everytime i see articles about unions going on strike, i would really like to see a basic listing of the average pay and benefits they receive, so the average joe sixpack can see what they are arguing for more of...
this story is the same old same old...how much do they get now in compensation and what more do they want?
The ‘union’ would be foolish to sigh a 6 year deal with no pay increases. Caterpillar forced a ‘NO’ vote.
You take a deep breath and accept whatever happens,” said Mr. Bailey, a 19-year-veteran who earns about $25 an hour for assembly and testing work. Many workers hired since May 2005 earn closer to $13 an hour.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303630404577388131822580486.html
Caterpillar has projected record profit this year and gave its top executives big raises in 2011. Total compensation for Caterpillar Chief Executive Douglas Oberhelman jumped 60% in 2011 to $16.9 million.
From what I gathered, sounds like company greed; I side with the ‘Strikers’
Offer detailed Provided no pay raises for six years while health insurance costs would double.
Failed to put the retiree’s health insurance payment plan in writing. Stripped away seniority rights.
Prevented Tier II workers from transitioning to the higher-paid Tier I. Eliminated cost of living increases tied to inflation rates for Tier I workers and failed to provide them for Tier II workers.
Allowed “supplemental” workers to work at the plant for two years with no benefits.
Frozen and eliminated the pension program and shifted everyone to a 401k-type plan.
Company spokesman Rusty Dunn would not comment on the union’s specific concerns.
Tier II workers — who were hired after May 2, 2005 — have been earning $13 an hour for the past seven years and the company’s new contract would have kept them at $13 an hour even with health care costs increasing.
$13 an hour for 13 years with escalating health premiums and no pension is ridiculous.
Top scale for Tier I workers — who were hired before May 2, 2005 — would be frozen at $28 an hour.
All we want is a fair agreement at a time when Caterpillar is making record profits.