American Axle Strike: Unions Continue to Kill U.S. Manufacturing 92 comments
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From American Axle strike could be prolonged - UPI.com:
American Axel (sic) made a profit of $37 million last year and wants to cut its wage and benefits package to a total of $20 to $30 per hour. They are currently paying $70 per hour, the News reported.
Is that right? $70 per hour? Who makes that kind of money in the the auto industry? I am confident it is none of the Toyota, Honda or Hyundai employees. Surely it is not the Tokai Rika or Nippondenso employees either.
The fact is that not only is demand down, but American companies are not as competitive as they need to be. One of the key components is the high cost of employees. This is a huge conundrum as for U.S. companies as health benefits are essential and the domestic cost of living is increasing. Not an appetizing recipe.
This can be shown by the ongoing trends that have been in the spotlight lately as US Auto Parts Companies Look Overseas:
American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc., Visteon Corp. and ArvinMeritor Inc. are either closing plants, buying out workers or researching plans to offload health-care costs to halt financial erosion in the U.S. in 2008. Meanwhile, these same companies are building new plants, hiring workers and winning new contracts in Europe and Asia.
The backlash from the American Axle (AXL) strike will ripple through the auto sector potentially putting a stake through the heart at General Motors (GM) and Ford (F). These companies are in no position to withstand a prolonged union stranglehold.
Unions had their place in the development of our country’s manufacturing boom as there was an inequity between company and worker. That inequity has flipped somewhat and now is in favor of worker over company.
And… don’t get me started on my soapbox with my distaste for the modern day union. It appears that early on, unions were created to benefit the working in an effort to bring them a better working environment along with a reasonable pay for the work performed. Now, unions are in an adversarial relationship with companies and appear to exist as profit centers for the union management.
There needs to be a paradigm shift with the realization that unions have been the downfall of the Detroit marketplace and will continue to move jobs overseas. Is it any surprise that we outsource and offshore so much of our labor and manufacturing pool? How long do we allow unions to lose jobs for Americans?
Disclosure: Horowitz & Company clients do not hold positions in stocks mentioned as of the publish date.
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This article has 92 comments:
The idea that unions were somehow a passing fad and aren't needed any more is just rubbish. Employers will always be more powerful than any individual employee and being able to bargain collectively is a fundamental right employees need to have in order to level the playing field. The decline in the quality of life for working people during the "Reagan revolution" years would not have happened had workers been able to bargain collectively. We should be at the point in the evolution of our advanced industrial economy where health care and fair labor costs are already factored in and investors know in advance those things will come off the bottom line.
As for your specific complaints about this company, the decline in the value of the dollar has made internal costs meaningless to foreign buyers and pricing, but the workers have fixed or increasing costs. If you're threatening to close a plant down whether they give back wages or not, what's the incentive to take pay cuts? May as well get the full value while they can...
#1 Unions are like the biggest thing to bring democracy to the common worker - nothing else does so to put a common worker on par with management.
#2 yes some companies understand (in particular IT companies) that their company is the employees so unions are less needed. This however doesn't apply to ALL BUSINESSES.
#3 Okay - $70 an hour is not that high of a wage when you include all benefits - health care, social security, other insurances, vacation, sick time, etc which are normally counted in the figure quoted.
#4 Hmmm...despite all the complaints - the company still made $37MM? Where is the complaint here.
#5 Greed is certainly out of control in this country - CEO and sports figure salaries far out pace anything anyone is is making but gee - the economy is still driven entirely by the consumer so it seems that $70 per hour isn't so bad any more now is it?
Generally a correct assesment, one thing left out however.
How much is management compensation in this company?
He works hard every day (so much so that he has to ice his shoulders and take aleve daily!)
His plant voted in a THIRD tier of wages last contract AND the highest tier took a PAY CUT last time. Dickie D made NINE MILLION last year and all management got HUGE bonuses. My husband still only makes 17 an hour; usually with a 50 hour week (around 2600 hrs/year).
If you divide 9,000,000 by 2600 (hours), old Dickie boy makes roughly $3461.53 an hour. Now tell me WHO'S overpaid??????
My husband worked for GM for 33+ years; never did he make $70 per hour as you say. The unions aren't killing U S Manufacturing; the greedy company CEO's and boards who send all the manufacturing jobs overseas are killing the US manufacturing.
When is it ever right that a GM president makes a million and a half dollars per year, then gets a six million dollar bonus when the workers get $600.00 bonus.
My husband was telling people 20 years ago that the US was going to become a service industry country, instead of a manufacturing company. Well, guess what, it is coming to pass.
Also, they are not being "paid" $70 per hour. Their pay and benefits add up to that number.
Whatever you are being paid, it's way too much.
you recieve good pay and put in less effort
If the move is overseas, the heartless company also rids itself of the medical and retirement costs. Sadly, the Personal Retirement Account which our corrupt politicians refuse to consider as an alternative to SS is probably years away.
The segment of our medical insurance dollar that goes to lawyers, administrators, and non-covered beneficiaries begs for correction and there are many who are ready to jump in with a single payer solution that will let all of these heartless corporations off the hook but leave us with lousy medical care.
Sorry about the rant.
It seems people like you are ready to jump the gun and sit in judgement and help decide a wage for those who work hard and are trying to make a living and support thier family and community. You are allowed to make such a wage-can't we all? When you go for a drive, are you supporting overseas production on low wages? Or solid American wages-where you actually support those you live next door to?
We should all be writing letter after letter to our Congress men and women to step up and stick up for us, the American worker, and protect our health care (LOWER the cost!), protect our children's education, etc. I hope my children are strong enough to handle working 40 + hours a week without health care..........
I am striking with you all tomorrow evening......Solidarit... Forever!
(PS, check out how much $ Republicans give those abortion clinics, the anti-gun agendas, and all that "buddy-buddy" protection, and more)
the u.s. manufacturing base has been and continues to be destroyed by the priunting press of the Fed and the mind-boggling deficit of the government. inflating , borrowing beyond any reasonable limit is the order of the day. buit hey, america is a "service economy", right>?> low wages, low value added, little to be exported. c# on, the cure for all this is to lower manufacturing wages to service sector levels, right?
ever heard about education? europe and asia invest a lot here - while the u.s. is obsessed with fighting wars in regions the president doesn't even know where they are.
