American axle & manufacturing
Michigan, N.Y. work stoppage affects Ohio
More:
> In wake of Axle strike, Dayton food pantries run low
> Fara-away strike hits locals
Have you been affected by the strike?
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
A General Motors worker who's tackling jobs around the house.
A Johnson Controls worker who's concerned about losing his company's health insurance.
Tracy Merritt is working on remodeling his bathroom in his Dayton home on April 22 while being out of work because of the UAW strike against American Axle & Manufacturing, which has shut down some 31 GM plants since Feb. 26. A truck driver who has seen his weekly mileage — and his paycheck — hit hard.
The United Auto Workers strike against American Axle & Manufacturing is aimed directly at five plants in Michigan and New York.
But hundreds of people in the Miami Valley are dealing with it every day.
And though recent reports indicate that a deal may be taking shape, it still is not clear when the strike would end.
Tracy Merritt, 47, has worked at the General Motors SUV assembly plant in Moraine for 17 years. But this is the first time he has collected unemployment since 1983.
In the two months since the UAW strike against American Axle shut down GM-Moraine production, Merritt has spent time finishing household projects, like remodeling the bathroom of his 80-year-old two-story on Wayne Avenue.
But this isn't a vacation, as far as he's concerned.
"I'd rather be working," Merritt said.
American Axle usually supplies the local GM plant with drive shafts, rear axles and other parts. The strike choked off that supply starting on the evening shift March 3. More than 3,600 UAW members struck American Axle less than a week before.
Since then, the local GM plant has seen training and maintenance work. But there has been no vehicle production.
About 250 salaried employees report to the plant each day, said plant spokeswoman Jessica Peck.
Full production at the nearby GM-Isuzu DMAX truck engine plant has been halted as well. That's been a problem for James Dakin.
The 57-year Waynesville resident usually drives 2,600 to 3,000 miles a week for DMAX, traveling to North Charleston, S.C. to pick up electrical wiring kits and take them back to a warehouse on Gettysburg Avenue in Dayton.
But since the strike began, Dakin has seen his mileage fall to about 1,200 miles a week.
"That's coming out of my check now," said the driver for Hogan Transportation.
Suppliers are affected, too. Johnson Controls' West Carrollton plant isn't supplying GM-Moraine with auto ceiling headliners and seat systems. That leaves workers like Tom Schroeder, 72, of Xenia, in a tough spot.
Worried about the possibility of losing company health care if the strike hasn't ended by May 31, Schroeder recently was weighing whether to take COBRA health insurance payments or Medicare. It's not an easy choice for someone who describes himself as "living on credit cards and unemployment (benefits)." Cobra payments would cost him $757 a month.
"We don't have as lucrative a contract as the General Motors people," Schroeder said. He estimated that he's seeing about half of his typical take-home pay.
Comments
By papertrucker
May 21, 2008 3:25 AM | Link to this
stop your crying your union made this mess
By Kaetlyn
May 14, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
After reading all the comments, just want to know where the fairness is in the world when RN’s that ARE educated and required to meet strictest standards to obtain professional licenses…as well as hold human lives in their hands for 23 hours and 50 min/day…24/7…and don’t make as much money as these GM workers that are always wanting more, more, more until they’ve priced themselves out of work??
By Kaetlyn
May 14, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this
I guess when I said “usual wages”, I wasn’t taking into consideration all the hours of overtime with time-and-a-half or double-time pay that many GM workers seemed to have based their lifestyle on. Please, guys…let’s get real here. Those that have been unable to ride out a 2 month layoff under these conditions need more than a few bags of food. They deserve all our sympathy for never having learned to live within their means. Just think about what you’re gonna do if things REALLY get tough!!
