Detroit Tells UAW They Can No Longer Pay For Idled Workers To Play Checkers

The United Auto Workers union is in talks with some of Detroit's Big Three auto makers to stop a program that pays idled workers, people familiar with the matter said.

The so-called jobs banks, while shrinking, have been viewed by critics as a competitive disadvantage for Detroit auto makers, calling them an overly generous benefit at companies that are posting billions in losses.

Union officials and their allies counter that the banks have been an effective way to keep a flexible job pool available and have allowed the companies to implement new technology while reducing overall numbers responsibly.


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91z4me - 12/1/2008 12:22:49 PM

+5 Boost

Well I can bet this won't be going over very well. Ron Gettlefinger is going to raise a BIG stink about this.

Agent009 - 12/1/2008 12:48:14 PM

+6 Boost

When Toyota Idled the Tundra plant, they kept the workers on and sent them out in the San Antonio area doing community service projects.

When Detroit idles workers they can do whatever they please Start an Amway pyramid scheme, night stock at Albetson's, or sit and drink beer at the union hall.

The difference is the Toyota worker get paid his normal wage regardless. The UAW worker receives the majority of his pay regardless. To me the Toyota model is a far better example of how to do things.

EL34 - 12/1/2008 12:54:58 PM

+7 Boost

Ron Gettlefinger should be working for $50,000 a year.

If he doesn't like it he can go on strike :-)

sold2early - 12/1/2008 1:22:13 PM

+10 Boost

The UAW's solution to this problem will be to play cards instead of checkers

Need4Speed - 12/1/2008 3:41:52 PM

+3 Boost

I had to give you +1 on that...ROFL!

Need4Speed - 12/1/2008 3:45:58 PM

+3 Boost

"...Union officials and their allies counter that the banks have been an effective way to keep a flexible job pool available and have allowed the companies to implement new technology while reducing overall numbers responsibly."

The sad part about this statement is the millions of Americans that will actually fall for this BS!

toolatetorace - 12/1/2008 9:55:06 PM

+1 Boost

Quick ,,what is the name of the guy that is holding the white up in the picture ? He was the fire chief on the Leave it to Beaver show and a bunch of other TV shows in the black and white TV era

FerrarisR4me - 12/2/2008 11:20:13 AM

+1 Boost

Do we still really wonder why our auto industry is in trouble? Really?