Thank you for the snapshots and history lessons of which too many of our citizens, even well-educated ones, are far too unaware.
We call it capitalism because capital has always been the dominant driving force for economic growth. Property still outpaces labor, but labor must thrive or the other two will destroy each other.
Labor has withered since the watershed criminality of Reagan's firing and scabbing the of the air traffic control union. Demonization of labor, organized or un, is a foundational principle of the Republican Party of Trump. The capital holders and property holders, still unsatisfied with all the tools they possess, disregard that labor has one and only one tool with any teeth, striking and refusal to work. That axiom is as true in 2019 as in 1937 and if we do not allow labor to sit at the table with playable cards, the game is over.
7
It’s stunning to see just how many working Americans simply do not have the basic grasp that unions created our middle class. As unions shrink so does the middle class. It’s not difficult. They need to stop listening to the wealthy who just want cheaper labor.
6
Over the decades the UAW has always been at the forefront of the labor movement. They've met challenges in the past. Today, however, the price of a middle class wage may very well mean fewer workers. Managing the impact of technology and globalization cannot solely be thrust upon union and industry leadership. Responsible public policies: health care, worker support, etc. is required. Given their history, the Auto industry will find a common path forward, but the larger social issues loom large and be there in greater force when this contract expires.
1
Years ago, I bought domestically made cars out of patriotism.
After driving poorly designed cars that were sloppily assembled, I stopped and have never looked back.
Later, I learned that GM’s Lordstown was infamous for its sullen workforce, who gleefully made crummy cars.....
1
Shows you unions lift people up into the middle class whereas the Republican right to work states never created a millionaire or middle class. Plus they keep you at low wages the only ones who get ahead is the CEO’s and board members. Plus they protect the workers from employer abuse where the right to work states allow it to occur.
4
In a nation where wealth inequality is booming and government oversight is being dismantled, unions are all that stand between exploitation and just treatment. I support the unions and urge everyone else to do so.
3
The urban legend had it that Henry Ford's wife threatened to divorce him (and take half his fortune) if he did not stop beating his workers and recognized the union.
3