By Kaetlyn
May 14, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this
I was watching the Dayton news tonite and saw a GM truck plant/UAW guy announcing proudly that they had a Food Bank for their employees that have been laid off for approximately 2 months now. I couldn’t believe they could announce this on TV that “hunger” was such a large issue with these workers, as between their unemployment benefits and GM sub-pay, they’ve been making approx 90 to 95% of their usual wages when they ARE working. That amount, by the way, is much more than a ton of employed workers in the Dayton area that are currently working and feeding their families. They should be real “heroes” and donate all those sacks of food to those in the Dayton area that ARE starving, of which there are MANY!!!
By NETNUT
May 11, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this
TRY WORKING FOR OUR WAGE. JUST ALITTLE MORE THAN MIN. WAGE. HAVEN’T HAD A RAISE IN (6) YEARS. WE ARE ONE OF THE SUPPLIERS!! GET BACK TO WORK!!!!
By lynda
May 10, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
I THINK THE CEO OF AMERICAN AXLE COMPANY SHOULD WALK IN THE SHOES OF THE WORKERS. IF THE CEO WAYS THE WORKERS TO TAKE A PAY CUT HALF OF THE SALARY THEY GET NOW. THEN SO SHOULD THE PEOPLE AT THE TOP IF THEY THINK THE WORKERS CAN LIVE ON A PAY CUT WHY CAN’T THE CEO AND THE OTHERS AT THE TOP????
By A Union Worker
May 9, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
Just once, I would like to see just ONE of those naysayers walk a day in my shoes. Come where we work and try to do one of our jobs for one day. I bet you couldn’t do it. THEN maybe you could post all the negativity to want because you’ve been there and done that. I wish people could UNDERSTAND what they’re talking about before they propose to downtalk others. EDUCATE YOURSELVES.
By A Union Worker
May 9, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
It bothers me that people are so judgemental about unions. We wouldn’t be where we are today without them. No one would care about ergonomics,child labor, or outsourcing if not for unions. We have made our contributions to the community that affect the naysayers but they just don’t see it. If we stop spending our union dollars in your community or business where would you be? You’re seeing it now because of the AAM strike. Those dollars are circulating now are they?
By A Union Worker
May 9, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
We are people who are politically educated and advocate those in legislation that will benefit Americans and American workers. Many of us educate ourselves in business to find ways to help our corporation save money. There are other ways than cutting wages and health insurance-the same health insurance that, unfortunately, cannot save the lives of the retirees that given 30+ years to these corporations. Countless retirees have passed & have not enjoyed their retirements.
By A Union Worker
May 9, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
It’s really sad to read these posts-to see a hurting community be so eager to pass judgement on others over something over which they have no control. Union workers are more than people fighting for higher wages and better benefits for themsleves. We are also advocates of the community and non-union workers as well. We are the ones who fight to keep the jobs in American-to raise community awareness about the outsourcing. We are the ones who petitioned to raise the minimum wage in Ohio.
By Sarah
May 6, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
I’m also sick of the DDN also stating that “work has been slowed at DMAX” and always pointing out workers that are higher tiered and getting a % of pay, no one but salary are working at DMAX, and most of them aren’t getting any at all % of pay, and yes many count on not only the 40 hr work week but the huge amount of overtime pay there, I only pointed out the DLM and travel because so many think that factory workers are without class,culture and education which isn’t true at all
By Jennifer
May 6, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
yes he works 80 plus hrs a week, and yes even with emergency funds, investing and so forth, we still have dreams and needs that are being held off because of the strike, we don’t live above our means, as I would hope no one does, but just because we don’t need to go to the food pantry, as some rightfully need to, doesn’t mean that this strike hasn’t hurt us just as much,yet these people don’t realilze how it’s going to affect them in the long run as well in our community
By Sarah
May 6, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
I don’t think I ever said anything against the hourly workers, it was all of you that I was trying to defend, I’m saying that if we are feeling the pain of the strike, I can’t imagine the hell your all going through, we’re all in this together, and not just the employees and family of, but the entire community, and I’m sick of everyone that puts their nose into the air to any factory worker, either skilled trades or assembly workers, GM or not, you ALL have worked damn hard for GM!!!
