US

Update on Fired Worker: Union ‘Bending Over Backwards’ to Apologize

After the story of Duane Hammond quickly spread across the blogosphere this afternoon, his union is retreating and apologizing.

As we reported, Hammond, a union stagehand, was working to construct a platform that would showcase a USC campus visit from President Barack Obama Friday afternoon. When Hammond showed up for work wearing a hat and sweatshirt advertising the USS George H. W. Bush — the naval vessel his son currently serves on — he says union officials told him to go home.

The Blaze reached out Friday to Hammond’s union, IATSE Local 33, to investigate further and was told a representative would get back to us. When another call went unanswered, we were directed to a voicemail that said the union’s phones had been “temporarily disconnected.”

On Friday evening, KTLA’s Eric Spillman reported that Hammond’s union had called him to apologize for the incident. Hammond added that the union officials are “bending over backwards” to make it up to him.

Comments (121)

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  • SilentReader
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 10:13pm

    Lackeys! Stupid too. They got caught, that’s all.

    That’s what Unions do. They bully.

    Then they take your money. And, with Obama forced card check, they’ll demand it.

    Report Post » SilentReader  
  • STUBBYK
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 10:10pm

    Seems Duane has them by the danglinbags. I hope he twists and squeezes till they turn red. It’s about time they get a taste of their own tactics. Now if all the union members who are tired of the coersion from the union elite will take a stand to return to honest negotiating instead of threats, strong arming and blackmail, they will be able to once again be able to get back to the original ideals of the unions. Guys and gals, stop being pawns of the the union bosses!

    Report Post »  
  • Mickeyd
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 10:00pm

    The Left is NOT tolerant. If you don’t believe the proud dad with the Bush ship clothing, just ask Juan Williams.

    Report Post »  
  • Mickeyd
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 9:58pm

    The INtolerant Left strikes again!!!! They wouldn‘t let him proudly wear the clothing that bears his sons’ ship name on it?? What’s wrong with that?? These union thugs shouldn’t have that kind of power to stop people from wearing clothing from a military ship. Hope this guy gets a different job with classier people soon.

    Report Post »  
  • extexjb
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 9:55pm

    The socialistic union bosses aren’t sorry at all; not any more than the NPR jerks were sincere about the Juan Williams apology! All the politically-correct crap gets REAL OLD….UGH!!

    Report Post » extexjb  
  • southsik
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 9:47pm

    I’m speechless. Never worked for a Union and never will. Notice the word “For” a union

    Report Post » southsik  
    • fathers_thought
      Posted on October 23, 2010 at 10:12am

      Sometimes you have no choice. You either work for the union or you don’t work.
      The union comes in and the only benefit you get is to pay your dues and have another level of management between you and the boss. They are Socialists!

      Report Post »  
  • ivyivy
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 9:43pm

    maybe he’ll get a better job offer too, i know i’d hire him if i had a business

    Report Post » most-hippie's-love-glenn  
  • ladyda
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 9:40pm

    They are bending over backwards, huh? We need to continue to expose these horrible organizations, or we’ll all be bending over (forward) and grabbing our ankles. Sickening thought!
    .

    Report Post » ladyda  
  • ...............R..U..Kidding...Me
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 9:38pm

    Save YOUR money for YOUR future! Fire the unions Today. Start a Non-Union Club at work today and rack up savings for yourself. Club members can do with their money what they like without union interference.

    Report Post »  
  • Patrick in AZ
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 9:31pm

    KTLA’s Eric Spillman reported that Hammond’s union had called him to apologize for the incident. Hammond added that the union officials are “bending over backwards” to make it up to him.
    ———————————————————————————
    I think he meant to say they are “lean[ing] forward” to make it up to him

    Report Post » Patrick in AZ  
  • claymoremacm
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 9:30pm

    I love the way Reagan delt with the airtraffic controlers union! now we need to get the rest to strike!!

    Report Post » claymoremacm  
  • clhathaway
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 9:28pm

    Fire the guy that fired him.

