The Final Night

Two weeks go by in an instant. At least that's how the last two have gone for me. It's the day we didn't want to arrive, but a day that had to come sooner or later. It signifies the end of an era, an era that may never be the same. Tonight is the final night that my crew at work is all together before everyone goes their separate ways. Yes, we will all still see each other. But never again will we all be assembled as a group. The company giveth but taketh away. One of the hardest working group of people will be separated after tonight.

I am not as upset as I was compared to my previous blog. I have accepted what has happened and am looking towards the future. I don't forsee it as being very awkward at all because many of the people that will comprise the "new" crew are folks I have worked with before or talked to. I think it's going to be a smooth transition for me. The last time I wrote in my blog, a "proposed" listing of workers was put out and it comprised of people I didn't really care to work with. Not only that, but we would've been the most inexperienced crew on the floor. Thankfully a new list came out and I'd consider my new crew to be one of the most experienced crews. All in all, I didn't make out too bad after all. But, it's still no consolation to what we have now. It won't be the same and I'm sure there will be an adjustment period for a bit. But all in all, I don't think it's going to be as bad as it looked before.

This blog will be a tribute to concentrator operating crew 4 where I work (my crew). Yes, we didn't always do everything right but we sure tried our darnest to do what was best. We always stayed busy and kept on top of housekeeping. We did our best at keeping the place running, even when things were at their worst. As one of my co-workers said last night, we may be split up and placed on different crews, but we will always be the original crew 4 - that will always remain the same. We've certainly had our good days and bad, and there were times when I felt frustrated or stressed out because of the events of a certain day. But I usually got over it and it was always a pleasure to come to work knowing that I was going to be with the people that comprised of crew 4. I believe our bad days were rare compared to the good. We always did everything the best to our abilities and that is one thing we can all be proud about after our shift is through tonight. We had our laughs, we had our doubts, we had our fears, and we had moments that upset us. But we always persevered together, just as we'll persevere tonight once the shift ends and we leave the mine one last time as crew 4.

It's nothing to be sad about as we will still see each other during shift change. But there are definitely things I will miss about as we split up. We'd always have wonderful parties during certain occasions - such as holidays, where people would bring in food and we'd have meals that would blow away what we'd usually have during break. Each member of the crew would get a birthday cake celebrating their birthday, paid for by the crew. We just had a tremendous comradery that's irreplaceable. At least I'll have a ton of memories to carry on as the new crew unites tomorrow.

So, to Brad, Kris, Carla, Mike, Paul, Alrick, and Adion - it's been a pleasure working with you. Always and forever, crew 4.

Not Good

http://www.miningjournal.net/stories/articles.asp?articleID=10466

The top news story in the local paper says it all. "Power rates to close mine?" Apparently the mine's electrical power contract with Wisconsin Electric ends at the end of this year. The company that owns the mine expected rates to rise, but not a 43% increase. If there is such an increase, the mine may be forced to shut down in a year or two. The nearby mine next door would stay running since it has a longer lifespan. But from what the story says, the mine where I work would be closing sooner than I, and many other people, had expected. This is something I am not taking very lightly and it concerns me. The recent sqabbles at work involving new schedules and crew changes pale in comparison to news like this. Now we will have to fight the power company in order to keep the mine running and to keep our jobs. Not a fight I was expecting to make so soon.

According to the news article, the fate of the mine lies on the Michigan Public Service Commission. They could do nothing and force the owners of the mine to pay the 43% increase in power rates and shut the mine down. However, they can also recommend a lower increase which would extend the life of both mines. The company is proposing a 14.3% increase, which would still be significant, but certainly not as deadly as a 43% increase could be. I am hopeful the Michigan Public Service Commission thinks these things carefully and realizes the devestating effecting this could have on our economy, especially at this time. Yes, the mine wasn't going to last forever, but this is sooner than a lot of people had expected. It comes rather unexpected, as well.

It just goes to show you how up and down the mining industry has been in the Upper Peninsula for the last 30 years. I remember my dad going through strikes, layoffs, and hearing news about the mine being shut down - only to have things run until the present day. There's also talk of a drought in the spring that could impact us, as well as tariffs on steel imports being lifted late last year by the U.S. government. Yes, the steel industry is doing well right now, but it is a finicky industry. One moment you're up and the next you're down. I was hoping the good times would last a while longer. But hearing this last bit of news, it doesn't sound good for the future.

