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HBC Striker Killed: Victim Identified
Machinists and Hawker Beechcraft release statements on Jeff Hart's death. Reporter: Deb FarrisEmail Address: deb.farris@kake.com |
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Posted by: Joshua
on Aug 19, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Why dont all you whiny people already making tons of money just take your lazy butts back to work.
Posted by: Alex
Location: Wichita
on Aug 19, 2008 at 10:46 AM
My heart and prayers go out to Jeff and his family as well as the driver of the vehicle that hit him. What happened was a tragedy, and while I did not know Jeff personally, he will be missed by many. Blame cannot fairly be placed on HBC or the Union. The fact is, decisions have been made on both sides, corporate decisions and personal decisions, that led to this terrible tragedy. HBC CHOSE to offer the contract they did. Union members CHOSE to reject the contract and to strike. The Union CHOSE to hold the rally at the time and place it did. Everyone at the rally CHOSE to attend, and I am sure that Jeff Hart was not the only person who CHOSE to cross the street where there was no designated crosswalk. He was simply the unfortunate to have been affected in the way he was. Everyone's choices have played into this tragedy. The fact that people are using this as a way to make a statement for one side or the other is disgusting.
Posted by: Robi
Location: Wichita
on Aug 19, 2008 at 08:30 AM
My heart and prayers go out to Jeff Hart's family. The city needs to put a crosswalk here. My 10 year old step daughter was hit and killed at this same location 7 years ago while crossing the street with some friends.
Posted by: Anonymous
on Aug 19, 2008 at 07:18 AM
If the company (HBC) was so sorry about this person giving his life for what he believed in, why dont they treat their employees fair, get rid of 28 of their 29 VICE PRESIDENTS that are WHITE collar stealing millions of hard earned money from HBC and go back to the table with the UNION and settle a decent contract. Local state citizens are behind the workers not HBC on this issue, its about time KAKE got on the correct side.
Posted by: Prayers for both
Location: ICT
on Aug 19, 2008 at 12:38 AM
Has everyone forgotten that it was a fellow striking union member who ACCIDENTLY hit Mr. Hart?!?! The poor soul did not AIM for Mr. Hart, he DID NOT want to cause HARM to Mr. Hart because of the strike. IT WAS A HORRIBLE ACCIDENT!! An accident that was in the darkness of night and was a mistake. I pray for both MR. Hart and the striking member who hit him. The driver will have to live with both the knowledge that he killed a man and his fellow union members have forgotten him.
Posted by: @@@@
Location: Wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 11:59 PM
GO BACK TO WORK BEFORE THIS HAPPENS TO ANOTHER PERSON THIS IS #3 RIGHT THAT HAS BEEN HIT.
Posted by: 4 to one
Location: next to curb
on Aug 18, 2008 at 11:55 PM
he left the union stop and was mad that he had to park across the street. check his driving record....
Posted by: beechcrafter in mourning
Location: wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 11:11 PM
How dare both sides try and take advantage of a tragedy! I am a striker, but did not know Jeff personaly. I do not have to to mourn a fellow man as well as a fellow worker. this forum should be for the people of this community to offer his family their condlences, and prayers. There is a time for the harsh retoric on both sides but not here or now. Now is the time to join hands and pray to gOD FOR Jef, the driver and their families. They are the ones hurting and we should stand in support for them. Let the name calling occur elsewhere.
Posted by: astounded by the lack of compassion
on Aug 18, 2008 at 10:57 PM
Bravo to "spouse of a striker". You really are resounding my thoughts right now. All of you posters submitting negative, insensitive comments and laying blame need to step back and do some soul searching. There were two families forever changed today. Mr.Hart's and the driver's. The rest of us, God willing, will be able to wake up to another day tomorrow with a fresh start. My most heartfelt prayers go out to both families.
Posted by: jason
on Aug 18, 2008 at 10:39 PM
thanks patrick keep your head up out there
Posted by: Spouse of a striker
on Aug 18, 2008 at 09:56 PM
After reading all these comments I have come to the conclusion that I am embarassed to say that my spouse works for hbc and is part of the union. at this point I would not want to be associated with either. I prey that the family of Jeff Heart dosn't read a single post. U all should have more respect for his family than to sit here and bicker. would you really say all these things if his family were sitting in your living room. I sure hope you can realize that they can read these posts just the same as anyone else. Maybe everyone can take the high road for just a little while and give his family the respect that you would like to have. And although I prey that Jeff Hearts family is not reading these posts, if they are I sincerely give my deepest condolences and will keep you in my prayers.
Posted by: Dept418_Co-worker
Location: Wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 09:55 PM
Jeff, rest in peace! You had been a great friend, co-worker, and human being. I am saddened that our friendship is separated, but the memories will be with me forever. You have taught me a lot by watching how you'd overcame life's obstacles. You dealed with the 'bads' with great courage, strength and faith; and you handled 'the goods' with great humility, and graciousness. May God bless upon your soul as you enter into our Lord's house; where there will be no more pain, struggles, and heartaches. A heavenly place where you will unite with your love ones, and embrace in eternal happiness. Have a safe journey to Utopia, my friend. Friends always. PV.
