We all know that German companies are used to paying high wages and giving excellent benefits. It part of their Socialistic government. Apparently, even such companies have their limits as exemplified by their handing over operations to another organization. I can already hear some who refuse to look at reality crying about greedy corporations. We've been down this road before, arguing about the responsibility of large corporations with some of you thinking they owe our less than fortunate or the despicable dedicated leaches a variety of social coverages or even wages not commensurate with the value of their work. Even exemplary and dedicated employees as well as well-functioning arms of that corporation become expendable when no longer profitable. Teamster union representatives further exemplify the head-in-sand vision, not even recognizing they were killing the goose that laid the golden egg. Saddest of all is that it is the union workers, not the teamsters that represent them that pay the ultimate price. I would see this as food for thought for all who want to eviscerate corporations. The reality is it just isn't going to happen, and there are many bodies available who will gladly work for a little less because that is a hell of a lot better than nothing at all. Let's hear your perspectives.
Doc, I saw that article over the weekend too. I had to look up the word "evisceration". Must be the new talking point for the 2012 campaign.
$25/hr sounds pretty good for parts warehouse work. Isn't this basically shipping and receiving? But this is the LA area too I guess, not cheap to live there.
One thing that comes to mind for me anyway is all this talk of company loyalty, and 20-30 years of service, low attrition blah blah. (I never bought into that myself, and stayed flexible, and adapted to change and new opportunities). That loyalty says to me that the pay was very good, not that they gave a crap about BMW. The downside of the union mentality and protected high wages is that people stay so "loyal", don't progress in their skills and seek other job opportunities, and work for 20-30 years in the same parts warehouse. Then when they lose it, they will have a big problem replacing the job. Its evisceration! The new class warfare buzz word!
If you want to be, press one. If you want not to be, press 2
Republicans are red, democrats are blue, neither of them, gives a flip about you.
Those are most interesting observations and thoughts Joe. I never did think of union workers being loyal, but your insight gives me a whole new perspective. Got to agree here.
As you pointed out their pay certainly was good. No mention of what the benefits were lie wither and I bet they were fantastic for the shipping and receiving being done. I say this considering the Union was going into negotiations with the idea they could give a little on the benefits side for higher wages. GMAFB. They want to be paid more for clerk work??? It does not take a special talent to do such work, and they now know it and need to face the competitive reality. Too bad for them. I know what it's like to be out of work.
I know it sounds cold and harsh to some, but my wise ol Dad taught me that right out of high school. Forget about company loyalty BS, its a rough world out there and I remember him telling me to look out for myself first, and manage my own career. It sounds selfish, but in the private sector you need to be that way. Educate, get trained, learn new skills, move on instead of whine, etc. That's the way its always been, either adapt and improve or get run over. Now the idealists refuse to believe this, they think its not fair and want to change it with unions and gov't control. Well, good luck. Let me know when it happens.
Oh and I agree, I know also what its like to be out of work, for the 2nd time this recession! Woohooo! Really not complaining too much yet though. Got a call from a recruiter today and talked awhile, he agreed with me that the job market is improving now, for my type of work anyway.
It looks like alot of NASA space shuttle employees are going to be looking for work next week. Adapt and change and move on! Onward and upward!
If you want to be, press one. If you want not to be, press 2
Republicans are red, democrats are blue, neither of them, gives a flip about you.
In this world one must have a skillset that seperates oneself from the labor masses. This is what my father taught me. If you depend on a union to protect your general labor skills from all the other laborers- or from market forces you will be highly disappointed.
These shipping/recieving workers got away with being overpaid for a long time, they should be thankful that BMW overlooked this issue as long as they did, but now it's time to face the reality of an economy that can no longer afford to keep overpaid workers.
Even highly skilled workers are finding a shrinking market - it's really no surprise to see companies cutting out overpaid general labor when they find it.
They got away with it long enough- time to aquire a skill that is higher demand- or get used to the reality of lower wages. They had a good run- but this is proof that even a union can not get away with distorting the market forever.
Martin Ent Inc wrote: Was a union ironworker for 10 years till I figured out they don't care for their members really.
Just the dues payment every month.
Of course you would know best of all. When it all work, its good. But, when the s**t hits the fan, you are left behind while the Union continues to function on the many dimes you contributed. No, I'll fend for myself instead. There may be rough spots along the road, but at least I always know where I stand. There are no illusions.
Martin Ent Inc wrote: Was a union ironworker for 10 years till I figured out they don't care for their members really.
Just the dues payment every month.
Never been in a union, but talked to many who were. One guy recently who was in the painters or sheetrockers union, and he pretty much did it because that was the only way you could get the work. He hated the dues and rules too. Lots of good stories though. Last I heard he retired and was doing small non-union jobs on the side when he could find them.ty
I am self-employed too, for now. But I have read some about the IRS cracking down on 1099 employees more. Havent had a problem yet, though I got hit with a penalty this year for not paying estimated taxes correctly. I worked only in 4Q and paid estimated taxes in 4Q. Guess I should have paid in all 1,2,3 Q too even though I was not working. Go figure.
If you want to be, press one. If you want not to be, press 2
Republicans are red, democrats are blue, neither of them, gives a flip about you.
Martin Ent Inc wrote: Was a union ironworker for 10 years till I figured out they don't care for their members really.
Just the dues payment every month.
Never been in a union, but talked to many who were. One guy recently who was in the painters or sheetrockers union, and he pretty much did it because that was the only way you could get the work. He hated the dues and rules too. Lots of good stories though. Last I heard he retired and was doing small non-union jobs on the side when he could find them.ty
I am self-employed too, for now. But I have read some about the IRS cracking down on 1099 employees more. Havent had a problem yet, though I got hit with a penalty this year for not paying estimated taxes correctly. I worked only in 4Q and paid estimated taxes in 4Q. Guess I should have paid in all 1,2,3 Q too even though I was not working. Go figure.
Interesting. I'm somewhat in the same boat. Have not worked for half a year, borrowed money to stay afloat and it will be interesting to see if I get hit with estimated taxes. What? Borrow money so I can pay taxes on money I may or may not earn? That would take the cake.
Must be the new talking point for the 2012 campaign.
