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United Automobile Workers of America (UAW)
It appears the UAW, is really pushing to unionize Toyota.
Toyota workers in Kentucky demand a share in company's success:
http://www.uaw.org/news/newsarticle.cfm?ArtId=450
I talk a lot of smack about buying a Hyundai Genesis, but you guys all know when it came down to it I couldn't pull the trigger. I pulled it once on the Acura, (a mistake) but I got to support american jobs. Now if those Hyundai Genesis, were made here with american parts and were union made that might be a different story.
I hope the UAW, does unionize Toyota, because I'd like to at least keep Toyota, as a option in the future. 
Y'all Toyota Kool-Aid drinkers wouldn't ever here me talk very much smack ever again about Toyota. Now if we could get those Lexus brand cars made here by UAW workers that would be a cool option. :shades:
I however will most likely only drive General Motors automobiles. Sure I like other brands but I need to support good jobs for our workers. I would love to see Toyota, provide good paying union jobs where workers can be employed for a full career.
Rocky
Toyota workers in Kentucky demand a share in company's success:
http://www.uaw.org/news/newsarticle.cfm?ArtId=450
I talk a lot of smack about buying a Hyundai Genesis, but you guys all know when it came down to it I couldn't pull the trigger. I pulled it once on the Acura, (a mistake) but I got to support american jobs. Now if those Hyundai Genesis, were made here with american parts and were union made that might be a different story.
I hope the UAW, does unionize Toyota, because I'd like to at least keep Toyota, as a option in the future. Y'all Toyota Kool-Aid drinkers wouldn't ever here me talk very much smack ever again about Toyota. Now if we could get those Lexus brand cars made here by UAW workers that would be a cool option. :shades: I however will most likely only drive General Motors automobiles. Sure I like other brands but I need to support good jobs for our workers. I would love to see Toyota, provide good paying union jobs where workers can be employed for a full career.
Rocky
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They want to keep things "open" and keep the flow of trade coming in. The other contries won't agree to lift tariffs on U.S. cars and trucks and claim that their people "hate" American automotive products.
I don't know how much of this is really true and how much is being "spoon-fed" in to their homeland people, know what I mean?
rocky...I am not against the UAW yet I do feel that they have not helped the situation with the domestics and their imposed "playing field" with the imports and the import countries.
I favored Ford products and bought them for many moons.
A revamped Falcon(I liked the old early 60's Falcon's..the forerunner to the Mustang)would we most welcome for Ford, the new Mustang is a very good effort by Ford and I think the Fusion is a fairly well-built midsize from Ford...I took a look at them last year... for a few days, anyway.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Proposed treaty doesn't eliminate barriers to U.S. products in Korean market
http://www.uaw.org/atissue/atstory.cfm?atId=182
Tell Congress: NO on Korea free trade agreement!
http://www.uaw.org/dclink/dcstory.cfm?DcId=148
It also fails to protect workers rights :sick:
http://www.uaw.org/dclink/factworkerrights.pdf
The UAW, can see the writing on the wall. They like me can see the growing impact Hyundai and Kia will have on the U.S. market and eliminating the tariff will only make it worse.
Just my $0.02
Rocky
I love cars, trucks, not so much.
Imports: great cars.
Domestics: decent trucks.
I hear the health care industry needs workers.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
GM, has built a great Lancer competitor called the Opel/Saturn Astra. I think the next generation is being examined as we speak. I think I read on insideline GM, is going to invest 4.5 Billion on this car. It is a very popular automobile in Europe. I guess the Lancer, just grabbed ya. I can see why. I wished GM, would build a Lancer, like vehicle as it is a great design IMHO. My wife doesn't like it and prefers the Astra. I guess if ford brought over the Falcon, it would really give the Lancer, some compeition. Chrysler, appears to have no real competitor is the compact car segment. Honda, is still king but I do think the Lancer, will sell very well.