Posted by: Someone who was there
Location: Plantr 4
on Aug 18, 2008 at 09:32 PM
Ok people. For those who say they have a wrongful death suit against the union you have no idea what you're talking about. I crossed the street to UNION PROVIDED TRAFFIC CONTROL 10 minutes before this happened. The WPD came and said they could NOT direct traffic. Then this tragady happens. So you can place blame were you want, but if WPD ran off our traffic control and did not provide their own the union is at no fault at all. Stop using his death to spew your hatred for organized labor. Jeff was a great person and deserves better than this garbage from people who know nothing. IF the DA doesnt file charges they need to sue the driver in civil court. He drove like an idiot all because he had to park across the street
Posted by: Deare
Location: ICT
on Aug 18, 2008 at 09:20 PM
Wrongful death lawsuit?! Are union members really such puppets? I dont think so. Mistakes made or otherwise; Strike on or not; this was an accident - and a great loss. Unfortunately, "sorry" won't fix it. But neither will all this bantering and accusations. Union workers decided they did not like compensation for skills offered employees by an employer, and they walked off their jobs. Anyone, anywhere, any time, at any job has that same option. It is not related to the accident that happened on Greenwich. And it (or something else just as fatal) could happen strike or not. Although it would not surprise me to see HBC make an exception here, it was clear that benefits were forfeited when the employees walked out. A choice made that, like all choices, has its consequences.
Posted by: me too,
Location: wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 09:08 PM
I am with "get it over with".The company and the union need to get back together and get this mess over with. There ane good people on both sides. But all we here and read is negative stuff on both sides.
Posted by: anonymous
Location: salina
on Aug 18, 2008 at 08:59 PM
What else needs to happen before HBC and the IAM settle this dispute. 2 people injured and now 1 person is dead. Nothing in that contract is worth children losing their parents. Will the people in power please come forward and do the right thing. End this nonsense today!
Posted by: union worker
Location: ict
on Aug 18, 2008 at 08:48 PM
how is this a wrongful death law suit?? i know this is the united sue of america but we went (or in my case i was sick in bed) or we didnt ..it was not a requirement of the union..the rally was our own free will attendence.. my heart goes out to Jeff's family.,..he was a good guy!!
Posted by: Don
on Aug 18, 2008 at 08:46 PM
Mat, get a life and grow up!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous
on Aug 18, 2008 at 08:32 PM
I am extremely sorry for the loss of your loved one. This was a tragic accident that took the life a honest and good man. It is hard to see through the haze because this situation has been clouded by the strike and caused people to blame HBC and the Union. I hope that people can see through that and help out where help is needed, for HBC, IAM, and others to support the family of Jeff Hart. At this time, it should be apparent that there is nothing more important than life itself. As I said, I offer my sincerest apologizes and prayers to the family. I hope we all can get through this and enjoy every moment we have.
Posted by: Worker
Location: Wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 08:03 PM
Bottom line is jeff was a good man who will be missed,standing up for what he thought was right. My prayers go out to his family. The union needs to step up and swallow their pride and say they made a mistake recomending rejection. Just come back to work people,the company gave you the best offer in 20 years,there not going to budge and may wait several more weeks for you to go broke or they might offer you something less or mabey Onyx who own's you might want them to keep all them new contractors and other people who have joined the line in you absence,because planes ARE moving out the door at a rather good pace an you may not be needed much longer would that be good for your family? The union misled you. You got an 1800.00 a year raise and your insurance only went up 120.00 a year. That is bad??? only new people have less time off, sorry for them. Better think carefully; if Jeff had been working today the chances are he would have lived another day. Sorry Jeff.
Posted by: SHADDUP
Location: wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 08:00 PM
"I couldn’t help but notice your socialistic overtones with your suggested censorship of my comments.", "As far as the comment on Hillary, I'm surprised to see you can’t differentiate between a political agenda and a metaphor." What the he*l is this? Dead Poet's Society hour? How much time did you spend 'crafting' those sentences? A guy died today and all you can do is flaunt your 'majestic' command of the English language like you're the Fresh Prince's butler. Go indulge yourself with more Grey Poupon and triscuits and leave us blue collar guys alone to mourn in peace.
Posted by: strike
on Aug 18, 2008 at 07:35 PM
My prayers go out to the family and the driver.... I am a scab... I am honestly tired of this strike. People have been run over. and now killed. And for what? I'm ready for my co-workers to come back. I know they are suffering without a paycheck. I feel like this strike has not been worth all the tragidies. I hope this ends soon. This has turned into a civil war.
Posted by: Anonymous
on Aug 18, 2008 at 07:15 PM
This is the second HAWKERBEECHCRAFT employee on the Hawker line to be ran over, only the last one was inside the parking lot, before the strike. They both did the same job, on the same line.
Posted by: Oldphart
on Aug 18, 2008 at 07:14 PM
Salina and Sad: you don't get it do you? Please refrain from the negative. If you can't say something sympathetic, please just....just please go away.
Posted by: Reason to strike
on Aug 18, 2008 at 07:09 PM
Jeff was one of the sweetest men, if not the sweetest. What some don't know about Jeff, was that he was denied by HawkerBeechcraft to attend his own sons graduation. You see, at HawkerBeechcraft, many are required to work 19 days in a row without a day off. It is "Foremans discretion" whether or not you are allowed to use your vacation. I have known people that work with Jeff that have been fired for attendance, with one, two, even three weeks of vacation left. That would be one of the many reasons Jeff would be there to support his union brothers and sisters. He truly cared about people, and would never want them to go through something like that. Jeff will be greatly missed.
Posted by: brokenhearted
Location: plant 4
on Aug 18, 2008 at 06:58 PM
PLEASE HONOR JEFF. PLEASE. Fight on another article. He don't want this.
Posted by: Not a Picketer Killer!
Location: DooDah!
on Aug 18, 2008 at 06:52 PM
All of you pathetic pieces of work are really ate up! God has His time for all of us! This unfortunately had to be Jeff's time! Just think...he wasn't in the wrong place at the wrong time.....it was his time to be where we are waiting to go....Heaven! Why can't we all get along? Forget about a "fair" contract.....try working at McDonald's! or Wal-Mart! Do you think they have it fair? Come on America! WAKE UP! God Bless Jeff and his family! and to the picketer killer.......shame on you for spinning your tires and trying to prove something....you should have been paying attention!
