Thread: Twinkie for your thoughts

Hostess Fights To Give Execs 'Liquidation' Bonuses - Careers Articles

That's why!

The point of the unions isn't for workers to dictate to small shops. It's to equalize the balance of power regarding employment terms with large companies.

Instead of the full power of the entire company or industry against a single individual, the union allows the negotiations to instead become, the full power of industry and company with the equal power of all the workers.

The idea is that nobody can dictate at all.

Originally Posted by Tarkus

Very true but the days of the Triangle Shirtwaist tragedy of 1911 is thankfully a thing in the past. Back in the day unions were an important thing to have, for safety as a number one reason.
The way I look at unions can only be observed thru my trade Tool & Die. When I started in this trade 27 years ago. there were countless union shops in Philadelphia that I knew. Today there isnt a single one that is open today. That includes The Budd plant who probably built more dies for the american auto industry then any other company.
Where are they now? As a owner of a small shop, I would never be told how to conduct my business especially from a worker. Raises should be given out on merit, not by some schedule set by the worker. Why is the owner always the bad guy when it comes to making a profit?

Dude - it's a war out there! You as a small business owner know your people. You can pay them accordingly.

The owner is the bad guy -?? - I don't know why you say that. We glorify Steve Jobs... not the dude on the line! Moreover, we expect those who take risk to be rewarded. But when a co. becomes public - it's large - and it's no longer managed by people with the best interests of those stakeholders that produce but rather invest hence they try to squeeze every cent out of them. It's natural that they would fight back!

There is no wrong in a collective of workers looking out to protect themselves when people on Wall Street who absolutely couldn't care less about them are involved. As a matter a fact - I would say it's not only expected - but necessary.

Originally Posted by Tarkus

As a owner of a small shop, I would never be told how to conduct my business especially from a worker. Raises should be given out on merit, not by some schedule set by the worker. Why is the owner always the bad guy when it comes to making a profit?

I don't disagree with that but your example of a small shop is one thing and nationwide companies with gigantic work forces are another. Add to that you grew up when the USA had already begun to change in terms of the 'understanding' that I grew up with in the 1950s. If I was loyal to the company and looked out for them they would be loyal to me and look our for me.

Here is a press conference President Kennedy gave in 1962. I remember it well. Note two points he mentions ....."public interest" and "public responsibility". Antiquated terms today. If you run those by CEOs they'd laugh at your naivety. .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWNhWANkq0Q

My question becomes this:
If the CEO of General Motors makes (for the sake of argument) $6 million base salary, how many cars does GM have to sell to cover that one person's salary?

The follow-up question becomes this:
From the buyer's perspective, who has the more important job that must be done well: the CEO of GM, or the line worker who installs the transmission?

Edit: in fairness, it must be said that growing up to become CEO is part of the American dream.

No one gets paid according to how "important" their work is to the end consumer.
You get paid according to the economic value you provide.

I am more interested in the guy installing the brakes having done a good job!!

Originally Posted by HNSB

No one gets paid according to how "important" their work is to the end consumer.
You get paid according to the economic value you provide.

Not to start an argument with you, but what about surgeons?

Originally Posted by HNSB

No one gets paid according to how "important" their work is to the end consumer.
You get paid according to the economic value you provide.

And I am totally okay with what SRP is paying you for your services Eric ......

Originally Posted by mapleleafalumnus

My question becomes this:
If the CEO of General Motors makes (for the sake of argument) $6 million base salary, how many cars does GM have to sell to cover that one person's salary?

The follow-up question becomes this:
From the buyer's perspective, who has the more important job that must be done well: the CEO of GM, or the line worker who installs the transmission?

Edit: in fairness, it must be said that growing up to become CEO is part of the American dream.

Now compare the responsibilities and each of thier roles in the company