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The special training I've received while working at Pantex, is running a little thin on jobs unless I wanted to work for Blackwater, and we have all seen lately just how much trouble those folks are in. :surprise: I've been promised a job at the Casino, by my father's Indian friend when it's built and tonight I found out the Nuke plant is goingto do another round of hiring in January, and rumor has it the contractor will be gone along with it's politics.
So I'm still very optomistic in this shakey economy here in Western, Michigan.
-Rocky
P.S. Good night as well Loren, from the Great Lake State. :shades:
Second opinion
I'm a different case in that way. When I was 17 we had a lot of family up at the house and at one point it was time to take my grandmother home. I was chosen as driver and the last car in the driveway was my uncle's Opel. I became hopelessly hooked on small, good handling cars.
That said, the vast majority of the folks that jumped ship did so reluctantly and were stunned at the difference and never looked back. Getting those folks is going to be a tough nut to crack.
All of the material in this process is recycled and used again in the same way.
There is no way 'traces of sand' will remain in the cast component, nor is there any way for the final machining of these components to contaminate.
Even if there was a small piece of any material remaining in a cast component, they are inspected by a very specialized visual inspection tool before they are released for further assembly.
This type of foundry technology isn't unique to GM. All of the automakers and suppliers of engine blocks or heads use the same technology.
Honda, like all public companies is owned by shareholders--individuals and institutional.
There are as many or more Honda shareholders in the US and other industrialized countries around the world than in Japan.
Money does NOT flow exclusively to banks or shareholders in Japan.
$14.84
Starting hourly wage at Honda in 2008 (about $31,000 a year). Worth noting: Honda workers will pay nothing for health insurance.
link title
the quantity of shareholders in each country doesnt matter. It's the quantity of shares held by the few at the top in Japan that matters most. first of all, the top people throughout honda get theirs first. then they pay all their japanese employees and suppliers. then they pay the assemblers. then they buy back stock, then they pay dividends to shareholders, which primarily is an elite few.
lls57's interpretation is the right one.
However, believe what you wish.
Besides, this thread is about the UAW, not Honda.
My experience exaclty. Since I got my DL in 1988, I've been through an even split between Japanese and Domestic. The domestic cars always left me with a bad taste in my mouth, I was always sad to see the Japanese cars go. My 84 Chevy Celebrity was a hunk of junk. At 80K, I had spent more on repairs than I had on the car.
My 88 Ford Taurus ran well, but the A/C was a fix every year ordeal, and it was as boring as a car could be. The body, trim, and accessories on my 99 Mustang were falling apart at 40K. Many of the problems I had were due to piss poor design.
My 95 Civic made it to 120K with no repairs. Loved it as much when I sold it as I did when I bought it. My 91 Mazda 929S was also an amazingly fun, trouble free vehicle. I'll be suprised if my 07 Civic Si gives me any less pleasure.
Detroit has pretty much lost me as a customer for life.
I believe this comment from post 371 warrants a response from the union-bashers. Skimming through the posts, I don't think anyone has adequately addressed this point.
Why is it that Americans should have a "voice" in almost every situation EXCEPT in the work place????
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I have had good service from both domestic and foreign. I like individual cars, not car companies. Every time I pass a dealership service department, it seems they all have plenty of business. For a short while, I worked in the service department of a Toyota dealership owned by a distant relative as a mop the floor, do whatever peon during college circa 1994. They never lacked for business. I think the perceived "quality gap" is just that -- more perception than reality. For every story I have ever heard about domestic "junk", there is another equal complaint about a foreign brand.
I'm that way with sports teams to some degree. I follow the Manning boys, Carlos Boozer and Scott Gomez. Scotty went to the Rangers in July so now I'm a Rangers fan. I don't care what union he belongs to or who owns the team.
Anyone up for a Fantasy Car Company discussion? Say, draft 5 make/models and see how people like your lineup. Or score your company by sales or profits.
Yes, tax breaks should be for those companies which are employing here in the USA. And if Unions are lobbying for such legislation, that is a noble cause. L
Can you give me an example of a Toyota employee who has been fired because a part they handled or made had a problem? Who was fired for the Dundra camshafts? Camry sludging? The Camry transmissions with flare and hesitation problems this year?
Your statements made silly comments about unioon workers that doesn't even make sense along with you Toyo statements?
