This canard that the auto workers killed Detroit is disgusting — on par with, to flip your metaphor, killing your elderly parents for their (actually non-existent) inheritance and then trying to frame your sister who actually did the hard work of caring for them.
Studies have shown that the UAW’s current labor costs, figuring in the cost of living between the Midwest and the South, are basically identical today. (Which means they’ll actually be lower with further cutbacks.) The UAW has been working directly with the Big Three for years to try to reach equitable solutions for the “legacy costs” from previous contracts — in fact, the UAW now has its own fiduciary stake in its members’ health insurance.
Analysts have also noted that bankruptcy for the Big Three would inevitably turn from Chapter 11 (reorganization) to Chapter 7 (the companies going out of business). Just today, there was a survey that said 53% of people would refuse to buy a car from a company in bankruptcy (and no wonder, since you wouldn’t have a reliable supply of parts for it).
And in case you haven’t noticed, the problem now is that people aren’t buying cars — period. Which is why Honda just cut its racing teams, which have always been a core part of the company. Which is why Toyota’s stock is down 50%. It ain’t just Detroit that’s in trouble, it’s Tokyo too.
And why aren’t people buying cars? Because of not only the recession but also tightness in the auto loan market. Hmmm, that goes back to Wall Street’s sins …

The bankers got their money and left town. Now the auto makers want money. I think Congress should call the bankers back and ask them why they aren’t lending some of their windfall to the automakers. This is Economy 101.

Let’s say there are 10,000,000 Reformed Christians in the USA. If the state confiscates the entire net worth of each, say $50,000 per Reformed Christian, no, make that $25,000, that’s $250 billion–more than enough to bail out the auto workers. Let’s write our Congressional representatives! Reformed Christans may be incredibly obnoxious but that doesn’t mean they’re good for nothing.

I work in a unionized company and it’s almost impossible to get those lazy apes to take even the most meager steps toward building a quality product. Unless they steal something, it’s impossible to fire them. The Union has lied to them for decades and kept them from actually developing skills that would provide job security, instead making them dependent on their thuggish bosses. Unions working with car companies? Hogwash. Paying people even though they don’t come to work (job bank) is hardly cooperation.
And, yes, people are buying cars. Honda and Toyota are still profitable in the US.

I agree, let them restructure without the UAW… We can again compete in the world auto market.

Paying people even though they don’t come to work (job bank) is hardly cooperation.
Jealous much?
The “get paid to stay at home” option worked for Dubya – he spent almost 900 days on his ranch since he became prez-o-dint.
What is it that upsets you about the UAW? THat they get better deals for their employees than you’re able to get? Sounds to me like you think the “lazy apes” are getting too uppity for their britches.
If this was the good old days, you’d give ‘em what-for, no? You think they should take a cue from the “rich white guy” handbook? “A couple of good lashes with a whip or a cut-back on their daily rations is sure to tame even the most uppity of “lazy apes. A starving worker is a productive worker.”
In a nation of multi-billion-dollar bailouts and multi-million-dollar golden parachutes, I can’t give one good hair fro a rat’s patootie that some regular folks are getting some of that “lazy rich white man” action.

It’s simple really. Some American companies have been sending their reps to companies like Toyota for 20 years and didn’t get it until very very recently…makes you wonder what had they been doing in the last 19 years before that.
I believe reforms are in need for these companies and without much argument, it should be deep and extensive. Also, these current CEOs must go as a condition for a bailout. Even the UAW head may have to go for a younger guy who would be open to all options- as part of the condition. New blood will most likely bring in reforms to make the union more modernised, and more inclined to understand the new realities.
You know, as a guy based in Australia, and being Asian, its not coincidental that I believe Toyota has better cars(even if some of them aren’t as stylish). I believe that GM et al has to modernise- and stay ahead of the curve. If not Toyota will eat them for lunch and dinner also, and become their supper.

My Accord is coming up on 100K miles and It’s NEVER had a malfunction. I’ve had to replace tires, sure, and other things that wear out like wiper blades and brake pads and so forth, but really the only thing wrong with it is that the moon roof doesn’t work anymore. Whoopee. All I do is put gas in it and change the oil. And I changed the transmission fluid…AT 90K MILES, per the manual.
The paint is starting to look a little ratty so I’m thinking of re-painting gunmetal gray and getting the interior detailed and buying new hubcaps. It would basically be like having a new car. Is 200K in my future? I wouldn’t be surprised.

UAW = Unemployed Auto Worker.
Union yes!

So basically, the senate kills the auto bailout because the UAW still wants GM, Chrysler, Ford auto workers to get paid more just because they are building american cars. Cute. It is obvious these idiots still don’t get it.

Ever wonder what a UAW contract looks like? It is over 2200 pages and weighs 22 pounds. It no wonder the big three can not compete in the global market. Honda and Toyota don’t have to deal with that kind of crap. It would take a team of lawyers just to understand this document. You can see the document here. 2215 pages of inefficiency brought to you by the UAW