They gonna be accepting apps at Chrysler pretty soon?
Well, the contract is settled, they will announce the new platform in the next week or two. Once they get there crap together, i think I heard that production of the new models is going to start sometime in Sep. 05.
I know that we will run at least 2 shifts of production with talks of a 3rd shift also.
So I am thinking that yes, we will be hiring. When...?
I dont know.
It's just a guess... but I would think that the hiring will begin sometime in the spring of 05.
The company will have to hire about a thousand people... (give or take a few) before production in Sep. 05.
When they start hiring, I would imagine it will be similar to when they did it in 88.
Employees will get a chance to refer some freinds and family. The rest will be hired through IDES Job Service.
IDES stands for Illinois Dep. Of Employment Services. Just in case some of you where wondering.
I will let you know more as I get more info about the hiring process and and approximate time frame as to when this will happen.
But with the new contract settled, it looks like I will be able to retire in 09 after all!
WOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! ;D Mark!
(But pickin on me isnt gonna help your cause!!) But cash helps ease the pain a little! :o ;)
Rob 940
Followed a certain Buell respectfully.... ;D
Figured theres more of a future at teh Chysler plant there than the GM plant here. Then again, if I ever did get hired at GM Janesville I probably be fired within a week since my luck is they'd put me next to the child molestor there and I would probably tie him to teh underside of the chassis.
Plus I'd rather be at a Mopar place than a Generic Motors place anyday. ;D Even when I was at Geneva Vans, we got the GM suppliers discount on new vehicles. No one did it. I'll pay more for a Dodge or Ford before I'd buy another GM vehicle.
"I'm making a list... checking it twice..." :o
QuoteRob 940
Followed a certain Buell respectfully.... ;D
Man... Is this gonna be a long year! ;)
QuoteFigured theres more of a future at teh Chysler plant there than the GM plant here. Then again, if I ever did get hired at GM Janesville I probably be fired within a week since my luck is they'd put me next to the child molestor there and I would probably tie him to teh underside of the chassis.
Plus I'd rather be at a Mopar place than a Generic Motors place anyday. ;D Even when I was at Geneva Vans, we got the GM suppliers discount on new vehicles. No one did it. I'll pay more for a Dodge or Ford before I'd buy another GM vehicle.
So how do you really feel?
:D
QuoteFigured theres more of a future at teh Chysler plant there than the GM plant here. Then again, if I ever did get hired at GM Janesville I probably be fired within a week since my luck is they'd put me next to the child molestor there and I would probably tie him to teh underside of the chassis.
Plus I'd rather be at a Mopar place than a Generic Motors place anyday. ;D Even when I was at Geneva Vans, we got the GM suppliers discount on new vehicles. No one did it. I'll pay more for a Dodge or Ford before I'd buy another GM vehicle.
http://www.clickondetroit.com/automotive/4012438/detail.html
All of them are crap. Buy foreign. ;) But, if you have to buy an american car, stay away from General Malfunction for sure.
QuoteSo how do you really feel?
:D
Could give a list of probelsm we had with suburbans when we got them drop shipped from GM.
1 notable ones that should had never happened was 2 of them came in with the rear brake lines not even hooked up. Still had the red cap on the axle assembly's line.
*Many came through missing wheel trim.
*GMC airbag cover on a chevy
*mis matched logos
*lug nuts loose and I dont mean slightly either
*driver doors hitting the front fender when you open them
*found bottles of JD and other liquor behind the 3rd seat
*1 joint
*missing parts in teh dealers box (floor mats, hub caps, trim rimgs, etc...
*One I got a laugh out of was when I went to replace the steering wheel with a leather and walnut one. Removed the airbag and there was no steering wheel nut!!!!!!!!
Oh and Dan, bring you littel import truck to Blackhawk and I'll drag it around the paddock with my Dakota. ;D Hell better yet, Mark wanna see if our Dakotas can tear his truck in two by just pulling from each end of it at the same time? ;D
QuoteCould give a list of probelsm we had with suburbans when we got them drop shipped from GM.
1 notable ones that should had never happened was 2 of them came in with the rear brake lines not even hooked up. Still had the red cap on the axle assembly's line.
*Many came through missing wheel trim.
