Last week's post, Metal stampers' take on unions: Part I, revealed findings from a "Stamping News Brief" (SNB) survey about unions. It also featured comments from survey respondents—both those who believe unions are still necessary and those who don’t. Those who believe unions are to blame for lost jobs in the U.S., and those who think they are not—that corporate greediness and the government are the true culprits. As promised, here are some more comments from SNB readers about unions. (more...)
Posts Tagged ‘job loss’
Metal stampers' take on unions: Part I
January 11th, 2012
By: Vicki Bell
By: Vicki Bell
Labor unions continue to make news. Today, sfgate.com published the article Twinkie-Maker Hostess Files for Bankruptcy Citing Pensions, which said that the baker's latest bankruptcy filing is being blamed on the weak economy and costs tied to pension- and medical-benefit obligations resulting from union agreements.
Also in the news, Oklahoma union workers are testifying against Indiana's "right to work" initiative.
Labor unions have been cited by some as major contributors toward U.S. automakers' woes and the outsourcing of jobs. Perhaps no industrial sector has suffered more from the automakers' travails than U.S. metal stampers. Last month, "Stamping News Brief" asked its subscribers—stamping industry professionals—to take a survey about unions. Some of the results may surprise you. (more...)
Two realities of economic recovery
November 30th, 2010
By: Tim Heston
By: Tim Heston
After more than a year looking, my neighbor finally landed a job. He previously worked as a construction manager, which is undoubtedly why it took him so long to find work again. His new job isn’t in construction but instead is related to supply chain management. He sells software that helps various tier suppliers communicate more efficiently. At a recent holiday get-together, neighbors came by to congratulate him. It’s so good to see someone get back on firm financial footing.
Then there’s the house up the street. Two months ago the vacant dwelling was sold at a fraction of its original value. Then there’s another house that’s been on the market longer than my 3-year-old daughter has been alive.
Sheesh.
(more...)
