Biden is no friend of working Americans
President Biden says that he is the most pro-union President in history. That is almost true. Prior to the United Auto Workers (UAW) strike against the big three car manufacturers, I would have conceded that his statement is totally true. That is not so clear now.
While Biden gives lip service support to the striking auto workers, he pursues his Green New Deal government imposed electric vehicle policies that are directly injurious to those same auto workers.
Those on the picket line should look at the workers on their left and right. Some of those folks will not be around the shop in the future. They will be in the unemployment line instead because of Biden’s forced electric vehicle policy.
Others will lose their jobs to more robotics driven by Artificial Intelligence. The large pay increases make those technologies comparatively more affordable. That was the case in the past and will be again in the future. The new plants will not require as many workers as the old – and the old factories will be replaced or retrofitted. And the oversized pay increases will continue to make manufacturing in foreign nations as attractive as ever. The added costs will make American cars less competitive. We have seen this movie before.
Union officials with whom I have engaged at the bargaining table concede that some contracts result in the “survival of the fittest” – a concept by which the wage increases will be partially paid for from money saved through worker layoffs.
Biden is hoping that being the first President in American history to appear on the picket line will benefit him politically – maybe compensate for that god-awful electric vehicle policy that is screwing UAW workers and every other American. Biden’s appearance on the picket line comes after he and the White House went to extremes to explain why the President would not … and should not … get involved.
You can always tell when Biden is pushing malarky. His statement is often followed with “that’s the truth” or “and that’s a fact.” It rarely is either of them. He did it again when he claimed that “unions built the middle class.” He intentionally disregards the role of those 93 percent of non-union workers and the business leaders, large and small.
And then there is the big picture.
To the extent Biden positions himself as the most pro-union president in history, he is turning his back on non-union workers. He is demonstrating contempt for them. In his view, they should all be in unions. This bias toward the unions and contempt for the average non-union American workers has been inherent in Biden’s and the Democrat’s policies for generations.
They have always considered the Department of Labor as the provincial headquarters of unions and union officials. The Secretary of Labor must come from a union or be a strident sympathizer with union positions. The Department often works against the interests of non-union workers –most notably against right-to-work laws and onerous regulations. It would be more aptly named the Department of Organized Labor.
The President’s pro-union policy bias runs contrary to the reality of the labor marketplace. Private sector unions represent 6.3 percent of the American workers. That’s right. Approximately 93 percent of private sector workers are non-union.
Union membership has been dropping since the 1950s when it was estimated that more than one-third of the American workforce were unionized. That is an estimate since official figures were not tallied until 1983. At that time unions represented approximately 20 percent of workers.
Today it is under 10 percent – including public sector unions. Government has been the only growth area for unions – and that is an issue for a future commentary.
More significant is the fact that the actual number of union workers has decreased since 1983 from 18 million to approximately 14 million currently. That decrease in union membership came as the American population rose from 234 million to 331 million – a 41 percent increase.
There is another problem. The union bosses, who are in bed with the Democratic Party, are not fully in control of their members. According to Edison Research, President Trump won 40 percent of union workers in 2020. He won almost 30 percent of UAW members. Recent polling suggests that Trump is still popular among a large segment of union workers.
Biden, the unions, and their media sympathizers are talking about this as a new era of unions resurgence. Balderdash. The prospect of any significant growth in union numbers and power is merely a political narrative. Unions are the tail wagging the Democratic Party dog. They are the paper dragon … the toothless tiger.
So, why are they seemingly so powerful? Why do they have influence beyond their numbers? The answer is simple –and the most obvious. It is the money. Overall, billions upon billions of dollars flow almost exclusively to the Democratic Party in every election cycle – directly from union coffers or from the segment of the economy they represent or influence. This includes picking the pockets of workers. Unions may not own the Democratic Party, but they have most certainly taken out an option on it.
Biden has both a politicized and romanticized view of unions. He is not only old in years, but also is old in his thinking. He talks about unions as if it is the 1950s – or even the 1930s.
In terms of the 93 percent of non-union working Americans, Biden has been a disaster. His polices have consumed their labor in the form of taxes and higher prices. He has oppressed small and medium size businesses with Draconian regulations that impose enormous costs and retard hiring more employees.
Biden on the picket line has gotten a lot attention and praise from the leftwing media. It may impress a few workers, but most American workers will not be fooled or persuaded by a political stunt. Despite the political spin, Biden showing up on the picket line is an act of desperation.
