Once again, another Labor Union hurting the economy.

[SeaDaddy1]

This time stopping, diverting, or delaying shipments in LA and Long Beach ports. At least costing $1 Billion per day.
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-ports-strike-20121201,0,4917459.story

Some of the US's highest paid clerical workers offered $195,000 per year. Up from $165,000 annually. What the hell are they complaining about? Still, they go on strike and cripple these 2 major shipping ports.

 

[islandman]

The Port of LA had 2.5 years to work out an agreement.

What has taken them so long?

 

[SeaDaddy1]

I don't know. I bet the ports of Mexico, Canada, Alaska, and South America are loving this.

All because of a union of about 500 people? I bet there are equally qualified people willing to replace them for at least 1/2 of what those union workers are getting now.

 

[Sean Renaud]

Apparently not or this lot would have been swapped out at least a year ago. You have to ask yourself, why are they being offered MORE money but they are remaining on strike? Perhaps working without a contract in the long term is something only fools do.

 

[SeaDaddy1]

Apparently not or this lot would have been swapped out at least a year ago. You have to ask yourself, why are they being offered MORE money but they are remaining on strike? Perhaps working without a contract in the long term is something only fools do.

Who cares? Money talks, BS walks.

Good paying jobs are scarce in my area. I'm willing to send resume's to those ports and travel across country for that amount of money. I know I'm not remotely qualified, but I'm a damned fast learner and can work long hours.

 

[CHNOPS]

Whenever anyone wants to defend CEO salary, they always point out value-added: without this guy, the company would not be as profitable. It sounds like without these 800 (nb) workers, the companies are not as profitable. Seems like they have a pretty good case for their pay.

Anyway, did you read the article? Shipping lines are agreeing to pay increases but not contracts--meaning, they intend to continue sending anyone making the top salary to other jobs, so they don't have to pay it. Also, the $1B INCLUDES the strikers' lost wages. Should make you happy, no? The goods get delivered either way, the spoiled LA union bastards don't get paid while they're on strike. Win-win, no?

No, dammit! It's unions! They suck!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Sean Renaud]

Who cares? Money talks, BS walks.

Good paying jobs are scarce in my area. I'm willing to send resume's to those ports and travel across country for that amount of money. I know I'm not remotely qualified, but I'm a damned fast learner and can work long hours.

And what happens when they cut it again by half because they know your willing to work for whatever they choose to toss you?

 

[BoyNextDoor]

Apparently not or this lot would have been swapped out at least a year ago. You have to ask yourself, why are they being offered MORE money but they are remaining on strike? Perhaps working without a contract in the long term is something only fools do.

They are remaining on strike because they want a guarantee of jobs being preserved even if the ports modernize with better technology that would eliminate clerical jobs. This is something the shipping companies are asking for and competitive ports have done or are doing.

I can see a role for unions in safety, working hours, fair wage and healthcare but I can not see holding the employer hostage to keeping on employees that are not necessary to the function of the business or worse are necessary to replace with technology for competitive advantage. That is absurd.

 

[Sean Renaud]

They are remaining on strike because they want a guarantee of jobs being preserved even if the ports modernize with better technology that would eliminate clerical jobs. This is something the shipping companies are asking for and competitive ports have done or are doing.

I can see a role for unions in safety, working hours, fair wage and healthcare but I can not see holding the employer hostage to keeping on employees that are not necessary to the function of the business or worse are necessary to replace with technology for competitive advantage. That is absurd.

They probably figure they're gonna lose their jobs one way or the other, if you're about to kill my job I don't see the value in letting you keep yours, particularly not in the long run. Again if these people were so replaceable this situation would never have gotten to this point.

 

[PoppingTom]

They are remaining on strike because they want a guarantee of jobs being preserved even if the ports modernize with better technology that would eliminate clerical jobs. This is something the shipping companies are asking for and competitive ports have done or are doing.

I can see a role for unions in safety, working hours, fair wage and healthcare but I can not see holding the employer hostage to keeping on employees that are not necessary to the function of the business or worse are necessary to replace with technology for competitive advantage. That is absurd.

It's possible. That's all that counts. People are fighting for their jobs, no matter what way. Are you miffed at them about it?

 

[SeaDaddy1]

And what happens when they cut it again by half because they know your willing to work for whatever they choose to toss you?

You really think I'm going to let them know that? I'm accustomed to highs and lows. I know when to stay and when to walk away w/out being held hostage. Before you reach that stage though, the first step is to get your foot in the door.

They are remaining on strike because they want a guarantee of jobs being preserved even if the ports modernize with better technology that would eliminate clerical jobs. This is something the shipping companies are asking for and competitive ports have done or are doing.

