[Clemenza]

The UAW arose in the 1930s when Henry Ford, faced with declining demand during the depression, attempted mass layoffs and increased automation at the River Rouge plant, then Ford's largest. When other manufacturers attempted to do the same, they were faced with similar agitation (ie the strike at the GM plant in Flint, MI, where the workers took over the factory in response to new hours of service rules and layoffs).

In other industries, you can argue that unions were necessary to protect working conditions. In the auto industry, however, the unions have ALWAYS been nothing but a barrier to cost competativeness and rational management. Unfortunately, Detroit has lacked strong management since the 1940s.

As the son of an auto industry executive, I can tell you that the fall of the U.S. auto industry is ultimately rooted in GM's approval of extensive social welfare bennies following WWII, and the lack of a comprehensive management strategy since that period. There really needs to be a major shakeout at both the management and labor levels.

[Hotdog]

As a high level employee working with the automotive industry I can only agree...and I think it's just beginning on a serious note!

[Hotdog]

With all the Government regulations in place today...what else does the Union offer besides gouging?