LMAO, unions can destroy a business if they make demands that are out of whack. however, the malaise of the us. economy, especuiall manufacturing has little to do with unionized labour and everything to do with the fraudulent federal reserve and the governments who have run america into the closet over the past decades
As has been stated here plenty of times the $70 is a bogus number based on precieved benefits which continually degrade.
Your assumption that the Union is in an adversarial relationship with the companies show your total lack of knowledge.
The Union is becoming the company and doing what is in its interest not the interest of its members. With the establishment of the VEBA the UAW will be the largest single shareholder in GM. So who's interest do they have in mind. The company's and the share price or the hourly employees?
This strike is a farce and will not Bring GM to its knees. We have over a 4 month supply of Trucks of which we need parts from American Axle. What is happening here is the UAW is helping GM reduce some inventory and idle some plants. I'm sure GM can write off the lost production time.
The demands from American Axle are extreme by design and it will be some time before they settle because the Union must be made to look like they won something. My guess is the workers will settle for a $5 to $6 an hour paycut which is what American Axle really wants anyway but by working in cohorts with the UAW the Union saves face by saying they at least didn't let them have the $14 per hour paycut they were asking for.
It must be nice to have your own little article to spew your personal thoughts. What would be nice is if you did some research first so you didn't sound so ignorant.
The reason companies are moving overseas has little to do with hourly workers compensation and alot to do with taxation and regulation. You want jobs to stay in the USA then those items need to be fixed.
I would for a company that is a supplier into the automotive industry. We have seen our sales continue to errode as the traditional big 3 have continued to source product to low cost countries. (We price our product in four decimal places, $0.000X and have lost business to LCC's for tenths of a cent. When I see a fully loaded rate of $70/hr, I compare this to our fully loaded rate of $23/hr and I questions how you can make $17/hr and have $53/hr in vacation, benefit, medical, etc. Our average paid wage is $17.50/hr.
I would suggest that greed is our biggest issue, CEO's greed drawing salaries that boggle the mind, lawyer's greed when suing on medical malpractice lawsuits, employee's greed, the union's greed.
If you look at recent changes in the automotive industry, there is a general recognition by top union management that changes need to happen. I only hope our politicians, industry leaders and fellow citizens change before we completely destroy manufacturing in the United States. What are we leaving for our kids?
Really, you who write to this editorial ought to reflect on what went wrong with your dream, goal, wants and how YOU are going to remedy the situation. Racial slurs against the messenger aren't the answer. Holding your hopes for Hillary is preordained to get you more of what you got already. Expecting your union gurus to lead you to the promised land is like Jim Jones exhortation to slurp the cool-aid to refresh yourself during negotiations. You have the responsibility for you families future, work for it or accept what is offered.
As a direct manager of those walking the picket lines I feel for each and every one of them and their families. Most of them are good people with a decent work ethic. However, the UAW has protected thieves and troublemakers for so long that it is difficult to support their efforts. In one plant the UAW Local 235 has protected a 3-time convicted SEX OFFENDER who was recently caught again is out on bail and back at work. He has been up for discharge on several occasions and the UAW has bargained with management to keep him on despite the "piece of sh*t" that they claim he is.
AAM has resisted the fight to discharge this associate as they fear legal backlash and getting dragged into his legal proceedings dealing with his inability to keep his dick in his pants at the local high school playground.
Back to the issue at hand. AAM's direct competition, Dana, pays their people $14/hr. How can AAM compete with their costs? Each striker should put themselves in GM's shoes and ask yourself why you would pay AAM for axles that you can cheaper at Dana?
This is what will dictate AAM's future. As for Dauch making $9Million last year. People need to understand what $9M is made up of. His base salary is around $250-300K which is a lot, however, he made AAM and has earned it. The rest is the exercising of his stock options. People need to understand the investments and sacrifices made by Dauch to get AAM going 14 years ago. Last year he chose to cash in some of his investments. Why should someone fault him for that? Had each striker wisely invested some of their wages in AAM stock 14 years ago they would be able to reap some of those rewards as well. The sad truth is that very few hourly workers take advantage of the AAM 401K matching plan. THAT IS FREE MONEY FOLKS! But hey, I guess the Escalade needs gas first.
One great thing about the UAW, AAM and life in the U.S. is the fact that it is a democracy. People are free to protest, vote and do a lot of things. One of those rights is to QUIT. If you don't like your job and think you are getting screwed then QUIT and get a new job. Not easy? GET AN EDUCATION. Too old? Thats a lame excuse. One sad belief is that people think AAM is in business to employ them and give them a paycheck. The truth is that AAM is in business to make money. So many of the AAM hourly got in early and got in young. All they saw was the $$$. As wages and OT increased so did their spending. Now what?
Just a quick point on AAM profits in 2007. AAM made around $30 million in profits in 2007 on $3.2 BILLION in sales. That is not even 1%. Does anyone understand that is peanuts??? That is a baby step away from losing money. Does AAM need to be in bankruptcy for the UAW to conceded to the Dana wages? They aren't far away if they keep paying hourly $60-70 fully loaded per hour.
Again, on a personal level I wish those on the picket lines well. This sucks for everyone. Hopefully we can all get back to work soon.
It is true a lot of that American Axle's labor cost is due to health care increases and something needs to be done about that. Americans and Amercian companies pay way to much for something that is so subpar in quality. (I don't even want to get started on the subject of health care and what people in this industry make)
Unions are a thing of the past. Just ask any former Detroit News employee on what good being in a union ever did for them. It does promote laziness and swell the cost of a company. It is a different world today. Competition it so tough overseas. There is no room for excess fat. Until these unions go away we will continue to get are asses kicked and handed to us in Detroit. Unfortunately these automotive jobs were million $ jobs for our parents. We just need to realize this is not the case no more and there are people in this world who will do more for far less. It sucks, I know!
Now, I have just about had it with the uneducated and the insulting banter that is freely allowed to be written without a shred of knowledge of the real information. Not that it is of any consequence, but for your info, I drive and American car and I work 80+hour weeks. So do me a favor and stick to the topic as anything less make you look even more foolish than you already are.
AND...READ PEOPLE...READ! I never...NEVER, would put down a hard working individual and would never wish to take a job away from anyone. BUT..... the truth is the the middleman..the UNION costs us ALL dearly!
Stop putting your own personal matters in front of everyone else! That is why we are in this predicament to begin with. Everyone wants what is good for them, the unions, the management and the workers. None care about the other, and let's all face this basic fact. That can also be proven by the comments here.
