The unions wont get real on wages, that would be biting the hand that feeds them, the worker. The unions primary focus is on higher wages because that's what drives the profitability of the Union. Average workers are more focused on wages than benifits and longevity, so they play right into the hands of the union. Complain about the CEO's? pay, I'd like to see what the union leaders are getting paid!

 

How stupid are you? Unions were formed to assist the workers in achieving a safer working environment and a living wage in lieu of the dangerous conditions and meager wage that they had previously. The UAW has all but completely Effed the Big 3 2 by demanding higher and higher salaries and benefits for Union members.

$25 an hour is outrageous for someone who assembles vehicles. I don't give 2 chitz if it's in 95 degree weather with 80% humidity. A trained monkey can assemble a car, it's not 'skilled' labor.

 

How stupid are you?

A LIVING WAGE is based on a formula.

The formula is designed in such a manner that no matter whether you are in Austin, Boston, or L.A., if you are willing and able to work a 40 hour week, you should at least be able to afford the cheapest form of housing.

The concept is simple.

It has nothing to do with the company you work for.

I'm not making this up!

Look it up, Mr Dumass.

 

Median income in Norfolk VA is $31,815, and the median income for a family is $36,891. That's $17.73 per hour, on average.


$25 per hour x 2080 = $52,000 per anum. If the majority of families in Norfolk can LIVE on an income of $36,891 then $25 an hour is an exhorbinate amount of money to pay for someone to assemble vehicles.

 

Saw just a bit on TV about this and Toyota. Seems Toyota has a younger less paid work force, but put out a better product. I didn't catch if they have a union. Probably not. I've seen the union shut down a company before; just a matter of time for either Ford, Chry, or GM. It's shut down or move more to Mexico for assemby. It won't be long before Toyota and Honda will be the only truely American built automobile.

 

part of it is their hiring practices. I have talked to people that work at Toyota and they are not always hired on full time. I have heard ofsome guys staying as temp for up to 5 years.

Now THAT is accountibility. Knowing that if you do not work your *** off they will not renew your contract and you will NOT get any severance.

Compare that to someone that thinks they have a job for life. They obvioulsy have a lot less incentive to do a good job.

 

J-150--That's the way the factories work in my home town. Most of those factories supply the Big 3. They also go through lay-offs every year. Guess who the first to go are. If you impress the bosses they will put you on permenant as soon as possible, although lay off is still a possibility just not likely. Those factories are not union, even though they have voted on the union issue numerous times. The pay, benefits, and treatment by managment is too good for the union to gain enough employee support to be voted in.

 

I would just like to add my two cents about unions....

Not all unions are bad. My union MEBA (Licensed marine engineers) is an excellent example of a win win situation. We get paid very well. We have an enormously talented, educated, and skilled work force. We are more dedicated to our job than just about any other American, rivaled only by maybe the military. We work very hard, and complain very little. The mission of the company/ship comes before all else. Dating back to ancient times, up to present day, we are the first ships fired apon by infierior Militarys. (Why shoot at something that can shoot back, when you can sink an un armed cargo vessel, and cut off suply lines?) While we do get paid very well, it is our hard work and dedication that ulitmately saves the company millions of dollars in expenses. Some may be quick to sight the outsoursing of shipping to forgien flag ships, but any cargo of importance is trusted only to the MEBA. That is why all our LNG's are coming back to us. If only all other unions could survive as we do the American econemy would dominate the world. So don't knock unions in general...there are good union workers out there...some of them like mine trusted to support the worlds most powerful military so you all can sleep safe at night, and soldiers overseas have food to eat, parts for thier equipment, and plenty of tanks/helos/ammo to back them up when they are on the front lines defending your freedom!


(oh, and we often work 8-12-16+ hour days in engine rooms that exceed 120-130 degrees, and if you think thats not dangerous, stand next to a 60,000hp engine when it has a crank case explosion, or near a boiler when an 1100psi superheated steam line bursts! So you in detroit...cry me a fking river about 95 degree assembly lines!)

 

I wish I had a fan and I wish I made $25/hr. My job can be pretty tough too but the consumer dictates my pay. If my company charges too much then the customer will call someone else who charges less to do the job. Isn't that why the import vehicles are selling so well?

I agree with people who say to little too late. I think it important for Ford to produce more powerful engines for their vehicles but they should be focused on doing that whith increased fuel economy.

Oops, I didn't read all the other pages in this thread. Sorry if I'm repeting what other already said