Lack of good wages, not unions, to blame for crisis

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.news-leader.com/article/20081226/OPINIONS02/812260318/1006/OPINIONS

December 26, 2008

This column is in response to Paul Schneider's letter, "Union assisted companies' decline." I can understand his frustration. I am, as well as most workers in America, frustrated at the loss of good-paying jobs in the U.S. What I don't agree with is his statement, "....they are the main reason that the automakers are in such bad shape. The union has demanded such huge salaries, such complete health care coverage and such outrageous pensions that the cost of a new car or truck has become unaffordable for many Americans."

The union did not demand salaries and benefits. Wages and benefits were negotiated between management and labor. They were agreed to and a contract was signed. Union leaders didn't demand, they negotiated, as well as management, in good faith. The problem now being that time, the economy and situations beyond our control have changed. What made good sense in the past may now be misunderstood or even look ridiculous. "Complete health care coverage" that Mr. Schneider refers to as being part of the fall of the automakers was given to almost all American workers in the past. America had an abundance of good-paying jobs. These were factory jobs where goods were being made in America. Americans could actually work, pay taxes and provide for their families with these jobs. Corporate America did have a problem, though -- that being too much work and not enough workers. Companies lost employees to competitors. One way companies solved this was by offering free health care to employees. Health care was very cheap and a good benefit to give employees. This benefit was not forced on companies; it was just a good deal for all concerned at the time.

The automakers do pay a weekly wage to employees who have been laid off. In the past this probably made sense. The assembling of an automobile takes many highly trained employees. They were probably paid during retooling times so as to retain their skills. It was cheaper than training new workers.

I believe the UAW negotiators and union leaders understand that America, as well as American workers, have a horrendous problem. They are willing to talk and negotiate with the automakers.

FULL story at link.

[The Magistrate]

1. Certainly, Sir, Declining Wage Levels Is The Root Of Our Present Economic Distress

[sam sarrha]

2. rich people took all the money, its not available to circulate. been making profit in no-value

added financial activities, they cant lose we cant play economy..

[ikojo]

3. The LACK of unions is what has led to declining wages

As long a companies feared unionization, they had an "incentive" of sorts to pay their workers a decent wage; lest those workers look to their union brothers and (in very few cases) sisters and think about joining a union.

[Fire1]

4. Not just referring to the auto industry but all so-called American

industry, (and I say 'so-called' b/c these companies are anti-american in their greed and lack of concern for the welfare if this country.) there are obvious solutions/remedies to allow a 'win-win' for the industries and the workers, but that would mean increased over-sight and regulation and the end of out-sourcing jobs to tax-exempt countries. It also means bringing prices in line with median income levels and damn country clubs for the UAW and all other extravagant crap (like corporate jets, country club dues and bonuses for execs) have got to cease. The spending and greed of this country has gone beyond 'out of control.'

[NNN0LHI]

5. damn country clubs for the UAW?

What in the fuck are you talking about?

Don

[Omaha Steve]

6. The UAW does have one world class golf club (public always welcome)

http://www.blacklakegolf.com/

Black Lake Golf Club is the newest addition to the UAW’s Walter and May Reuther Family Education Center, situated on 1,000 heavily forested acres along the southeast side of Black Lake, one of Michigan’s largest inland lakes near Onaway, Michigan.
1224694455Hole-14-Par3.jpg

Black Lake Golf Club complements the Center’s recreational facilities, which now include a beautiful gym with two full-sized basketball courts, an Olympic-size indoor pool, and exercise and weight room, table-tennis and pool tables, a sauna, beaches, walking and bike trails, softball and soccer fields and a boat launch ramp.

The UAW selected one of golf’s most acclaimed course architects, Rees Jones, to design an environmentally responsible, championship caliber course. It was a challenge eagerly embraced by Jones, Golf World Magazine’s “Architect of the Year” in 1995.

“The holes were here, we just had to find them,” Jones said. “We strive for holes blending with the natural terrain. There is nothing artificial or contrived at Black Lake.”

Rees Jones also designed “The Little Course,” a nine-hole pitch-and-putt with holes varying in length from 34 to 117 yards. An excellent choice for juniors, new golfers and families, the Little Course also provides experienced players an opportunity to work on their short game in a “real life” setting with bunkered and undulating greens.

In keeping with the Center’s role as an education center and retreat for families, Black Lake is designed to provide a challenging experience for golfers at all levels of skill, with five or more sets of tee markers on nearly every hole, playing length from 5,058 to 7,030 yards.
Golf Digest Top 100

Since opening in 2000, the UAW golf course has piled up numerous awards. Black Lake Golf Club placed 25th in Golf Digest's "100 Greatest Public Courses in America" 2005-2006 rankings. The course was also named one of the Top 50 public golf courses for women in the country by Golf for Women magazine.

Awards and Recognitions:

* Golf Digest – No. 2 Best New Upscale Course in the U.S. in 2000. Currently, ranked #35 on America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses.
* Golf For Women – Top 100 Women – Friendly Courses in 2001. Currently, named one of the Top 50 Courses for Women.
* Golf Magazine – Top 10 You Can Play in 2000. No. 87 in Top 100 You Can Play in 2001.
* Certified by Audubon International, Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System and the Michigan State Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program.

[Fire1]

7. Watch CNN, it was on this a.m. re: a 3 mil uaw country club used

for retreats/and conferences. That's wtf I'm talking about.

[NNN0LHI]

8. I have been there and it didn't resemble any country club I am familiar with

It is an educational center and retreat for families.

My family and I camped there.

Have you been there or are you just believing the bullshit CNN tells you?

Don

[Omaha Steve]

9. Looks ok to me

Not a knock at the UAW. It looks nice, but is loosing cash every day.



Golf Digest Top 100

Since opening in 2000, the UAW golf course has piled up numerous awards. Black Lake Golf Club placed 25th in Golf Digest's "100 Greatest Public Courses in America" 2005-2006 rankings. The course was also named one of the Top 50 public golf courses for women in the country by Golf for Women magazine.

Awards and Recognitions:

* Golf Digest – No. 2 Best New Upscale Course in the U.S. in 2000. Currently, ranked #35 on America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses.
* Golf For Women – Top 100 Women – Friendly Courses in 2001. Currently, named one of the Top 50 Courses for Women.
* Golf Magazine – Top 10 You Can Play in 2000. No. 87 in Top 100 You Can Play in 2001.
* Certified by Audubon International, Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System and the Michigan State Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program.