I am sure you have not heard the last of this from me. I take exception to many of the quotes provided by representatives of Wisconsin Electric. They're basically saying, "the Empire Mine doesn't have a long life expectancy anyways, so this power increase is not a direct effect of its closing." But the thing is, the company was looking for ways to extend the life of the mine beyond the initial reports. If power rates rise dramatically, this basically ends all hopes for those plans, unless there's a way to manufacture iron ore without using as much electricity. I guess time will tell.

Not Happy

I am not happy tonight. I've been trying to think of ways to vent my anger and my blog seems like the best way to do it. I've just been informed that people will be switched around on all of the crews at work. That means people I've grown comfortable with and enjoyed working with will be moving to different crews, and new people will be replacing them. Yes, there will still be some people left of the old crew, but it won't be the same. With it comes a new schedule. Instead of working the 7/7/7 schedule, we will be working an 8/12 schedule. We will get an additional weekend off, but we pay for it with our other weekend days in the month (Saturday and Sunday) being 12 hour shifts. We will only have to work 5 afternoons, but still work 7 midnights and 7 afternoons. There is also an additional day off in between afternoons and nights, which will make that transition much more easier. Yes, I was in favor of the new schedule for awhile, but I didn't realize the crews would be switched around, too. This almost makes me wish I didn't vote the way I did. But then again, this personnel shuffle had been rumored for awhile. And what an excepional opportunity to change things around with the implementation of the new schedule. However, if I would've had it my way, I would rather keep the crews the way they are.

I was looking back at some of my older postings on the WordPress blog; reading about my discomfort in switching crews. I am proud to say I made the best decision when I did make the switch. The people on my crew are some of the most hard working, smart, and the best people you can possibly work with. It was a perfect mix of personalities and there hasn't been a day that I disliked working with them. Yes, there was some discomfort in the beginning, but that goes with the territory. But I can honestly say I am going to miss them when things get changed around (in two weeks). Just as I missed everyone from the crew before this one, even though I still got to see them (just at shift change). Yes, I am upset about it now, but maybe it will be for the better. It might be one of those things that takes time adjusting to. But right now, I don't feel really good about it. It comes as a shock, and it depresses me a little, too.

I will also be losing my plant operating duties, for the time being. This, as a result of an APO with more seniority being added to our crew. Another result of the big personnel shuffle. Who knows how long it'll take before I get that chance to operate again. It could be a short time, if people retire as a result of this decision. Yes, there were some adamantly opposed to this new schedule, and some that threatened to retire. We will see if this exactly happens.

This all happens on a day when I wasn't even at work! I was at my annual MSHA safety refresher at a location away from the mine. I called home to talk to my mom about my microwave dying on me (can you tell it hasn't really been a good day for me?), and then she relayed the information about all these changes taking place at work (since my dad was there today - he works there, too). First I got the news about the schedule changing, which I was happy about. But then I heard about the big shuffle, and I was shocked. Not exactly the kind of news I wanted to hear! But alas, I don't really know the exact details yet, nor do I know who we will be getting on our crew. I will find out all of the juicy details tomorrow.

Well, my initial shock and anger is starting to diminish, so maybe I am beginning to accept this decision. But it's not an easy pill to swallow right now. I am sure you'll be hearing more about this in the days to come. Looks like I will have to adjust once again to a new crew.

Early Mornings

I'm sure you've all experienced it. You wake up about an hour before you have to get up for work/school, even before the alarm clock goes off. Thankfully you still have an hour of sleep, an hour you savor before falling back asleep. You start dreaming, and what a wonderful dream it is. It's not a nightmare, not something that will abruptly wake you, but puts you in a relaxing state of mind. Just when the dream gets good, you hear something. Immediately you wake up and realize ... it's that stupid alarm clock. Darn it! You feel like staying in bed, but if you hit the snooze button one more time, it'll make you late. So you get up, hesitantly, and start getting ready for the day ahead. Yes, that happened to me this morning. I think it's better when you sleep right until the alarm clock wakes you instead of waking up an hour before you actually have to get up. Whatever the case, getting up anywhere from 5-8 o'clock in the morning is not an easy thing, especially when you don't get enough sleep! That's typically the case for me. When I'm working day shift, usually the most amount of sleep I get is around six hours. I always get up at 5:45 AM and typically go to bed around 11:15. Usually I sneak a nap after I get home from work, which tends to throw me off when I have to go to bed around 11:15. What can I say? I can't help it; I need that nap!