Yes, Biden is a pal of the union bosses, but he is no friend of working men and women.
So, there ‘tis.
Cobbled that from the past, didn’t ya.
Sorry, he toed the line with the Union.
Yes, as percentage of workforce, unions down.
But I think membership grew last year.
You say ev’s require less labor. Why and how much? You offer no stats and sources.
When Biden was visiting the picket line about 10 bus loads of scabs should have rolled up with asses hanging out the windows mooning the old fool. The stupid bastard kisses unions ass a tries to fuck the rest of us out of our constitutional rights. Creating the so called gun violence bullshit is nothing but a scheme to try and destroy gun rights. But the stupid son of a bitch doesn’t get to tell us what we can own. And we fucking mean it. I don’t want to hear about the fools running the blue states and cities trying to run my life. And I’m not just speaking for myself. And lawless bastards storming our borders doesn’t even get on retard joe’s radar. If the commiecrats wanted to steal the election why not someone who gives a damn. Like Robert Kennedy Jr. Or joe Manchin I’ve already spoken to my congressman about defunding the new gun grab office WHEN they attack the 2nd Amendment
Frank Stetson … For the edification of my green-eyed contrarian. Between 30 and 40 percent less labor according to analysts and the Ford CEO. It is a big effing deal for American auto workers. Union members ticked up one-tenth of one percent, but less than the population growth. That may have been the first increase in decades and no one things that is a beginning of a trend. Conversion to EVs will end that blip.
Frank Stetson … For the edification of my obsessive green-eyed contrarian. Between 30 to 40 percent less labor. And if you want sources, go look them up your self.
Mr. Horist. First, just want to apologize for our last tiff where you got upset over my apparently unfunny attempt at humor. At least unfunny to you. As I have said for woke stuff, pc stuff, just being plain ole polite, it’s really up to the receiver, and therefore if you feel aggrieved, I sincerely apologize and will attempt not to repeat myself.
As to this one: I really try, but why bother, I wonder at times….. I said nothing off-base in my post here. You did cobble old stories into this one, who wouldn’t. Your response calls me 1. obsessive 2. green-eyed 3. contrarian. I was polite, you act like a dick hell bent on spewing names. I am not sure what I would even be “green-eyed” about and “contrarian” only because you feel you are always right. If I respond with what I feel is humor, you cry wolf, like a baby, and I need to apologize. However, you continue on. Who knows, maybe you really like this. Once again I ask: let’s not continue down this path.
OK, back to the facts. First, you must know that when I ask these types of questions, chances are I have some ideas at least. I think your response pretty much hints at it too.
First, yeah, when you lay out 40% labor decrease, without sources, I will ask the obvious question. You response of “if you want sources, go look them up your self” seems to indicate that you don’t have a clue or that you don’t even know HOW to look or both. So either you heard it on your grapevine or you are pulling it out of your ass.
Your comeback is “Between 30 and 40 percent less labor according to analysts and the Ford CEO.” Yeah, nameless analysts and the Ford CEO — like he don’t have any bias…… You think anyone should be satisfied with that trash?
Some facts: “experts” say labor is 15% of total cost. ford guy farley, who indeed is related to Chris, says ev’s have 40% less labor. So that’s 40% of 15% for a whopping 6% of total costs. Chances are that’s important, but not the most important. But the context you missed is: “Rather than lay off workers, Farley aims to retrain them to produce more parts within the walls of Ford. As Farley says it, “we have to insource, so that everyone has a role in this growth.” *https://cleantechnica.com/2022/11/16/ford-ceo-40-less-labor-to-build-electric-vehicles/amp/*
Bottom line: most manufactures will go for lowest cost so saving US autoworkers when others are no means they can’t compete using your model. Ford’s concept will not be perfect, but it does make sense to return to the Henry Ford vertical model versus the Current Ford outsourcing model.
One example already underway is Ford’s new 3.5B batter plant which, unfortunately went on hold with the strike (but probably not because of the strike), and Michigan tossed $65M in after 24 hours…. The plant already has lots of non-auto workers putting it up. The factory will hire 2,500 people, looks like Union since Farley is saying wages are part of the reason for the pause. *https://www.politico.com/news/2023/09/25/ford-ev-battery-plant-china-00118037*
OK, those are the facts, those are the sources. There’s a lot of fog as no one releases cost information, much bluffing going on given the negotiations, but the business direction is clear.