I can see a role for unions in safety, working hours, fair wage and healthcare but I can not see holding the employer hostage to keeping on employees that are not necessary to the function of the business or worse are necessary to replace with technology for competitive advantage. That is absurd.

Excellent observation.

 

[Sean Renaud]

You really think I'm going to let them know that? I'm accustomed to highs and lows. I know when to stay and when to walk away w/out being held hostage. Before you reach that stage though, the first step is to get your foot in the door.

They'll know the moment you walk through the door. You wouldn't be there otherwise.

 

[SeaDaddy1]

They'll know the moment you walk through the door. You wouldn't be there otherwise.

Right. Usually when a person sends a resume, then travels across the country for an interview, then I'd say it's pretty obvious.
Nothing to stop me from from telling them about the imaginary job interviews for the same position and that I am happy to be there to consider their offer as well.

 

[Sean Renaud]

Right. Usually when a person sends a resume, then travels across the country for an interview, then I'd say it's pretty obvious.
Nothing to stop me from from telling them about the imaginary job interviews for the same position and that I am happy to be there to consider their offer as well.

You don't think it's obvious how desperate you are if you move cross country to take a job for significantly less than people are doing it currently? And they don't need to offer you less initially, honestly they'd be stupid not to wait until you'd set down roots to start chipping away at your pay. But suit yourself.

It's funny how the entire world is rioting and striking at the same time and people are trying to pretend it's a coincidence though.

 

[CHNOPS]

You don't think it's obvious how desperate you are if you move cross country to take a job for significantly less than people are doing it currently? And they don't need to offer you less initially, honestly they'd be stupid not to wait until you'd set down roots to start chipping away at your pay. But suit yourself.

It's funny how the entire world is rioting and striking at the same time and people are trying to pretend it's a coincidence though.

It's not quite the chip-away they're striking against, it's reassignment: they're being sent to ports with lower pay when the shipping companies want to save money, rather than being paid what they're promised. Without a contract, the pay rate is nigh on meaningless.

 

[SeaDaddy1]

You don't think it's obvious how desperate you are if you move cross country to take a job for significantly less than people are doing it currently? And they don't need to offer you less initially, honestly they'd be stupid not to wait until you'd set down roots to start chipping away at your pay. But suit yourself.

It's funny how the entire world is rioting and striking at the same time and people are trying to pretend it's a coincidence though.

And you earn how much right now? The difference is, I know I am not qualified for that job, but willing to try it. If you set your standards higher than your obvious worth, then you'll set yourself out of a job and the back to the unemployment line.

I appreciate your concern though. The chipping away is not what they are striking against.

 

[Sean Renaud]

How is being reassigned to a location with lower pay NOT chip away? Or is this one of those things like Obamacare isn't a tax it's a fine? (Or vice versa?)

 

[SgtSpiderMan]

Who cares? Money talks, BS walks.

Good paying jobs are scarce in my area. I'm willing to send resume's to those ports and travel across country for that amount of money. I know I'm not remotely qualified, but I'm a damned fast learner and can work long hours.

So after you spend money to go out there to interview, move out there, do whatever you need to do to become qualified, would you take a job with no contract?

 

[CHNOPS]

How is being reassigned to a location with lower pay NOT chip away? Or is this one of those things like Obamacare isn't a tax it's a fine? (Or vice versa?)

It's not the same, but it doesn't matter. Your point is fine, don't get all Lit on it.

 

[Bad_Doggie]

Who cares? Money talks, BS walks.

Good paying jobs are scarce in my area. I'm willing to send resume's to those ports and travel across country for that amount of money. I know I'm not remotely qualified, but I'm a damned fast learner and can work long hours.

Well hey, I’ll fly you there; I'm not remotely qualified, but I'm a damned fast learner and can work long hours.

Up for it?

Woof!

 

[unregistered]

 

[Squibbs]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oW3xeZHiAU

 

[SgtSpiderMan]

Unions are all about harming the economy by coercing employers to pay wages and benefits beyond those justified by market and business realities, eventually driving viable businesses out of the market.

The employers can always say, "go to hell", and go out & hire someone else.

 

[Exquisition]

How short the memory is. I mean this financial crisis didn't begin or end with Capitalist greed or unfettered, poorly regulated financial institutions did it?

Nope, it began the moment a Democrat got in power.

You see, the MOMENT, the VERY MOMENT a Democratgets in the entire world economy collapses like a pack of cards.

Naughty Obama. Down Obama.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

Unions are all about harming the economy by coercing employers to pay wages and benefits beyond those justified by market and business realities, eventually driving viable businesses out of the market.

There's a place for unions, especially if the union offers skilled/experienced labor in places where getting comparable help is Mission Impossible. I've done plenty of 24 hour turn-arounds at remote power plants and phosphate mines where you gotta get in and get out. Some contractors tossed in gas money to sweeten the appeal.