Posted by: Tina
on Aug 18, 2008 at 06:52 PM
I am heart broke with the rest of you. I can't believe Jeff is gone. He was an awesome man and an awesome union stewart. This is so, so terrible. Please don't use this sight to fight. Jeff loved for us to smile. Like Toni said-Jeff would walk around to other lines and hand out a lollipop just to see a smile. He is what our world needs but he was SO good it must have been his time to get away from this terrible place. You will be sorely missed Jeff. I am so sorry to the family.
Posted by: TrulyScab
Location: Wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 06:51 PM
Rest In Peace Jeff. I pray for God's Strength & Grace upon his family and to all you ignorant picketers.....keep on striking because am loving the overtime.....you have been brainwashed by the union to thinking that the company is hurting due to the stike...work is going on as usual & i hope you HBC lets you stay out there for 6 months. The union does not have the money to survive that long. 1 more day?!.....pathetic
Posted by: sad
on Aug 18, 2008 at 06:40 PM
you are right this is a WRONGFUL DEATH LAW SUIT on the union
Posted by: Geez
on Aug 18, 2008 at 06:34 PM
Regular job worker, just stop your nasty comments. A good man lost his life today and all you can do is post nasty comments impling that it was his own fault. Get a life, go back to work collect your paycheck and keep your thoughts in that nasty, scabby head of yours. Nobody needs the negativity right now. Let's just all pray for Jeff's family.
Posted by: Toni
Location: Wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 06:10 PM
I am new to the Hawker line and Jeff was one of the sweetest people I have met. He always had candy in his pockets to give to others and that was his way to put a smile on someones face. He said he just liked to meet people. He was warm and caring from what I know of him. May God bless his family in this time. There is an EMPTY spot on the Hawker 987 line from today on....
Posted by: Mat
Location: ICT
on Aug 18, 2008 at 05:54 PM
THis is the Hawker Beechcraft fault in the first place.
Posted by: salina
on Aug 18, 2008 at 05:52 PM
My deepest sympathy goes out to both sides of this tragedy. I do hope that someone let's this mans family know that they have a UNLAWFUL DEATH SUIT they should pursue against the machinist organization. They have it posted on there sights that ALL HANDS NEED TO BE ON DECK at 5:00am and wear there red shirts. He lost his life showing up in the dark wearing dark clothes with no organization or traffic control that should be provided by the Union. That man did what he was told to do. I hope the Union pays out the nose for this. I would also be happy to make a donation for this mans family if someone could provide the information on how to do so. I hope people go back to work where where you have your health insurance and benefits. Please don't go out there in the traffic and risk your life for a raise. This could of been you or a member of your family going through this for a lousy few bucks. I hope to see more people back to work after this tragedy. This is very sad. God Bless
Posted by: sickened
Location: the middle ages apparently
on Aug 18, 2008 at 05:44 PM
This was a horrible tragedy and i feel ver bad for his family but why do the union people keeping saying it was hawkers fault? Seriously?! I feel nauseated and the fact a union person was tragically killed by a union memeber and its HBC's fault. Cant we drop the strike BS for one post. :(
Posted by: co-worker of Jeff
Location: Wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 05:29 PM
To justathought in Maize, that man was a hard working man who had a smile for everyone. I have known him since he started out there and he did job well and he did it right. How dare say you suggest he was anything but that just because he was the victim of an unfortunate circumstances. You should pray for his family, he left behind a son and daughter. God Bless them and may God give you the grace and humility to ask for forgiveness for such a horrible remark. I am praying for his family and so should you.
Posted by: Grandma
on Aug 18, 2008 at 05:21 PM
How sad. My thoughts and prayers are with his children and family.
Posted by: Q
Location: ict
on Aug 18, 2008 at 05:14 PM
I want to start by expressing my condolences to the family. Now I have a question for you to think about. What are the chances that the Union will step up and honor the life insurance policy he had with HBC? They are asking for donations from the membership. I don’t have a problem with that. The Union rakes in $2.4 million a year from HBC Union members. Can they pry open their wallet to do what is honorable and just? My point here is simple the Union is just another version of HBC. They are in it to make a profit.
Posted by: Regular Job Worker
on Aug 18, 2008 at 05:13 PM
Hey Sickened - Funny you mentioned sweeping the floor - They pay you for that. I'll drive by you guys tonight and honk on my way to deposit a paycheck. Just one more day guys---
Posted by: *
on Aug 18, 2008 at 05:10 PM
It never ceases to amaze me that there are actually people out there still ranting and raving about this having to do with the strike!!!! This could have been anyone!!! This has nothing to do with that. So what, he was heading to a union sponsored rally, that doesn't mean anything. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time!! The only thing that's happened here is a terrible unfortunate occurance. So come on people, stop connecting this with the strike!!! It's very dishonoring to speak about what he should and should not of been doing regarding such. He was a human being and his life didn't mean anything to you, but it did to his family, his friends, his coworkers and of course, God! HAVE A HEART FOLKS!!!!!
Posted by: Works for a Living
Location: At work
on Aug 18, 2008 at 05:05 PM
So tell me Concerned, which do you want to be the Kettle or the Pot? I couldn’t help but notice your socialistic overtones with your suggested censorship of my comments. I find your idea somewhat amusing since this is on open forum. Don’t you, Comrade? As far as the comment on Hillary, I'm surprised to see you can’t differentiate between a political agenda and a metaphor. I'm sure even 'rediculous' could discern the difference. Furthermore, since you chose to directly engage my post let me add that of all the possible positions one could take on the issue, yours is the weakest. You attack that of the safe, defenseless, ambiguous 3rd party 'Nobody.' But it’s okay because your hearts and minds summary at the end makes you the good guy.
