Howard Jones
Supporter
The problems are not the current operations at GM. They make cars and trucks that they can sell AND make money doing it. Even with future collectively bargined contracts they would be OK.
They must address the unfunded libility attached to the retirees. Of cource there are other things that need to be done. Publically aceptible compensation for the management would be a good start for PR sake but it will not change the ballance sheet enough if at all in real terms. One area that they will need to address is paid non productive time off. This is stuff from 50s and 60s contracts that are no longer viable.
Should the American people step up and help? Only if doing so helps the country in the big picture. Without real changes to the contracts and management we the poeple will not be convenced that we are not throwing good money after bad. Until the public believes otherwise it just ain't gonna happen.
A viable auto industry able to compete with the rest of the world is possible but not without painfull changes. Sometime you just have to have a tooth pulled because its necessary. The problem is nobody wants to go to the dentist.
They must address the unfunded libility attached to the retirees. Of cource there are other things that need to be done. Publically aceptible compensation for the management would be a good start for PR sake but it will not change the ballance sheet enough if at all in real terms. One area that they will need to address is paid non productive time off. This is stuff from 50s and 60s contracts that are no longer viable.
Should the American people step up and help? Only if doing so helps the country in the big picture. Without real changes to the contracts and management we the poeple will not be convenced that we are not throwing good money after bad. Until the public believes otherwise it just ain't gonna happen.
A viable auto industry able to compete with the rest of the world is possible but not without painfull changes. Sometime you just have to have a tooth pulled because its necessary. The problem is nobody wants to go to the dentist.