.Kicking the guys ass aint going to solve anything,thought it might land you in jail...Personally I would have some sort of meeting and get it straight.....who cares if it turns ugly.....seems like you need to get rid of alot of steam.........good luck..that other lineman doesnt seem to be dedicated at all...........good luck and keep us informed.

[Rob]

Not the kind of guy you want as a partner for sure. Obviously the only back he's watching is his own. I'd cut ties with him quickly.

[duckhunter]

Go to the problem first. If he doesn't get it or reacts like a putz, adress it with the others on the crew. If they dont/wont, explain what you feel to the apprentice and get out of there.

[rob8210]

Pretty dang low of the other lineman to take off, without saying a word. Even after agreeing as a crew to finish off the job. Personally, I would be mad as hell at the other lineman and I would tell him so. Then if he isn't too concerned I would go to the foreman and ask for another man to replace him. Its simple really, you obviously can't trust him to watch your back. If the foreman is not willing to do something then I guess it would be time to move on. This would make a great learning experience for the apprentice if you go at it the right way. Just my 2 cents, mind you.

[Pootnaigle]

Umm never mattered what I thunk before but I wud have me a lil talk wif that feller b tellem jus how sorry that wuz

[Orgnizdlbr]

First morning back on the job I'd calmly, concisely, distinct and clearly in no uncertain terms explain the facts of life to him with about 1/4 inch between my nose and his, making sure I ate garlic on my way to the site..... Do it as calm but a friggin firmly as you can. You'll find out exactly what he's made of in about 2 seconds. If he folds like a cheap $2.00 suitcase he's not the kind of partner you want anyway..... If he mans up and apologizes for leaving, give him a chance, we all screw up and deserve a second chance, if he don't man up, eff him, he's not what you want as a partner.

i would also explain to the ape that you or any journeyman worth his salt doesn't dessert a partner or crew, EVER....... And if he wants to make it in the trade, not to pull that kinda sh!t

[bren guzzi]

Have a calm chat with the guy that left.. There might have been a misunderstanding ( when the foreman left he might have thought you were all finished) if that's not the case TALK to him on Monday and explain that " IT NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN" ... Everyone will be better off if you " explain" quietly and calmly.. I find aggression only gets YOU upset and stupid things are said..

YOU CATCH MORE BEES WITH HONEY. :)

[US & CA Tramp]

Thanks all for the input. My thoughts have been on the same page as all of yours. I will find out in the morning how it goes, and I will let you all know.

I can't believe "Linedog" didn't have an opinion!!

[reppy007]

He would have ...if the lineman that walked off the job looked like Obam......nevermind :D

[Old Line Dog]

I can't believe "Linedog" didn't have an opinion!!

Oh...I have an opinon.

I just figured I'd let the big boys of the board give you their opinion, and watch the political correctness.
I'm NOT that politically correct.

My opinions are not usually appreciated.

Mr. Labor's comment comes closest to my line of thought....

"Orgnizdlbr ...........First morning back on the job I'd calmly, concisely, distinct and clearly in no uncertain terms explain the facts of life to him with about 1/4 inch between my nose and his, making sure I ate garlic on my way to the site..... Do it as calm but a friggin firmly as you can."

[Old Line Dog]

He would have ...if the lineman that walked off the job looked like Obam......nevermind :D

You do understand...You are the "Clown" of this board don't ya reppy?

Seriously man...You are a Joke. People question your sanity...and want to know "WHAT that boy is drinkin"?

I like ya though, Your stupidity.... Gives me stuff to "Bounce Off" once in awhile.:p

Case in point.

[reppy007]

You do understand...You are the "Clown" of this board don't ya reppy?

Seriously man...You are a Joke. People question your sanity...and want to know "WHAT that boy is drinkin"?

I like ya though, Your stupidity.... Gives me stuff to "Bounce Off" once in awhile.:p

Case in point.

It just was a way to make you respond....seems like it worked:D

[US & CA Tramp]

Thanks Linedog your opinion is appreciated.

[barehander]

First morning back on the job I'd calmly, concisely, distinct and clearly in no uncertain terms explain the facts of life to him with about 1/4 inch between my nose and his, making sure I ate garlic on my way to the site..... Do it as calm but a friggin firmly as you can.

Garlic, black, strong coffee, & 100 cigarettes...then 1/4 from his nose!
Agreed....

[Old Line Dog]

Garlic, black, strong coffee, & 100 cigarettes...then 1/4 from his nose!
Agreed....


I'd rather Quote and agree with a rational man like...Mr. Labor.

Over the years I've know that man...He has a "Way" of putting things and opinions in an acceptable perspective, rationally.