Posted by: Sam
Location: Kansas
on Aug 18, 2008 at 04:57 PM
First and foremost, my thoughts and prayers are with the family of the victim and the person and family of the person driving the truck. Unfortunate accidents happen every day that are not the result of an underlying tension. Tragic accidents happen with no explanation and this is one of them. To Anonymous: before you start pointing fingers at people that can't spell or use proper English, why don't you go back and check your own first. It's kind of ironic that you couldn't spell colleges correctly. What does that say about you? Are you one of those college graduates that likes to look down their nose at others? When you are all without fault and live perfect, exemplary lives then you can point at someone else and make accusations. Most importantly, God bless both families on this day.
Posted by: Anonymous
on Aug 18, 2008 at 04:39 PM
To the guy who thinks this is a forum to judge grammar, I believe it is spelled "college" not "collage". I too hate improper use of grammar but I hardly see this as the time to comment on it.
Posted by: Sickened
on Aug 18, 2008 at 04:39 PM
Hey regular job worker, you are a real piece of @#*@!!!! I sure hope you stay anonymous! Go to work, sweep the floor and shut the hell up! You should be ashamed of yourself.
Posted by: JustAThought
Location: Maize
on Aug 18, 2008 at 04:37 PM
How many of these people have to hit by cars? seems like these people cant avoid being hit in traffic, they probably shouldnt be making precision parts for aircraft anyway. Its making the union look like a bunch senile throwbacks to an era that is outdated and overrated.
Posted by: Oldphart
on Aug 18, 2008 at 04:13 PM
My prayers are for Jeff and his loved ones during this difficult time.
Posted by: HBC wife
Location: Wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 04:12 PM
Our thoughts and prayers go out to both families involved. It was a heartbreaking accident. According to the news story HBC says it will assist the family, does that mean they will still pay the life insurance? Is there a bank we can donate to in the victims name?
Posted by: Deare
Location: HBC - ICT
on Aug 18, 2008 at 04:09 PM
You should consider not belly-aching at HBC. This accident had nothing to do with the strike - except maybe he woulda still been at home in bed. He was apparently in dark clothing and crossing in an unsafe manner at a busy time of traffic. God forbid my kids do that at home going to the playground! You might look at your OWN choices. We are ALL hit by the economy, and have ALL taken a hit in benefits, cost of living, etc. It's the economy. Stereo-typically, union members live at or beyond the edge of their means, then expect the employer to take up the slack. And the fact that you drag me, my family, our HBC customers, and "outside services" into all this IS rediculous. Maybe move to east side of Greenwich (and away from other Gates, too). I bet that would be safer for us all.
Posted by: Anonymous
on Aug 18, 2008 at 03:58 PM
Sorry rediculous, I hit the sent key before I was done. Just when I was going to get good. Oh well, you're not worth the ink.
Posted by: Susan P.
Location: Wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 03:43 PM
Jeff was a good friend of mine who recently recovered from bypass surgery. He was anxious to get back to work, though not happy about the stirke. However, he did what was required of him. This is not about the strike, but merely an accident. Jeff would NOT want all this strife going on because of this tragic mishap. We will miss Jeff badly. His family is in our prayers. And I believe Jeff would also want us to pray for and forgive the driver of the truck as well. I already miss you Jeff.
Posted by: Dia
Location: Wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 03:42 PM
My thoughts and prayers go out to all parties involved; such a tragic accident.
Posted by: Anonymous
on Aug 18, 2008 at 03:35 PM
Wow, rediculous, you're a piece of work. First off, it's spelled ridiculous. You can't even write a proper sentence. You capitalize letters at the beginning of a sentence. You need to put apostrophes in conjuntions. Crosswalks shouldn't be capitalized. You don't even put periods at the end of you sentences. What kind of illiterate people are the collages graduating these days. It's you kind of mindset
Posted by: Concerned
Location: Wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 03:33 PM
Works for a Living - You come on here complaining about the "guise of concern" from the Union, yet you sneakily throw in your obviously republican political rhetoric. "since Hillary dropped out", that has absolutely nothing to do with this, a good man died today of an unfortunate accident and nobody is at fault. We could sit here and blame 100's of people or agencies but that won't make the family feel any better about your childish post. If you don't have anything helpful or productive to say, just keep comments to yourself because you're embarrasing yourself and me. My hearts and prayers go out to the family of Jeff Hart, he was a good man and will be sorely missed by all of us who worked with him.
Posted by: Anonymous
on Aug 18, 2008 at 03:23 PM
Rosie, ask the Union Leaders who walked away from the negotiating table and REFUSED to talk anymore. I think you will find that it wasn't HBC.....
Posted by: Regular Job Worker
Location: Wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 02:51 PM
You said it. I didnt.
Posted by: scab26
Location: Wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 02:48 PM
My thoughts & prayers; as well as my families; are with this man & his family during this tragic time. You picketers be safe out there.
Posted by: Works for a Living
on Aug 18, 2008 at 02:44 PM
Torches and pitchforks for everyone. Assemble the mob. Rabble! Rabble! Blame needs to be found! - You Union people are unbelievable. You come in under the guise of concern for the family and the very next sentence you promote your agenda for HBC to come back to the table. I haven’t seen good spin like this since Hillary dropped out. I find this whole situation pathetic and juvenile. Perhaps you should lay off the Union Kool-Aide for a while and focus on whats really important.
Posted by: rd
Location: Salina
on Aug 18, 2008 at 02:24 PM
I agree it is not any one persons fault here. My heart goes out to the family and the driver. An accident is an accident it could of happened anywhere. Why is everyone so quick to blame someone else??