By Just my Opinion
May 6, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
cont..I’ve seen harrassent on the innocent and favoritism on the guilty at GM, I’ve seen people fall out, and work to the point of tears, and blood shed. Most people stay to try and keep what they have, and most are not living in a 250,000 home. I think if we did what God had required of us, and help one another in times like these, these post would read a whole lot different. We need each other. CAN’T DO ANYTHING BY YOURSELF!! those that cheat, cheat with someone. Get it>
By Just my Opinion
May 6, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
Striking helps no one, and families are affected seriously by them. As far as working the line, you can best believe it’s no cake walk. $28 an hour is what I was worth and a whole lot more.GM got rich off of my sweat and blood, and yes, I chose it for one reason only, I had children to raise. GM gave me nothing, I earned every dime, and every dime had my blood and tears on it. I pray the strike is over soon, and for those who don’t have a clue, you make your comments because you don’t. con’t
By Adding Machine
May 6, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
Last time I checked on making $150,000 a year you would have to work in the ball park of 120 hours a week (taking in account of double pay on overtime) to clear $150,000. Now if you worked the typical 40 work week you would have to make almost $75.00 an hour to do the same. I do not know of too many people getting 80 hours a week in overtime-let alone a company that would allow it. If that much investing happened these people should not be worried about being off work and hitting up food banks.
By preacher franklin ohio
May 6, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
put your trust in god not gm he will never leave or for sake you geter done for jesus god bless you all.
By Jennifer
May 6, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
-continued- I am sure the skilled trades weekly unemployment checks equal more than what the hourly employees make in a month. Sell your big house, downsize, shop at Kroger’s and you’ll be fine until your educated husband finds a new job. It is the hourly people with no education who are the ones who need the help and the ones who keep DMAX in business. Your comments only encourage other people to write in saying how nobody deserves help. Think about others who don’t have it as good as you!!
By Jennifer
May 6, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
Sarah, it is comments like yours that truly hurt the workers at DMAX. Your husband makes $150,000/yr and you are complaining about having to put your $250,000 house up for sale and maybe you can’t take your trip to Europe or shop at DLM. PLEASE STOP!! You are not helping! As I said earlier, it is the people, like my husband, who work in the factory making their hourly wages who are being affected the most. They are the people who can’t feed their familes and put clothes on their babies back
By Sarah
May 6, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
thanks for clarification, yet it seems many of these comments make factory workers out to be dumb lazy white trash that smoke and drink, you find that in all sectors of life, as I said many of these people are college educated,yet GM jobs at one time offered an even better salary/wage and security,and those with debt are in all sectors of life…the food/money chain of life is all connected, and our pitfalls/hardships will affect all of you in some way or another, sooner or later here in Dayton
By Concerned Taxpayer
May 6, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
Sarah - it sounds like your family has made a number of smart decisions to survive situations like this - and I wish people like you were the majority. In your earlier post you pointed out that a number of people affected by the strike make $150k/yr and are on the verge of foreclosure. My response to your comment (which is probably true) is that it completely shocks me — that people can’t manage money, plan, and save like you seem to be doing. My apologies if you misinterpreted my remarks to be a targeted insult to GM factory workers. The remarks were general in nature and directed towards those who obviously need to learn the lessons you and your family have already learned.