More Proof??? 1 word.. DETROIT
Look at my history and comments. I have been screaming for over 2 years that we have problems and credit liquidity will dry . Am I 100%... NO. But have been much more right than wrong since last May...
Comments accepted...but slurs, insults, stupidity and other reckless idiocy not required.
Finally... AAA, I do not believe you about the "name" comment. It was obviously not in good taste. Though, I do forgive you and hope the best for you. I realize you are in a tough spot. best of luck..
If you do want to hear what I am talking about with some great industry guests, have a listen to my podcast (which is clearly on the mark as it is one of the top independent podcasts available)
phobos.apple.com/WebOb...
Andrew Horowitz
People complain about, well who is going to have the money to buy these cars. Well, is it possible with less cost going into the car the cheaper the car might be at the dealership. Thus the more our auto manufacturers might sell, increasing the need for our workers to build more cars. Who knows with a cheaper car Americans might start buying American again.
The Unions played their role and now they can go overseas to China if they really care about unfair labor practices. Hey, without unions you don't have to loose an hour during the day for mandatory lunch break and take stupid 15 minute breaks every two hours. Or is that something that union employees get paid for also? I read most of these messages above and haven't heard from any of the union supporters what good the union has done for them (Well, I retract that.....besides keeping an inflated hourly wage for unskilled labor) since our grandparents generation. Unions don't let the door hit you in the ass!
People complain about, well who is going to have the money to buy these cars. Well, is it possible with less cost going into the car the cheaper the car might be at the dealership. Thus the more our auto manufacturers might sell, increasing the need for our workers to build more cars. Who knows with a cheaper car Americans might start buying American again.
The Unions played their role and now they can go overseas to China if they really care about unfair labor practices. Hey, without unions you don't have to loose an hour during the day for mandatory lunch break and take stupid 15 minute breaks every two hours. Or is that something that union employees get paid for also? I read most of these messages above and haven't heard from any of the union supporters what good the union has done for them (Well, I retract that.....besides keeping an inflated hourly wage for unskilled labor) since our grandparents generation. Unions don't let the door hit you in the ass!
People complain about, well who is going to have the money to buy these cars. Well, is it possible with less cost going into the car the cheaper the car might be at the dealership. Thus the more our auto manufacturers might sell, increasing the need for our workers to build more cars. Who knows with a cheaper car Americans might start buying American again.
The Unions played their role and now they can go overseas to China if they really care about unfair labor practices. Hey, without unions you don't have to loose an hour during the day for mandatory lunch break and take stupid 15 minute breaks every two hours. Or is that something that union employees get paid for also? I read most of these messages above and haven't heard from any of the union supporters what good the union has done for them (Well, I retract that.....besides keeping an inflated hourly wage for unskilled labor) since our grandparents generation. Unions don't let the door hit you in the ass!
People complain about, well who is going to have the money to buy these cars. Well, is it possible with less cost going into the car the cheaper the car might be at the dealership. Thus the more our auto manufacturers might sell, increasing the need for our workers to build more cars. Who knows with a cheaper car Americans might start buying American again.
The Unions played their role and now they can go overseas to China if they really care about unfair labor practices. Hey, without unions you don't have to loose an hour during the day for mandatory lunch break and take stupid 15 minute breaks every two hours. Or is that something that union employees get paid for also? I read most of these messages above and haven't heard from any of the union supporters what good the union has done for them (Well, I retract that.....besides keeping an inflated hourly wage for unskilled labor) since our grandparents generation. Unions don't let the door hit you in the ass!
Ford awarded Mr. Mulally and several other executives a total of two million stock units valued at nearly $15 million, and more than 6 million stock options, for their performance in 2007. The company reported a lost of $2.7 billion in 2007, down from a loss of $12.6 billion in 2006.
The compensation disclosure comes a day after General Motors Corp. revealed in regulatory filings that it gave Chairman and Chief Executive Rick Wagoner a 33% raise in his 2008 salary, to $2.2 million, and awarded him stock worth at least $1.68 million for his performance in 2007. GM reported a loss of $38.7 billion last year.
Earlier this week, Mr. Mulally announced all Ford hourly and salaried employees in the U.S. and Canada would get bonuses. Hourly workers will receive $1,000 lump-sum bonuses, he said.
If that $1,000 is not a slap in the face after reading the above, I don't know what is.
I know there are thousands of families living throughout America barely getting by and "believe" the unions are a good thing. They're not. You probably think minimum wage is a good thing. It isn't. When minimum wage increases, you overall net take home pay (how much you have to spend) decreases.
As I mentioned previously, the only way to stop CEO greed (which is definitely true and disgusting), is to start your own company. Instead of banding together with other workers to stop your current company, band together to start a new company. Put it in your doctrine and mission statement that the new company CEO will not make more than n times the lowest paid worker (aka Japanese model) and your new company will be more competitive than your old employer. By having a more competitive company your price will be better and you will put your old boss out of business. Its capitalism, its supply and demand, it works.
As for those shopping at WalMart - you are killing yourself! You support a company that ships jobs and money overseas. I know the first argument will be that they have cheaply priced goods that you can afford. You can afford American made goods too - you only do not need to buy 10 of everything. Your kids do not need 1000 toys. You do not need a flat screen TV. We need to learn to live within our means, and to live like our grandparents. Try NOT buying something for a change, see how it feels. Try cooking instead of going out. Goto a bank once a week and put money in. Stop taking out loans to pay for frivolous expenses. With a national savings rate of -.05% (meaning collectively America spends more than it saves), we are killing ourselves. When it boils down to it you have to look out for number one, and your line buddy or friend from the job has to worry about his family more than he worries about you.