The UAW, hasn't rode on the glory train in several years. Look at how many jobs they have lost because this country refuses to properly protect manufactoring jobs like automobile jobs while foreign governments place barriers to eliminate competition in their homeland. The only vehicles that sell in foreign lands made outside of their country in Korea, Japan, China, is luxury vehicles like Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, because when your filthy rich you can afford the tariff.
Rocky
Union chief says he wants Chrysler to stay with DCX, but is studying members' proposal to buy company.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070421/AUTO01/704210356/1148- /rss25
If this were to happen I guess I'd have to some how find a DCX product I like and buy it.
Kerkorkian, is meeting with the UAW, and just maybe togeather they will buy it. What I'd like to see is the UAW, make a 100% american made union vehicle and I'd be one of the first to line-up to buy it.
Rocky
What does this mean to you: The UAW, is going to get a lot more flexible with it's work rules to be more competitive. Now if we can only get congress to help them out by leveling the playing field.
Rocky
Rocky
I guess I changed my attitude in the late 90's when I saw low-cost cars coming from S.Korea that looked like they were built fairly well. Far from perfect(indeed my first Kia, a '99 Sephia, just held Kia's 3 year and 36,000 mile powertrain Warranty, IIRC)but I liked their small bodies and attention to detail. Kia and yes big bro Hyundai, esp.with the new Genesis project, are looking out for themselves quite well. They're building manufacturing plants with intentions for more plants from both makers. Kia is now looking strongly at making their Mojave pickup truck that will sell, of course, in the U.S.
Mitsu has me captured though with this hot new Lancer GTS. My wife and I are diggin' the Rally Red paint job and the sunroof and that monster stereo from Rockford Fosgate. I respect Mitsubishi's building talents and this car handles great and produces no annoying squeaks and rattles.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
The fact remains that Korea's domestic content sits at 3%. That wasn't my only problem with it. I did a lot of research yesterday on South Korea, Hyundai, Kia, and the myths of them treating their country's citizens fair with human rights was a real turn off for me. I read buyer testimony's on the net of sales experiences and boy this company has issues on customer service that would make VW blush. I always thought VW, was bad but man some of these people were told to bend over and touch their toes in the service department.
I suppose as you say that more and more Hykia products will be built here. That is a good thing. They might not come here so fast if they see Toyota, getting unionized because of the way they are treating older employees. Hyundai's biggest fear would be paying liveable wages and benefits. They right now pay about $14 an hour in Alabama. Since they have a 401K retirement that means the employee contributions aren't very high on those wages because of the cost of living. That just isn't sustainable and you'd have to work till you croak.
As far as your Lancer, goes I guess it's made in Japan ? I always thought for some reason they were made in California, but the car I'm must be thinking of is the Eclipse (I Think) ? I like I said to you believe the Lancer, is very stylish. It would be nice if Mitsubishi, would build all their cars here.
Rocky
No, I am not one to take human rights issues in to play when making an economic decision involving my wife and I. That is, I will admit that, if I allowed myself to get emotionally involved enough through research, as you said you did, I might change my mind. I got good usage out of both of my Kia's and the service department treated me very well at both dealerships I went to for service.
I have not heard of Mitsubishi mistreating their employees at all. If anyone has input regarding that, do fire away. I remain very impressed with their automotive product, Warranty and their organization and hard-work ethic I see put in to place. Quite impressive.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
I hope we continue to get updates on the Georgetown plant going UAW.
Rocky
"I don't want to see the fuel efficient cars in the world built someplace else," he said. "They ought to be built right here in Detroit and the United States of America by UAW workers."
Edwards said he would oppose trade agreements that would harm U.S. workers and said he opposes the pending trade agreement between the U.S. and South Korea.
He said he supports laws making it easier for unions to organize because "it's absolutely crucial to maintain and strengthen and grow the middle class in this country that we strengthen the right to organize. That we strengthen the power of unions to have a level playing field in the negotiating process. I think this is important for America's economic security."
