In Nov. 15 IssueRussell County NewsBy Ron Phillips, ColumnistI really hate to see what is going on with the Big Three Automakers and the devastating hardships that this is bringing to thousands of autoworkers, but when will it stop?
As Americans, it is in our very nature to want to help one another, but sometimes you have to say NO!
The time has come for Ford, GM and Chrysler to change their entire way of doing business.
The UAW has done well to protect their members over the decades, but if a company must go out of business because they can no longer meet their financial obligations, then something's got to give.
As individuals and responsible citizens, we understand that if we go to the grocery store with $100, we cannot spend $125. Most are forced to put something back. I feel the time has come for big business to put something back!
In the mid 1960's there was a popular automobile manufacturer located in South Bend, Indiana called the Studebaker Manufacturing Company. They were an old family company that began in the mid 1800's and became the largest manufacturer of horse drawn wagons in the world. At the turn of the century, they transitioned their business to gasoline powered automobiles and they even built an electric car in 1902.
The Studebaker became a popular and affordable vehicle for many years, but eventually the company went out of business. I have been told by family members who worked for Studebaker that when the company fell onto hard times, the UAW was asked to make concessions, but refused, so Studebaker decided to close their doors for good.
I do not want to give anyone the impression that I have not seen the benefits that the labor unions have provided for the American worker, but like everything, times have changed. I believe that the automobile manufacturers need to either change their way of doing business which will require major concessions by the unions.
The American people cannot continue to be asked to bail out every failing business or corporation that raises their hand. If we do not stop this madness, we will soon be a bankrupt country and owned by China!
May God bless…
