You have to look at labor as any other commodity....steel, coal,...whatever. If an automaker is to make autos he must purchase/negotiate price of the steel....labor is no different.

By they, I guess you are referencing the state. Let's try this...let's tell the state to hire all unemployed...there goes our unemployment problem. Just kidding...Point being...unions do not make a state, or company, employee heavy. The company, or state, furlough when they can...believe me...felt it a lot.

State workers are the blunt of many jokes for their work productivity levels, or lack thereof. Bottom line there I suppose reflects back to the old addage of "You get what you pay for". Though most are unionized, with a retirement, they are not known for their generous pay schedules. Goes back to the "cutting of the pie" at negotiations.

Without the union, maybe we would get what we pay for. Just what do you pay for and where do you purchase?...Bet you and your family frequent WalMarts daily looking for the best deal, best bang for your dollar....Though WalMarts is the largest employer in the USA they are also one of China's favorite...3 years ago doing 18 BILLION dollars worth of business with China...Walton first stated years ago.."Made in America"...woooooops!

Possibly you are getting what you pay for...ever think of that?....God Bless.

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They make well in our state and have lots of days off each year. In addition the retirement is unreal.

The state workers are just an example of the waste that is prevalent when the union is involved.

It is not saying that in the industry of trucking, that the union is bad. However, think what the world costs would be if the entire industry was union.

I bought a Dodge. Big Union company. It was Made IN MEXICO.

The fact that your state employees "do well in your state" is a direct reflection upon their unions bargaining powers combined with the health of your state's financial state. Why would a state sign off on more than they could pay out in wages/benefit schedule/retirement.

Are you having an issue with their employees being home with their families during holidays while you are working? Each person has to decide in what direction they feel the need to follow in order to eke an existence for themselves and their families. They need to figure out exactly wht it is that brings worth to their being...and then how to get paid fairly for those attributes.

If your direction in life is through a non union job...so be it...your choice...your life. I certainly will not make issue with your wages...or lack thereof.

BTW...you can thank NAFTA, WTA, and other wonderful goverenment programs for allowing you to purchase a Mexican made Dodge. I do not believe you can lay blame to unions for that...well maybe...we did back Clinton...my bad.

Have a great day off today....another union fought for benefit!

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I spent 20 years in accounting. We worked most of the holidays in the tax season.

I don't have an issue that they are home with the families. All I am saying is that the union has managed to give them 16 holidays per year. There is no reason that they should have more holidays than the private industry that pays their salaries through taxes.

As far as the comment about the state's health in the finance dept. Illinois is soon to be following California on the money front. They have wasted much of the revenue. It would be nice if the state could file bankruptcy and get out of the union contract that is draining the state.

I am not anti union. I believe they have their benefits. I just do not believe in wasted employee time. I was management in the accounting industry.

I also believe in getting the best value for my buck.

Now, you are implying that Clinton is the fault of Nafta, please do yourself a favor and read up on the original parties involved that came up with the plan and the vote in the Republican congress before Clinton came into office. His signature was just a formality.

Now, you are implying that Clinton is the fault of Nafta, please do yourself a favor and read up on the original parties involved that came up with the plan and the vote in the Republican congress before Clinton came into office. His signature was just a formality.

I am very well read on NAFTA and did realize where it was born...bottom line...he signed after gaining union backing...that leaves a bad taste in my mouth...just personal I suppose.

I also have management time...withing the airline industry. I welcomed informed and educated stewards. What better way to run an operation when both parties realize their respective jobs and knowing the other will hold each other to task. I was also very educated in the contract, I knew what was accepted as past practice and I knew how to use the contract to benefit my schedule. I was responsible to assure a good product in a specified time...my neglect would cost the airlines approx. $10K a day in lost revenues. Notice how I stated my neglect, not the union's. I was the supervisor. I had good lead mechanics and mechanics under my lead, we worked together, both with open ears and open minds, willing to listen.

Please explain how the union "has managed to give them 16 holidays per year" That statement really needs some attention. You are stating that the great state of Illinois was a no show for negotiations, hence the union's ability to receive any and all requests for it's wages/benefits/retirement scheduling.

The union does not give...unions negotiate, IN GOOD FAITH, with their respective employers. If a true "state of the nation" is not brought forth during negotiations then either the union or the company should seek better reps to acquire a beneficial contract for the employees and the employers.

I also believe in getting the best value for my buck.
As does everyone. That is why WalMart thrives. I am also guilty.

I am not anti union. I believe they have their benefits. I just do not believe in wasted employee time. I was management in the accounting industry.
Wouldn't that be management's job...to assure time spent is accounted for? As a manager you should be first to realize a problem exists and your task to find a way to correct same. Managers should manage...what a novel idea!

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It comes from the way I make the comment. The union did not give them 16 holidays. They managed to get the state to agree to them during the implementation of the contracts.

I am not saying it is union fault. However, since the contract is there, we have to deal with it. The state of Illinois treats money like it grows on trees. So, in a sense it was like dealing with a child.

The way the contract is, there is little management can do with the state employee.

I ran into one department that had 20 people in it. Only was was working. The others were doing crossword puzzles, reading books, listening to headphones. I know this was not a break, I was there most of the morning. I asked the supervisor about it and he said the contract dictates that they have to be there or be paid to be at home.

Perhaps state management could use a refresher course....also, as an accountant you are more aware of waste than I. I agree that there is waste in most business...but it is not the union's job to run a company...just to do their bidding.

Contracts dictate...how amusing. Who signed the contracts...were they under duress?

Also...been good sharing with you...thanks.

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Enjoy the week.