Autoworkers Face A Healthy Dose Of Reality With New Agreements

There was a time, not very long ago, when getting a job on the production line at a big automaker meant an instant ticket to the American dream, even for someone with little formal education. Not anymore.

"The minute you signed the paper, you were instantly vaulted into the middle class," said Mike Smith, director of Wayne State University's Walter P. Reuther Library in Detroit, named for the founder of the United Auto Workers, the union that represents auto workers.

A shrinking paycheck. As the auto industry undergoes a sea change, the government has demanded that Chrysler and General Motors bring their labor costs in line with foreign competitors operating non-union factories in the U.S.

Today, an entry-level auto-worker will be making $14 an hour, compared to the $28 "base rate" the job had earned before, according to a summary of Chrysler's contract agreement.
 

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AMiodynski - 5/29/2009 11:54:28 AM

+2 Boost

So $14 AND you don't have to be educated?? No wonder, the CEO's and managers at the top making stupid money and they don't have any brains either. No wonder they couldn't build a quality vehicle !!!

Shredmo - 5/29/2009 12:35:02 PM

+3 Boost

This would only impact newly hired workers, which they are not currently hiring.

SpicyMikey - 5/29/2009 1:56:20 PM

+2 Boost

Finally seems things are about to change. Fast forward the clock 10 years and I can't wait to see what America can produce with a more level playing field. Big Union is largly to blame for the demise of manufacturing in this country over the last 40 years.

Lexus - 5/29/2009 11:49:56 PM

+4 Boost

Please stop the bitching and crying. People all over the over world starving, dying, and are losing their job left and right. just be thankful that you still have a job and able to pay your bills and feed your family.

I know people who has friends who was a Lawer, Attorney, and Engineer with a 8 to 10 years degree that get laid off. And now working at a Fast Food Restaurant as a waiter/waitness and are happy to put foods on their table.

So stop the dawn bitching and crying. If they don't have a at least a 4 years degree and making $14 an hour is pretty good. If they want to more money, go to college and earn a degree and maybe they can make more once the economy turn around.

OneOfOne - 6/8/2009 2:34:55 AM

+1 Boost

these union members should get some spell checkers in their benefits.