1. ev’s are the future, it’s where the sales revenue will be
2. they are cheaper to maintain, and if not cheaper to build, they will be
3. if costs go down, and prices go down, ford and others know they will need more revenue to cover, and even expand
4. they will either merger/acquire, divest, or go vertical as Ford is doing so they can use existing skills and experience to add value to their bottom line.
It’s the circle of manufacturing life. You can’t stop a good idea, and trying to slow it down is a losing battle, especially when there’s competition like this market.
One more point: are you really saying strikers should lower their wage increase demands because they will have less hours in the future due to EV cars gaining volume replacing gas and hybrids? Can you see how that’s a self-defeating conclusion?
I agree! . . . You CAN’T expect much from a TREASONISTIC commie like “Beijing Joe” Biden who LIES like a RUG.
Another ten reasons to vote for Joe Biden. In his own words:
1. “We have it totally under control. It’s one person coming in from China. It’s going to be just fine.” (1.15M dead and counting….)
2. “What you’re seeing and what you’re reading is not what’s happening,” (you gonna believe me or your lying eyes?)
3. “Despite the constant negative press covfefe”
4. “You know, I go to Washington and I see all these politicians, and I see the swamp. And it’s not a good place. In fact today I said we ought to change it from the word swamp to the word cesspool or, perhaps, to the word sewer.” (he was talking to thousands of Boy Scouts.)
5. “We condemn in the strongest possible terms this egregious display of hatred, bigotry and violence on many sides. On many sides.” (including white supremacist who ended up killing someone.)
6. “I’m a negotiator, like you folks.” To a jewish crowd who, as everyone knows act like Jews….
7. “Look at my African-American!” (he’s my precious he is)
8. “I’m the least racist person you have ever interviewed.”
9. “Nobody knew health care could be so complicated.” (uh, actually that’s WHY Obamacare was passed)
10. “We’re … increasing our budget by many billions of dollars, because of North Korea and other reasons, having to do with the anti-missile.” Yes, we need to be anti-scared of the anti-missile. Think we need to be more afraid of the anti-Christ…..
Ten reasons to vote for Biden? Good reasons to hate the country. Yes, Trump is loud and can be an asshole but he’s exactly what America needs. Ok. Your turn. Tell us what good is a demented old man who can’t remember to wipe his ass? I know that I could be the same way someday but I’m not trying to lead the free world. You democrats don’t care or look at the facts. All you idiots see is being woke, changing genders, allowing lawless people to do as they damned well please. A trample our constitution under your feet. That’s to name a few. You can’t name one thing Biden and his comrades have done for the country. And please don’t say good economy. I might spill my coffee laughing. But I wouldn’t be surprised. Stupidity can’t be underestimated Just so you know, Trump did negotiate some deals that were good. For starters, he got rid of NAFTA. Which we should never have had. But thank rapist Clinton for that one, along with some stupid republicans in the 1990’s
I am not woke, but strive to be, I have never let the lawless doing anything, I have never trampled the Constitution. Social Security, Medicare, better economies. The biggest Trump change to NAFTA was to change the name to USMCA which obviously did not stick with you even. Much is simple updates after 25 years, Trump claimed it would create 176,000 jobs after six years and increase US GDP by 0.35%. IN January of 2020, we added more than 150,000 jobs. To quote you: “Stupidity can’t be underestimated Just so you know. You do realize NYS says he’s a business fraud and has cancelled his ability to do business?
You have been lied to but just can’t figure it out.
You’re really pissed off. I can tell. Some of us don’t embrace liberal stupidly
Just pointing out how narrow-minded you are to believe any lie Trump tells you. He’s a fraud. Tells you it’s great when it ain’t. Says he did it when he didn’t and vice-versa. Even his kids have disappeared. A defaming asshole. Sexual abuser. Digital rapist. Cheating businessman about to lose his NY ass-ets. Wanna buy Trump Tower? Wanna bet he llc’d Mara Opps Los It out of NY. Well, he didn’t take a salary, another lie, but now we get his house!
Biden & Fetterman 2024
Now there is a slogan!