Posted by: union worker
Location: ict
on Aug 18, 2008 at 02:23 PM
this goes out to the regular job worker...YOU ARE SICK!!! i hope to God you dont work on my line!!!! that is the sickest statement i have ever read!!!!!!!!! he should have been at work?? what the ......that is disgusting!!! are you saying he desevered to die because he was supporting the strike?? you are so sick...
Posted by: rediculous
on Aug 18, 2008 at 02:10 PM
Why is HBC getting blamed for this. it is not there fault you guys are stupid and dont know how to watch for traffic or to use the Crosswalks. Get a life, and while your at it.. get a better job if you dont like your current job. I dont see why HBC should get blamed for this You keep saying give us what we deserve its works both ways You go to school and get an education would be rewarding with a good job in the company. if you slack off all your life and dont finish high school or not even have any type of college education under your belt then a $14/hr job is the type of job that will be rewarded to you.. you dont actually think the engineers went to school for nothing do you
Posted by: nellie
Location: wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 01:07 PM
As a HBC salary employee. I was very sad when I heard the news today that this young man lost his life. His death is not a result of the strike but a horrible accident. I pray for his family and the family of the driver involved.
Posted by: union worker
Location: ict
on Aug 18, 2008 at 01:06 PM
this is to all of you who either blame the union for this accident or hbc..you all are some sick people and if i know you all i am very ashamed...this was an accident...we had a guy hit in the plt 4 parking lot after work on night and their wasnt a srike going on then... the problem with greenwich is there are no lights in that block at all...that entire section is unlite and that is the city's fault..not the union ..not hbc....but to all you people that are blaming sides..please grow up!!!!! better yet go get a job somewhere else...we dont need your kind of drama!!!!
Posted by: bart
on Aug 18, 2008 at 01:05 PM
Accidents yes, but there are causes. My sympathy to his family.
Posted by: Rosie
Location: Wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 01:04 PM
First of all, I extend respectful condolences to the family and friends of Jeff and my heart felt compassion goes to the driver. It was an accident and a very unfortunate one. I would like to see the company BE WILLING to sit back at the table and try to negotiate some sort of ressolve insofar as the contract. Nothing is being accomplished by the company refusing to negotiate. If the company had at least been willing to COMMUNICATE with the union....all of this might have been settled a week ago and Jeff would still be with us. Nothing is ever accomplished by REFUSING TO COMMUNICATE!! They do need a crosswalk just like Boeing has over McArthur and Oliver. Perhaps after the contract is settled, that could be something the company and the union can fight for TOGETHER?! Strikers, wear black armbands in remembrance of your fallen brother and place some flowers along the street where he was fatally hurt.
Posted by: Anonymous
on Aug 18, 2008 at 01:04 PM
One more day????????????????????????????
Posted by: Regular Job Worker
Location: Wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 01:03 PM
If he would have been at work, this wouldnt have happened
Posted by: Anonymous
Location: Wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 12:55 PM
Why is it that everyone feels that they need to point a finger and accuse someone for this tragedy? The fact remains that a man has lost his life, and his family and friends are in pain due to his loss. Whether you agree with the strike or not, this man was doing what he felt he needed to do for his household. It is a tragedy that his life was lost, but it wont change anything by blaming someone for the accident. If a person really wants to make a difference, try praying for his family and the man that was driving the truck. I'm sure that any malicious comments about the people on strike or HBC aren't comforting the families of either of these men. So I ask you, that feel that these comments are necessary, what makes you any better than the Union or HBC??? I don't see much difference.
Posted by: thatonedude
Location: ICT
on Aug 18, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Reading through all these posts makes me sad. It seems that people always either mention HBC or the union, greed, contracts, blah, blah, blah... Who cares about HBC or the union. A man lost his life today! May God rest his soul, and comfort those who knew him.
Posted by: Get it Over With
on Aug 18, 2008 at 12:42 PM
Is anyone surprized that the scabs are blaming the union, and that the strikers are blaming the company. Bottom line,the company and the union need to get back to the table and negotiate a contract. A little bit of give and take on both sides so that this young man's death is honored. My prayers go out to this man's family and also to the man that hit him.
Posted by: Ed
Location: Wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 12:32 PM
The city has made efforts to take care of this safety issue. They've enacted jaywalking laws.
Posted by: Anonymous
on Aug 18, 2008 at 12:11 PM
This is a horrible tragedy. Neither side should be blaming the other for this.
Posted by: HB Worker/Striker
on Aug 18, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Don't blame the Strike for this mans death. It was an addident that could have happened any time to anyone. Our prayers are with his family.
Posted by: preacher
on Aug 18, 2008 at 11:35 AM
this is not a us against them situation,we do not need to give room to hate and discontent. it is praying time,pray for peace, unity,and most of all pray for the families of those involved in this terrible accident.
Posted by: Annabel L. Vinduska
Location: Wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Let me be the first to stand up and say I will be glad to help the family in any way I can. This is a time to pull together even closer to help in any way we can.
Posted by: George
Location: Wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Get it straight on your video so that it matches the news post. This did not happen on Hawker property or at the picket lines. this was off site and the driver was driving to or from participating in the strike rally. My prayers and thoughts are with htis man's family but do not make the company out to be the bad guy. He choose to break the law and so did the driver. this does bring to light how dangerous Greenwich can be since there are no Cross walks between Kellogg and Centeral. The County/City should shar ethe blame as they have not made any effort to take care of this safety issue in the last 3 years.
Posted by: Michelle
Location: Wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 11:30 AM
I am not blaming anyone. I would just like to point out that I believe this is the 2nd accident since the strike. I wish the family and friends well. It is sad to hear of anyone losing their life. I pray that the stike will end soon with happy people on both sides. I hate to hear this kind of news.
