Hello Bob.,

 -=> Quoting Bob Ackley to Peter Coggon <=-

 BA> Replying to a message of PETER COGGON to ALL:
 
 PC>   When I heard finally they were bailing out the Big 3
 PC> automobile manufacturers, I wondered if these prima donnas
 PC> the workers and their union are going to take a pay cut?
 
 PC> Doubt it, as they get their $ 70/hour and all perks, and
 PC> keep me buying the Japanese imports which didn't need
 PC> a bailout.

 BA> They may.  Apparently dealers are refusing deliveries of imports -
 BA> mostly from Japan - and the cars are sitting on the docks on the US

   Our plant nearby is not idle, they are churning out Japanese model
cars ,,,,

 BA> West Coast. FWIW I don't think the UAW members are getting anywhere
 BA> near $70/hr, most likely about half that (which is still more than
 BA> double the highest wage I ever earned - and that's why I can't seem to
 BA> generate much sympathy for them).
   >
 BA> I think that the cost of the non-cash 'fringe benefits' is included in
 BA> that number,
 BA> and that may also include the benefits paid to retired UAW members and
 BA> their families.  I do know that about $1300 of the price of every GM
 BA> car and truck goes to pay for health benefits for the workers, retirees
 BA> and their families. 
 
    I was going by other sources, so I think by reading what you stated
above, it maybe right.    Wages are comparive as I have found out from
the plants here and where the Big 3 are crying the blues.

After that it is obvious.

 PC>   What really happened is that the Big 3 were going to
 PC> declare bankrupcy and that meant the Union contracts
 PC> were out the window, which might help in re-structuring
 PC> but the donwside here would have been 1 million plus outta
 PC> a job, as well in Michigan...everyone  1 million plus
 PC> outta a job.

 BA> That isn't a problem unless you're one of them.  I think you're
 BA> correct about the
 BA> bankruptcy, though, and IMO the governments' actions are only going to
 BA> delay the inevitable.
 
 PC>   So now the taxpayers are paying again...only another 
 PC> top heavy ..over paid union.

 BA> Not all unions are - but the ones that get the publicity seem to 
 BA> be.

 BA> -!- FleetStreet 1.19+
 BA>  ! Origin: Bob's Boneyard, Emerson, Iowa (1:300/3)

  It seems, they're going for the bailout, Bob....    Here in CANADA
and the USA.    Locally here we have lost a supplier, to now 50%
of the town out of a job.

  The unions, as usual did nothing.   Reminds me of my union, which
didn't help me retire, nor did they help me with grievences and
it took a lot to find a union man not brought out by the company.

  2009 is coming .... sorry for the long reply....  

  Happy New Year 2009 to you Bob and  family .....
 
  Peter



... Peter is located:  Lake Simcoe,Ontario,Canada
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