[erlayman]

A race to the bottom with wages won’t fix this. The Philippines, Vietnam etc have only now reached a whopping 5% of US hourly production wages. The low cost of labor con­sti­tutes the major com­pet­i­tive advan­tage of these emerging market sup­pli­ers - along with materials, cost of production, lower regulations etc.

I’m all for free trade but why do we hold to account greedy labor and union benefits, but not greedy corporatist and greedy financiers?

My New Balance are over $100.00

[Erik Latranyi]

The Philippines, Vietnam etc have only now reached a whopping 5% of US hourly production wages. The low cost of labor con­sti­tutes the major com­pet­i­tive advan­tage of these emerging market sup­pli­ers - along with materials, cost of production, lower regulations etc.

You are spouting union bile.

Wages are only one component....and usually a very small one with today's automated manufacturing. So the effects of labor costs are minimal to the overall operation.

The real costs are in the form of regulation compliance, taxes, etc. That is where innovation does not allow you to escape (unless you are GE and have purchased politicians) unless you go to another state or country.

If you wish to lament automated manufacturing, then please make sure you start with ATMs that contribute to our unemployment rate, Mr President.