Originally Posted by
Pilotpip
Another great example, the US automakers. They blame healthcare and union labor for the increased costs. As a result they lay off millions and outsource tons of work to Mexico. Toyota on the other hand, makes many of their cars in the US, pays union employees well, and is making a profit while people are paying a premium for their product. Maybe US auto makers are ashamed of the fact that they've been making the same inefficient, poorly constructed product for years. Gas prices have nearly trippled, and they're still trying to operate like it's 1997. Sounds strikingly similiar to the industry we're in.
I'm a strong believer in the old saying that if you take care of your people they take care of you. Maybe Herb was on to something...
The problem with US auto makers is the UAW, they've dug their own grave. The average UAW worker is EXTREAMLY lazy and that low productivity combined with very high wages are the cause for their layoffs.
Personally I don't think I'll ever buy a "Japenese" car, even though they're basically all built in the US. I live in Detroit and it's just un-American to drive a Toyota!
Plus I've never liked the styling of most foreign cars.
I also don't think the higher minimum wage will effect us much, like others have said there just aren't that many jobs out there that pay minimum wage anyway. I've made more than minimum wage since I was about 15.