Larry. What a bunch of bullshit-your dementia appears to be getting much worse. Most of us who choose to vote for Democrats attempt to what is right for the nation rather than protect a given constituency (I know-that is an alien concept to republicans-you focus on benefitting the wealthy so that benefits will trickle down to workers-not!). Yes, not everything that benefits the country (and the world) will benefit every worker. However, moving to electric vehicles is the right decision, despite the fact that fewer autoworkers may be required for their manufacturing. Does that make Biden less supportive of union workers? Of course not-anyone but an idiot would realize that. Instead of putting out BS, how about focusing what republicans have done for workers? Increase minimum wage-nope. Support unions-nope, your idiot frontrunner presidential candidate attempted to burnish his popularity with workers by speaking at a non-union facility. And of course there is the imminent shutdown by Republicans in Congress-so supportive of the average Joe worker.. Enough of your bullshit…
Mike f .. You need to take your meds.
Not sure if this is about Unions or other stuff? EV’s batteries are assembled by slave labor in China. Our electric grid needs to be strengthened. Can anyone imagine what millions of EV,’s would do to he electric grid. I can. The mistake was pushing EV’s without research. Bureaucrats and politicians are not experts. Neither is the Global Economic Forum. Fuel efficient credit are more reliable. Go farther. Mechanics will have to retrain on the components of EV’s. We should not have to depend on anyone to give us fuel. Some yes. Self sufficient is better. Biden pleads with Saudi Arabia, and other countries for fuel. No. We still have millions of cars, trucks, etc. that need fuel. Until the day may come, that EV’s are better. It’s like Biden administration punishes Americans for wanting to keep fueled vehicles. That is an insult. Trucks carrying daily supplies to stores. They really do not need an increase in price of fuel. People going to work. Biden supports Socialism, Communism, Marxism. In other do as I say. Cannot go to work if you are not vaccinated. Wear the mask. Kids are the least vulnerable, according to experts. Not Dr. Fauci. He lied. He did not do, or receive money for data function. Yes he did. He has been doing that his whole career. During the AIDES pandemic. He is partly irresponsible for the virus. Democrat run cities are more dangerous thanks to weak prosecutors funded by Soros. An ex nazi. I still think he is. Zelensky recently congratulated a former Nazi. Stop sending Ukraine our money, weapons, etc. use that money to help the homeless in our country. Use it for infrastructure. Close the border. Millions of illegal immigrants. Insanity. Where do they live, work, eat? No plan. American workers have to overwork to keep up with the demand. Feed us first. Some of the border states residents are saying illegals are stealing, urinating, and passing through their property. Some have killed Americans. Drug cartels, trafficking, sex abuse, children put in danger. Fentanyl has increased from this. Biden is trying to be friends with Communist China. They are Socialist, Communist government. Control what we say, where we live, what we drive, mask and vaccine mandates. Using race as a weapon. CRT is taken from Nazi Germany. BLM, Antifa, Proud Boys are examples of violent groups. If they cared about black communities, should encourage stay in school. Get a job. Obama should be talking to kids in Chicago. Blaming the white race, like Biden blames every thing that goes wrong on Trump or white supremacy. He keeps pushing wrong policies. The Democrats and politicians that are enabling this disaster are to blame. The Democrats seem to like violence. Supported in the Summer of 2020 and today. Defund the Police. There was a black man that should have been in jail and killed a white woman brutally. Where is the news on that? One of many. BLM leaders took that money and did not help the black community. Bought nice cars, houses, etc. Where is the outrage? Now Trump. Trump helped get the vaccine approved in record time. How was he to know that it may not be effective. The Pharmaceutical companies pushed it. Trump sent a ship, doctors, supplies, masks, etc. to New York. While Cuomo was bragging about a book he wrote. He is the one that sent Covid patients into nursing homes. Is that Trump’s fault. No. CDC and WHO are bunch of idiots. Hydro something did help Covid patients. There is another drug that did as well. The most vulnerable were the elderly, immune problems. Shutting the economy down was a disaster. It ruined small businesses, and school children’s education. Another dumb decision. The fact is CNN, MSNBC, ABC, NBC, NPR, Washington Post, N.Y. Times all are Democrat run. They helped push the Russian crap. Hillary Clinton denied the 2016 election. Trying to screw the military up with the woke is making it weaker. Need to be focused on strengthening our military. The reason the Republicans will not sign some of these is because Democrats always try and ram bad policies on top of them. Read the fine print. “The First” and NEWSMAX are the only news stations that even cover any of this. It’s a shame. My hand is tired.
Fuel efficient cars. Sorry.
Wes …Well said