*GMC airbag cover on a chevy
*mis matched logos
*lug nuts loose and I dont mean slightly either
*driver doors hitting the front fender when you open them
*found bottles of JD and other liquor behind the 3rd seat
*1 joint
*missing parts in teh dealers box (floor mats, hub caps, trim rimgs, etc...
*One I got a laugh out of was when I went to replace the steering wheel with a leather and walnut one. Removed the airbag and there was no steering wheel nut!!!!!!!!
Oh and Dan, bring you littel import truck to Blackhawk and I'll drag it around the paddock with my Dakota. ;D Hell better yet, Mark wanna see if our Dakotas can tear his truck in two by just pulling from each end of it at the same time? ;D
I drive a Ram Quad Cab... until my lease is up. Then, Nissan here I come. Either that or a MB G55 AMG if I hit the lotto. If I get either, we'll have a pulling contest and we'll see who's who. :D
So... hey Rob.... what'cha do with the bottle of JD and the joint ::) ;D :P
One thing I have learned over the years is not to bash on someones ride. I do work for an American car manufacturer. What a person drives is his business, BUT.....
Buying a foreign car takes away American jobs! Bottom line!
NAFTA was the single worse thing that could have happened to the American automotive indistry. The American automotive manufacturers have been working damn hard to keep the quality up and the costs down just to be competitive.
So... Because of NAFTA, jobs have been dramaticly cut, parts are being outsoursed, plants are being closed at breakneck speeds, un-employment has skyrocketed, healtcare has dwindeled, and our pension funds are being depleated.
Our plant was lucky. We didnt shut down. But we did loose an entire shift of workers. 2nd shift was eliminated 2 years ago and we lost approximatly 1500 jobs just in our plant alone.Why you say?
Because that is the price we pay for trying to be compettive and profitable in a industry that is very volitile.
So as you drive your foreign car thinking that it is the best thing since sliced bread, I want you to think of all the American autoworkers that lost there jobs in the last 5 years alone. Tell the family that is now on welfare and state aid how wonderful your foreign car is. See what kind of reaction you get!
Tell the single mom that now has to struggle just to feed her children...
Tell the family that just lost there house....
Tell the auto worker standing in that un-employment line...
I'm sorry.... but the foreign car jab just hit a bad nerve in me. Just realize that by buying that foreign car, jobs, familys and lives are destroyed in this country.
Sorry for the rant... but this is a subject I take very seriousley. After all, this is my LIFE! I have put in 25 years of my life at this company and i would really like the opprotunity to retire when my 30 are up!
Mark!
QuoteCould give a list of probelsm we had with suburbans when we got them drop shipped from GM.
1 notable ones that should had never happened was 2 of them came in with the rear brake lines not even hooked up. Still had the red cap on the axle assembly's line.
*Many came through missing wheel trim.
*GMC airbag cover on a chevy
*mis matched logos
*lug nuts loose and I dont mean slightly either
*driver doors hitting the front fender when you open them
*found bottles of JD and other liquor behind the 3rd seat
*1 joint
*missing parts in teh dealers box (floor mats, hub caps, trim rimgs, etc...
*One I got a laugh out of was when I went to replace the steering wheel with a leather and walnut one. Removed the airbag and there was no steering wheel nut!!!!!!!!
I guess it's time for me to stop complaining about the Italians...:D
Hey Mark. I understand where you are coming from and I don't want to turn this into a huge debate, but as someone who works as a technician for a foreign car dealership, I have to say this...
Foreign car companies employ many thousands of US citizens on US soil, from the manufacturing plants such as Honda, Toyota, and BMW...to all of the sales, parts, service, and office personel at dealerships...how about the coporate level positions that support everything from warranty claims to filling the replacement parts supply lines. And this doesn't even scratch the surface of other industries, such as construction, that benefit from them being here as well.
Yes, NAFTA f'd up a lot of things for a lot of people but that does not make foreign car manufacturers the root of all evil.
As someone who personally got f'd by corporate downsizing and moving jobs off shore, I hope you do make it 30 years and your retirement with the same company. I only wish more companies were that dedicated to their employees.
Just my $.02
Larry
Well put Larry, You have a valid point. But as I have learned. There are two sides to every coin.
Everyone has there opinion. Just as I have mine. It goes much deeper than I would really like to get into.
