Putting the new GM-UAW contract in historical context
General Motors and the United Auto Workers just agreed on a new four-year contract. What began as an experiment in 2007 — establishing a two-tier wage structure, with new workers having a significantly lower starting wage and maximum wage than their predecessors — has apparently become a more permanent part of the landscape (at least through 2015). Remapping Debate puts the pay levels in context with inflation-adjusted data going back 50 years. For new workers, it is worse than it has been for virtually all of that period.
Lobbying not to change the rules
In June, the National Labor Relations Board issued proposed rules to modernize and streamline the process by which a union can be certified to represent a group of workers. The hearing and comment period on those rules — which generated extensive activity especially on the employer side — just ended. What questions are raised by the arguments that have been made?
NYT celebrates lower wages
Chrysler employees, we are given to understand, are thrilled to be working in the auto industry, even if they are forced to accept wages much lower than their colleagues. What do we learn about what this means for their lives? Nothing.
A darker future for "Tier 2" workers
Per a "job saving" union-management deal, many auto workers are to be paid sharply lower wages at the Orion plant. They face a much reduced standard of living. Say goodbye to middle-class life?
If only tech solved things like it used to
But belief that gains will eventually supplant short-term pain with broadly shared prosperity (as once was the rule) isn't necessarily so.
Caught in the act
Today’s robbing of the NYC employees’ health insurance fund as a “realistic” means to pay to avoid layoffs will become tomorrow’s hysterically anti-union “health benefits costs are out of control” rallying cry. City officials — neither the “education” mayor, nor the backbone-free City Council — are just not prepared to pay for vital services.
Caught in the act
Today’s robbing of the NYC employees’ health insurance fund as a “realistic” means to pay to avoid layoffs will become tomorrow’s hysterically anti-union “health benefits costs are out of control” rallying cry.
If only tech solved things like it used to
But belief that gains will eventually supplant short-term pain with broadly shared prosperity (as once was the rule) isn't necessarily so.