I can tell that this is a very labor friendly thread. So much respect for anyone who gets their hands dirty for a living. Now, apparently, these workers make too much and don't deserve even what they make now.
What I would like to know is why is this pension fund so important to UPS? Its not THEIR pension money, its their employees', right? So why can't the employees decide who should hold and invest THEIR money? Isn't this just a thinly veiled attempt by business to put the knife to the Teamsters - by crippling their pension fund (UPS's share is 15% and up, right?). God knows UPS management is not looking out for the pension fund for the employees' sake.
Clearly this strike has little to do with UPS and UPS workers, otherwise it would not be frustrating so many of you. I have heard none of you mention that you are shareholders. Rather, it is Big business versus Labor and a showdown to see who flinches. What happens here will impact labor's role everywhere.
So lets get to the root of it. Admit it. Most of you, like Gerald, think these slack-jawed unskilled laborers make too much as it is and when they decide to exert their influence and make a fuss, they need to be nipped in the bud lest other workers get ideas. God knows we can't have wage inflation - some of this hard earned wealth (hardearned by shareholders - shareholding is hard work!)may trickle down to those overpaid morons who make up 95% of the company - a company that seems to do pretty well even though its workers are clearly greatly overpaid for the useless contribution they make to the company and the economy.
So let's put it out on the table for all to see. We all hate these damned blue collar schmucks rabble rousing for control of THEIR pension and more full time work. We hate that they are willing to go on strike so that more of their fellow workers can get full time jobs ($20 vs $11 an hour, I believe.) We all would love them to make even less to squeeze out a higher EPS and reward us for the hard work (and great risk) of investing in the company. IF they want to make money honestly they should invest, right? (Someone tell me how someone making $11 an hour can find spare change to invest?)
So let's not pretend anymore that this discussion is about what's fair or equitable for either party in this strike. Its about keeping wages down unversally - and thereby inflation, right? We have all been watching holding our breaths as the economy roars ahead and wages have stagnated (except for executives who EARN their living). Now we all whine when it looks like the little dream is over and workers are clamoring for higher wages. Didn't you think it was going to happen eventually?
Damn capitalism letting workers hold out for better pay because they know they can get it! |
