anyone heard of Collective Bargaining?

Not sure on your point regarding the Canadians, I heard some interviews with those folks recently and they are struggling in the auto industry there. Of course part of it is the weak USD.

 

There is a lot to be said here. First, I'd like to apologize to Magnolia. What I said was very rude, but when you insinuate that because I belonged to a labor union that I am some kind of a lazy bum looking for a hand out you couldn't be any further from the truth. The last 20+ years before I retired I lived and worked for companies in Orlando. Florida has a 'right to work' law.There are union and non union companies but there are no union or non union job sights. So union companies have to bid against non union companies. The difference in wages is just about double. Now, put two and two together. In order for this to work, I have to produce twice the work of a non union pipe fitter. No problem! I will give you a good days work and you will give me a good days pay. That IS the American way! And I can assure you, there was never anything 'cushy' about my job.

 

The American Way used to be that you worked just as hard for $5 an hour as you did for $10 an hour, because that is the wage you and your employer had agreed to in advance. Sadly, we've lost that concept for the most part in this country now.

 

What about "An honest day's pay for an honest day's work."? Are workers not entitled to be paid more for producing more?

 

If a non union worker worked just as hard as me for half the money, where would that leave me?

 

In the U.S., the company in many cases is expected to provide health insurance for its workers - I think that's especially true in the auto industry. How much does that cost per worker? In Canada, they are covered by universal health care, saving several thousand dollars a year per employee.

http://www.globalpolitician.com/22500-globalization

 

If you agree to the wage then isn't it an honest day's pay???

 

At one time people had honor and gave their best, no matter what the agreed upon wage was.

 

I think there is a misunderstanding here. We have NEVER gone out on strike for more money. We have accepted very small cost of living increases, because we understand that we have to compete with people who are willing to work for peanuts. And we DID agree to how much I would be paid in advance. Union companies are union by choice. They know what the scale is.

 

But the moral questions is: Do you give 100% of your effort for whatever wage you've agreed on, or do base your work effort on the wage you are receiving??????

 

I agree, health care costs are probably the highest cost for the automaker (I believe at one time Ford had more cost per vehicle going to health insurance than steel for that vehicle). But lets face it the average union autoworker has better health insurance than I do. My Stepfather is terrified that any day now Chrysler is going to strip his full retirement ride out!

Also my guess, and it is just a guess, is that the Canadian Automakers are subsidizing Canadian Health care, which should narrow the gap for that being a potential reason.

 

I think that with wages at an all time low, and corporate profits at an all time high, wouldn't you say that has gotten a little out of hand?

 

Your employer's profits should have no bearing on your character or morals.

 

I think that is absurd. Point #1- I think I already explained that. If a non union worker gives 100% then I have to give 200%. Point #2- Your company installs fire sprinklers. You need help. I am a professional. I don't need you, you need me. Point #3- I have a backbone. And understand this. Me and my employer are both pro union by choice. I can go to a non union company any time I choose, and he can become a non union company any time he chooses. What can he offer customers that non union companies can't? Professionalism!

 

So you're more professional because you charge more? Interesting. Some people used to be able to do a professional job at 100% effort because it was the moral thing to do, not because they were being paid a certain wage.

 

A lot of general contractors will not hand out contracts to non union companies even though they are the low bidder. Take it up with them.

 

Is this a JOKE!

 

I suppose it is if you're character and moral beliefs are determined by money.

 

Yes, problem. You are implying non-union workers are lazy, on giving 50%. They are not guaranteed anything and can be fired at anytime. It would seem they would put out more work than you since you're paying big brother to secure your wage and job.

That's impossible.

Absolutely not. If I start a business I am entitled to as much money as I can make. If I hire you at $10/hr, you're entitled to $10/hr, no more no less. After all, I took all the risk involved with starting a business and made it successful enough that I need to hire people like you.

Actually, I don't need you specifically. There's a hundred more people in line for that job that don't expect a free handout.

So non-union companies are unprofessional? Unbelievable...:banghead:

 

looking for work at a competitive wage based on the market,instead of at an inflated wage based on what the unions can extort?