Another Voice / Economic crisis
If automakers fail, the American dream will fade
During the presidential campaign, politicians frequently referenced “Main Street America.” They spoke about how critical it is to economically solidify this important piece of America. It is apparent that politicians have no idea as to what Main Street America is.
For weeks now, the banking industry has filled its pockets with taxpayers’ money, classified as a bailout. Billions of dollars were given to many institutions with no strings attached or guidance for disbursement.
The CEOs, arrogant as they are, still think their enormous salaries and bonuses are due to them. It is their opinion that this “free” money belongs to them to satisfy their large egos.
This is a major insult to the workers of America who are going to pay for this greed. Maybe I am missing something, but the banking industry is not Main Street, but it certainly controls the same. Accordingly, it is these same greedy Wall Street executives who have, through their own doings, created this devastation to our economy.
It is a tragedy people are losing their homes and livelihoods because of greed. The middle class has been stripped of its dignity and quality of life.
The Fair Trade Act ultimately subsidized big businesses to move their companies overseas, ripping the heart from middle-class workers. Furthermore, these companies have a green light to bring products into this country with minimal tariffs, if any. Many of the products, as we have seen, are hazardous, based on our standards.
About 30 years ago, due to many circumstances, the battle cry was “buy American, support America and save jobs.” Unfortunately, we as Americans became comfortable with a stable economy and purchased products from Third World countries. There is no question we all saved a few bucks at the time, but at what cost? The profits of these sales were sent back to the countries of origin and reinvested.
This holds so very true with the auto industry. Just take a look at all of the foreign vehicles on our roadways today. These foreign vehicles greatly outnumber American vehicles. These vehicles may have been a little cheaper, but once again, the profits were sent back to the home countries. This includes transplant factories such as the ones Toyota is operating in the United States. Yes, it is true, jobs were created. However, the consequences have been devastating.
There are those who feel this has happened due to high union wages. The truth is, the cost of labor is 10 percent of the vehicle cost. Comparing union workers’ wages to Toyota employees’ wages, you will discover their employees make more per hour than union workers.
If the auto industry fails, the American dream will diminish and we will be closer to becoming a Third World country. Can we really afford to lose more than 3 million jobs, not to mention the erosion of the tax base?
Tim Klipfel Sr. is joint activities representative for United Auto Workers Local 774, GM Powertrain in Tonawanda.
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