In conclusion, people need to stop whining and go back to work. I know I could be fired any day, so I continually try to make myself better. I learn new tools in my spare time, I work late and come in early. I don't expect paid vacation or double/triple time. I keep myself competitive, something that unions don't seem to grasp.
i work for a union company that sends GM supplies all over the place to canada, mexico and everywhere in between. we are one of MI biggest crossdock facilities for GM. recently, i have had to bid my shift over and over again due to our company laying off workers. it kinda sucks man. ive been bounced around all over my hours and then i find out im next in line to be laid off if AAM does not go back to work soon. i dont know about you, but i would love to make the money you guys make. i am barely getting by as is and if im forced to collect unemployment with no definite return to work date, im going to fall behind and be in pretty bad shape. im only 25 and ive already had to swallow my pride several times. ive lived in my car in the middle of winter, sleeping in kroger parking lots and ive had to beg people to let me shower or do my laundry at their house. when i got my job at my compnay i didnt go to work for my union. i went to work for myself. no one else. i have to support myself. we are all hurting and i know things are tough right now... believe me. i want nothing more than for this problem to sort itself out, but it might not happen like that. and it might not happen soon enough. if i am forced to be laid off ill have to start looking for another job. i dont care if i have to work at mcdonalds or somewhere like that. so what if im not making $11.80 p/hr. at least ill be making something. no matter what happens i have to survive. i MUST keep eating and sleeping indoors. i wish this mess was over so i could keep my job. i want to see some familiar faces back at work with me. these people are going to be hurting sooner than i am and i feel so bad for them. my seniority is the only thing that saved me. as for the unions... i dont know anymore. too many people at my company seem to get a "get out of jail free" card. they can be fired for falling asleep at work but be right back the next day. isnt that like the most unproductive, lazy thing one could possibly do at work? whatever, that same dude is a convisted rapist and stuff. it sucks. people need to learn some personal responsiblitiy and quit depending on their "brothers" to bail them out when they mess up at work.
we recently had a meeting with our co-owner, in which he asked us to keep our productivity up. i cant blame him. i run a lot of GM frieght everynight. in the freezing cold on an open crossdock and sometimes for 12 hours at a time (without a choice). i dont mind the overtime, but its bittersweet knowing its due to my coworkers poor performance. there is nothing my comppany can dot to remedy this siuation. people come in and milk out their work til the end of their shift and thats it! no more... it sucks because myself and a few others a left to pick up the slack, the dead weight... so i guess the union is keeping some lazy assaes at work which tends to actually make my job harder than it needs to be. other than that. they have their hands in my wallet too much. i dotn need to be protected because i come to work for that very reason.. to work and earn money for myself to pay bills and eat and be happy. what do people need to be happy in this world? a big car? a big house? what? i guess you need what makes you happy and stuff. i need very little. food, smokes, a place to live, and money to save in case of events such as this. i need to get real and start looking into college. youre never too old. im tired of my moniquer... the working stiff!
The typical pay for CEOs at big U.S. companies now tops $10 million, or roughly 200 times the average American household's income. So you might think top executives could resist charging the company for treats like German cars, elite club memberships and the private use of jets.
Nope.
A review of contracts and severance agreements from the past few months shows companies continue to treat execs to a potpourri of goodies like these:
A Mercedes-Benz given to the departing chief executive of a bank.
Use of a jet for regular commutes to work.
Exclusive club memberships.
A discount card giving a departing Wal-Mart Stores (WMT, news, msgs) honcho -- a multimillionaire -- 10% off on toasters and other stuff.
"It's ridiculous what these people do," laments Don Hodges, who believes his Hodges Fund (HDPMX) outperforms partly because it avoids companies where there are signs of a weak board -- including excessive executive pay and perks. "You would think there would be a little shame to it. But there isn't."
The Top Union Boys have salaries over $500,000.00 (for Union Leaders?) Then the secondary Bosses make $100,000.00 each.
Meanwhile GM & Ford & Chrysler pay millions to layed off workers in the (White) Rubber Room for years doing volunteer work!! Add Workman's Comp, Benefits, ect. Lots of Blame to go around...
That's ok, when the US car makers fold I'll have the option for a Foreign made.....by the way, I've done my part buying US SUV's for years.
If everyone is going to make 14 dollars an hour, who is going to be able to afford a 30k car or truck? If you can find a GM truck for that amount.
all were fighting for is to hold our wages!
Andrew Horowitz. I looked for some info on you but all I could find is you are a CFP that has operated in South Florida since the 80’s. I cannot disagree with you more about Unions and also wonder how many times have you sat at someone’s kitchen table and told them it wouldn’t cost anything to invest with you. That is until they find out they are in some back loaded Class B mutual fund that you can’t get out of for five years without paying fees or a high service fee until then. I am curious about your book but more like I’m curious what drives a guy like Son of Sam or Jeffery Dahmer. I could never send money to someone I find so ignorant about the Labor movement and misinformed about the idea that most of the fair labor practices that you enjoy were through the blood of people like Walter and Victor Ruether.
People keep talking about how the Union protects lazy drunken bums. Well I’m sorry but the facts are the Union does NOT hire or fire. We always ask who hired these people anyway? But it is our responsibility to represent them. I will tell you it’s easy to figure out if somebody slacks we all know who has to pick up the pace. Co-workers. So should other employees take the bum out for a blanket party. NO. It is management’s responsibility to make sure everyone carries their weight. Most of the time the reason someone is getting to slack is because they are the boss’s pet. I have worked for guys who kept the jerks in line and we all as fellow employees were cheering inside. But the idea is you have to do it in persistent, methodical way and not just one day decide you have had enough and drop the axe. I have seen people get fired and also straighten up and fly right as well as people come to work loaded and put everyone at risk wondering when the Boss was going to address it. The sad thing is the guy died way before his time and seemed to never get the help he needed with Employee Assistance available.
We as union people find ourselves in the position of keeping the company form doing stupid stuff like continuing to run parts that they we have told them are bad, putting the wrong people on the wrong jobs and the list goes on and on. Another problem I see regularly is managers that come with degrees but not from the shop floor like it used to be. They can’t find their asses with both hands! That’s because upper management are like cannibalistic piranhas and have made it so bad nobody on the shop floor would be silly enough to go into supervision. Now you tell me who is smarter someone who can make 90 grand in wages & benefits straight away or go into that much debt in four years for a chance at a good job. Ask a computer programmer who’s work is now in India.
Then there is universal healthcare or socialism right? About two years ago Richard Wagoner and the other domestic CEO’s were meeting with the Pres and crying about unlevel playing field due to healthcare being on the companies plate and that the need for national healthcare had come. WOW? The UAW has been campaigning for this for years. Well now the big three has VEBA or the Union running it I wonder how much Dick will support universal health care. If I know Michael Moore like I think I do I bet if you wrote him a letter he would send you a free copy of Sicko.
When the Union fails this Union of 50 states fails also. Return the Democrats and Democracy to power in the United States and send the Republicans of Saddam Hussein’s Republican Guard back to Iraq.
PS - If a boss hires/fires someone based on whether or not he/she likes them, the company is probably not going to last too long. We in the business world hire/fire based on performance, not seniority or feelings. You in the unions can play your games all you want, but when we are producing better products at better prices and you are out of a job, you'll eat your words.