    Report Post »  
  • texanpatriot
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 9:28pm

    A lot of examples lately of how considerate and understanding liberals are to the views of others.

    I thought that conservatives were the ones who only had one view of the world.

    Report Post » texanpatriot  
  • Waiting4George
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 9:28pm

    Oh, my. Another Juan Williams moment.Goodie! Hope someone offers this guy a job with a future free of the Socialist Unions of America.

    Report Post »  
  • Okpulot Taha
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 9:26pm

    BOB R OATHKEEPER comments, “Just stand for what’s right, most of the left will just fold like a stack of cards….”

    Boy howdy! This loathsome incident reeks of Obama style Chicago thuggery. Quite clear this father’s civil rights were violated. Bet some union lawyer wigged out and had a union rep call before this union had their shorts sued right off.

    This repugnant incident made headline stories in newspapers, on radio and on television here in Southern California. People are enraged.

    This is so typical of left liberal socialists.

    Okpulot Taha
    Choctaw Nation

    Report Post »  
  • Ablinkin
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 9:22pm

    While I suspect that the sweatshirt was worn on purpose (come on a Bush shirt at an Obama event, who the hell wouldn’t want to wear it!) the union fell for it hook, line, and sinker. Black eye for them and a pat on the back for a very likely conservative worker who can’t stand o man. Many union workers are conservative but are forced to pay dues in non right to work states. I’m one of them and so are most of my co-workers.

    Report Post »  
    • OneRepublic4us
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 9:32pm

      Liberal paranoia at it’s finest!

      Report Post » OneRepublic4us  
    • Taquoshi
      Posted on October 23, 2010 at 12:19am

      So, a U.S.S. Jimmy Carter or a U.S.S. Franklin Roosevelt shirt (if they existed) would have fine?

      The man has a son serving his country and guess who is the Commander in Chief (like it or not)?

      The disturbing part is the lightening fast reactions of terminating employees when they express a view that is not the “party” line. It was true for Juan Williams and apparently true for this gentleman, who I personally think has a really good lawsuit just waiting to be filed.

      Report Post » Taquoshi  
  • leftylemn
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 9:21pm

    Unions have become what they were created to combat.

    Report Post »  
  • Stewie
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 9:20pm

    I guess it beats a baseball bat to the kneecaps. I hear the mafia pays better, but they’re not so keen on making apologies or giving second chances.

    Hopefully this guy understands what he’s getting himself into if he takes back his job.

    Report Post »  
  • Okpulot Taha
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 9:17pm

    American Father: 1
    Socialist Union: 0

    Okpulot Taha
    Choctaw Nation

    Report Post »  
  • BobtheMoronsp
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 9:16pm

    A damned good reason to bust the unions. I’m not sure whether they were more offended by the U.S. war ship or the name of the ship. Commies all.

    Report Post »  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 9:56pm

      I’m not sure whether they were more offended by the U.S. war ship or the name of the ship.
      ———————
      I’m guessing its the name of the ship.
      I know a few ( Bezerkeley type ) “ intellectuals” who won‘t buy Bush’s baked beans !!!

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • CollateralDamage
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 10:16pm

      @ Bob: I would say BOTH
      @Cheeze: I am offended, because Bush’s beans are made in TN, not TX.

      Read the linked articles here:

      http://www.godlikeproductions.com/forum1/message1222005/pg2

      WOW!

      Report Post » Collateral Damage  
  • Veritas
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 9:15pm

    Lean forward or bend backwards, it all ends in someone getting screwed!

    Report Post » Veritas  
  • Bob_R_OathKeeper
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 9:13pm

    Just stand for what’s right, most of the left will just fold like a stack of cards when confronted by the mass majority of good honest people in this country, we just can’t afford to be silent anymore.

    Report Post » Bob_R_OathKeeper  
    • snowleopard3200
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 9:41pm

      Amen, stand in the truth, with honor and integrity for what is Right – not expedient – and with the Almighty backing us with his hands and his guidance we will bring America back to her people.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • LordChaos
      Posted on October 23, 2010 at 1:20am

      Does the union have any idea of how badly they insulted the sailors of that carrier?