By Sarah
May 6, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
and yes like you said, we can live for 6 or more months,but this strike could be longer than that,we should plan on the possibility of putting the house up for sale for that situation,we don’t have a boat or any such toys,we drive GM cars till they have 200,000 miles or more in some cases,yet we do live in an affluent community,and we do shop at Books&Co,and DLM we do travel to Europe,stop putting your nose in the air to those who work in a FACTORY,GM Factories built this town,on our backs
By Sarah
May 6, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
and yes like you said, we can live for 6 or more months,but this strike could be longer than that,we should plan on the possibility of putting the house up for sale for that situation,we don’t have a boat or any such toys,we drive GM cars till they have 200,000 miles or more in some cases,yet we do live in an affluent community,and we do shop at Books&Co,and DLM we do travel to Europe,stop putting your nose in the air to those who work in a FACTORY,GM Factories built this town,on our backs
By Sarah
May 6, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
making $150,000 a yr w/ a $250,000 house aren’t on verge of foreclosure, we do save and invest, and are in good shape as I said before…but I know many aren’t in our shoes…I know those that have children&spouses with severe health problems and years of medical bills…they are the hard hit ones, without any pay right now,and yes this will really hurt local economy, from our just laid off lawn company, to our local fav restaurant, to fav local charity, to our local travel agent…
By Sarah
May 6, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
making $150,000 a yr w/ a $250,000 house aren’t on verge of foreclosure, we do save and invest, and are in good shape as I said before…but I know many aren’t in our shoes…I know those that have children&spouses with severe health problems and years of medical bills…they are the hard hit ones, without any pay right now,and yes this will really hurt local economy, from our just laid off lawn company, to our local fav restaurant, to fav local charity, to our local travel agent…
By Concerned Taxpayer
May 6, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
Ohioans need to learn to manage and save money. It really scares me that someone who makes over $150,000/year (and probably has for a number of years) is close to having their $250k home foreclosed on. Living paycheck to paycheck on $150k?? How crazy is that?! I have no sympathy for those in that situation. They need to sell their boat, jetski, stop getting new cars every 2 years and actually save some for an emergency fund! I make half that and could live off savings for 6 months if needed.
By Sarah
May 6, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
take into consideration is the impact this is having on the Dayton economy,do you think my husband and the others in the skilled trades making over $150,000 a year are out spending $ like they use to be able to do,no,most of them are trying to figure out if they should put there $250,000 homes on the market, before they get foreclosed on,what do you think is going to happen to the Kettering City Schools,they survive on the GM Moraine plants tax money, and many of these workers r college educated
By Sarah
May 6, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
My husband is a union electrician at DMAX…and he is not getting any pay, other than unemployment, to go from making $150,000 a year to this is a terrible struggle, thankfully we are in better shape financially than most of the laid off workers…but all these nasty comments above are sick, these people work very hard in this factory and have a great work ethic, the old days of easy work and high pay at GM…were long ago…that hasn’t been the case for many for a long time…and what most of
By Unions stink
May 6, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
I’m a very busy attorney…. Sorry sooo uneducated. I should’ve worked at GM.
By union's stink
May 6, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
the previous comment with the lack of spelling and gramatical errors shows how uneducated and blind to the fact that unions are killing America.
By Nate
May 6, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
I just want to say iam so glady that u people think that being an UAW worker is easy . Yes there are pros to being an UAW worker but there are cons as well and do u not realize that if it wasn’t for union that wages would be lower at nonunion jobs. Iam a UAW worker and i have been off of work for 2 month it’s not easy but i support AAM UAW strike. Management at no AMERICAN JOB can make the money that AAM made and ask for such a pay cut and give there people big boues. not 50% cut.
By Unions stink
May 6, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
Thank you Jennifer. I have family that works at DMAX too. Nope, they don’t make the big money. This is their first union job and they hate it. Rather than being in control of their fate, the union controls it. The 95% payed boys need to jump ship so wages can come down and American Axle needs to get with the program and get 30,000 people back to work at normal wages. AA has not yet wised up to the fact that the union will do what’s best for it, not them.
By Jennifer
May 6, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
-continued- These are hard working people who are being screwed over by a company that they thought would always be around. These people are struggling and it is sad to see. We are fortunate that I work and we are okay, but a lot of people are not and those people should be able to take advantage of whatever assistance is avaible to them. You too could easily find yourself in these peoples shoes one day my friend. Apprarently to most of you ignorance is bliss.