As Judge Judy would say (she gets paid a lot per episode: how do you feel about her? She makes more than UAW workers ever dreamed of?) if it doesn't make sense, it's not right.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
It still drove like it did when he let me drive it when it was new. It was amazingly sporty for such a big car. Unfortunatly, I only got 6 months with it before it was flooded over the roof in a tropical storm in Houston.
He was a die hard Caddy man, but had to admit it was the best car he ever owned.
I'm really glad I didn't go back...Boeing is a nuthouse at times and crack the whip times to go faster can be really frustrating at a huge employer like Boeing.
But, thought I'd mention ya because you love unions and if you go to work with a wrench in your hand in a mechanical position you'd be an IAM member. If you go to work in an office engineering position you'd be a member of SPEEA(Seattle Professional Engineering Employees Association). Give 'em a ring back...I'm in another field now or I'd consider it, but you might find something there quite to your liking, man.
I wish ya the best whatever happens in your search, rockford!
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
It's honestly been what 3 weeks now since I registered on the Boeing site and I haven't been back their since then.
I guess this week I should give the website a look. I guess I've been looking more locally than nationally. I'm going to go apply for a couple jobs tommorow. One in car sales, another as a material handler. There are a few other jobs I "X-ed" in the job section of today's paper but I need to find out more info about em'.
I appreciate your kindness iluv.
-Rocky
So I guess the wage/benefit gap with this two-tier will have new UAW workers making less money in pay/benefits than Toyota workers. :surprise:
I also find it amazing how Honda, is able to get away with paying $14 and change an hour. :surprise:
-Rocky
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
-Rocky
I believe this comment from post 371 warrants a response from the union-bashers. Skimming through the posts, I don't think anyone has adequately addressed this point.
Who said it was OK when companies pay loads of money for favors from the government? Or is it just that if we can't stop them, we should turn a blind eye when the union tries to do it too?
Standing up for yourself to get the best deal isn't anti-capitalist, but bribing people and intentionally blocking/stifling competition is, whether it is done by corporations or by individuals.
It wouldn't be a $1,000 profit even then. Because (Still, GM made $2,123 less per vehicle than Toyota in 2006.)
Seems you guys come down on the union guys pretty good for putting the American auto makers in the position they're in. Along with the salaries management makes. But as you know, high salary for CEO's is not limited to the auto industry and many of the benefits union workers got from their employer, came before the big foreign invasion of products. Strikes against them are very costly, especially if they drag on.
But the Japanese had big advantages against the American manufactures right from the get go. They came in and got big discounts on land from cities and counties that were willing to sell cheap to bring them in. They also gave them big tax deductions. They hired younger workers and at the time were non union and paid much less than American workers. They didn't have to pay for retiree's pensions, or retiree health insurance. Since they were younger and new workers, they got cheaper health insurance rates and didn't have to pay out 4 and 5 week vacations for their workers. Also since the plants were new, they were more modern and could be run by fewer employees. So as you can see, American manufactures were at huge disadvantages over foreign. Disadvantages they couldn't make up for even if the CEO's wages and employee's benefits were cut.
So yes, it made it next to impossible to put millions in R/D, t o come out with new engines and trannies. To make it worse, because of the quality gap at that time, they had to cut prices to be competitive, even though they would lose on the vehicles.
Trouble now, many still think American manufactures put out a much more inferior car/van and refuse to try American products again. Even though quality between to two is closer than it's ever been and better than European vehicles.
That is what has helped drive up our trade deficit, lowered the value of our dollar and put hundreds of thousands of Americans out of work.
Here We Go Again
I'm not saying that's bad, but it is definitely a one sided view.
Lobbyists work for whoever pays the bills, and labor organizations like the UAW and others use lobbyists to promote their issues too.
Ask any politician about 'labor support' they consistently solicit--especially at election time.
As I've said before, I'm not against Unions. They do serve a purpose in today's world, and they are a fact of life whether you like it or not.
But don't overlook that what you said about "bribing people and intentionally blocking/stifling competition" is a common practice in the world of trade unionism too.
All you need to do to recognize this is read the news almost every day---and especially these days when big three negotiations are under way.
I agree "Standing up for yourself to get the best deal isn't anti-capitalist".
Nevertheless, at what point is this 'enough' of a 'best deal'--and is 'bribing people' or 'intentionally blocking competition' when the union is threatening a strike?