We do not use load funds when we invest, not do we use B shares. If you would have read my book, you would know that.. But I suppose it is easier for you to point a finger than to stop and ask.
You are one of the kind or gents that feels that nothing is fair. Everyone else has more and they do it by cheating. Do I have that right?
Do us all a favor. Make your point, keep away from the personal attacks and inferences and bring us some new data. Nothing you said has any substance, just venom.
I am just as concerned about the situation here with labor, but it is about the excess.. By ALL INVOLVED. AND if you fail to see that, you are no better than the management or the unions. Jobs are leaving our soil, strikes will not help that. Companies are closing. Unions are not going to help that. Greed and your very distasteful remarks will not stop it either.
Please DO NOT BUY MY BOOK, READ IT or LISTEN TO THE AUDIOBOOK. I would not want facts to get in the way of your view of the world.
Also, please do not worry about anything, the blaming should solve it all. Well done, you should be very proud!
Want a to talk more? Here is your chance: www.thedisciplinedinve.../
www.thedisciplinedinve...
Blaming the UAW and other unions for killing U.S. manufacturing jobs is a lame duck argument. It is like saying "thanks unions brothers for fighting the good fight all these years to provide fair wages and benefits, but now workers in this country are too wealthy and need to slowly give all that was fought for, just so the US. Manufactures can compete again with companies in other conturies that pay their employees 50 cents/hr".
Hey you know what? I heard that Chinese journalists will right this very column you write Mr. Horowitz for half the wage you make. How would you like it if YOUR job was replaced by someone from half way around the world, without union protection? Hell, if it wasn't for unions I bet all American manufacturing jobs would be overseas by now. You tell me Mr. Horowitz without unions what would middle America look like?
Plain and simple people in America who are anti-union are just jealous that they themselves do not have a job that is supported by a union. If you yourself Mr. Horowitz were a member of the UAW or any union for that matter I bet you would be singing a very different tune.
The true is free trade is not FREE. There is no such thing as free trade. How is the American Auto Industry ever going to compete with other parts of the world that have so little? The answer is NOT to give up what the UAW has fought to achieve. THAT IS NOT AMERICAN. What we need in America is for the federal government is step up and show support to the Auto sector for providing union jobs and fight along side Detroit to keep these jobs in North America.
It is no secret that AAM and the UAW are at odds with the new contract. It is no secret that the rumors, of the proposed contracts, are going to hurt thousands of families. And, it is no secret that we, as AAM families, simply can’t stand for it.
AAM states the Detroit facilities are losing money. Consequently, it is our fault and we need to take a pay cut to adjust their profits accordingly. Well, I wonder if Mr. Dauch knows how his plant is mismanaged and that he is misinformed by his management. There are quite a few costly issues with the Forge. Issues that have been discussed with management numerous times. Issues that could save AAM considerable amounts of money. He needs to come down to the floor and speak with the men and women that work hard for him and honestly know the” ins and outs” of their machines and departments. He would hear honest opinions and thorough suggestions that would better productivity. It would change his idea of what his workers really do and in time will even see better profits. I guarantee it!
Processes are not clarified. Like re-run steel; steel is scrapped after it is run through the induction heater twice. No documentation supports this action. The Quality Supervisor states steel can be run through more than twice. Usually this steel is scrapped. Many racks of this steel are scrapped annually. How much money is lost on a whole rack of good steel being tossed out.
We had a period of time where no Preventative Maintenance had been performed on the Upsetters for many years. Employee’s are blamed for these machines not running or when we can’t obtain a quality part.
Supervisors just want to be a boss. It’s all about clicking with the Upper Management and covering their own rears not the hourly employees. Supervisors just want to look good for Dauch and Upper Management. We have been told, on Numerous occasions, when Dauch walks through the plants, to just keep the machines running even if we are only making scrap. They think they are showing Dauch that we are “running strong”. Dauch needs to walk in Unannounced. He will see the real way his plant is being run. It is like a dog and pony show if they know he is coming through.
Shotblast and Bender Operators become supervisors. An Agricultural Engineer running the Upset Department? Finance people become Area Supervisors and then Plant Managers? How can a 3 month Supervisor tell a 14 year vet what to do and how he should do it? Who would you want to teach you on the workings of an Upsetter; Management with a degree that has nothing to do with Manufacturing or an employee that has been running and repairing that machine for 14 years? These people have no idea the skillfulness and intricate modifications that are done to produce a quality part. Some of these modifications are needed due to the lack of preventive maintenance mentioned above.
There has been “big money” wasted on past processes that we don’t use anymore. Example: We implemented a new tagging system that failed TWICE. How many hours were wasted organizing and building this system, TWICE? How much in materials wasted, TWICE? By the way, we aren’t using this system …again. Yet, you won’t listen to the suggestions that will really save you money. Like the scrap mentioned above, or cutting small rubber mats out of the big used rubber mats to save money. Why buy small ones when we can reuse big ones? How many thousands of dollars would that have saved over the years? Somehow Management doesn’t think it’s a good idea! Who makes these decisions? I want to see them on St. Aubin begging for their jobs. These are some of the reasons why we feel we are being set up for failure. Imagine the money saved if someone listened to us years ago. Really, years ago.
AAM spent $150,000 to develop a class that would train and instruct us on how to run and repair an Upsetter. 4 people took the course (I was one of them) and there were numerous errors in the textbook and on the video. This is a training video and there is a safety violation RIGHT ON THE VIDEO! It is a shame that an hourly worker is looked at as disposable and useless. It is ironic that the same employee is the one who is correcting your textbook and has to educate the “teacher” on the finer points of Forging.
We have gone for years without the proper tools. At one time we had them. Then Management took them and threw them away because they were going to “re-do” the system. We have never received replacement tools. This causes much more down time and consequently money is wasted…again.
As we all know, Toyota is an important client. Then why is the quench protection for Hino shafts barely operable? Equipment is broken. The process is hardly documented; as we have been instructed to do. The whole process needs to be re-evaluated. Good parts are continually being scrapped in large quantities. Modifying this process would save a lot of money for AAM and maybe even Toyota.
Then there are safety issues. There is plexiglass in the windows of an overhead crane. OSHA standards require shatterproof glass. Maybe I should mention the Upset crane that doesn’t have brakes. The list can really go on and on. Safety issues are ignored until we are fined or somebody gets hurt. 2 ½ years it took to put a mirror inside the bay door of the Upset department so Hi-lo’s won’t injure people.