      Report Post » LordChaos  
    • fathers_thought
      Posted on October 23, 2010 at 10:08am

      I wish you were right but I don’t think the left will fold.
      They have been working on this takeover for a long time.
      Conservatives win this time and for the left its a setback not the-end.
      They believe we will go back to our silent majority corner. Even the professional Republican Elite take the view that the public has a very short memory.
      Can we prove them wrong?

      Report Post »  
    • libertyordeath87
      Posted on October 23, 2010 at 12:35pm

      The majority of them will fold and crawl off to a dark hole, but they will still be alive to spew vile another day. To truly end this cycle of communist propaganda we have to eliminate them before they get back to their hole. I read a book once written by a Navy Seal that described how “brave” Taliban and Al Queda (sp) terrorists cried and pissed their pants when the door to their house was kicked open in the dead of night. All cowards just like the left. You cant negotiate with a terrorist and neither can you talk sense into a communist/progressive. Force is all they understand.

      Report Post » libertyordeath87  
  • MAULEMALL
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 9:10pm

    Unions are on the way of the dodo

    Report Post » MAULEMALL  
    • 123gone
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 10:06pm

      A collective voice is always needed for the tradesman in dealing with management, but just like politics, given too much power and its leadership becomes corrupted. The rank and file union members need to take back their unions just like all Americans need to take back their government.

      Report Post »  
    • uneedmorekoolaid
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 10:52pm

      @123gone
      If management treats their employees right then people continue to work for them, if they treat them badly they will find work for some other management. The only ones the unions truly help are the ones who can’t keep a job based on their performance. If every time you went to get a burger at Mcd and they screwed up the order would you continue to go there? No you would head over to BK where they always made it the way you like. Same with a job, good hard workers can always find a job.

      Report Post » uneedmorekoolaid  
    • LUDWIKA BRONISLAWA
      Posted on October 23, 2010 at 12:37am

      That’s funny Koolaid, I haven’t been to McDonalds in YEARS. The very last straw (of many) was when they ran out of shamrock shakes the day before St. Patrick’s day! Yeah, I know, right?!

      Report Post » LUDWIKA BRONISLAWA  
    • Anarcho Capitalist
      Posted on October 23, 2010 at 1:01am

      123GONE
      not possible. unions can only exist outside of laissez faire. as long as unions exist, an economic system will exist that prevent men from taking back what ever union they placed faith in.

      Report Post » Anarcho Capitalist  
    • rebel
      Posted on October 23, 2010 at 2:27am

      maybe. but they will fight tooth and nail and destroy every car parked on a sidewalk to keep them going. look at france. 2 years retirement age being raised and it causes that much commotion.

      riddle me this: I know a hardcore conservative that is pro-union…any points on how to talk to that insanity?

      Report Post » quiet little lamb  
    • EP46
      Posted on October 23, 2010 at 7:39am

      Remember..it is “Workers of the World Unite”….you see how they have united in France and England…there is no such thing as an American union

      Report Post »  
    • Anarcho Capitalist
      Posted on October 23, 2010 at 10:15am

      REBEL
      Get him to read ‘economics in one lesson’ by Henry Hasslet. bad spelling. Jest get it for him and don’t tell him it has anything to do with unions. about 10 buck and a short read.

      Report Post » Anarcho Capitalist  
  • Psychosis
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 9:10pm

    from leaning forward to bending backwards…………..hope that obamacare will cover that back ache in the morning

    Report Post » Psychosis  
    • Danglinbags
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 9:12pm

      Ya, and maybe Harry Reid can administer them some colonoscopies. SNIP! And it’s all gone!

      Report Post » Snowleotard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • snowleopard3200
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 9:19pm

      Most likely Obama care will simply refer them to the death pannels and finally seize the unions to turn them truly over to the Progressive strongarm thugs department. Wait, isnt that what is also currently called ACORN and SEIU?

      http://www.artinphoenix.com/gallery/grimm (mix art)

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • Danglinbags
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 9:08pm

    Maybe they should watch more MSNBC. All you have to do there is lean forward a little.

