I’m sure that there are some very unhappy union bosses in Michigan right about now.
They deserve to be a whole lot less happy, but I’ll take what I can get.
Unionized workers at Ford Motor Co. have approved contract changes that include freezing wages and cutting benefits in a move aimed at helping the automaker remain competitive. The United Auto Workers said Monday a majority of hourly workers voted in favor of modifications to the 2007 contract with Ford, eliminating cost-of-living increases and cash bonuses.
The agreement is expected to be a model for Chrysler LLC and General Motors Corp., which need to bring their labor costs in line with those of foreign auto companies’ plants in the U.S. as a condition for the $17.4 billion they have received in federal loans so far. Under terms of their loan agreements, progress must be made by March 31. The companies are seeking an additional $21.6 billion in government aid.
Dearborn, Mich.-based Ford, which has not sought government funding as its rivals have, is the first U.S. automaker to come to an agreement with the union. The company said that it did not want to be at a disadvantage should its competitors negotiate lower labor costs with the UAW.
…..
The UAW said 59 percent of Ford’s production workers and 58 percent of skilled-trades workers voted for the concessions. At least two local unions rejected the measures.
Because it means less money is going into the hands of the UAW. And anything that means less money for the union is “Bad”.
Thankfully, the employees figured out that a job in the hand is worth a million PSI of union hot air and very likely saved their jobs and most likely, their employer’s company.
I just learned that I can file as a Religious Objector and take my Union Dues away from the Union. I am forced to donate that money to a charity, but at least it won’t be going to the Union.
🙂
Two thumbs up for that!