Workers Strike at Joliet's Caterpillar Plant

[marmar]

Hundreds of workers at Joliet's Caterpillar facility went on strike Tuesday morning after they turned down a proposed contract offering no pay raise and more expensive health benefits.

The union workers told NBC Chicago the contract offer was so unfair they'd rather be picketing outside the plant's main entrance. They reported for work at 11 p.m. Monday then walked off the job at 12:01 a.m.

Union leaders said 94 percent of the approximately 780 machinist union workers voted to strike after the contract offer was voted down Sunday.

The deal was six years with no pay increases, and workers would be required to pay twice as much for health care. The workers say it's unfair, especially given Caterpillar's $1.5 billion first-quarter profit. ..............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Workers-Strike-at-Joliet-Caterpillar-Plant-149630455.html#ixzz1te5Y988e

[Ikonoklast]

1. This is a prime example of the decoupling of worker pay from profitability.

Funny that the CEO's compensation is directly related to that number.

[Courtesy Flush]

2. What I don't understand

Is why all American's can't agree that this is wrong. Even if you were voting Republican, you still should be able to say "This isn't good for America." But I know that even unemployed Republicans will defend this, out of a sense of tribalism.

America has always supported big business because it was good for the country. It raised the standard of living for all of us. The rising tide really can raise all the boats. But if companies can't play fair, they should lose public support.

[marmar]

4. Big business only raised the standard of living for all when forced to by organized workers.

nt

[senseandsensibility]

3. k and r for the workers!

Thanks for posting.