Saturday, December 07, 2002

 

The American Way!

I don't often look through the business section of the newspaper....but when I do happen to read it, I've noticed that the real news can be found there. We've seen the stories about the impending demise of United Airlines on the front page. But in Friday's business section, I happened upon a column by David Lazarus that tells the story behind the story. It's enough to turn a person communist! (the true kind)

Management has asked the employees to take a 7% cut in wages. The average airline mechanic's salary is now only $24,000! They would like to lower that to $21,360! My automotive mechanic makes twice that,I'm sure! But United is also extending a generous incentive bonus to it's new CEO, Glenn Tilton (up to 1.6 million!). On top of that, he received a 3 million dollar signing bonus just for taking the job last September, even though he has no prior experience in the airline industry! Add to that his nearly 1 million dollar salary and you have the makings of a revolution! Add that all up and you get 5.5 million dollars for just one schmuck who's only experience with an airplane is that he rides in them.....But the friggin' mechanics should only make 21 grand!?!

Gee....why is this company failing? From those selfish mechanics looking for a decent paycheck? Do you know how to fix and maintain a jet engine? This is a travesty that will be repeated again and again.

Strange, ....when it's time for a tax rebate, the rich folk line up to get the lion's share....but when it's time for sacrifice, it's time to start at the bottom!

posted by ~Brahma 1:32 AM