Friday, January 3, 2014

Post from Thom Hartman

Thom's blog ; Let's save the middle class! Today, many Americans consider themselves “middle class.” However, compared to the standards of the 1960s, the so-called middle class is dead, and the war on unions is directly responsible. In 1965, Americans willing to take dangerous, difficult work – like a midnight shift shoveling waste at a steel mill – could earn about $2.30 an hour. That may not sound like a lot, but it's the equivalent of over $17 dollars an hour today. These jobs were often filled by unskilled workers with high school diplomas or less, but they still paid well enough to cover the cost of an apartment and car. Today, those same unskilled workers are often forced to work for corporate giants for minimum wage - $7.25 an hour – less than half of what they would have been paid in the 1960s. Automation and outsourcing did eliminate many of the manufacturing jobs that previously paid decent wages. However, it's the fact that workers have been unable to unionize that's really kept wages low in the service jobs that replaced manufacturing. In the 1950's, more than 35 percent of private-sector jobs were unionized. Today, less than 6 percent of private-sector workers belong to a union, and that number continues to decline. Those labor groups fought for higher wages, workers' rights, and employment regulations – including many of the protections that workers now take for granted. Today, the average employee has virtually no power against their employers, and the corporate masters are fighting hard to keep workers from standing together. This is why today's labor battles are so important. The “Fight for 15” isn't only about higher wages – it's about bringing back the middle class. For a real chance to make the American Dream a possibility for all, we must fight for our labor unions, so that they can fight for us.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Are u coming to Vancouver anytime soon?

Anonymous said...

As it today, we need a union! Express is ridiculous

Anonymous said...

Too many pussies working for FedEx.

irudedog said...

that's a little harsh. it's more like they're afraid. and really don't know anything about organizing a company. When they are educated and knowledgeable of the benefits of being in a union. the fear disappears.

so its mine and your job to educate your fellow employees.

organizing a company is not a spectators sport. every employee must participate to move this forward

Anonymous said...

There's too many terminals too close together. Start a union in one they will close it and move the freight to the closest terminal. Last time I checked I make 100k I'm not taking that chance. Good luck. U will have to organize all terminals around to secure your future.

Anonymous said...

How did make 100k?..Are you a driver?..I don't think a line driver can even make that

Cosme1 said...

Yes!
In addition ignorant...

Cosme1 said...

Fedex contracting GFI to pick up FedEx containers from Rail. Full time employees from MRL are being sent home 1-3 hours short almost everyday.

Cosme1 said...

I agree w/Thom Heartman. Look to see Mexico's past -present & US is heading towards that direction. We are the poor!

Anonymous said...

Well if this person is a line driver it is very possible, if they have a run from 500 to 600 miles a day that's going to be over or just under 100k a year. Not too shabby