By Jennifer
May 6, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
-continued- These are hard working people who are being screwed over by a company that they thought would always be around. These people are struggling and it is sad to see. We are fortunate that I work and we are okay, but a lot of people are not and those people should be able to take advantage of whatever assistance is avaible to them. You too could easily find yourself in these peoples shoes one day my friend. Apprarently to most of you ignorance is bliss.
By Jennifer
May 6, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
Most of you writing in have absolutley NO idea what you are talking about!! My husband has been laid off from DMAX for over 2 months, he does not get 95% of his check, he does not make $30 an hour to put on “bolt and screws” and he certainly does not chew tobacco, and sit around and drink all day. Wake up! Most of these people laid off are making $12-15 dollars/hr and they work hard at what they do. They have no control over what the Union does and truly have no say in what their Union does.
By Get Real.
May 6, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this
Why is it the America is the only country that does not support and have overwhelming pride in thier own workforce? The quality problems once Detriot once are no more. Why is it that instead of striving to make your own workplace better many cling to vicious attacks over those who already have threw collective bargianing? Why is it Americans can forgive Japan for Pearl Harbor but cannot forgive the Big 3 for the 1970 and 80s’? Could u take a 50% pay cut when your CEO made 10millon in 1 year?
By Get Real.
May 6, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this
Why is it the America is the only country that does not support and have overwhelming pride in thier own workforce? The quality problems once Detriot once are no more. Why is it that instead of striving to make your own workplace better many cling to vicious attacks over those who already have threw collective bargianing? Why is it Americans can forgive Japan for Pearl Harbor but cannot forgive the Big 3 for the 1970 and 80s’? Could u take a 50% pay cut when your CEO made 10millon in 1 year?
By Tammy
May 6, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this
You know I listen at all the whinning and crying but what about the ones who are about to lose their pay because the were laid off back in January because they lost their jobs due to cut backs at Moraine-at least some of you have a future at GM.We some hundred dont know whether we will be able to go back to GM.And now GM at Moraine will going down to one shift-oh you guys didnt know that-ya Gaylan says we will be going to one shiftsoon after the return of the akle settlement.Goodbye IUE798
By Shawn
May 6, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
My husband is laid off because of the strike. I agree with Kelly. We are loosing over $200.00 a week and now his company wants to cancel our health insurance And his union? they aren’t doing anything to help them keep their medical. Imagine how all the single parents at his plant feel. Loosing that much money a week and trying to support their children. This thing needs to be settled. Its not just about the Axle plant anymore.
By karon
May 6, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
Trains and Streetcars disappeared because GM and Ford paid to have the rails taken up. Give me a fast train to Cleveland rather than having to drive to Cleveland anyday!
By John Brown
May 6, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
Oh, you poor babies. Wake up! You are lucky to get paid what you get paid to just put bolts on a nut. Wha, Wha, Wha.
By Wake up
May 6, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
Having worked for one of the big 3,in a salary role,I feel qualified to share my opinion. The automotive hourly employees make entirely too much money.Yes,it takes a certain mindset to be able to block out the boring,repetetive nature of the work but,let’s not kid ourselves,the work is easy.The lines are set up to accomodate an uneducated workforce.The arrogant entitlement of these employees is what is killing our automotive competetiveness.Foreign car sales are up and their lines are running.
By Bill
May 6, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
(continued from first paragraph) fourthly, those who have been affected by “carple-tunnel”and other repetitive-motion aggravants, just from “shooting screws” pretty much deserve their pay as well as management, Fifthly, its all about the money anyway…management gets paid what they agreed to work for and the unions do the same…Its easy to sit back and be critical if you’ve never worked in a union shop…It IS a chosen way…on both sides. I stand in favor and support of the UAW brothers.
