UAW Proposes Concessions to Assist Automaker Aid Proposals
December 5, 2008
According to the New York Times:
“… [the U.A.W.] would make major concessions in its contracts with the three Detroit auto companies to help them lobby Congress for $34 billion in federal aid.
The surprising move by the U.A.W. could be a critical factor in the automakers’ bid not only to get government assistance, but also to become competitive with the cost structure of nonunion plants operated by foreign automakers in the United States.”
I believe much of the criticism of union contracts was fair (though I don’t think it is reasonable to expect for unions to aim for goals far below what they can get to insure they don’t put too much pressure on their employers. It is supposed to be a reconciliation process between opposing forces, for the most part. I’m not sure I would personally pass up additional benefits simply because I suspected my employer might not be able to afford them many years down the road). This act does show they are more alert and diligent than perhaps their counterparts in the executive offices. These concessions seem fairly late coming, but their very existence with minimal prodding by the public exceeds my expectations.
Of course, it still doesn’t look very promising for the automakers. Having the CEOs acting like huge assholes tends to result in lost points with the taxpayers.
“Democratic Congressional leaders have said that they want to help the automakers and that they were heartened by the gesture of contrition that the executives made by driving to Washington — rather than flying on corporate jets, as they did two weeks ago — and by the more comprehensive plans submitted by the companies.
But the political climate on Capitol Hill is still doubtful for the automakers, and only seemed to worsen on Wednesday with a new CNN poll showing a majority of Americans opposing a taxpayer rescue.”
Oh, right. The private planes and the “I won’t take a paycut but please give me billions of dollars” thing. The taxpayers still remember that?
… and the cow goes moo