While Mr. Dauch, was at Chrysler, he was quoted as saying “We would go in, stop operations, and talk to people” You felt it was important to hear what the workers had to say. Why not now when it is YOUR OWN company? Who better to give you insight on the struggles or successes on the floor? It has been said that you are purposely ignoring these issues because you want the Forge to fail. We know you want to shut it down. And who better to blame than the hourly employees that manufacture these products. I don’t want to believe that. Who in their right mind would want any part of their company to purposely fail? But how can such a shrewd businessman let all of this go on under his nose and be none the wiser?
I don’t need to quote all AAM and Dauch’s profits,. We have heard it many times. We all know about his large salary, bonuses etc while the company lost 222 million dollars in 2006. We are all aware of the bonuses of Upper Management. But not one of them are willing to take a cut. Do you even consider the consequences your actions are going to have on our families? 3600+ people will lose their homes and maybe even their cars. Some of your employees have spouses or other family members here too. So, in their case you are affecting two salaries in one household. In our situation, my wife has already taken a pay cut similar to the one we have heard you suggest. We simply can’t do it again. I am a forth generation Forge employee. I have worked for your company for 14 years. We have built a life around AAM and our pay. You can’t just take 60% of our pay and benefits and not expect a fight. What is left after I pay benefits with $11.40 an hr? How can I support my family with that? How would you support your family with that? With gas going to $4.00 a gallon, how can I even drive to work on that? Of course we prefer to keep things as is. I will help pay my medical. I will even agree to taking my COLA away. (Which will save you an estimated 30 million with Cola alone). But to cut my wages the way you want to, you will have to offer a “buy out” or “buy down”. I hear you don’t want to do that. This almost seems impossible to believe. Are you so callous as to leave all these families bankrupt and homeless? I know it sounds extreme but it is very true.
With all this said; I have to say I know you have a negative opinion of the hourly worker. You feel that we are all replaceable and indispensable. I can assure you I am not. I am that worker who gives 110%. I go over and beyond. My Supervisors never have to tell me what to do because it is already done. I am never someone who says “that isn’t my job”. I can run and problem solve an Upsetter better than most people on the floor and any Manager that has come through this plant in my 14 yrs. I gave you 14 years of dedicated service and I deserve the respect as such.
But let’s get things straight here. You are the one who asks “How long do we allow unions to lose jobs for Americans?” Well let me start with this. As a member of the UAW for 32 years and the IBEW almost as long I take that very, very personal. Yeah I’m biased as hell. Here is where I come from. I walked my first picket line at age 9 in front of Tempo Grocery, Adrian, Michigan in 1967 to support Cesar Chavez and the farm workers to get DDT banned. Been on a few more pickets since then but I will tell you I don’t think it was enough. Ever since Reagan busted PATCO blue collar people have been taking a lickin. My dad came from Alabama alone at age 16 from a family that was dirt poor, with no chance at an education. Our family followed and he, my mother and his brother built the Union and the Democratic Party in our area along with many other southerners who knew it was the only way to make any kind of life for their families. You ever walk a picket line? Stand up for what you believe? Worried what’s going to happen if you walk but more worried what will happen if you don’t. Mom wept for days when J.F. K. was murdered. My parents were party delegates and we went to Chicago in 68 to the Democratic National Convention to support Humprey with our hearts still heavy because another assassin had laid waste to Bobby Kennedy.
An answer to your question you asked. “You are one of the kind or gents that feels that nothing is fair. Everyone else has more and they do it by cheating. Do I have that right?” And as long as you started the yelling “NOT TO READ YOUR BOOK “Let me scream this out. I AM THE LUCKIEST GUY ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH! Life has been more than fair to me. I have a wonderful wife that teaches 3rd graders, five beautiful children, one a Veterinarian, a U of M grad working in chemical research, a Teamster and the other two having happy lives as far as I can tell. None of it I believe would have been possible without the Union supporting us in so many ways. But don’t lull yourself into thinking we don’t work around my house or at work. Sis carries grad school debt for about 100 grand and I drive a 1991 Chevy Astro @ 300,000 miles on the odometer and no heater. But what about others like our members at Axle. Are they not deserving enough? How much does it cost for food, safe housing, clothing, transportation, health care, college,
The thing with me is I do not have a very fond affection for CFP’s due to the experience I had with Harry. Call me a venomous if you want but this is my perception. You guys make your money like vampires sucking the blood from working people investing their hard earned wages with you and taking your cut off the top whether they make money or lose every penny. Then to have the audacity to blame Unions who are the support system for people who toil in the bowels of the factories literally risking their lives on these jobs. I think that is very unfair. You ever think you might get killed by a machine at work?
You got your nose all bent out of joint when someone made what you perceived a racial slur against you. My folks were never bigoted and neither am I. They were too busy trying to get ahead and much in common with other people of various races, genders and so on. They were all poor. When you bash Unions who fight for every working person no matter what race or gender and so on you seem like a hypocrite. It’s okay for you to slur a group of working people and my Union but when someone calls you on it you get defensive. How would you feel if I said all Certified Financial Planners were liars and thieves when I know this is not true? We who are the Union see ourselves as partners. We want and NEED the company to be profitable. Our lives are staked on it but it has to be fair. We sink or swim together. Not so for management. They drive a business into the ground, lose market share and look what happens, bonuses or maybe jump ship like Nardelli or Mulally with a golden sendoff. A federal judge finally had to step in and tell Delphi & Miller’s boys no. Union employees control two things, quality and productivity which the UAW is still fighting for. As best I can tell these two statistics are quite high for the domestics. We don’t control marketing, product line or public opinion though which drive market share.
Like you said” Do us all a favor. Make your point, keep away from the personal attacks and inferences and bring us some new data. Nothing you said has any substance, just venom. “My point is: that it’s my perception that people who don’t support Unions are closet or outright bigots and the same goes for not supporting our core democratic values of fair play. Sorry Andy but these things are all tied together. All of the gains Unions have made on behalf of ALL working people are at risk of having it struck down with a stroke of the pen as long as Americans continue to stick their heads in the sand and let the Rush Limbaugh, Dick Cheney swift boat Republicans control this country.
Some new data as you suggested.
www.nytimes.com/2007/0...
Unions have declined from around 35% in 1950 to 12% in 2006. If Unions are killing manufacturing then with this reduction U.S. manufacturing should be going through the roof. Shouldn’t it?
www.aftermarketnews.co...
