[Mpls] Another Transportation Union votes unanimously to FLOAT THEIR EMPLOYERS A LOAN

[David Brauer]

On Mar 15, 2004, at 10:52 AM, Dennis Plante wrote:

> Victoria Heller wrote:
>
> "Northwest Airlines pilots union leaders voted unanimously Sunday to=20=

> propose cutting pilot labor costs by $200 million a year, a major=20
> breakthrough in management's drive to reduce labor costs and regain=20
> profitability."
>
> Dennis Plante responds:
>
> As it relates to the current transit strike affecting Minneapolis -=20
> First NWA deals with much larger numbers then does the Met Council. =20=

> Secondly, it should be reported that the $200 mil/year is roughly half=20=

> of what NWA was asking for.

It's also worth noting that the pilots are offering their concessions=20
in return for future profit sharing =1F=97 not a straight "giveback" as=20=

Vicky implies, but more of an investment to ease their employers'=20
short-term cash flow.

Of course, there's no profit for bus drivers to share in. So this=20
analogy is quite flawed.

Also remember, if workers make less, they buy less. Over time, a race=20
to the bottom on wages means fewer people being able to buy whatever=20
you sell.

David Brauer
Kingfield