In other countries health care and pensions are not the business of the unions, but are arranged in totally different ways. Perhaps GM (and Ford if I understand you correctly?) is the victim of your system? I know this is academic, but it still might be a point to consider. The structure of the US industry might not be the most progressive. They were for instance the number one shipbuilding nation in the fifties, and can now only keep some yards going because of military orders, and heavily subsidized orders for ships engaged in (protected) domestic trades. The story about the steel industry is of a similar nature. And yes, I am aware that also in Europe we have seen the same thing happening to these industries, but altogether much later than in the US. It does not bode well for the future.
Last edited by henk4; 10-27-2009 at 07:49 PM.
"I find the whole business of religion profoundly interesting, but it does mystify me that otherwise intelligent people take it seriously." Douglas Adams