Toyota pays more than Union represented workers base wage. Hmmm. How come? What about market share?
www.econbrowser.com/ar...
www.uaw.org/barg/07fac...
Productivity & quality.
www.beggarscanbechoose...
money.cnn.com/2007/01/...
money.cnn.com/2007/04/.../
www.workforce.com/sect...
Auto CEO pay vs. market share? Is this real or is it me?
Andy. I would be willing to read or listen to your stuff but I cannot support you or your views with my money. (Don’t feel bad I don’t shop Wal-Mart either) Tell me how to get it free and I will give it a look.
Let's just get this straight, once and for all. I help hard working people, like you and me, plan for their future. Things important to my clients like legacy planning and retirement. I admit, while I may not worry about the fax machine killing me, I have worked in factories, kitchens and other places that you seem to feel are considered "honest labor". I am not sure why you believe that you are better than me....I have a family, concerns, fears, hopes and I put my pants on one leg at a time as you do.
I could go on about all of the sad and tear-jerking past and I am sure that it would bring out sympathy, but I try to be the best I can be every day, without blaming the "man" for my problems. I will work for a solution for myself and for my clients. Harry was bad, okay. But you my friend need to get past that so that you can reach your goals. Stop using the past as a crutch, a story that you hold on to dearly so that you can make excuses for your shortcomings. I had the same opportunities that you did. I am no smarter or better than you. If you do not like the management, get out! Make it on your own, buld something on your own. Stop standing behind the union when things do not go your way.
You see drkirk, I do not have a union to protect me. If I do not do a good job, I am done. I need to put my clients ahead of mine, be competitively priced and perform. If not, they will go elsewhere. I cannot tell them that if they do not pay me more, give me a rtetierment plan that I will hold their portfolio hostage. I cannot stop them from leaving by threatening them with financial harm. I will not demand a rate increase because I deserve it. I need to perform, perform, perform.
I AM NOT ENTITLED TO WORK FOR THEM. I MUST EARN THEIR BUSINESS EVERY DAY.
Good thing that you do not sterotype. I already told you how to get one thing free, that was earlier today and you were a no show. So here is a second chance..... send $19.95 for the shipping and handling (union workers in the warehouse) and I will send you a free book - autographed of course...
One more thing... Why are you once again entitled to a free anything from me? You already get free advice (whether it is good or bad) from me right here on SA. Do I owe you something? Isn't it fair that if I work and you utilize my product that you pay me? Or are you the only one that should be paid for your hard work?
Would you gratuitously do something for me? No, as you said above, you are not giving me anything. I just do not understand your logic. But I do think this: You may be your worst enemy. Your beliefs keep you down. I am sorry for that and if I can give you something, i wish I could give you the permission to let go of all of the past that stops you from standing on your own. You do not need the union, go start a business and stand on your own. Take on a few employees as you grow, get a nice benefit package for the,, work hard and you can have all the things that you want.
Well, you may not have a good health care plan ( I have to pay $1200 per month for my family and for my employees too) But you will have a 1 week a year vacation ( though you will not get paid for it) and don't forget that you will have an unlimited liability for the business. Just for good measure, throw in a pension pan that you get to put in money for yourself for retirement (but, depending on how many employees you have, you may end up putting in more for them). Work as much as you want (there is no overtime). have a nice big office ($30-40 per square foot) and you are on autopilot as the employees will take care of everything as you kick up your feet.
But what the heck do I know anyway. I am a dreamer ... Anyway I can help, just ask..
Hmmm, now that the AXL strike is starting to eat into higher volume Cobalts in Lordstown, we might see some movement. Not sure if AXL's threat to move the work offshore is posturing or real, or a mix of both. Probably the latter.
I have enjoyed this dialog so I would like to rebut your last piece. I really don’t know you personally so I cannot comment as to whether you help people or not but I am reasonable enough to know that there are certainly CFP’s that do help people. Harry did enlighten me even if some of the lessons were a little backhanded and along the lines of, watch out for crooks that are so-called financial “professionals”. You could probably help those lazy Union workers wisely invest all that cash they cheated those companies out of for the day when they drive their jobs out of the U.S. if you really want to help someone although the Union members that have read your article may be hard sells.
You are just plain wrong when you say I think I am better than you! I am no better than any man or woman. But when you write such a negative story concerning Unions with such a grandiose aura I just cannot accept it. You are entitled to your opinion as am I but I must admit I do clump financial professionals close to lawyers & used car sales people. Sorry I just don’t trust people that earn their money that way as much as I do with say a Farmer, Teacher, Autoworker or Construction worker. It’s like cutting wood for heat. That is honest hard work. You probably are an okay guy but why must you slap Union people so hard? Were you not a Union member when you worked those other jobs? If so do you feel no loyalty or compassion? And for the life of me I can’t figure out why you wrote the article in the first place. Is this supposed to help someone make a decision on which fund or stock to invest in or just the venom, as you call it, of envy on your part?
I don’t blame the “man” because I am the “man”. I will not run or quit because my past will not let me you see. Just because the quarterback fumbles the ball doesn’t me I won’t block for him on the next down. If my Union or my partner “GM” isn’t doing what I think they should be the last thing I am going to do is run or quit. I must stay and do all I can to correct it because the guy in the mirror won’t let it be any other way. If it means going on strike then I will. No way would I quit the Union because as soon as I did my voice is GONE! I need to make the company profitable and I won’t be able to make that happen when I see a quality or safety concern that will cost my company losses I won’t be able to say so for fear of some type of punishment. I do have many shortcomings for sure but not when it comes to job performance, aptitude or attitude. I AM the guy you want on your team because I will do whatever it takes to make us succeed! I believe in team ball exclusively but that doesn’t mean I can or will just sit back when something needs to be addressed.
Regarding my shortcomings, last time I checked (Jan 2008) my wife and I recorded a net worth of close to a million dollars with around $425,000 in various types of 401, 403 & Roth retirement investment vehicles. That doesn’t include the pension I hope to draw. The kind the airlines put back onto taxpayers through bankruptcy re-structuring and throwing into the P.B.G.C. But be very aware! The money is not what it’s about. Remember the five kids I mentioned. My Eight year old summed it up best on his birthday last month when I asked him what the best thing about his birthdays is. He said “gee Dad everybody is coming over that’s what”. Thanks to the Unions collective bargaining I can spend time with family and the stress is lowered because I can still afford college for them if I plan appropriately.
