[johnnyd]

Originally Posted by JackandJanet

Hi John -

I suspect we aren't too far apart on this at all. I too, have very little use for unions in these times.

I remember once when I was in the Air Force, I was appointed to investigate a union grievance in the Motor Pool (civilian workers). I found the grievance was one of several that had been filed by the Shop Steward (an apprentice mechanic) on behalf of himself. He felt he was not being paid at the appropriate level. Interestingly, the only one on his side was the Union Representative. Everyone else in the shop told me he was a lazy sh*t who was out sick all the time, or if he was there, he was always engaged in "union business". So, I put all that in my report (but was never told what happened later).

I also agree with you that the feeder airline pilots don't make much at all. Our oldest son is a 1st officer with United, and he's seen his pay cut a lot. Happily, for the next year or so, he seems to be back on full time with the Navy Reserve, and he's happier there.

And, I'm not totally opposed to pay cuts either, as long as they're across the board and effect EVERYONE, including management, by the same percentage (with no hidden perks for the corner office folks). Yes, if a company has to do that to survive, then everyone should just be happy to be working.

Lee Iacocca showed how to save a company without costing the taxpayers a dime. In fact, the Government MADE money by guaranteeing Chrysler's loans. Wish we had more leaders like him.

Peace brother. Hope the building industry turns around soon for you!

- Jack

Yeah, I'd say we have some similar view points too.

Happy Holidays and thanks :xmashappy:

Originally Posted by Power Hungry

Men like Lee Iacocca, Ross Perot, and even Sam Walton (I'll catch crap for that last one, I'm sure) knew how to run a business.

The problem is when government gets in the way of... or gets involved in... private business. Unions are not business, they are government. Not Oval Office type of government mind you, but they are a governing body trying to control private business through influence and corporations have no choice but to yield to their pressure for fear of strikes. Unfortunately, it's always the consumer that suffers.

In a free enterprise system, a company should be able to hire or fire who they want and pay each person based on a negotiated amount at the time of hiring. If an employee doesn't like the wages, benefits, or anything else about the job, then they are free to quit. Where unions should be involved is ensuring a safe workplace that is free of harassment and prejudice, not making sure that Joe the Plumber is making more that Joe the Cop.

Capitol Hill is just another Union of sorts. There is a serious problem when lawmakers get big, fat paychecks and cushy benefits for signing a couple papers a year when Rescue Services, Police Officers and even Military Personnel get crap for risking their lives. Cap the Politician's salary to 75k a year (which is still twice what a teacher makes) and you'll quickly find that the only people who want to be politicians are people who really want to make a difference in the way our government is run.

I could go on and on but complaining about the government is a waste of breath at this point, and I have better things to do.

I couldn't agree more, well spoken (or written rather)