Quote:
Originally Posted by lendaddy
Jeff, do you feel the strike/demands are a wise move then?
|
I have really mixed feelings on this. They were given a fantastic offer,
when compared to the industry today. In speaking with the friends I've made in the shops over the years, however, it becomes clear that is the rub.
They are not comparing this offer to anything else anyone else is working under today. They are comparing it to what they were working under 20 years ago. In their estimation (and I would have to agree), unions have been losing ground to corporate America in their lifetimes. Or maybe that is too broad of a generalization; it's true here at Boeing, anyway. Not so sure about anywhere else. Anyway, at Boeing in particular, the company has had the good fortune to be able to negotiate new contracts with the union during industry downturns. The company has taken full advantage of that, reducing benefits and such in every contract for the last generation.
Boeing essentially has its back up against a wall right now, like no other time since most of these guys have worked here. The union guys see it as their chance, finally, to return to the kinds of contracts enjoyed by their predecessors, and that they enjoyed when they first started here. There has been a lot of animosity built up within their ranks, as the company repeatedly seized its opportunities to chip away at their contracts. "It's payback time..." is what I was hearing.
I do not agree with everything for which the union stands. I do think they overly coddle and protect unproductive, non-contributing members. I do think they have aniquated work rules and job descriptions that are designed to keep the maximum number of them employed. But I do think they are fighting for what is fair and right as far as compensation, assuming they really are doing the skilled jobs about which this union is formed. I do think the disparity in compensation between them and our execs is downright criminal.
Like I said, mixed feelings. I don't think they will substantially improve their contract by striking. I wish they could come up with a better way. Both sides (company and union) are, however, quite intractable and stubborn on this front.