    Report Post » Snowleotard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Bluenose177
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 9:29pm

      lean forward and bend over

      it’ll only hurt the once “Keith Olbermann”

      Report Post » Bluenose177  
    • LUDWIKA BRONISLAWA
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 9:55pm

      Speaking of, does anyone else think Fox‘s ’Move Forward’ campaign is maybe just a little bit of a dig on messnbc? Quite frankly it tickles me every time I see that commercial.

      Report Post » LUDWIKA BRONISLAWA  
    • snowleopard3200
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 10:24pm

      @LUDWIKA BRONISLAWA

      Would not suprise me. Still it is interesting, MSNBC leans forward until they hit the ground with a thud while Fox “moves forward” at a pace from a walk to a full out run. By the way, I just have to laugh my head off at the radio I am listening to – the NPR radio show called “fresh air” is doing an interview with John Steward about “true political commentary.”

      This is a riot hearing his destroying the host with wit and jokes, the host of course is clueless and oblivious based on her comments.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • FSUDAVE
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 10:53pm

      I noticed in those “ lean forward and touch your toes ” ads, they cite the Declaration of Independence and coincidentally leave off “ by their Creator ”.

      Report Post »  
    • TW
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:26pm

      When I here a liberal say Lean Forward, My Butt could crush a peanut.

       
    • Huckabee Gingrich 12
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:40pm

      Getting “fired” by the union is tantamount to being excommunicated from the church.

      Report Post » Huckabee Gingrich 12  
    • Anarcho Capitalist
      Posted on October 23, 2010 at 12:10am

      HUCKABEE GINGRICH 12
      I don’t think even you grasp the exceptional meaning and massive connection of your statement. Ask yourself why a union member would place the same value in his union as a bible beater would in his cult. They both need someone or something to tell them what to do else God forbid (no pun intended) they must think for them selfs.
      Little difference between the left and right. Definition of left and right being the modern one.

      Anarcho Capitalist  
    • LUDWIKA BRONISLAWA
      Posted on October 23, 2010 at 12:33am

      MY church taught me God gave us free will, I make my own decisions.

      Report Post » LUDWIKA BRONISLAWA  
    • Anarcho Capitalist
      Posted on October 23, 2010 at 12:39am

      LUDWIKA BRONISLAWA
      Don’t let God know that.

      Report Post » Anarcho Capitalist  
    • Huckabee Gingrich 12
      Posted on October 23, 2010 at 1:48am

      @ANARCHO
      I once belonged to a union, so I “grasp” very well what I wrote. Since you don’t know me, it would be hard for you to “grasp” how well I know of what I speak.

      You use the term cult ignorantly, and as if it only applies to Bible believers. You yourself follow one or more cults, i.e., cultures.

      Report Post » Huckabee Gingrich 12  
    • Richard Johnson
      Posted on October 23, 2010 at 2:05am

      Lean over dude, if the fall don’t kill you, the sudden stop will.

      LOL.

      Report Post » Richard Johnson  
    • catllers
      Posted on October 23, 2010 at 8:46am

      LOL can you believe that is the slogan? bend over lean forward kinda the same thing.

      Report Post »  
    • HKS
      Posted on October 23, 2010 at 10:39am

      “Grab your ankles” works well, they should have went with that one. Catchy slogan, even their bottom feeders would have understood that.

      Report Post » HKS  
    • dominke
      Posted on October 24, 2010 at 10:27am

      Hope he sues their butts. The unions need to be outlawed as they have help create our employment problems. Jobs moving away from our country because of high wages and benefit. We are in a war with other countries to produce everything and anything. These countries have lower wages so they can sell for less. As a nation we have driven millions of jobs overseas because of greed and laziness of our unions. We cant continue or our country will not survive. Our country already is owned by other countries like China,Japan,Korea,Taiwan,etc. We need to start manufacturing in America again,so we create jobs stabilize our country. Look at France and Greece and ask yourself if you really want that scene here in your streets.

      Report Post » dominke  
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