Posted by: Scott
Location: Wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Being a relative of the Victim, There is no blame to be placed with any parties. This was a accident, plain and simple. Knowing the victim and knowing what he has gone through the last few years with losing his wife and other personal issues I belive this is not what he would want to be remembered by.....he was so much more than that. So folks, please dont bicker about what HBC has or hasnt done, nor the union, but of the spirit of the person that has passed today. And not to forget the person that was behind the wheel of the truck, his pain and agony of knowing a life has been taken that he will carry around for the rest of his life. The thoughs and prayers are appreicated.
Posted by: J
Location: wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 11:25 AM
I hope that the UNION does step up and take care of this man's family. He was doing what the UNION wanted. The driver isn't being charged with his death - how can that be.......
Posted by: Anonymous
Location: somewhere in wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 11:21 AM
To Greg and StikingUnion member-location Salina so now that you know it was another STRIKER that hit your fellow brother are you still wanting the DA to seek justice for the man who was killed. Or does that change the matter You just can't face the fact that it was an ACCIDENT. and those that are blaming the company why not blame the union for having people show up in the dark and park in an Overflow parking lot and have to cross a busy street in the dark wee hours of the morning just to picket and "stand up for what you believe in" A man was killed like D said over a 3 year piece of paper my heart goes out to his family and to the driver and his family
Posted by: friend of union member
Location: Wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 11:13 AM
I grew up knowing this man that was killed today. He was a great family man and came from a wonderful christian family background. He will be missed greatly. Is it all worth the fight and the loss of his life for like a prior post mentions.."a piece of paper that lasts 3 years" when he could have enjoyed his family longer than those 3 years? Too many of the protesters stand way to close to traffic anyhow, stay off the curbs and away from the regular flow of traffic. Please keep the driver as well as the man's family in your prayers. This was very much a TRAGEDY and shouldn't have happened.
Posted by: T & J Union Memebers
Location: Wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Let's all pray for both the manand his family and for the driver. This is just terrible. May God Bless All
Posted by: HBC wife
Location: Wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 11:10 AM
This is an opportunity for the union or HBC to come out looking really great. Which side will be the first to step up and take care of this poor man's EMS and hospital bills as well as his end of life expenses? When this man and everyone like him chose to strike, all of his medical and life insurance benefits were cancelled. We need to take care of his family now.
Posted by: wife of union member
on Aug 18, 2008 at 10:52 AM
My thoughts and prayers are with the man's family.
Posted by: D
Location: Wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Well strikers I hope this man's life was worth more money, more benefits. Today when some people don't have jobs, don't have benefits, you should be thankful you've got what you've got instead of wanting more, now that greediness has cost a life, if not for you're wanting more and more, there would be no strike, thus no loss of life. Shame on you. I'm also glad to know where our Wichita police spend their time instead of on the streets protecting us, they're at the place of strikers, glad to know that's what you're paying them for. Must be nice. Shame on you strikers go back to work and thank god you're alive, this man isn't, thank god you've got more than most people. I hope beechcraft just waits you out, of course our food banks will be empty and we'll be paying for your families while you stand there wanting more and more.
Posted by: Anonymous
Location: Wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 10:35 AM
To Steve in Salina... This accident WAS NOT HBC's fault. There is no corporate greed that caused this. It was an ACCIDENT, and could have happened anywhere. As tragic as it is, if everyone is so unhappy with HBC, then why not quit & find another job. No one should be blamed at all.
Posted by: HB
Location: Sedgwick County
on Aug 18, 2008 at 10:19 AM
My husband was there during the accident and it was nothing more than that a tragic accident. Pray not only for the man who died and his family but also for the man who hit him. This is not a blame game nor greed. It's Americans standing up and fighting for what they believe in. Time to rally even more, but with a sense of grief. Our late brother died fighting for something he believed in, honor him by standing tall. Time for management to go back to the table and do the right thing. If I have a problem with the accident it's because the rally this morning was poorly organized. People didn't know where to go, what to do. People need direction and the Union management didn't give it.
Posted by: Ashamed Union member
Location: Salina
on Aug 18, 2008 at 10:16 AM
ITS TIME TO TALK AND GET BACK TO WORK. THIS MAN SHOULD HAVE LIVED TO BREATH ANOTHER DAY. I SEE SOME MEMBERS WANT TO KEEP STRIKING. THIS MAN DIDN'T DIE FOR FREEDOM!!! HE DID FOR A PIECE OF PAPER THAT WILL END IN 3 YEARS AND A NEW ONE TO START THEN! HBC AND THE UNION IS AT FAULT! THIS MAN SHOULDN'T HAVE DIED FOR A 3 YEAR LONG PIECE OF PAPER! UNION WAKE UP AND MAKE THE FIRST MOVE!!! APPARENTLY HBC IS NOT GOING TO!!! ITS A SHAME SOME PEOPLE ARE QUICK TO THINK IT WAS A HBC EMPLOYEE THAT KILLED HIM! I PRAY FOR THE DRIVER AND THE FAMILY OF THE MAN THAT WAS KILLED. NO MORE UNION BROTHERS NEED TO GET HURT OR DIE OVER A PIECE OF PAPER!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Thinking of his family
Location: Wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 10:11 AM
Please know that the victim and his family are in our thoughts and prayers. What a horrible tragedy. The driver of the pickup is also in our prayers. As someone said before, I am sure he is suffering terribly for the accident. Please Lord, help everyone come to an agreement soon. This accident should not be blamed on the company nor on the picketers. This was just a sad tragedy on its own and should not be used by either side to try and help 'make a point'.
Posted by: Oldphart
on Aug 18, 2008 at 10:06 AM
To JD: Your idea is a good one. All strikers are wanting to go back to work. We are all waiting on the company to say something. Since there has been nothing but silence from HBC it can only mean they are getting what they expected. I, for one, am glad to see that there are fewer than expected hourly workers in the plant. HBC could do so much better if it would return quality to the workplace, spend the money on proofing their drawings, and revise them when a worker says a process is wrong. JD, we worked hard to ensure we built safe planes, and too often the workers are no longer empowered when it comes to pointing out defects. We want the strike ended also. Do everyone a favor and ask the company to go back to the table.
