CAW Workers Vote to Authorize Strike...
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,370
From: Germany
Re: CAW Workers Vote to Authorize Strike...
Originally Posted by falchulk
Everyone else in this country has to perform or lose their job, the UAW agreements are always one sided as they dont guarantee any level of quality or quantity of production. If they are going to behave as contrators they should be saddled with the same quota's as contractors.
Definatly agreed... can you be our spokesperson?
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,574
From: Arlington, Texas
Re: CAW Workers Vote to Authorize Strike...
Originally Posted by falchulk
Everyone else in this country has to perform or lose their job, the UAW agreements are always one sided as they dont guarantee any level of quality or quantity of production.
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 46
From: Littleton, CO USA
Re: CAW Workers Vote to Authorize Strike...
Originally Posted by Obiwanls1
Z28wilson, So what if they make $$$$$$$ they worked to get there. Just because maybe you dont make that much doesnt mean they shouldnt.
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 13,713
From: The Golden State
Re: CAW Workers Vote to Authorize Strike...
Originally Posted by SCNGENNFTHGEN
I agree, Bill does have a need to make sure the company does well. I also believe alot of these companies, have the problem of too many chiefs, and not enough indians. That's a whole nother can of worms. It's your statement about us ALL being dumb, that strikes me! Normally I might agree with that. Recognizing that fact is the first step. I think this is another of those things the press has filled our heads with, me included. So I would put it another way. The elites in the press, as well as some college professors like to suck up to the Euro's, what better way than to call us(Americans) dumb! I would say Americans are more smart than dumb. No one can know everything! Everyone has a certain area of expertise. I also share the view that it's a bit of posturing, but still not a good sign. I think Guy's own post proves, that they have some of us believing we're dumb. I don't agree, and kinda resent it, being a proud American that I am. 
Actually, I think we're just humans with emotions, missing a certain car, so sometimes WE (myself included), jump to conclusions! We Americans have made some great strides for human kind, and will continue to, so it's very easy for ppl around the world to resent that, and in turn write us off as dumb. I strongly disagree, and think that dumb is a relative term! I also agree with quite a few of the last posts made. falchuck= Pay ppl what they are worth! And yeah what a field day the press would have if GM filed you know what(I can't even think it), it would be the culmination of years of "hard" reporting come to fruition. I'll stop now, as you all know my feelings on the press.
Actually, I think we're just humans with emotions, missing a certain car, so sometimes WE (myself included), jump to conclusions! We Americans have made some great strides for human kind, and will continue to, so it's very easy for ppl around the world to resent that, and in turn write us off as dumb. I strongly disagree, and think that dumb is a relative term! I also agree with quite a few of the last posts made. falchuck= Pay ppl what they are worth! And yeah what a field day the press would have if GM filed you know what(I can't even think it), it would be the culmination of years of "hard" reporting come to fruition. I'll stop now, as you all know my feelings on the press.
That's the thing with typing versus personal contact; you can't tell when a person is making a pointed joke.
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 737
From: eatontown nj united states
Re: CAW Workers Vote to Authorize Strike...
GM is not anywhere near being bankrupt so them declaring that isnt going to happen right now.
its been proven in the past when UAW workers have walked it cost GM more money and marketshare them having them working.
despite many posts labeling the UAW as impossible to deal with that isnt true.
theyve allowed membership to decline through buyouts/early retirements/layoffs without giving GM a problem about replacing workers which is in their agreement.
the UAW/CAW isnt as stupid as some of you think and know more about whats going on that most of us.
something will be worked out but dont be so quick to blame one side.
both sides need each other.dont kid yourself about that.
its been proven in the past when UAW workers have walked it cost GM more money and marketshare them having them working.
despite many posts labeling the UAW as impossible to deal with that isnt true.
theyve allowed membership to decline through buyouts/early retirements/layoffs without giving GM a problem about replacing workers which is in their agreement.
the UAW/CAW isnt as stupid as some of you think and know more about whats going on that most of us.
something will be worked out but dont be so quick to blame one side.
both sides need each other.dont kid yourself about that.
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Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 2,947
From: Springfield,OH. U.S.A.
Re: CAW Workers Vote to Authorize Strike...
So much misinformation about the UAW workers, jobs, benefits and working conditions...some real research needs to be done before such firm stands on these subjects are made. 
Stereotypes are a Bxtch!...
Since I'm an autoworker in the UAW, I can offer as good as view as any here.
