Loss at Volkswagen plant upends union's plan for U.S. South

[Capt Worley PE]

(Reuters) - In a stinging defeat that could accelerate the decades-long decline of the United Auto Workers, Volkswagen AG workers voted against union representation at a Chattanooga, Tennessee plant, which had been seen as organized labor's best chance to expand in the U.S. South.

More: http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/15/us-autos-vw-election-idUSBREA1D1DP20140215

The unions are passe. Much of what they fought for is now dictated by the feds. They don't serve much purpose any more.

 

[Master slacker]

There is so much win in VW employees using their brains to understand what's best for them. :thumbs:

 

[csb]

I hear they get wings when a VW rolls over to 100,000 miles.

 

[snickerd3]

and shoot rainbows out there *** at 200K

 

[Road Guy]

and generally lose in any collision with a SUV / Truck

 

[Dexman PE PMP]

and cost at least $150 for an oil change at the dealership.

 

[Capt Worley PE]

And have key fobs that cost $800.

 

[cdcengineer]

Unless you have worked for a union or been directly involved with them, it may be unfair to say that they are passe.

 

[Capt Worley PE]

I've never worked for a buggy whip manufacturer, but they are passe.

I have seen them at work in the silly service side of the DoD and was wholly unimpressed by what I saw.

 

[Flyer_PE]

I supervised union electricians for a couple of years. I'm not a fan. If it wasn't a requirement to work there, I think over half of the shop would have ditched the IBEW.

 

[Dexman PE PMP]

 

[Lumber Jim]

unions turn good people into poorly behaved people with bad judgement during a strike. (my experience) Usually the lost wages during a strike cancel out anything gained by the negotiation that occurs when coupled with the union dues and seniority BS as it is distributed over the life of the new contract.

Again, my experience in my world...

That said, unions in a third world country would probably be a good thing to boost wages but would likely lead to less work in the long run. (catch 22?)

 

[snickerd3]

The only benefit for the extreme dues we pay is we have access to free legal council and they limit the damage the governor can do.

 

[Master slacker]

I still don't like the idea of paying a fee to keep my job. There is no way I would benefit... ever...

 

[snickerd3]

oh we can still lose our jobs. we just have bumping rights before the no job scenario happens.