We Stand on the Shoulders of Giants - Labor Leaders

[RudyPorter01]

Great philosophy rgeorge! So when American workers are finally down to the same pay as Chinese or Indian workers, do you think it will be okay for American workers to ask for a raise then? If you're in data processing, it's a good bet any employer can find somebody in India to do the job cheaper than you, and maybe do it better. So I guess you're personally extorting your employer.

[rgeorge9260]

Unions have been the runination of our auto and manufacturing industries. It used to be that Unions served a purpose, protecting workers from bad work conditions and unfair labor practices. Now, they simply extort higher wages and benefits from companies, when the FACT is that companies are not getting their money's worth. This is why companies are leaving the US by the droves. FACT: "unskilled" workers in other countries are just as good and cheaper. I say abolish Unions. We'd all be better off

[dawilli1]

Hmm...I feel the exact same way about management. Abolish management assholes - we'd all be better off.

[rgeorge9260]

I'm not in management. I'm in data processing, and I face exactly the same issues the manufacturing industry face, as our jobs are being outsourced to India. However, I am not in a Union, nor do I plan to join one. I think it is wrong to force a company to pay more for labor, when they can get it cheaper elsewhere. It's basic economics and the free market. Companies can make products cheaper, and compete better, by locating elsewhere/outsourcing. I don't like it, but I don't take it personally.

[rgeorge9260]

I have seen tons of my friends get laid off. Until our government can make it more attractive for companies to stay in the US, and not locate/send jobs elsewhere, the trend will continue. Now, I HONESTLY see Unions as extortion. They force companies to pay exorbitant wages and benefits, for work that is OFTEN (not always) unskilled and fairly simple. If it were not for Unions, companies could get the work done for a little better than minimum wage. You may not like it, but it's true.

[rgeorge9260]

Face it: if it were not for your Union, you would be making way less money (e.g.-what your labor is truly worth in the market). But, Unions strike and pull other stuff to foce companies to deal with them. And don't try to justify with whining about CEO pay. I agree; CEO pay is outragoeus. However, two wrongs don't make a right. I predict your Unions will eventually force your inductries to all go elsewhere. Then what ya gonna do, Mr. Union Man? Answer: you will compete in the free market.

[rgeorge9260]

Now I read the government may have to bailout the auto industry. Why? Just to watch them (and our tax bailout money), go down the toilet, because these idiots and the Unions will not change their ways, and the companies will fail anyway? You Union clowns better get a clue and start negotiating for a REALISTIC wage and benefits, and save the companies you work for, or you will lose your jobs altogether. But hey, I honestly don't expect to change a Union worker's mind (as there is not much there)!

[dawilli1]

Hmm...how's that whole "free market" thing working out for your 401k lately? Apparently, you have a problem with the givernment making guaranteed loans to the auto industry, but no problem with the $800b nationalization of the banking and finance industry. Where's your free market capitalism theory for them? You guys are all the same - you drank the free market kool-aid and practice it like a religion. Then you desperately cling to it even the facts don't line up with your tired party line.

[rgeorge9260]

Bank bailout should not have happened either, regardless of MY 401-K. Wrong is wrong. Issue is throwing good money after bad: it won't fix the underlying issue; it only puts off the inevitable. Banks should have gone under (there is no "going under", really. they would have been bought up, and for cheap). Meltdown was in housing market. Clinton admin FORCED banks to give loans to people who could not afford homes. Typical Dem handout, only this time, came back to bite them in the rear.

[wellstone76]

We need a new labor movement in the United States! We need to have the courage and conviction that our former labor leaders had. Courage and solidarity!

[louiscaponecchia]

i'm araid americans need to starve again before that spark is ignited.