He said as president he would use his bully pulpit "to explain to America what the union movement has meant in the history of this country."
http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070422/NATION/704220324&- - - theme=Nation-Iraq
Rocky
Let's just kill this thread before it descends into a paid political announcement.
The article contains this snippet: He said as president he would push his plan for universal health care for Americans, paying for some of the cost by ending Bush's tax breaks for individuals making more than $200,000 annually.
Let's see...where do most of the people who make more than $200,000 annually live?
New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston...in other words, the bluest parts of Blue America.
In those areas, given the already high levels of state and local taxation, and sky-high housing costs, a $200,000 annual income for a family of four isn't necessarily the ticket to Easy Street. Price a decent house in the Los Angeles metropolitan area some time.
Yet Mr. Edwards apparently wants to raise their taxes, even though, in the wake of the 2004 election, Blue State residents were complaining that they already pay a disproportionate share of federal expenditures. (Maybe the real problem is that people don't rationally think about the impact of federal policy, or they are dumb enough to believe that the government will tax only Republicans making six-figure annual salaries.)
The article directly quotes him here: "I don't want to see the fuel efficient cars in the world built someplace else," he said. "They ought to be built right here in Detroit and the United States of America by UAW workers."
I'm sure his first act as president will be to repeal those federal laws that prevent GM and Ford from building high-quality, fuel-efficient cars here in America.
Wait, there are no laws that prevent them from doing this right now. Never mind...
Rocky, Edward's would go where ever and tell who ever will listen just what they are wanting to hear. Then go back to his mansion and laugh at the folks he has fooled. The pickin's are mighty slim for 2008. I will probably only go vote to try and keep one of them from winning.
Now more on topic:
So do any of you think the UAW, will get the Georgetown Kentucky plant unionized ? If so how much longer do you think it will take ? Do you think other transplants will unionize in the near or distant future ?
Thanks,
Rocky
PS
I would love nothing better than to see the UAW organize the Toyota plants all across our great land.
gagrice, I respect your opinion pal. I always have. I love Edwards, as I do think he is the only candidate running who will follow through on his promise to the UAW workers and auto-industry. It's probably a moot point as Hillary and Obama, got the far left in their corner so Edwards, will only be a memory of mine come election time unless for some miracle he can pull it off. :sick:
Congress is the ones that decides whether to spend the money. I am a 37 year retired Teamster and 8 years in the CWA before that. I am all for the Unions. I have tried to get my son to take a Union job in Alaska.
This is just one reason why I respect your point of view as you can look at it from my side of the fence.
I just do not believe anything that comes out of the mouth of that candidate.
Well I feel most of us don't but in this case his actions speak more than words. His 4 year voting record in the Senate, is something else I have to go on also.
I know how he got rich and believe that IS a major problem in this country. Much of the reason that so many companies go over seas.
Well, I don't hate or dislike him for how he got rich. He was doing his job, and if I would of been one of those family's that had their son or daughter hurt or killed via malpractice, I'd want to get something in return as I'd be a basket case and probably would never be able to work again. It's not the patients fault the doctor cut off the wrong leg. This is why we pay these people so much damn money to prevent any accident from happening.
Edwards cannot have it both ways.
I don't know what you mean ? I don't see how he is having it both ways ? The guy has always stood up for average folks rights. The UAW, right now is backing him. He has many union supporters around the country. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if a guy like Lutz, who is know to shoot off his mouth and makes a move and publicly support him as well ? Sure Edwards, lives in a mansion but at least he isn't so conceded that he doesn't know where he came from. He is a son of a mill worker, and his hard work paid off as he was able to obtain a law degree. He was good at what he did as a trial lawyer and made some money a long the way. Should he of not did his job as well as he could ? :confuse:
PS
I would love nothing better than to see the UAW organize the Toyota plants all across our great land.
Glad we agree....