I often ask myself if these union leaders really understand the concept of 'how much do you really need' as opposed to always demandingr 'more'.
Truth be told, that philosophy of 'more' is what got us all into the current economic mess we're in now.
When will it ever change?
Like the link posted by Pf flyer, above---"Here we go again!"
The word 'change' reminds me of a story.
Someone once asked a union exec: "How many people are needed to change a light bulb ?"
The union exec responded by asking: "Change ???"
I understand it takes a lot of auto sales experience to get a sales job at one of the luxury auto makers. I tried many years ago to get my foot in the door at Cadillac when I was quite young, but they wanted a guy with at least 15 years of experience. I'd try Saturn just to get your feet wet and see if auto sales is for you.
First, a candidate must realize there's hardly such thing as 'the perfect job'.
It's extremely rare to find one, where the candidate is satisfied completely, and every expectation is met.
Second, every job is a compromise between one's own values and those of the employer.
Third, and perhaps most important, any candidate must accept that it 'isn't what he expects from the employer', it's more 'what the employer expects from him'. The onus of demonstrating that is more on the candidate, not the employer.
My feeling is that Rocky perhaps expects too much the other way.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article
I swear lemko, applicants were coming out of the wood work pal.(I was their for an hour and lost count at 22) I had to take a test while standing up with about a dozen people stuffed in a entry way of a office and for some odd reason we weren't allowed to go outside. :sick: It was so hot, humid, stuffy, uncomfortable, I felt like a disrespected sardine.
I read the application and was shocked to learn that this company would test for tobacco. :surprise: Pre-employment screening and random tobacco tests were part of the requirements of the job thus meaning I could not smoke another cigar, or enjoy a pinch of copenhagen. I was like you guys might have the right to request I don't use tobacco products while on company property but just what in the hell gives you the right to "control" what I do using a legal substance on my own time ????? :mad: It was a $14.05 to start an hour job which is decent for a shoddy economy here in Western Michigan, in a recession. However, I will not give up my right to privacy to any employer or as I call em' the S.S. :surprise:
On a softer note I called a local Ford, dealership on a sales job they had in the paper. I talked to the sales manager on the phone and he was really cool and asked me to come down and fill out a application. He also told me I would be called for a interview perhaps later this week.
So I filled out the application and submited a couple of resumes and now I wait.
I also found a couple of jobs I'm going to apply for on the Michigan Works, website. Alot of new jobs for some odd reason turned up today. I applied for a operators job at a chemical company this evening. So life goes on and hopefully very soon a decent offer will turn up.
UAW-Chrysler news:
So it's Wednesday at noon for the UAW-Chrysler, deadline I heard this evening on our local news. :surprise: Well hopefully a deal will be reached soon. Well imidazol97, put me down for October 12th a deal will be reached.
-Rocky
P.S. Thanks guys for your concern
BTW-there is news that this sort of thing, that is, testing employees for tobacco, even stopping people from eating what they want, is brewing in corporate law offices and board rooms. Keep a watch out for it, the ACLU is gonna gang tackle all over this one. The idea being that companies can hog-tie you in to being more healthy so that they don't end up having you lose so much work time and also to help reduce America's enormous corporate health care cost juggernaut somewhat.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Is that across the board or just in your locality ?????
I will let you and Loren, both know that I first of all would much prefer to sell GM, but lately their hasn't been any open sales positions for GM, dealerships unless you have prior experience. I think Hyundai, would be a great product to sell. The Genesis, will be a red hot seller and it is union made.
Well if you have a link gagrice, I'd like to see it pal. I read Hyundai, is dumping tons of money into their training program. I suppose I should check em' out if they are in fact the best commission payers.
Well another UAW story from USA Today
UAW sets deadline on Chrysler contract settlement
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2007-10-08-auto-talks_N.htm?csp=34
So Chrysler, only has 10 U.S. plants left here in the U.S. or am I reading that wrong. I hope the UAW, plays hard ball and get's some of those Mexican made Chrysler, products back here in the U.S. for a exchange of the two-tiered wage system. I'm also a little surprised they aren't sold on VEBA. :surprise:
-Rocky
I was shocked iluv. I'd rather hire a tobacco user than some up tight complusive eating 800 lbs Gorilla. They can't discriminate against people who over eat but boy have a pinch of Copenhagen or a Cigar, and your fired !!!! :confuse: :mad:
This issue is becoming more common at least around here. Our govenor is a "sin tax" [non-permissible content removed], and is very against tobacco and alcohol. It's amamzing as she is from Canada, and those folks enjoy smoking and drinking like Europeans. I agree with you iluv, and think some of these employer's and insurance company's need to feel the blade of the ACLU. Perhaps this invasion of privacy, might be enough to give birth to a new union movement.
