November 1st, 2009
A quick search shows a paltry effort go "go green." Their business plans and overall competitive spirit are sub par. If Congress decides to doll out some money, what kind of "green" strings would you like to see written into the handout package?
Links below are from a quick search on the Big 3 and climate. I had to dig to get the link from Chrysler.
http://www.ford.com/our-values/environment/air-climate
http://www.gm.com/corporate/responsibility/partners/environment/index.jsp
http://cgmedia.daimlerchrysler.com/newsrelease.do?id=6990
http://www.us-cap.org/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6247371.stm
Sure there should be strings attached, but in a industry that large. It doesn’t happen overnight. All have been confronted with bad management practices that’s coming around to haunt the industry. By the same token efficient automobiles have been out for awhile. It’s just no one had a desire for that type of vehicle. They are well aware of markets demands, but the bottom line is what sells. The current economic crisis and fuel crunch, didn’t really leave a large window for transition. I know Ford had been practicing lean manufacturing and downsizing for @ least the last ten years.
I see another issue that has a direct correlation with Unionized labor. As a former employee no concessions can be made on the individual level. Most employee’s complain that the Union was overbearing in demands. Those of us that had a desire to change or negotiate with management couldn’t. In perspective it will only work from the top down and not the bottom up. And yes the Union needs to make responsible decessions, that represent the company as a whole.
I had one of the better paying jobs. And to clear up a recent publicized misconception. No we don’t make $60.00 per hour, closer to $30. for skilled labor after a 2-4yr apprenticeship program with college credits and certification. Nor does the average person understand the type of work involved. The retention rate for new hires is something like 1:50. They just quit,and not fired.
Anyway here’s a link that may hold some interest?
http://www.uaw.org/auto/11_18_08auto2.cfm
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