Yes, I understand where both sides are coming from. My dad was 100% union back in the day. Back then unions saved peoples jobs and helped people maintain a fair wage. Without them wages would have remained low. But, over the years the union has become unfair to the manufacturers. Competition is tough with the imports selling more cars than anyone. The union has gotten crazy contracts, giving too much money per hour and too many over the top benefits.. They thought, I guess the manufacturer had unlimited funds and they could always ask for more and more.
The unions are just one reason the the American car industry is in the crapper. Companies also allow the white collar workers too many bonuses and private jets. Even while they were going under. Paying a layed off worker up to 99% of their wages is crazy. The employees are just used to living large and getting all these wages and benefits.. but now the axe has fallen on the big and small. The employee and the employer. I have my doubts if the union will agree to lower the wages and benefits of their members. It goes against all they have fought for all these years. But, times have changed and the only way the American car industry can survive is to cut wages, built competitive cars that people want instead of dinasaurs. Most employees anywhere else would be happy to have insurance, a 401k that is solvent and vacation benefits. They are spoiled and will have to live with less along with the big wigs at Gm, Chrysler, etc. It would be crazy for the union not to allow cuts. Less money is always better than no job at all. And there is no other place for these employees to go. They are going to have to settle for less or lose everything.
Employees at Honda, Toyota and other foreign plants that build here are doing fine, and are not in iminent danger of losing their jobs. They get paid less, but still have above avg earnings and are treated fairly. Unions have become monsters that have just fueled inflation and the recession and aided in the fall of the economy as we know it.
I do not hate unions, as I was a member in the midwest when I was a young adult. They had their place back then. And to be honest, wages here in this part of Texas are much less than the national average because there are very few unions and the ones that are here are mostly ineffective. But, on the other hand the unemployment rate here is lower and prices are less too.
This global problem of inflation and recession has been coming for years.. There is no one person or company to blame. Like my mom and dad always told me, "What comes up, must come down."
Now, God willing in time the economy will settle down to a more reasonable place and jobs and markets will return. At the very least it will be painful for many and will affect every one.
My parents survived the great depression and we can survive this second "great depression." Its been coming for a long, long time.
My advice, go home and enjoy your family this holiday season and feel blessed you have your family and friends. Be thankful for all you have and have faith that things will get better. And if we all work together...it will get better!
Merry Christmas to all and be safe on the roads! God Bless!