As long as I have worked in this field, if you screw up, you get warned, if you continue to screw up, you get written up....then disqualified from your job. Probably ending up with a worse job. AND, if you keep screwing up, and getting disqualified, you WILL BE LET GO!(fired..)Now if you get SICK, or DISABLED, and can't perform your job for an extended period of time, you become LABELED: INDUSTRIALLY UNEMPLOYABLE! Even if it only last for several months, you may find it HARD to find employment in your field.
I went for nearly 9 (NINE years!) without a raise in pay rate, lump sums were accepted to save the company some money.(especially on Overtime)
Healthcare benefits have been steadily DECREASING, my Co-Pay has went from $20...to $45....to $55...for PCP, ER, SCP, all. Perscription plan following suit. I feel was an effort on the Company/Insurer to DISCOURAGE the number office visits and casual trips to the ER after hours.
If you feel we're over-paid, I'd invite any of you to run a LINE-JOB for ONE WEEK, I am sure you will change your mind. Many people on mass hirings, walked out, quit, some even broke down from the pressure and didn't return for the SECOND DAY!
Make NO mistake, there IS skill involved, many handy, educated, skilled people have MUCH difficulty in a high speed Assembly Line environment. The skills I have learned there can only be a big benefit in what ever field I move on to, especially efficiency skills, eliminating wasted steps or movements etc...(other call this KAIZEN, or contiuous improvement)
Is there waste in the UAW, ofcourse, but NOT as much as just 5 years ago, and NOT MORE than is in ANY other field, period.(in the past Yes..)There has been MUCH reform in the Auto Industry, most of it for the good of all, truthfully.
That said, we have allowed Attrition, of "Good" jobs, jobs that are mostly sub-assembly, easier, usually filled by Older, high seniority workers...now completed by people making 1/3 of our pay..
Have agreed to 2 tier wage system taking years to reach top salary...ALL SAVING THE COMPANY MONEY!
Retirees prefering insurance benefit increases over wage cost of living increases..
But I believe w-a-a-y-y too much emphasis has and is being put on the workers as the "Root of All Evil" in Manufacturing....I just ain't seeing it.
Mismanagement IS going on at ALL levels, from simple daily tasks to the Billion dollar FLOPS...and yes UAW management as well.
One example, I was recently sent to a repair area, on overtime to fix vehicles(part shortages etc..) It took nearly 45 minutes to decide where to put us(my team) then had everyone doing every task, instead of assigning task in an assembly type manner. By the end of the 2 HOURS, we probably actually worked 1 hour... Not by our fault. Everything should have been mapped out in advance...
The real problem, as said before by too many, is Healthcare Costs....
Until there is some REAL reform in the relationship of Inusrance and Healthcare, this IS going to keep being a HOT, passionate issue..
Stereotypes are a Bxtch!...
Since I'm an autoworker in the UAW, I can offer as good as view as any here.
As long as I have worked in this field, if you screw up, you get warned, if you continue to screw up, you get written up....then disqualified from your job. Probably ending up with a worse job. AND, if you keep screwing up, and getting disqualified, you WILL BE LET GO!(fired..)Now if you get SICK, or DISABLED, and can't perform your job for an extended period of time, you become LABELED: INDUSTRIALLY UNEMPLOYABLE! Even if it only last for several months, you may find it HARD to find employment in your field.
I went for nearly 9 (NINE years!) without a raise in pay rate, lump sums were accepted to save the company some money.(especially on Overtime)
Healthcare benefits have been steadily DECREASING, my Co-Pay has went from $20...to $45....to $55...for PCP, ER, SCP, all. Perscription plan following suit. I feel was an effort on the Company/Insurer to DISCOURAGE the number office visits and casual trips to the ER after hours.
If you feel we're over-paid, I'd invite any of you to run a LINE-JOB for ONE WEEK, I am sure you will change your mind. Many people on mass hirings, walked out, quit, some even broke down from the pressure and didn't return for the SECOND DAY!
Make NO mistake, there IS skill involved, many handy, educated, skilled people have MUCH difficulty in a high speed Assembly Line environment. The skills I have learned there can only be a big benefit in what ever field I move on to, especially efficiency skills, eliminating wasted steps or movements etc...(other call this KAIZEN, or contiuous improvement)
Is there waste in the UAW, ofcourse, but NOT as much as just 5 years ago, and NOT MORE than is in ANY other field, period.(in the past Yes..)There has been MUCH reform in the Auto Industry, most of it for the good of all, truthfully.