By Bill
May 6, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
Its painfully obvious that one, theres a lot of misunderstanding anf misinformation out there, two, the GM plants here in the Dayton area are good for revenue for our area,i.e. taxes paid to municipalities etc…take that chunk of change away and appreciate the impact, three, as a former “per diem” supervisor at Moraine, there is compensation either by graded pay scale for overtime worked and/or “comp-time”, (continued on next page)
By Rob
May 6, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
Golly, how do you handle the “uncertainty” of a 95% paycheck for sitting on your bum? Cackle all the way to the bank I guess…
By Mobea
May 6, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
This strike affects more than just the workers. I have a friend who wants to order a new truck and can’t because of this strike. I understand the reasoning behind the strike, and I am all for unions. But I know that because of the strike, my friend will go elsewhere, different brand, because he’s not going to wait for the strike to end anymore. This strike affects everyone.
By Doug
May 6, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
Guys I am a retired GM employee,My question to you about 28 to 30 dollars an hour, have any of you worked the line at a automotive plant, its not shooting screws guys, why are related job injuries up due to repetive motion[corporal tunnel]When they were hiring at the plant, there was so many people quit in 2 to 3 days due to the work, the only ones that stayed, because they had a family to feed. Dont judge someone, if you havent been there. Its not a cake walk on that line
By BL
May 6, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
Have all those needing pantry assistance given up their beer and tobacco, and depleted any/all savings before heading to the pantry? Seems like a self inflicted need for those buying into the myth of supporting the union brotherhood. Come on unionists, get with it…think for yourselves, get an education and leave the hard, boring and tedious production line work in your past. God bless you all.
By Extremely Disappointed
May 6, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
All you people with all the negative blame on each other. Companies no longer want unions representing anyone. They don’t want to be responsible for health care or any other cost to them. They only care about the bottom line and how much they can pay the guys at the top. It won’t change until they get rid of the unions. Look around, they are getting what they want. They go to a 3rd World Country where there is no OSHA, no Worker’s Comp, where they aren’t liable for anything.
By crazy unions
May 6, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this
I agree nobody deserves 30 dollars an hour pumping screws on an assembly line. Managers work just as hard if not harder than line workers with no OT! So what if they get a little bonus at the end of the year, imagine all of the OT the line workers get????? Don’t be mad at management because they decided to go to college after high school and you decided to hit the assembly line. GO MANAGEMENT STICK TO YOUR GUNS!
By Chuck
May 6, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this
“Nobody deserves thirty dollars an hour” ? OK, I’ll go along with that, now lets get management salaries in line, and start regulating prices, find out who owns what and make them pay their fair share.
By Chuck
May 6, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this
The American “made” auto industry is being ruined by management, or I should say mismanagement, and on purpose. They can write these losses off, the workers can’t. They can claim bankruptcy and keep what they have, the workers can’t. Workers can not afford cuts as large as those being demanded, and the management will bonus themselves if they can cut wages, in the same way they bonus themselves for going into bankruptcy. GO UAW.
By former delphi
May 6, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this
too many union costs. For example, paying union committeemen and shop chairmen overtime and regular pay to walk around and act as a politician and not do anything productive. Please! Unions kept asking for more. Nothing against union workers, but nobody deserves 30 dollars an hour, free halth care, a company pension, and 401K, tons of holidays, overtime at time and a half..etc. unless they have J.D. or M.D. after their names. C’mon, working on an assembly line is hard and sucks, but its insane
By former delphi
May 6, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this
NfamousWayneFan has a point. When I worked as a manager at Delphi, I loved the 2-week summer shutdowns, holidays, and good pay. However, because of the extra union costs, I lost my job when they closed. Lucky for me, I have college so I can find something else. But, what about the union workers. They are left scratching their heads. A buyout lasts a year, maybe two..then what. Companies cannot compete with union costs. Not all union members are poor workers and some actually work. However, there
By NfamousWayneFan
May 6, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this
You also have to realize these buydowns were offered by companies that were/are in Bankruptcy protection. AAM is far from those conditions. Partly because the UAW locals at AAM structured themselves to be competitive in previous contracts. This lower wage was allready agreed on by UAW for New Hires over 4 years ago. Also many Supervisors that I talk to on the line at Moraine Assembly likes the Union. They also know if it wasn’t for the Union that their pay wouldn’t be so good.
