GM and Unions....

Chris F. · #1 06-15-2005, 08:04 PM

Can someone explain to me how Unions work? I just read an article on CNN that states the Unions will go on strike if GM gets too 'pushy'. I mean WTF? They have already cripped the poor company as it is.

I guess my main question is, why can't GM just tell the Union to f-off and hire new workers that are not part of the Union?

I think Unions have their place, but this is getting ridiculous.

I'm not a fan of GMs cars (besides the Corvette), but they are an American company and I'd be very sorry to see them go belly up.

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UCrewX5 · #2 06-15-2005, 08:10 PM

http://uaw.com/about/uawmembership.html

Everyone has their own opinions on this. Personally, I think that the Unions played an important role during the U.S. industrial revolution. Factory conditions, pay and benefits were substandard and workers were probably being taken advantage of. However, in this day and age I'm not as convinced that their importance as a "check and balance" to management is as necessary as it once was.

PersonaNonGrata · #3 06-15-2005, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UCrewX5

http://uaw.com/about/uawmembership.html

Everyone has their own opinions on this. Personally, I think that the Unions played an important role during the U.S. industrial revolution. Factory conditions, pay and benefits were substandard and workers were probably being taken advantage of. However, in this day and age I'm not as convinced that their importance as a "check and balance" to management is as necessary as it once was.

It seems that the benefits that the UAW has secured for its members are going to kill GM. The cost of the benefits are exceeding profits. Something's got to give.

motordavid · #4 06-15-2005, 08:59 PM

Some stats:
-% of unionized workers in US: aprox 13%
-% of unionized workers in Private Sector of US: <9%
-State w/highest % of unionized labor: NewYawk

Dunno...I only worked "on the line" for 2 summers, way back in the mid-'60s. I suspect most old timers/lifers and those retired from slinging axles, feel they are "entitled" to the generous pay/benefits and medical pkg. I suspect that the "regular" car assembly worker today, is glad to have a fooking job that pays quite well and has benies as good as Any worker; some may even realize they cannot continue to chew on the hand that feeds them.

However, the UAW stuffed suits are extremely powerful and "removed" from the line workers,imo. They will bleed a rock dry, if allowed. And, I think there is some ulterior motive and quid pro quo they have up their sleeves for wrestling w/GM, et al. It really is amazing to me, even having "grown up" there, way back when.
My 2Cts. BR,md

lanbrown · #5 06-15-2005, 08:59 PM

Chris,

They would have to train the new workers and there are some real nuts that work for the big three. They would make sure to cause trouble, and a lot of it. You also have some people that would no longer buy a GM product, but management has been good at that anyway.

It's time for the unions to go.

JV · #6 06-15-2005, 09:11 PM

Maybe ATCX5 can chime in, but didn't Reagan fire all the air traffic controllers after they refused to come to terms back in '80 or '81? They had to do massive hiring and training, that's how my brother got in with the FAA at 21 years old at a major airport.

Maybe there's precedent?

If GM would just look to Holden for some ideas...not carbon copy the Monaro and call it a GTO!

JV

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