Protesters at Apple Store-Stonestown in San Francisco
So today I had to make a trip to the Apple Store in stonestown to drop off my Macbook Pro for repairs (LCD and the Hard Drive started to die). Just as I was leaving i noticed two people standing outside. At first I though maybe they where the Defective by Design people as they where in Lab coats (see here) 
But after going up to them and getting a flier I notice it was something else and far from tech. They where from a Union, Carpenters LU 405, and were upset over the fact a contractor that apple has hired is no longer using Union contractor. A bit complicated, i know… Check out the flier
This is not a new issue for anyone that has had a business that does construction from time to time, and we have seen many company run afoul of Labor Unions, but, its a bit rare to see Apple names tied in it. Also the novel way that these guys where doing it, almost in a “Union 2.0″ type of way (yes I just made that up) caught me off guard. No pickets, no yelling, nothing. The lab coats kind of add that extra layer of geek to it that just makes it scream “silicon valley”. All they need is to make a facebook group and start posting all over Digg about this and they will be complete.
You can check out the rest of the photos here: http://flickr.com/photos/zuhaib/sets/72157606992531187/
Brian, and 3 others are discussing. 
Calvin 7:12 pm on September 24, 2008 Permalink
Seriously? Have they considered that they’re not doing a good enough job – that’s why they changed contractor?
Also, you’ve got to add to the fact that… okay… if the union was hired back, wouldn’t the south bay construction people lose their jobs? It’s an endless cycle – and they’ve got to admit the fact that… if you get fired, work harder to get your next job. Reflect on mistake, don’t blame others.
Plus, everyone is have economic troubles. Not just you unions. So STFU.
Battles 9:29 pm on September 24, 2008 Permalink
Calvin, I think you’re confused about the protest. They didn’t change contractors, the contractor quit the union and now the union is upset. Personally, I’m not a fan of unions.
Goethe 5:34 am on September 25, 2008 Permalink
Unions are a pain in the ass, either always making crazy demands to employers or taking fees from employees.
Brian 7:54 am on September 25, 2008 Permalink
The local Carpenters Union here in Dallas, TX also loves to stage these protests outside office buildings downtown, with 15 or 20 members handing out flyers. They do it everytime someone remodels an office and doesn’t do it through one of their preferred contractors. I’ve always thought that if they invested that same amount of time and energy into, you know, working, everybody would be much happier.