-Rocky
Hey, if you do get that Ford dealership job, keep us posted of your experiences in the "Stories from the Sales Frontlines" forum under "Smart Shopper."
It is not that uncommon. I just read an article where the health care system in the UK refused to treat a smoker. Said it was a hazard to his health and they would not treat him. Kind of a catch 22. The government takes in lots of tax on tobacco and they want to keep people from smoking. Kind of like the hybrid cars in CA. One group encourages buying them the tax collectors don't like it because it cuts into the gas tax.
I think they probably would not hire someone that is over weight either.
So, by eliminating tobacco users, drug users, drunks, etc, a company stands a good chance of having better control over its health insurance costs than a company that hires the above-mentioned "sinners"...
Just because you use tobacco on your own time, you will still affect the health care costs of your employer...
I think I understand you, finally...you think that workers have all the rights they want to do anything they want, and employers have no rights at all...welcome to the real world...employers have every right to discriminate aginst tobacco users, alcoholics, overweight, etc., as it can be directly linked to increase costs and higher absenteeism...
Get over it...
As you have mentioned smoking affects the companies insurance costs. I remember being asked by the RCA doctor when I hired on in 1970 if I was a smoker. I would not hire a smoker just because of the smoke breaks they require.
As I mentioned earlier. It is going to be lower pay and harder labor for those in the lower tiers. Get a trade like plumber, welder or electrician and you may be in a living wage bracket. That is if you do not have a degree in one of the needed fields. Nursing and engineering being a good place to consider.
When interviewing for a position in my business I avoided unattractive applicants who were smokers,boozers, fatties, gummers, self important, & trouble makers.
Thus MY business attracted the quality of clientele who would be as problem free as possible & it was NOT a tavern.
Not to mention those who hold the most stock...
Those who cast the first stone, or something like that
Probably not too many, as the combined effect of the booze, cigars and clogged arteries sends most people of this type to an early grave.
fintail: Not to mention those who hold the most stock...
Which would be the merry widows of said (deceased) fat boozing old men, who are now hanging out with the pilates instructor and spending those dividends on Caribbean cruises.
I suspect widows are not majority stockholders. I see a lot of fat aging men in ultra high end cars around here...
shows how much respect you have for a college degree.
Lou, I think a point could be made that in THIS day and age, considering all the technological advancements we have, that a Bachelor's degree today may be the equivalent of a HS diploma 50 yrs ago.
In other words, 50 yrs ago a HS diploma would've gotten you a good paying job that you could raise a family on, whereas today you NEED a BS to get that entry level position at a company. I guess you could say that the education has been devalued as time goes by, just like the dollar's buying power has eroded over those same 50 yrs from inflation.
Like it or not, the boss may be the overweight guy, but he or she is the one paying your premiums, and regardless of the hypocrisy involved, the owner of the company gets special privileges...
If you work for the company, you follow company rules...if you don't like it, work somewhere else or start your own company...
That is the problem with rabble rousers, and why companies are leaving the country...they actually think they have rights to do anything they want, regardless of the cost to the company, and expect the company to quietly absorb those costs w/o any attempt to control the behavior that causes the costs to rise...
Discrimination is a good thing, weeding out the worthless, useless and shiftless, and those who add on costs simply by their bad habits...we do not need smokers, the slovenly dressed, droolers, tobacco chewers, gum chewers (while a lower class thing to pop gum in front of others at work, doing it at home is not a compnay problem...alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs are a problem...if you do them at home, like it or not, your work performance suffers...)
Is this the nanny state???...I think not, it is simply a company seeking the best employees with the best work habits, and those who drink, smoke, and chew tobacco simply will NOT have the best work habits, because of the inevitable higher cost for health care and health insurance, and the smoke breaks they always seem to need, and, quite frankly, they just aren't worth the hassle...
And, these workers will never comprehend why no one wants them...it IS your right to smoke, drink, and do drugs, but not if you expect to work for me...take your rights and get a job elsewhere, cuz your do NOT have the right to work for me, but I DO have the right to can your buns out the front door...