How long do you thing it will take gagrice, for the UAW, to organize Toyota ? Do you see Honda, being the next target ? I think they need to go hit the Alabama, plant as those people are by far making the least amount of money. :surprise:
Rocky
http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070424/AUTO01/704240380&- theme=Autos-UAW
Rocky
P.S. Gagrice, I couldn't agree with you more and yes I'll be saving as I feel the sky will fall. :sick:
However, the Japanese have one lever against the UAW that the big 3 didn't have when they were facing unionization -
Toyota can take it's ball and go home. They're already rumbling about moving some manufacturing back to Japan, but I think that the truth there is that Japan is also too expensive for them nowadays. I see China on the horizon for Toyota (as a threat if nothing else) if unionization pressure gets too strong here. America has passed the point where they will stop buying cars because Toyota moves production to avoid unionization. The people who care about that aren't buying Toyota's now, so there wouldn't be much impact IMHO.
100% made in the USA is probably non existent. Parts are out sourced to subs that can go where ever and have the part built. I think it will contribute more and more to reliability issues. It only takes a small electronic sensor to shut you down on the highway. If it comes from a poor source the whole model will have failures. We may long for the day of UNION MADE.
Yes the dot.com and technology stocks burst in 2000 but 7 years later after 9/11, Iraq War, Katrina, Tsunami, a divisive election in 2000, high foreclosure and bankruptcy rates, and record high energy costs, the Dow still reached record levels last week. Unemployment is at historic lows. I can't explain it but it's happening.
Don't give up on Americans that easy. We are a resilient and resourceful bunch.
The stock market, what can I say. My 401k is going great and I have no idea why. I guess I will let it go until I have to dip in when I am 70. Oil and military related stocks may be carrying the load.
Unemployment is an interesting situation both here and in the EU. We are not making children fast enough to fill the jobs. I get called every couple weeks to come out of retirement. I just laugh at them. There is a shortage of skilled craft people. Some over qualified people may not be working. They need to learn how to repair plumbing, electrical or AC. Not all service jobs are at McDonald's. Some pay very well. I have a tough time finding people that want to work. Everyone thinks they are a web site designer.
It came down to the skilled trades. You can't off-shore a plumber, or an electrician, or a technician who installs or repairs equipment.
So automotive building may go off-shore, but not automotive repair.
Here in Harrisburg the market is cooling for homes over $200,000. Homes between $150,000-200,000 are still selling well, but it's only a matter of time before there is downward pressure on homes in that price range, too.
Also remember that Gagrice lives in Southern California, which was on the leading edge of the housing bubble, and is now on the leading edge as it deflates.
Southern California doesn't just lead in automotive trends.
College is good. I would also give equal weight to trade schools. Auto mechanics that are good at analyzing problems in todays cars will be in short supply. I would recommend the electricians Union and the plumbers and pipefitters Union. Both very good pay and benefits.
Totally agree with you regarding lack of skilled craft people. We are pushing too many students to college who really don't know what they want to do and we expect them to find out while sitting in a classroom with a bunch of other 18 & 19 year olds (yes I work at a college). You can make a nice career for yourself as a carpenter, mechanic, plumber, etc. For some reason folks look down at these jobs...until they need one.
The homes in the $150-$200 will always be popular as those are the entry level houses for young couples, single folks and people looking to get out of the city, first time home buyers, etc. Always will be a market for these buyers.
Of course Southern Cal is a slightly bigger market. But my point is there is a legitimate reason for the housing demand in my area. And just because it happens in CA, NY and NJ, does not make it so everywhere else. I never understood why housing prices in CA were so high. Of course, I don't understand a lot of things about CA.
Hopefully the influx into your area will not bring with it the crime and problems.
I remember Talk-Net radio host Bruce Williams always saying to his listeners "never buy a house without a competent real-estate lawyer representing you!"
Even without a lawyer people need to read the fine print of their loan terms. Make 'em wait for you to read your loan papers at closing, if must come down to that-ask many questions-it's your money involved here!
