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Originally Posted by Dragoneye
The last thing I'm gonna say in here is this:
Right now, the union is working WITH GM...more than they ever have before...more than anyone ever expected they would; but almost exactly as everybody says they should. Essentially, if you want GM to survive, the UAW agrees with you. Nothing is black and white, but the last thing this situation needs is nasty wishes against unions...lets get through this, then go back to hating if you feel you have to.
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I hope I haven't come across as a UAW Hater. If so I apologize. I know I've been rather critical of them. But, that is because they should be held accountable for their role in this problem. I'm very glad to see they are on the team and cooperative. And I hope it stays that way.
Having said all that, my personal opinion/struggle with unions is why are they entitled to enormously more job protection and security than even our military service members, let alone the average Joe that works just as hard or, arguably, harder? Why should GM be on the hook to pay employees who don't actually work? If I loose my contract I go get another job. It's just that simple My company will not keep me around long if they can't find a new position or contract for me. I applaud GM and the Unions for the security they've tried to implement for their employees. And I think that is a companies choice to do so, not the Government (I know another topic for another time and place). But at this point and time, as cut throat as the auto industry is, they have to trim the fat to be competitive. It does appear that is what is happening. So, that's good.
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Originally Posted by rmyers
Is it true that there are more people collecting benefits and pensions today than there are that work for GM? This was reported by more than once source I consider to be credible but sometimes they are getting their reports from the same source. I will remain open minded for someone to correct me if that statment is wrong. If it is true, can anyone honestly believe any company could survive under those conditions? I have heard former GM employees on the radio commenting about the Job Bank system and how it has worked for them. Sounded like a pretty good way to get paid for basically doing squat. The UAW should be working with GM, if they fail they would get a lot less. I have a gut feeling that tells me a lot of people have gotten paid for a long time for not doing anything, and unfortunately now it may be time to pay the piper. This should be a lesson for all of us, especially the youngsters on this forum. Save your money and don't count on the government, your union, or your employer to take care of you. It is up to you!
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You are correct as I have heard it also. In addition GM has another problem in this area, among others. One is that a large portion of retirees have been retired longer then they actually worked for GM. So, they've been collecting a pension longer than they collected a paycheck. When you add it all up, this leads to about a 1600 - 2000 dollar difference per car cost increase against the foreign auto companies. In Short GM is upside down in so many ways. These are the decisions that the CEO's should be explaining. Not that they are flying cost effective jets, or that they didn't see the market collapse in their crystal ball.
My 10 cents.