Posted by: SCAB
Location: NEWTON
on Aug 18, 2008 at 10:02 AM
I do pray for this mans family. Do you think the union will pay the same money to his family that his insurance would have? Dont count on it. The Union bid dogs looks out for themselves just like any other management. They are still making a full paycheck while the strikers get handouts like they are in line at the shelter. Both sides need to start over and get over themselves
Posted by: Darla
Location: Wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 09:57 AM
My husband works at HBC and he said the striker that was killed, was hit by another striker. If they weren't on strike, this never would have happened. How does your greed feel now?
Posted by: @
on Aug 18, 2008 at 09:56 AM
This was a terrible accident and had nothing to do with the strike or solidarity or anything. The man was crossing the street!!!! It's not the company's fault or the union's fault, it was just an unfortunate occurance!!!! This is the wrong time to be on here saying antiunion or antiHBC rhetoric. Instead of that, why don't we figure out what assistance will be needed by the family to get them through this sad time!! Don't use this man's death as a way to place blame on the company or the union!!!! Let's take some time to focus our attention on supporting the family. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this human being. Peace and may all this madness end soon.
Posted by: steve
Location: salina
on Aug 18, 2008 at 09:56 AM
this is a tragedy that could have been prevented if it were not for the coporate greed i hope all the hbc management sleeps well tonight
Posted by: Tragic
on Aug 18, 2008 at 09:35 AM
Jeff you're in our thoughts and prayers. You wont be forgotten.
Posted by: !
on Aug 18, 2008 at 09:32 AM
This is truly sad. My heart goes out to the family and friends.
Posted by: Stephanie
on Aug 18, 2008 at 09:04 AM
He worked in JPax. Lord, please be with his family and friends. Also, please be with the man that hit him. He must be in a world of hurt because of this accident. Amen.
Posted by: annonymous
Location: HBC
on Aug 18, 2008 at 08:49 AM
THE STRIKE IS STARTING TO GET "REDICULOUS." While I was once out picketing I have realized recently that "WE" the hourly workers and UNION of Hawker Beechcraft are not going to change the mind of the Company. The company gives it's own rules and if we cant handle it they are going to do what they have to do. In this case they have hired many contractors to do the workers jobs. Though, it may take a little time longer to get used to what they are looing at, the jobs are still getting done and planes are still rolling out. I feel that something the man could not change has lead to his death- The phrase they like to use is, "One Day Longer" and that one day longer has ended shortly.
Posted by: abunch
Location: Augusta
on Aug 18, 2008 at 08:49 AM
My heart goes out to the families affected by this accident! It's truly ashame that this happened. God Bless
Posted by: Anonymous
on Aug 18, 2008 at 08:46 AM
This is a very sad day. Accident or not is it not time to get this over with. This man has a family. My thoughts and prayers go out to them. My god be with them today and watch over them and the rest of people standing out there. Becareful watch what you are doing. Let's be done with this so no more lifes are lost and we can all go back to what is normal. God be with this mans family today.
Posted by: Mindy
Location: Wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 08:44 AM
The sad reality of this man's death is that because he was on strike, his life insurance policy through the company had been cancelled. My heart goes out to his family. I am the wife of a Hawker Beechcraft striker and this is my worst nightmare come true. We all know Hawker Beechcraft is losing money and that no airplanes are being made with only a little over 10% of the workforce inside the plant. Give it up already and go back to the negotiating table. Our families need better insurance, not one additional choice with nearly identical coverage. Do other people need to lose their life for standing up for what they believe?
Posted by: Toni
Location: Wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 08:33 AM
My heart goes out to his family.... This is a TRAGEDY.
Posted by: Don
Location: Wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 08:30 AM
He will be Missed and i know He is in heaven now with his wife and jesus i hope that people pray for his family and the driver and his family your not guaranteed tommorow so i hope and pray that you get right with God as he had
Posted by: Robert
on Aug 18, 2008 at 08:23 AM
You just can't see people in dark clothing walking across the street. I came close to not seeing one crossing Webb Rd. at 6:00. To make it even harder, you have to contend with the flashing lights of the police cars and all the red break lights on the cars waiting in line to get through the gates.
Posted by: Greg
Location: Wichita, KS
on Aug 18, 2008 at 08:19 AM
The DA won't press any charges against the driver since the victim was most likely jaywalking across Greenwich. Years back, my father inlaw was killed when an elderly man hit him as he was crossing Lincoln and all the DA did to him was take his license away. The DA won't try to seek justice for the victim because they'll say he was at fault by jaywalking in busy traffic. Just you wait and see.
Posted by: Unknown
Location: Wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 08:13 AM
Very sad to hear, God Bless him and his family.
Posted by: Steve
Location: Salina
on Aug 18, 2008 at 08:06 AM
If the Hawker Beechcraft were to care about their employees we would have had a good contract and this tragedy wouldn't have happened. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the man killed. I hope HBC pulls their heads out of their a*s and get back to the bargaining table, so hopefully things like this won't happen again.
Posted by: Anonymous
Location: kansas
on Aug 18, 2008 at 07:59 AM
Jeff Hart was a good man who had a big heart and cared about his friends and co-workers. He loved his children so much he talked about them all the time. This strike needs to end before anymore people get killed or injured.
Posted by: Message to HBC
on Aug 18, 2008 at 07:48 AM
Well HBC, are you happy now? A striker has died because of your selfishness! Stop thinking of your big Christmas bonus and give the workers what they want...and deserve! All he was doing was crossing the street to show his solidarity and look what happened.