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
PS
If you have to borrow use your Credit UNION!!!
Thanks,
Rocky
I am not sure the UAW is doing all they can to weed out poor workers. One poor worker can infect the whole crew.
I think as things get tougher for the middle class, I think the more labor unions will be formed. I do think Toyota, is a important step for labor unions like the UAW.
Rocky
We bought a house for a great price(that helped make the '08 Lancer GTS purchase a reality!)but the house is as old as I am and was a rental house for a while. Everything needed done can be done and we're on it but BECU is enabling us to get more for our money and give us an updated older home.
There's no games and no hidden charges, etc. Just a sound way to borrow-credit unions...the best rates to be had anywhere.
I was a union member at Boeing but didn't always agree with the members on strike issues. Nonetheless, I can't really be overly critical of the Seattle Professional Engineering Employees' Association and the clout that went along with it. It was a great job with a solid company, only Boeing is quick to pull the layoff trigger and overlooks the personal side of the business. Yes, I know it's a business but people are a strong commodity and Boeing management can be so stone cold it's ridiculous. I left Boeing in 2003 with a strong determination inside to never, ever get sucked in to going back there. I find the personal involvement of the Allied Health professions to be much more satisfying. And that is one of the reasons I re-trained in health care.
It can have some strong frustrations yet it pays well and the work is steady and you do help people get better from injuries and serious health problems...and you are right there at the head of the bed for life emergencies..we are all about breathing in Respiratory Therapy. I must say, though, the job is not a job for everyone.
As for the UAW, I think that they could become strong again, especially with a GM that is better-fortified to fight the imports. I still remain skeptical of the domestic's overall chances at long-term success, not because I want them to fail, but because they have such a long fight ahead against the Korean and Japanese makes. The German's are not a strong enough big car number's threat, the China's and South Korea's and Japan may very well spell the end of Ford, GM and DCX, and the UAW will only be able to sniff, spit and growl into the fierce Midwest winds in dismay when the curtain falls down on them.
GM is diversifying enough in Asia and their pickup of Daewoo in 2002 was simply a brilliant move, quite possibly their smartest move in the 2000's. So they will no doubt remain with a stronger emphasis on the offshore building and selling. The UAW's demands are not much but a big annoyance, nothing that will totally cause the domestics to fall, although Ford may be a sad exception there. Their demands can come at some of the worst times and we have seen some of that in these 2000's, eh?
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
I like I said respect your career choice pal. I'm sure you get good satisfaction from helping others and I applaud you for picking a career like the one your in.
The UAW and big 3 will not fall. If you check out my last post in the "Article Comments Kiss the American Auto Industry Good-Bye (as We Know It)" forum, you will see a bill that should pass and become law to help the big 3 survive on a more level playing field. This is the way it should be anyways but our government has ignored some very important domestic issues for to long.
The UAW, will severely loosen their work rules to save jobs. I however predict they will ask in return for more investments=more jobs if they sign off on this. If Stabenow, get's her bill passed you will see a rush to the U.S. border to cross back into the United States. I do think placing tariffs on the country's that under-value their currency and tariffing foreign made products will create jobs back here at home. Toyota, will continue it's investment here in America, and the UAW, will push to organize them I also predict the UAW, will target honda, as well and if they are able to conquer Toyota, Honda, will be more willing to take in the UAW. So just maybe in my opinion we can save america's back bone the working middle class like you, I, and many others who roam these forums.
Just my $0.02
Rocky
gagrice, you are welcome to move to my neighborhood. Of course you will have a hard time finding a good avocado dip.
Ouch ! That left a mark!
Touche' Rockylee! You score!
Rocky
Once again, U.S. trade officials have gone to the negotiating table and reached a terrific deal -- for the other side.
The proposed U.S. Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was reached in the middle of the night in South Korea on April 2 as President Bush's negotiators rushed to meet a deadline for notifying Congress about the deal.