I work a swing shift schedule - which means I work a seven-day swing of days, then a seven-day swing of afternoons, and then a seven-day swing of midnights, before starting over on days. Yes, there are days in between that I get off, but not very many. I often get asked what my favorite shift to work is. That's a complicated question because all three shifts have their pros and cons. For instance on day shift, you have to get up so bloody early in the morning and try to wake yourself up before or when you're at work. The nice thing about days is that you get out of work fairly early in the afternoon, so you have time to do an activity or two before you head to bed. The bad thing is, it doesn't take long before you start feeling worn out and in need of a nap! Usually by 5 or 6 o'clock, I need a nap, I am that tired. There goes my plans of working on something because instead, I take a nap. Now afternoons are nice because you get out late from work and get to sleep in the next day. Heck, you can sleep in as late as you want, just so long as you get up in time for work. Usually I don't sleep the day away when I'm on afternoons. Typically I fall asleep at 1 AM and get up around 10 or 11 in the morning. The negative to afternoons is that your entire day is spent at work, with very little time to yourself at home. And if you have kids, you don't often see them until the weekends. Well...I don't have to worry about that part yet. And finally, midnight shift, or what some people call, the graveyard shift. Actually, midnights don't go so bad for me. Usually I am able to get my sleep, which is always important. I know some people can only get three or four hours of sleep and they absolutely struggle with midnights. I am pretty thankful I am not like that. Usually I average about six or seven hours of sleep. I probably get the most amount of work done around my place when I'm on midnight shift, too. Sure, I definitely hit a wall around 6 or 7 o'clock and in need of a nap. But usually I stay up and go to work without a nap. More often than not I do alright at work in the middle of the night. But the first or second midnight is probably the worst for me. Yes, it's weird being up when the majority of the world is asleep. And then when you're sleeping, everyone else is awake! Things definitely do seem backwards on midnights, yet, they are the most productive for me, and for that reason, they tend to be my favorite. Then again, "favorite" is probably stretching it by a lot.

So there you are, my reasons for which shift is better (at least for me). And seeing that I have to get up again early tomorrow, I'm going to end this one a little early. ;-)

After the Holidays

I don't know if this is the case with most people, but as soon as we ring in the new year, I turn the page on the holiday season and start taking all of the Christmas decorations down. Everything from the lights, the tree, and putting away my Christmas music. It's amazing how it works, really. There's something inside of me that grows tired with the holiday season. I just don't want to deal with it anymore until December 1 of the next year. Even the slightest mention of Christmas after January 1st, whether it's a holiday jingle on the radio or a Christmas image on the TV. I am tempted to flip the channel in disgust. "Christmas is OVER! Get that junk outta here." And this coming from the person who's second favorite holiday is Christmas.

I used to find Christmas much more joyous than I do now. I probably mentioned it in an earlier blog, but for me, when you're an adult, Christmas is not as enjoyable. YOU have to buy presents to almost everyone in your family. YOU have to do the decorating. YOU have to send the Christmas cards. When you're a kid, you just sit back, relax, be lazy on your Christmas vacation, open a ton of presents on Christmas day, eat a ton of cookies and candy, and play with all of your new toys until school is back in session. I mean honestly, you didn't have to worry about one single thing, except if Santa was going to come to your house this Christmas. I remember doing the whole "put the cookies and milk out for Santa" routine. Oh yeah, and write a list to Santa, and even see Santa in the mall (but I was often petrified of seeing Santa at the mall - I only remember one time that I ever went and sat on his lap). When you're grown up, you're either working right up until Christmas day or if you're like me, you actually have to work Christmas day. I used to do all sorts of fun activities during the Christmas season when I was younger. But now, hardly nothing! Maybe that's why I am glad it's over on January 1. I guess I am just sick of the whole holiday season. It's gotten so commercialized anyways.

