I am a UAW tradesman and you're absolutely right. I'm glad you realize it. I think all the other companies that employ UAW labor realize that as well.

The rigidity of a union contract cuts both ways. We're currently bringing in production techs for around 16 an hour because that's what the contract dictates. There's a 4 year grow in. Now who in their right mind is going to switch to factory work for 16 an hour when Target will pay you the same amount to stock shelves in an air conditioned environment that doesn't stink like cutting fluid? What good employee is going to jump ship from their current job and come work with us for that paltry amount?

As a result, most of the new hires either couldn't find work elsewhere (for a whole assortment of reasons) or is fresh out of high school. No offense to them, because most of them are fine workers, but you tend to get a lower caliber employee when you can't pay enough for a better, more seasoned one. It really is a case of "you get what you pay for."

I do think our upcoming contract will be good because it HAS to be. Whether that's because of Fain or not is uncertain; he's unproven and already starting off late due to the recounts etc. It's going to take a while to get him up to speed.