Now that we've clocked the United Auto Workers (UAW) new contracts with The Big 2.8– including lootable union-controlled VEBA health care superfunds, wage structures that pay workers different money for the same work, and job guarantees that aren't– there's another detail that's just come to light. The GM – UAW contract changes the day union members get off for Veteran's Day. Why would the union abandon the day that the rest of the country uses to commemorate its veterans' sacrifice for their freedom (or buy a wide screen TV)? So that union members can enjoy the official opening of deer season. Even though the rest of the nation observes Veteran's Day on November 11, the contract specifies November 16, 2007, November 14, 2008, November 16, 2009, and November 15, 2010 (all Fridays of course) as UAW holidays. According to the Flint Journal "both sides say the Friday-off deal will disrupt plants less" because many UAW members are hunters and take deer opener day off anyway. This military veteran suggests that we all stop for a moment of silence for the deer that give their lives so unselfishly for the good of the auto industry.
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This isn’t new, even the salaried workers get the day off.
Where I grew up, opening day was a given. Companies and schools would just shut down. Trout season – Same.
Here in Michigan, the only people I know who receive Veterans Day off are in banking, civil service, or the Big 2.8. I’ve never had it off, in my life. Notwithstanding my having to work, I still manage to observe Veterans Day, and we should all thank you and every Vet for their service. (Myself, I wouldn’t make it through boot camp, so I thank you doubly so.)
But the business of the Big 2.8 and the UAW is to build automobiles. If moving the paid holiday from Monday to Friday results in less production disruption and cost savings, then that is exactly what should happen, IMO.
If they are going to offer Veteran’s Day as a holiday, just close the plan both days or, better yet, enforce the attendance policy (do they have one?) and don’t allow too many vacations on that day.
Don’t close the plant for deer season and call it the Veteran’s Day holiday.
This military veteran suggests that we all stop for a moment of silence for the deer that give their lives so unselfishly for the good of the auto industry.
Amen to that. Maybe GM should introduce cybernetic deers to reduce their healthcare liability.
I don’t have off on nov 11 either, and I work for an industrial company. Even our plants don’t have off.
Just another reason NOT to buy a car built with UAW labor. Hooah?
Do workers at the ‘transplant’ factories get off for Veteran’s day?
Wow. My dad (an Army veteran) bags a deer every year, and does it on the first saturday after opening day, just like everyone else. He’s never taken a day off to play hookey, er, go hunting. But then, he’s not in a union…