Andy. When your clients lose money on your advice do you refund your fees? Do you offer any guarantees on your investment strategies? Do you get paid only if the funds increase in value? If so then I would say that you earn your keep regarding the stress you seem to have from performance issues. We take our lumps when necessary. See V.E.B.A. And I certainly understand the stress of running your own business as you mentioned health care, vacation, pensions and liability for yourself and your employees. I must question your thinking process though as you tell me I do not need the Union. I have an electrical contractors license but when it came time to stay at GM or go out on my own it seemed completely financially irresponsible to put my family’s future what would be “at risk” in my mind. That seems like poor advice to me from you I must say.
I would tell you based on the pressures you face in your chosen lifestyle I think you should found the United Certified Financial Planners Union because the stress you have cannot be healthy for you, your family, your employees or your clients. You too can live a 50’s lifestyle through the miracle of collective bargaining. Andrew Horowitz, President UCFPU. I love it! Now tell me who is the dreamer?
Also I will tell you that you have helped! So thanks for that. Your article has forced me to think about why I feel the way I do and your comments regarding your job and family stresses have solidified my resolve in Unions and ignited a fire in me that have taken me from passive to aggressive as my old self would have never responded to your article in the first place. It has been therapeutic for me and I will look for more opportunities to promote collective bargaining and fight the good fight for what I truly think is right for you too.
You know Andy I kind of skirted the issue of bigotry with you last time and ironically on the 40th anniversary of M.L.K.s death while he supported sanitary workers strike, I would ask you to examine your thinking because Unions do parallel civil rights. Is it possible you are a bigot? If not okay but I do believe many anti-union folks arguments are rooted simply in bigotry. I do not want to accuse anyone or play race cards but would I like to throw it out for conversation. If that is the case, in my mind there are some serious issues to consider.
P.S. Do you think GM stock is a good buy right now?
Within three weeks three Union reps including the President came up to him and told him not to work real hard just do enough to get by or it would make it look bad for the rest of them.
Needless to say he didn't stay there long and we heard that because of too many customer complants they lost alot of orders and went from three shifts to one.
The company he works for now is non union and were getting a job that a union job used to have before it's closing. When they went in there the machine wasn't running and the operator was sleeping. Wounder why other countries can under bid us??
Everyone knows no matter what you just can't get fired from a Union job no matter how slow or bad your work is.
This information is public and readily available:
______________________...
2007 compensation including Salary, Bonus, Stock Awards, Option Awards, “Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings” and “All Other Compensation”:
Richard E. Dauch $10,175,194 (Co-Founder, Chairman & CEO)
Michael K. Simonte $511,241
Yogendra N. Rahangdale $1,063,334
David C. Dauch $752,527
Patrick S. Lancaster $655,631
Source: SCHEDULE 14A Definitive Proxy Statement
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
April 24, 2008
Filed March 24, 2008
Summary Compensation Table
______________________...
I believe the Annual meeting is 3:00 PM on April 24th at the AAM World HQ Auditorium, One Dauch Drive, Detroit, but admission may be limited to AAM stockholders as of the record date and holders of valid proxies , i.e., if you were an AAM stockholder at the close of business on February 29th.
UAW= Unemployed AMerican Workers!!!!!!
And one other thing what if your boss said ok that’s it I’m broke(he isn't) but now your 14 bucks per hour is getting cut to 7 that’s half for those of you so stupid you can't do the math.
Why do the coo’s who really are not needed to build the products make so much why do they make millions upon millions and no one seems to think that is wrong.
Yes I make a modest living and yes I deserve it as does every person in this country. Write your congressman about the lack of work. It is called NAFTA what about some fair trade why can Mexico and China ship in tons and tons and we are not shipping them the exact same amount.
The AAM people on strike have my full support and I will go and walk their picket line with them.
While you're ready to ship everything overseas or south of the border, maybe you should follow your idea and head there yourself. Where companies are lured for low wages, epa violations, children sweatshops, osha non-compliant, slave labor, and chemical dumping grounds. It might be a nice enviroment for you or one of your children to work in. Maybe they can pay your salary down there. Yet, with all this, I haven't seen the price of a vehicle go down. In fact, there has been increases in all but two of the last 10 years.
Think about this: The person who is making that 28.00 an hour is probably paying in more US tax dollars than you. Paying 3.50 for gas, 150. a week in groceries if no children, and you state 70 dollars an hour with benefits. Well sounds like the insurance companies are reaping the heap. They're making 42.00 an hour and not lifting a finger, except to deny a claim or revoke a payment.
The Union employee believes that they should not have to give anything up to continue with the same work. I know that in my job wages have not kept up with inflation, co-pays have increased for medical and my contribution has went from $0 to $400 per month, much less than those self insured but much more than wages have increased. In the end a net reduction in pay for more responsibilty.
What confuses me most is that when I read this thread I was struck time and again by the self serving opinions time again without any regard to what makes up the big picture. For those that have a blue collar job, I commend those that do a good days work for a good days wage, I don't deny you the "priviledge" of that wage. But I ask you, when you deny the Company and the CEO of making money "off of the sweat of others", do you not also consider all of the Union Bosses and what they take off the top? How about the stewards that do the negotiating and take care of those that have their length of tenure while other take hits? How about the politicians that take your tax dollars and pass those out to those that haven't contributed to society at all? Do you do a full days work, or do you show up for 8 hrs? Don't you see co-workers who do the minimum and draw the same wages as those that work hard? Have you seen the lessor skilled, longer tenured person promoted while the brightest and highest performing are passed over?
What I see wrong with Unions is the same thing I see wrong with our country today. Everyone believes that someone else should carry the load, that anyone better off than you are personnally should feel guilty and have to help someone out. That all corporations have deep pockets and they should pass the money out to what you feel is deserving, yourself, your charity, your community..... Until we all take responsibility for ourselves, we will all be at the mercy of those that pass out the handouts, whether it be the government, unions, or some other entity. The entitlements have to end before we become the 3rd World Nation.
Lastly, shame on you DRM, your willingness to blame everyone and resign yourself to welfare is just proof positive of what I am speaking of. Learn a new trade and be responsible, why should I work and pay your way.
It isn't NAFTA, Republicans, George Bush, or any other single entity. It is selfishness on everyones part, everyone is only concerned with what is in it for them. If someone or something gets more than they do then they call it greed. Amazing!!!!!!!!