He says the same things...generally I feel, only he speaks it a lot nicer than I do.

I'm Not a real Tolerant, Nice type guy with "Opinions" on Siht.

I just tend to "Talk it like I walk it". Which I KNOW is not good...
Just can't help it. It's my personality. I'm an A$$hole.
I'm "mellowing" though.

I'm sure ya can see that.

[Pootnaigle]

Umm after thinkin onnit I wud go straght to tyhe hall n file charges on him they wud take action onnem

[Old Line Dog]

Umm after thinkin onnit I wud go straght to tyhe hall n file charges on him they wud take action onnem

REALLY Poot??

Messy, messy, messy. On something that might be handled..."Man to man".

If not, then there's always that option.

What's it REALLY about poot?
The guy bein an A$$hole,.... a "Misunderstanding"??

And you would take it to the Hall?

Seriously.:(

[Pootnaigle]

[QUOTE=Old Line Dog;139822]REALLY Poot??

Messy, messy, messy. On something that might be handled..."Man to man".

If not, then there's always that option.

What's it REALLY about poot?
The guy bein an A$$hole,.... a "Misunderstanding"??

And you would take it to the Hall?

Seriously.:([/QUOTE U yreah I wud kause in doin that

HE ABANDONED HIS POST n put peepels in jeperdy
Try doin that in the military try doin that in the military n I bettcha callin you an A$$ hole woulnt end it

[reppy007]

A person walking away like that is plain ole sorry,as a person and as a lineman.....Would anyone here even want to work with that type? Why even show up for work if your a quitting type of guy...or if things get a little tough I have an answer....Ill just walk off..........WTF?:mad:

[US & CA Tramp]

Just so you all know Monday morning I explained thing to him, very nicely and very calmly. He almost fell over apologizing but I also heard him calling the hall saying he was quitting Thursday because it was too much work for him!!

OHHH WELLL

[reppy007]

Theres guys out there that would love having so called too much work......prehaps the guy felt like he was being bullied :nightmare:

[Orgnizdlbr]

Just so you all know Monday morning I explained thing to him, very nicely and very calmly. He almost fell over apologizing but I also heard him calling the hall saying he was quitting Thursday because it was too much work for him!!

OHHH WELLL

Sounds like you took the right approach US CA. Too much work, now that's laughable!!!!!

[reppy007]

I dont buy that at all.....can anyone remember a guy quitting because there was too much work.....what did he expect? heres a story.....a lineman goes to work,his name is reppy.....he goes home after a long day and his wife ask him why he is so tired..........reppy says well dear theres just too much work,today I did all the work.....I pulled up a set of #4 drops and even squeezed the connections....Im thinking about quitting cause nobodys helping me:D

[reppy007]

The guy that walked off reminds me of people that I have seen,they have a little money saved,they also have a substance issue.....might be cocaine,might be meth.....they return a few days later when they realize that they need more money to buy the drug of choice.....who knows maybe he went home got high and watched the gieco lizzard commercials cause he liked them and they made him laugh.....who knows?

[rob8210]

Glad to hear that it worked out, sort of anyway. At least you didn't have to drag up from a decent job! And it should have taught the apprentice a valuable lesson.

[US & CA Tramp]

Update!
The "Great Pumpkin" as we nick named him was gone for a week, and then showed back up again. The B.A. from the local came out and told us we had to stop harassing him?? We all explained that was not the case. The B.A. told us he is disabled so we have to cut him slack!! Now he just sits on a 5 gallon bucket off to the side and watches us!!

It is not like the "Old Days"!!

[reppy007]

That si,,,I mean, is,hell I cant even spell (is).ItS TOOOO funny.....Ive heard thousands of names and can nick name with the best.......but the great pumpkin is 2222222222222 funny:D:D:D

[rob8210]

Now that would just plain piss me off. After pulling a stunt like he did. Now I would really have something to say, to him and to the B.A. , then I would drag up and head out!

[reppy007]

I wouldnt let one man put me into a situation to drag up,then your making yourself look like him....it puts a stain on the union I think....I fell bad if he is disabled in anyway,but as a lineman you kind of owe it to your fellow lineman to stick it out when there are tough times...quitting doesnt solve anything.....you guys need to ask lbr....when in the military in any tough unit theres no such thing the (I cant do it) phrase.....lbr knows what I mean . Another example of this is a guy named J.J.Watt....even though his team is losing and has lost 8 in a row,he still and always will give more than 100%.....that shows more than running away from something that you may encounter at the next place of employment where you have to run again:D

[reppy007]

make it 9 in a row...but he still gives 110 %