Posted by: April
Location: Wichita
on Aug 18, 2008 at 07:43 AM
Jeff you will be missed, but you are in heaven with Jesus now. Thank you for always being there for Don when he needed you. You are a blessed friend to everyone. We love you. See ya' soon!
Posted by: JD
on Aug 18, 2008 at 07:37 AM
Maybe for the safety of the strikers to make sure nobody else gets hurt or killed everybody ought to just go back to work My condolences to the fanily of the man who died.
Posted by: Striking Union Member
Location: Salina
on Aug 18, 2008 at 07:32 AM
How many more of Us are going to get hit by 'so called loyal HBC Employees'? I am proud to stand up for myself, my brothers and sisters, my children, and grandchildren. Unless you are out there with the rest of us (picketers),you have no room to judge us. This isn't just about being greedy. We all get the same benefits whether we are walking the picket line or we cross that line. I will stand 1 day longer than the company!!!!
Posted by: WHOSCHEDULEDTHIS
Location: WICHITA
on Aug 18, 2008 at 07:12 AM
I think the Union 2008 negotiating committee should feel at fault for this man's death -What were they thinking scheduling this at 4:30 AM in the DARK - |
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Shame on you all! I would have thought, with all the money and time spent on schooling and training for your reporters, that SOMEONE would think to use spell-check on a story before posting. "Beechcrafty spokesperson"?, "A Celebration of Life services"? It's no wonder that students have no concept of proper grammar or spelling, when this is the caliber of reporting making it to publication. Tsk, Tsk, Tsk
To the children and wife of Jeff I pray that the Lord our God has tucked you deeply in his arms to sheild you from the pain of your tragic loss. Jeff was a good friend to my mom who works at HBC and it was his own health issues that promted her to seek medical attention for her own issues. Without his encouragment I may not have her today to love. So through your tragedy please know that he saved her life during his days at HBC. May the Angels of mercy keep you daily. In Gods Love A daughter with a mom!!!!!!
"Joshua, sickofit, and puzzled are probably just saleried workers sitting at desks at hbc paid to spout anti union stuff. happens a lot." Give me a break! You know this "happens a lot" from personal experience, or what? You need to do some research about Labor Unions. More Americans are anti-union than ever. Their memberships have been steadily declining for years. WHY? Because they take your money, amd promise to make things so much better for you, but can't deliver. They can't even provide food to the striking families! And they rake in what, like $1 million a year in dues from HBC union members? Who is truly the greedy entity here? Did they not prepare for the strike?
OPEN FORUM!!! If you don't like the postings, DON'T READ THEM!!! Everyone is entitled to their own opinions - you posted yours too!
Joshua, sickofit, and puzzled are probably just saleried workers sitting at desks at hbc paid to spout anti union stuff. happens a lot.
Anonymous- They should just leave the man who hit him alone. We all have lessons in life and I am sure this is his. He will have to live with this for his entire life. That is enough, especially if he KNEW what a beautiful person Jeff was. Jeff was loving and good and lawsuits and that is not what would serve his memory the best. This man touched every life he came in contact with in a positive way and he will be so missed. WE have lost one of the few people who always spread cheer and sunshine...
Thank God HBC did the RIGHT thing in re-instating Jeff's benefits, including life insurance. His family has lost their wonderful father and this will help them make it through without all the extra worries.
Joshua, Puzzled, and Sickofit!: Please read the previous posts and honor the wishes of previous posters. Your opinions would be better suited on another thread. Thoughts of condolances would be more appropriate. Thank you.
The Union is saying that this was such a terrible contract, and to reject it? Yet, the last contract they told us to accept it even though it was considerably worse than this one. The Union is a joke! Anyone care to ask if our Union plant chairs are still getting their paychecks? Oh and by the way why doesnt the Union make a donation to the family of Jeff to cover funeral expenses, Lord knows they rake in enough from us to do so. Sorry your energy drinks and doughnuts arent cutting it!
Has any of these HBC workers had other jobs before this one? Do they remember what their wages were then? You people are the greediest of the greedy! Overpayed and lazy! You ungrateful lot would die if you had to do real work! Get off your lazy butts and go to work! "WHAAAA I only make 20.00 per hour and stand around and BS for 8hours a day" BOO Fricking Hoo!
Why has the name of the driver not been released? Aren't both parties involved in accidents usually identified?
Grey Poupon and Triscuts? How gauche!
i do feel sad this had to happen,but don't blame the strikers or HBC. everyone who knows this driver is aware of how he leaves plant one parking lot.when we are working,is is famous for driving like a F@#$%^G idiot.maybe now he will SLOW down!!! REST IN PEACE JEFF.
Good God, is this what our society has come to? Have we really lowered the value of a human life, a father, friend, and family member. For those of you who posted respectful comments, thank you. For those of you with nothing but hateful comments, how do you sleep at night. Are your lives really that miserable that you would demean the value of human life and disrespect someones memory like you have. Why are we even discussing the strike when it comes to this, out of respect to Jeff's family, friends and co-workers, keep your hate mongering to yourself. Would you be spewing hate if it was your friend, your family? We are all on this earth for a purpose, and when that purpose is fulfilled, God takes us home to him. No one knows when or where, all we can do is try to live our lives the best we can. Jeff did just that, he worked hard, stood up for what he believed in, had two children that now have just memories, and you people are on here saying this stuff. Show some respect for once
I absolutely love this man...I am an employee @ QuikTrip and he was a regular customer! He was nothing but nice and considerate to me and others. I knew he would come in everyday and get a 52 oz foutain refill of Iced Tea and occasionally a couple of lottery tickets. To see him everyday put a smile on my face. He will never be forgotten. I will keep him, as well as his family in my thoughts and prayers.