By NfamousWayneFan
May 6, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this
UAW against AAM is fighting to keep more of their pay. Oh Mr. Supervisor when it comes to loosing about $30,000 a year pay with no OT. Yes you are willing to Strike to keep your pay and your normal income. If GM dropped my pay like that at Moraine Assembly with no buydown, I would just move on to another job. You guys have to realize UAW members at Magna, Delphi, and other manufacturers have been offered buydowns and buyouts to prepeare for these lower wages.
By Boortz
May 6, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this
Jobs belong to employers, not employees. If you don’t believe it, try moving your job. If we were really in a recession and the economy was as bad as the liberals want us to believe, would unions be striking and causing financial hardship for their fellow members? I’ve been unemployed. Insecurity isn’t fun. I went out and found another job instead of leaving my fate in others hands. Sitting around worrying about providing for your family? Go find another way. Take Personal Responsibility
By Union What?
May 6, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this
I sure wish I could collect 95% of my normal take home pay while not working for more than 3 months. For most people, no work equals no money. For some of those in unions, it seems no work equals just about the same benefit as working. Where is the incentive to work? How does that make any sense at all? An interesting observation — Someone in my neighborhood works for GM and has been laid off going on 3 months — and just bought a new $45 GM vehicle. Thank goodness for union benefits!
By Joe
May 6, 2008 7:49 AM | Link to this
I wonder if the striking UAW members at American Axle really care how much they are hurting their fellow union brothers at other plants. Other than die-hard union members, I imagine most Moraine workers would simply rather work regardless of what is going on with American Axle.
By painfultruth
May 6, 2008 7:44 AM | Link to this
Shows EXACTLY how much your “union brothers” care about others. Looks to me that the UNION IS GREEDY, not management. UNIONS forced companies to go offshore as CONSUMERS wanted lower and lower prices. BLAME YOURSELVES! Karon, stop talking about federally-funded welfare programs like trains. We don’t live in socialistic Europe! Spend YOUR money, not mine! If trains were popular, they wouldn’t have disappeared.
By DALE 78
May 6, 2008 5:29 AM | Link to this
Collective bargaining is a two way street not my way or the highway . Management in this country has gotten the idea that they are dictators ,and we have to do everything they say.The American worker has to take a stand somewhere . If they donot they might as well work for nothing and get a second job to pay American Axle for the privilege of going to work there .
By Doug
May 6, 2008 4:44 AM | Link to this
Why is a man who is 72 worried, when he is drawing social security, since he turned 70 and working, talk about double dipping.
By Doug
May 6, 2008 4:42 AM | Link to this
Why is a man who is 72 worried, when he is drawing social security, since he turned 70 and working, talk about double dipping.
By teacher
May 6, 2008 4:32 AM | Link to this
And your point is????????
By supervisor
May 6, 2008 4:29 AM | Link to this
The unions haven’t realized that stikes are an obsolete means of contract negotiations. The workers involved will NEVER make up what they have lost, regardless of the increase in pay of the negotiated contract, and I’m sure that Americal Axel will find their deathgrip on GM gone in favor of non-union suppliers long before the completion of the term of any contract that is drawn during this negotiation period.
By karon
May 6, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this
High speed passenger trains and streetcars for Ohio cities would create thousands of new jobs!
By Kelly
May 6, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this
My husband has been home for over a month, and as great as it is to have him home, it’s also sad to see him sitting there, and him being depressed because his unemployment isn’t enough to provide for us. Unemployment has already screwed up paying him, saying that they payed him correctly, but he’s missing a week, and of course, it’s right when he has to file bi-weekly now.
Many of the DMAX workers that I know are struggling, and I hope and pray that they get to go back to work soon.