Here's a UAW strike math lesson for Detroit 3 execs | Letters to the Editor

A UAW strike math lesson for Detroit 3 executives

The UAW strike is heating up, and people are taking sides. Some feel like the union is asking for too much. After all, the Detroit Three are countering the union’s “unreasonable” request of a 36% pay hike with a more than ample 20% increase. Aside from executives, who gets a 20% raise, right?

The average auto worker, when adjusting for inflation, has seen their wages fall 19% since 2008. The offer of a 20% pay increase doesn’t seem so generous, when that is taken into account. Had the workers not taken pay cuts and just got modest cost of living increases, they would be making more than the 36% that they are asking for currently. If they were treated fairly for the last 20 years, they would not have been forced to strike. However, we cannot go back in time, which is why the UAW is making such bold demands now, to atone for years of low pay.

The UAW is using its power to fight for all unions, and in turn all middle-class workers. Wages for the average American worker have been stagnant for decades, despite strong economies and record profits for companies. If teachers, UPS workers, teamsters, or auto workers get a modest increase in compensation they are told they should be happy. Don’t worry about the lifetime of zero raises, just be happy that you got one now. What workers want and deserve is restitution.

We all realize that it’s unlikely for the auto workers to make up for a generation of being underpaid in one contract, but we should all be in support of their quest to make up as much as they can. In the end, it will benefit us all, as a rising tide lifts all boats.

David Cash

Detroit

I lead the Michigan AFL-CIO. Trump has never shown up for union workers.

Health care worker to UAW: Unionize us next!

I note some degree of amazement and envy the current UAW strike. My question is: Will you expand your services to health care professionals? While insurance costs skyrocket, our "raises" have been almost non-existent.

I am a private practice therapist working with troubled families and especially troubled teens. My reimbursement rates, from huge insurance companies to the VA, have averaged about a total of 10% increase over the last 10 years. Then, when calculating the wage difference between their top executive wages and ours, my head nearly exploded.

We do not need wimpy 32 hours weeks, but rather a wage that represents the difficulty and importance of our work. So, when you're done whoopin' up on The Big Three, would you lend us a hand on the Sinister Six? We'll even agree to name ourselves the United Therapists International, putting a positive spin on those three letters. Thanks in advance for your help; we need it.

John Summer

Brownwood, Tex.

How is UAW strike impacting you? Submit at letter to the editor at freep.com/letters.

Fixing inflation is the answer, not pay hikes

The irony of President Joe Biden marching with UAW workers is almost laughable. ("Biden walks picket line with striking UAW members at Willow Run parts center," Detroit Free Press, Sept. 27.) A major impetus for the strike is the outrageous inflation rate this country is facing, where even food has skyrocketed from 20% to 200% in the past three years of his presidency. The cost of living adjustment need is a reality but a 40% wage hike appears unreasonable.

I never worked in a factory, and cannot speak to the issues they face, but corporations will never lose money. There are concerns about outsourcing to other countries, but in meeting the current demands, either the cost of vehicles will escalate, or corporations will move to where profits continue.

It is a thin rubber band we are stretching to ask for so much that individuals may out value themselves and lose their jobs, yet receive wages that make their current position in the company fair and just. Hopefully, an equitable compromise for both the UAW and the companies is soon or many supporting businesses will also be impacted. President Biden — political photo op is not the answer ― stop inflation so everyone benefits.

Kathryn Gross-Jacek

Westland

Mitch Albom got 1 thing right

Mitch Albom got one thing right in his column. (“Should the Senate really dress as badly as the rest of us?” Detroit Free Press, Sept. 24.) It’s about respect. After that he went up the down staircase. He confused cause and effect.

Clothes are the effect. Respect is the cause. When you have respect for your colleagues, you show it by wearing attractive clothes. What we really want is for our senators to have respect for each other. That way they will get things done and better serve us, their customers. I don’t think any of us care what the U.S. Senate looks like while it’s making sausage.

You can’t improve a cause by changing an effect. We in the Detroit area know better than anybody that if you have a rusty car, you’re not going to fix the problem by spray painting the outside. All you’re going to do is hide it for a few days while the problem festers underneath, and delays us in solving the real problem.

I don’t know how to make senators respect each other. But I’m sure that throwing a veneer of threads over the top will only delay the solution.

Norm Howe

Ann Arbor

Got opinions? Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters.

It's not just the young, everyone is rude

I can't believe the rudeness in this world and what we have become. I don't believe that all the people in this country were not brought up to use the phrases "please" and "thank you" by their parents. In our house, it is still a practice of courtesy, whether in the home or on the street. There is no longer any courtesy in this world. When you gave a driver a break there was always a thank you wave. Not today, they are all rude.

The women are just as bad as the men, however, I believe the 20-somethings up to the 60-somethings are all bad.

Again, can you honestly say that you all were brought up without manners? It only takes a moment to be courteous, hold open a door say thank you, wave to the driver that let you out (they didn't have too).

Also, why is everyone in such a hurry? I know I am getting older fast enough, and time is also going by fast enough. Slow down, smile and please use the manners that I know you were taught from young on.

LaVonne Miller

Warren

Here's what I think about President Joe Biden

President Joe Biden has made remarkable strides in healing and revitalizing our nation since taking office. His leadership has been characterized by a commitment to unity, empathy, and effective governance. President Biden successfully spearheaded a massive vaccination campaign that brought the COVID-19 pandemic under control, saving countless lives and jumpstarting the economy.

Furthermore, his administration has taken significant steps to address climate change, rejoining the Paris Agreement and implementing ambitious green initiatives. Biden's commitment to racial and social justice has led to important policy changes, such as police reform and support for marginalized communities.

Economically, his administration has worked tirelessly to support struggling Americans through the American Rescue Plan, providing vital relief during challenging times. President Biden's diplomatic approach has also restored America's standing on the global stage, fostering stronger alliances and promoting international cooperation.

In summary, President Joe Biden's tenure has been marked by dedication to healing and revitalizing the nation, addressing pressing issues, and promoting unity and progress for all Americans.

Matthew McClanahan

Howell

Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters.

Join the Climate Corps

I was pleased to read in the Free Press that President Joe Biden has overcome obstacles to creating a climate corps ("Gen Zers turn up the heat on President Biden. They want climate action, not words," USA Today, Sept. 22.) As a member of Citizens Climate Lobby, I believe that climate action must include everyone; our people as well as legislative action. While laws can facilitate the lowering of emissions, the education and hands-on experience of our young people is vital to the future of climate solutions. The American Climate Corps is a positive step in the right direction. It brings opportunities for jobs, as well as the energy and enthusiasm of youth.

Michigan is one of several states that currently have a Climate Corps. The various state corps will be able to work hand in hand with the newly formed American Climate Corps. We have a lot of work to do and we need all the help we can get.

Carol Peters

Farmington Hills

Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: UAW strike, Detroit 3 inflation, Mitch Albom and Joe Biden: Letters