Days later, we still don't know all the details -- but what we know doesn't look good.
The U.S.-Korea FTA fails the most elementary test of any reasonable trade deal: It's not reciprocal.
The United States currently has a $14 billion trade deficit with South Korea, of which $11.6 billion is accounted for by a deficit in auto trade. Yet, this agreement does nothing to fix this imbalance.
The United States has promised to eliminate or phase out tariffs on cars and pick-up trucks -- but Korea won't take meaningful, enforceable action to eliminate the non-tariff trade barriers which have shut U.S. vehicles out of their market for years.
A day after the pact was announced, Hyundai announced a plan to import more pick up trucks to the U.S. Ford and Chrysler, meanwhile, have both stated their opposition because they won't get a fair chance to sell their products in Korea.
The U.S.-Korea FTA will put thousands of good-paying U.S. manufacturing jobs at risk. Just as disturbing, the treaty states that the United States will in the future "consider" including goods manufactured in the North Korean industrial zone of Kaesong.
This would mean importing goods made by workers who labor as indentured servants for one of the world's most repressive regimes. Others are also opposed to this deeply flawed trade pact, including Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., Rep. Sander Levin, D-Mich., and the National Cattelman's Beef Association, which is not satisfied with the limited access granted to South Korean markets.
The U.S.-Korea FTA does not include core labor rights as an enforceable part of the agreement. Our colleagues in the Korean Metalworkers union are routinely harassed and jailed, and the United States should not grant increased access to our markets to a country that does not respect universally recognized labor rights.
Workers and citizens in the United States and South Korea deserve better. This agreement should be fully examined in the light of day -- and rejected, in favor of a more inclusive, democratic approach that builds in real protection for workers, consumers, and the environment.
http://www.uaw.org/atissue/atstory.cfm?atId=182
Rocky
Rocky
I really can't believe it's a one-way street with all these trade agreements. :mad: I can understand why the union's are throwing a huge fit. Where is small business ?
What benefit, to the U.S. does a agreement like this have ? You can buy a Hyundai, cheaper ? A Samsung cheaper ? What benefit does this trade agreement give to the american worker ? Well I guess a Chevy Aveo, just got cheaper once this is passed. :sick:
Rocky
Just out of curiousity, precisely what ARE these "non-tariff trade barriers" that affect the UAW?
We also gain by being able to import goods and services at a lower price. We can spend our money elsewhere rather than buying expensive cars and electronics. Another plus for the economy.
On a whole it is a plus for the whole economy and may create many good paying jobs.
I'm yet to see a un free trade agreement like this one create good paying jobs ???? NAFTA is a failure. CAFTA, will be a bigger failure. This one will make your Samsung's and Hykia's a little cheaper even though they also under value their currency. I'm yet to see how and where this will create good paying jobs ?
Like lokki, said if we would put up barrier's like almost every other country does to us we might create good paying jobs as they would be forced to build their products here.
Rocky
You could invest it in a fast growing company that will in turn use the money to hire more workers.
Perhaps you will use the money to remodel your house more often. Creating jobs for plumbers, electricains ect.
In addition there are more jobs on earth than manufatoring. And importing manufactored goods isn't always cheaper than prodicing it locally.
Also cheap is not the only way to the consumers heart. Toyota and Honda are not cheap to purchase. GM and Ford are cheaper, yet toyhonda manage to sell more and more cars. Rightly or wrongly people percive that spending their money on a Toyota will be a better use of money than a chevy. Either the Toyota will be more fuel effceint, safer, better package, stylish, or reliable than the Chevy. What ever the reason people are willing to spend on Toyota rather than Chevy and it has nothing to do with the price of the car.
And honeslty I can see why. GM's small cars have a reputation for being bad. So GM fails to lure in young buyers.
GM's large cars are better, but the folks who want to buy a Buick and Cadalaic are not the bread and butter market. Honestly until peopele again think of Chevy as a good value, GM will be a bit player.