So this will be the last I write about Christmas until this coming December. I am done with it.

We still hardly have any snow where I live. We probably picked up a trace of snow today, and in a few locations along the way to work, around one to two inches of snow has fallen. Still, not a lot. Incredible, considering that we're almost 1/3rd of the way through January. As much as I've enjoyed this snowless winter here in Upper Michigan, I am beginning to become concerned for the people that depend on this weather. In fact, the mine where I work is getting prepared for possible drought conditions this coming spring due to a lack of snowfall. We use a lot of water in the process of mining low grade ore into a high quality product. Much of the water we use is recycled, however, we do lose some. The mine depends on reservoirs, lakes, and streams in order to bring additional water into the process. However, those reservoirs are already at low levels and with the lack of snow cover, we can't really count on the spring snow melt to bring those levels up. A dry spring would only make matters worse. For the plant operators and assistant plant operators, we have been told to conserve water as much as we can. We control much of what the plant uses. So if we use as little as possible, that may help things in the long term. In the meantime, mine management has started planning for the possible drought in the spring. They may either hook-up to a new reservoir, lake, or stream to pump water to the plant, fix our water reclaim system which would better control the usage of water in the plant (right now we have many pumps that are broken (including four variable speed pumps that would run on their own), or do nothing and try to run the plant how things are and hope we get lots of snow between now and April. More than likely, they will do the last two, as the first option may become too costly for mine management.

So yes, this snowless winter may come to bite me in the butt as well. As much as I like driving 60 MPH on dry roads in January, I don't want to be on layoff in the spring if we don't get enough snow. It sounds like we might start adding to our snow cover this coming weekend with a low forming to our south. If that low comes into the Great Lakes Region and strengthens, we could get a lot of snow. At this point of the season, one can only hope.

A Rare Day

I've seen some bad days at work before, but last night really tops the list. I don't know what happened, whether it was just a coincidence or what, but it seemed like as soon as the clock hit midnight on January 1, 2007, things went completley haywire. Things have been running very smoothly lately at work with very few problems. But we certainly made up for all of the good times last night. The end of the shift was spent shoveling off a conveyor of "muck" onto the floor of the structure we were in, nearly 50 feet below. We were protected by railing and platforms to our sides, so there was no real danger of us falling to our death. But it was a lot of hard work and unfortunatley, we had to pass it on to the next shift. One of the things I hate doing is passing our work onto the other crews, as if we can't get the work done. But this would've taken a lot of work, no matter which crew this happened to. It wasn't fun, and days like these are rare. I'd certainly rather keep things quiet than have equipment down for long periods of time.

The main reason why we had to shovel this conveyor off is because of what we call a "jackpot." It's when a conveyor belt drops onto another belt and then creates too much of a load and basically overloads the belt the load dropped onto. This was caused by a couple different power bumps at the mine, all thanks to our crazy weather. It rained most of the day yesterday. This was no simple rain shower, either, as it poured. This went on until late, when it started to let up. But then shortly after midnight, the rain turned to snow. Huge, wet snowflakes came down from the sky and quickly started accumulating on the ground. I was amazed as I left work to see how much snow had fallen; almost six inches of wet, heavy snow. Tree branches and power lines were bending from the weight of the snow. There's no doubt the snow caused our problems in the plant. And it's not like I didn't do enough at work to which I then had to brush all of this slop off my car before I could head out of the parking lot. The drive home was no picnic, either. The main state highway was not plowed which means I had to poke along at 30 to 35 miles an hour as I rode in the tire ruts that other vehicles had already made before me. If I strayed ever so slightly out of those ruts, I started sliding. So I kept it slow and steady. Eventually I made it home - 20 minutes late. I was pretty wound up when I got home so it was not easy for me to fall asleep. Eventually I did, but it was kind of a restless sleep, too. So far on this stretch of midnights, I have not gotten the sleep that I would've liked. I am hoping the last three go better for me.

So needless to say, the new year has not started off that great for me - and I haven't even gotten through the first day yet! I sure hope this isn't a bad omen for the overall year. If this is only day one, I hate to think what the other 364 days are going to be! :-o

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!