[Ducati] Strike at Harley (NDC)

[John Joseph Reichart, III]

Wow, someone needs a lesson in basic economics and capitalism.  The wage I
make and benefits I receive have absolutely NOTHING to do with unions, past
or preset.  I earn the wages I do because my skills are in demand, and
that's what my employer deems these skills are worth.  If my employer
decided my skills weren't worth that much, I would find an employer that
did, go out on my own, or develop new skills.  The only people who benefit
from unions are those who run them.  You cannot force a company to pay more
for labor than it's worth.  One of 2 things happens - they raise prices, or
go out of business.  Option 1 usually leads to option 2.  Employers aren't
out to screw employees, as much as unions and there members would like you
to believe.



-----Original Message-----
From: ducati-bounces at ducati.net [mailto:ducati-bounces at ducati.net] On Behalf
Of mike major
Sent: Saturday, February 03, 2007 1:48 AM
To: Ducati Owners Group
Subject: Re: [Ducati] Strike at Harley (NDC)

"maybe I'm just dumb".  You said it and my first reaction was to agree.
However, that would be rude and I have to assume that your choice of
motorcycles indicates some level of intelligence so I'll let you know why I
feel that all working people have a stake in this kind of struggle.   It's
the union shops that set the standard for the rest of us in wages, health
care, overtime pay, the 40 hour week, paid vacations etc.  These things
weren't handed to us by benevolent employers but were fought for and are
currently defended by unions.  When unions win it raises the standards for
all workers, it's just that simple.  The "two-tiered" system is one of the
favorite union busting tactics currently in vogue and has been agreed to as
necessary for airlines and/or car companys that are unable to compete
effectively.  Harley is not in that boat, they are a specialty company that
can sell all the overpriced motorcycles they can produce and at a healthy
profit.  I personally applaud
 the older workers who are sticking up for the new hires, at considerable
risk to themselves, I feel they deserve our support and admiration.
Moonbeam