justsayin: Absolutely not. In his comment, though, Apollo mentioned that union workers are paid more than they're worth. This rhetorical slip-up is indicative of a sinister belief: that a person's worth as an individual is dictated by the monetary value of the services he performs. That thought, to me, is frightening. And about this business start-up... I do not think that a janitor's work merits the same pay as an executive, but I do think the value of manual labor is consistently underestimated. In the instance of these auto workers especially, I am unable to agree with those who think the work of manager, accountants, and advertisers is any more "valuable" than the work done by the people who assemble the vehicles we rely on everyday. And since it seems that fewer and fewer people can see this way, it's vital to bargain collectively, so that the people risking "their own money" remember who does the work when it comes time to compensate their employees.
Isn't it the company's responsibility to anticipate fluctuations in the market when negotiating contracts? Part of the problem with the auto industry now is the on quarterly numbers instead of the longevity of the company. The unions have a responsibility to the workers' interests, and the company needs to fulfill its responsibility to what? profits? shareholders? It seems they've done neither. It's too bad that they didn't negotiate better in the past, but that's not the workers' fault. Once again, a governmental study has found that the majority of workers not only support unions, but would like to be a member of one. AND let's not let this go unnoticed: "More than they're worth?!" Are you implying that the people who physically make the vehicle that gets to work and back safely every day, the people who process the food you count on to be safe to eat, and who care for your loved ones in nursing homes and hospitals are in some way worth LESS than a company executive? I thought all men were created equal, but I guess I must have missed the revision to our country's founding principles. Now do we believe that a person's worth is dictated by his/her ability to attain a high-profile job? Not that I've heard.
Although some of the benefits the UAW has seem excessive, people must remember that the union did not write their contracts alone... the companies AGREED to them. And Congress's dictate to reduce labor costs is embarrassing when it's the pay awarded to the top executives at these companies that's really causing harm. Bringing labor costs "in line" with foreign-owned companies means taking away wages that workers have earned through hard work and adherence to their contracts, while top-tier employees are given exorbitant bonus packages every quarter. Additionally, contrary to what's been written, the NLRB found that 60% of Americans indicate they would join a union if they could. Although many are critical of unions, it easy to see that workers represented by a union are paid better and have job security. Contrary to the assertion above, I would say that though some Americans aren't completely supportive of what is going on in Detroit, the "vast majority" of workers are inclined to support unions in general. Being "an American first" should mean fighting for the viability of the American Dream: work hard, and prosper. With employers shirking their responsibilities to their employees, labor unions are the only viable way to make sure American are rewarded for hard work and dedication.
GM, UAW to discuss impact of cutbacks
justsayin:
Absolutely not. In his comment, though, Apollo mentioned that union workers are paid more than they're worth. This rhetorical slip-up is indicative of a sinister belief: that a person's worth as an individual is dictated by the monetary value of the services he performs. That thought, to me, is frightening.
And about this business start-up... I do not think that a janitor's work merits the same pay as an executive, but I do think the value of manual labor is consistently underestimated. In the instance of these auto workers especially, I am unable to agree with those who think the work of manager, accountants, and advertisers is any more "valuable" than the work done by the people who assemble the vehicles we rely on everyday.
And since it seems that fewer and fewer people can see this way, it's vital to bargain collectively, so that the people risking "their own money" remember who does the work when it comes time to compensate their employees.
January 14, 2009 at 11:20 a.m. permalink suggest removal
GM, UAW to discuss impact of cutbacks
Isn't it the company's responsibility to anticipate fluctuations in the market when negotiating contracts? Part of the problem with the auto industry now is the on quarterly numbers instead of the longevity of the company. The unions have a responsibility to the workers' interests, and the company needs to fulfill its responsibility to what? profits? shareholders? It seems they've done neither. It's too bad that they didn't negotiate better in the past, but that's not the workers' fault.
Once again, a governmental study has found that the majority of workers not only support unions, but would like to be a member of one.
AND let's not let this go unnoticed:
"More than they're worth?!" Are you implying that the people who physically make the vehicle that gets to work and back safely every day, the people who process the food you count on to be safe to eat, and who care for your loved ones in nursing homes and hospitals are in some way worth LESS than a company executive? I thought all men were created equal, but I guess I must have missed the revision to our country's founding principles. Now do we believe that a person's worth is dictated by his/her ability to attain a high-profile job? Not that I've heard.
January 13, 2009 at 10:56 a.m. permalink suggest removal
GM, UAW to discuss impact of cutbacks
Although some of the benefits the UAW has seem excessive, people must remember that the union did not write their contracts alone... the companies AGREED to them. And Congress's dictate to reduce labor costs is embarrassing when it's the pay awarded to the top executives at these companies that's really causing harm. Bringing labor costs "in line" with foreign-owned companies means taking away wages that workers have earned through hard work and adherence to their contracts, while top-tier employees are given exorbitant bonus packages every quarter.
Additionally, contrary to what's been written, the NLRB found that 60% of Americans indicate they would join a union if they could. Although many are critical of unions, it easy to see that workers represented by a union are paid better and have job security. Contrary to the assertion above, I would say that though some Americans aren't completely supportive of what is going on in Detroit, the "vast majority" of workers are inclined to support unions in general.
Being "an American first" should mean fighting for the viability of the American Dream: work hard, and prosper. With employers shirking their responsibilities to their employees, labor unions are the only viable way to make sure American are rewarded for hard work and dedication.
January 13, 2009 at 10:21 a.m. permalink suggest removal