[Superman]

There you go again Jeff, being reasonable, asking questions. That's not how we do it here on PPOT.

Based on my understanding, I would agree that Boeing workers earn their pay. I have a close friend who is an electrical lead in Everett, and it sounds like they do plenty of problem-solving and interfacing with the design folks. If so, then that makes me really question Boeing's intention of outsourcing.

Matt, I am not sure I have ever seen a strike that made good short-term financial sense for the workers. It doesn't take long at all for the overall financial impact to be negative. Striking workers rarely recoup their losses. "Me, me, me" is not what it's about.

I would be fascinated to hear how direct labor costs could be $80 while wages are $35. Yes, I understand the concept of fringe benefits. $45 per hour in fringe benefits is.....astonomical.

I would not be quick to argue with someone who suggests that $35 per hour is a bit high for workers who are not highly skilled. It would see to me this is potentially a fair rate for someone pretty skilled and productive and in an urban area. And if the workplace has a culture of "gaming" and work avoidance, then I would agree something is wrong.