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My assessment,
There are two problems here. 1. Should the union have to compromise? 2. Should the Government send the money no matter what the Union does?
If you feel that the unions are overpaid and are the biggest contributing factor to domestic auto companies inability to compete, (we've all seen the numbers compared to foreign auto workers, I won't restate them here) then you feel that as part of the problem, the UAW should meet the demands of Congress. The argument for this is the big three need to close the gap in salaries and therefore reduce the price of their product making them more competitive and able to sustain the efforts to reorganize. The argument against this is. Why should the Unions have to compromise on existing contracts. Should the Unions be held accountable for bad contracts signed by the big three.
If you feel that we just need to get these companies through this tough time and let GM and the UAW fight it out at a later date, Then the Government should quit bickering and cut the check. The argument for this approach is everyone wins. GM gets the money and the Union keeps it's high salaries. The argument against says that you aren't fixing the real problem and until you do the big three will continue to be at a disadvantage and we'll be right back where we stated.
Don't dirty up the conversation with talk of SUVs, CAFE, Gas prices, Economy, bank bailouts and so on. Of which I am guilty of also. The core of this problem is in the two positions above.
Talk of what this country deserves and what it doesn't is irrelevant to the problem at hand which is what is the right thing to do. In part I am proud that the Congress stood their ground. And, In part, I am disappointed they failed to negotiate and therefore produce a passable bill. The other part of my problem with all of this is the big three have humbled themselves in direct response to public criticism, reorganized their companies, offered to cut their own salaries to help garner support. Why has the union chosen to dig in now? It appears that everyone has been playing ball to get this passed. And all of a sudden the Union became unyielding. Resulting in Congress voting it down.
My guess is President Bush will give them at least some money. If for some reason he chooses not to, I'm also relatively sure President Obama will Give them the loan.
Again, this is not over. When the Big Three file for Bankruptcy, then its over. Until then they will fight the good fight to stay alive as long as possible.
Whatever your position is We all want GM to survive. So, heed Scott's advice and send the letters.
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