That said, we have allowed Attrition, of "Good" jobs, jobs that are mostly sub-assembly, easier, usually filled by Older, high seniority workers...now completed by people making 1/3 of our pay..
Have agreed to 2 tier wage system taking years to reach top salary...ALL SAVING THE COMPANY MONEY!
Retirees prefering insurance benefit increases over wage cost of living increases..
But I believe w-a-a-y-y too much emphasis has and is being put on the workers as the "Root of All Evil" in Manufacturing....I just ain't seeing it.
Mismanagement IS going on at ALL levels, from simple daily tasks to the Billion dollar FLOPS...and yes UAW management as well.
One example, I was recently sent to a repair area, on overtime to fix vehicles(part shortages etc..) It took nearly 45 minutes to decide where to put us(my team) then had everyone doing every task, instead of assigning task in an assembly type manner. By the end of the 2 HOURS, we probably actually worked 1 hour...
Not by our fault. Everything should have been mapped out in advance...The real problem, as said before by too many, is Healthcare Costs....
Until there is some REAL reform in the relationship of Inusrance and Healthcare, this IS going to keep being a HOT, passionate issue..
Last edited by 90rocz; Aug 30, 2005 at 11:27 PM.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,123
From: Melbourne, Australia
Re: CAW Workers Vote to Authorize Strike...
Sorry for asking the obvious question but 
... are the benefits the same for GM employees as they are for the Asian owned manufacturers (Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Hyundai etc...) because if the benefits are in fact higher, GM are at a disadvantage wrt to the competition.
... are the benefits the same for GM employees as they are for the Asian owned manufacturers (Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Hyundai etc...) because if the benefits are in fact higher, GM are at a disadvantage wrt to the competition.
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Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 2,947
From: Springfield,OH. U.S.A.
Re: CAW Workers Vote to Authorize Strike...
My cousin's husband works for Honda of America, East Liberty Ohio...he says his benefits are MUCH better...than mine, but I don't work @ GM.???
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,123
From: Melbourne, Australia
Re: CAW Workers Vote to Authorize Strike...
Originally Posted by 90rocz
My cousin's husband works for Honda of America, East Liberty Ohio...he says his benefits are MUCH better...than mine, but I don't work @ GM.???
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,370
From: Germany
Re: CAW Workers Vote to Authorize Strike...
Originally Posted by SSbaby
Sorry for asking the obvious question but ... are the benefits the same for GM employees as they are for the Asian owned manufacturers (Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Hyundai etc...) because if the benefits are in fact higher, GM are at a disadvantage wrt to the competition.
... are the benefits the same for GM employees as they are for the Asian owned manufacturers (Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Hyundai etc...) because if the benefits are in fact higher, GM are at a disadvantage wrt to the competition.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,574
From: Arlington, Texas
Re: CAW Workers Vote to Authorize Strike...
Originally Posted by SSbaby
The obvious question begs.. if that is the case, why belong to a union?
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,370
From: Germany
Re: CAW Workers Vote to Authorize Strike...
Originally Posted by CLEAN
You're saying you could get better pay and benefits without a union? Then why doesn't corporate America try to get ALL their employees to unionize?
Well unions have there pluses and minuses... its more of a democratic way to run your buisness... raises based on hours of employement rather then productivity... blablabla...
Registered User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 13
From: Lisle IL
Re: CAW Workers Vote to Authorize Strike...
jfischer:When the workers are paid 2x as much as their job is really worth, it's a problem. UAW workers are tremendously overpaid and have extremely generous benefits to boot. I have NO sympathy for them whatsoever. If they do go on strike, I hope they get replaced and then have to go see what their skills are really worth in the real world.
1. Do you work at the auto plant??? Do you know how much work is involved?? Again just because they get paid and have good benefits, doesnt mean they should lose them. Replacing the workers might change the quality of the product. Do not sit there and rant about blah blah blah
"they get paid too much" "I am jealous and they should do whatever GM says"
you are not in their situation. They have familys to protect.
1. Do you work at the auto plant??? Do you know how much work is involved?? Again just because they get paid and have good benefits, doesnt mean they should lose them. Replacing the workers might change the quality of the product. Do not sit there and rant about blah blah blah
"they get paid too much" "I am jealous and they should do whatever GM says"
you are not in their situation. They have familys to protect.