I have no problem with Dan. I just woke up crabby and got some what bent out of shape over Dans comment. ;) Mark!
Mark,
Just so you know where I'm coming from, my father owned nothing but Chrysler products his entire life. He loved the engineering innovations that Chrysler produced in the 50's (Torsion bar suspension, TorqueFlite Transmission, Slant 6, etc.) That said, my first new car was a '76 Plymouth Volare wagon. It got totalled 18 mos after I bought it and I wasn't too upset. Several years later I bought a K car wagon. Nothing but problems, overheated several times and had to have head work done twice. Again, not sorry to see it die. Sometimes it was just little things that you notice. Like on my Aries wagon the 'Dodge' name plate that was above the tailgate latch came off. I started to look around and noticed almost all of the cars similar to mine had the same problem. I'm not blaming the assembly workers here..... more of a problem on the design side.
Sorry, making this a long story - but here's my question: Have you yet, or do you think you'll soon see any engineering changes from the D-B influence that are directed at improving the overall quality, reliability and durability of Chrysler products? Is this just a case of Chrysler doing the same old thing of juggling the cost vs. benefit equation? I guess my opinion is somewhat biased as I'm thinking that Chrysler has to cut some cormers to manufacture cars that are price competitive with imports. They could build higher quality cars - but they would be more expensive to the point of not being cost competitive.
Again, this is not a dig at the guys working in the factory - you can only build what they give you to work with in design and material.
Just curious. I will have to tell you sometime about my discussion in a bar with a guy that I worked with who used to work for GM. Let's just say I ended up with a beer dumped on my head! ;D
Rick
Here's my official opinion on Domestic car quality, not that anyone really cares.... ;D
Chrysler is at this point and time manufacturing vehicles with "better" components, electronics, and such primarily because of the Dailmer Benz influence. The new Pacifica, 300, Magnum, and Jeep Grand Cherokee show that. What they are doing is bringing Mercedes parts and putting them in Chryslers. For instance, in my wife's Pacifica, the door switches are from Mercedes, and the exact same as in a new MB E-Class. Therefore, Chrysler has an advantage to all the other domestic manufacturer. They're making nicer, and better designed cars. GM is stuck on stupid, and will be for another 3 or 4 years (Trucks for example, same thing for 10 years, different headlights) and Ford, well, we won't go there. Anyways, that's my take, and I see it all day long. MB influence now drives Chrysler design. That's why I started buying (leasing) Chrysler products. First the RAM, then the Pacifica, and next a 300. The RAM however, has no MB influence in it what so ever, and is a piece of..........
this has nuttin 2 do with carz...just wanna say hi to bernie. hi bernie, :) . k, c yah soon - ciao, rhiannon :-*
Quotethis has nuttin 2 do with carz...just wanna say hi to bernie. hi bernie, :) . k, c yah soon - ciao, rhiannon :-*
NeaNea.... You make me smile! ;D Whats up?
QuoteMark,
Sorry, making this a long story - but here's my question: Have you yet, or do you think you'll soon see any engineering changes from the D-B influence that are directed at improving the overall quality, reliability and durability of Chrysler products? Is this just a case of Chrysler doing the same old thing of juggling the cost vs. benefit equation? Rick
Yes I see that the Damler group are incorperating alot of there powertrain and drivetrain into our caes in the near future. Good things are happening at the company with products and quality.
The quality had always been a main focus at our plant. As a matter of fact, our plant holds the highest level of quality of any Daimler Chrysler plant in north America.
New products and innovation changes are in the making. It's too early to tell just what's gonna happen with our product line up in the near future.
Its too early in the morning... I need coffee!
To be continued......
GM offers buy out to employees..
http://www.clickondetroit.com/money/4016390/detail.html
QuoteCould give a list of probelsm we had with suburbans when we got them drop shipped from GM.
Alright, well, I'll give your referral slip to someone else.
bernie, r u gunna b at tha banquet? we shood catch up there. i'm glad i make u smile, thatz sweet. u got mah #, u shood kall me and let me know how u r. therez not much on this end, just riding a lot and havin fun! ciao - rhiannon :-*
QuoteHere's my official opinion on Domestic car quality, not that anyone really cares.... ;D
Dan do you realise all Nissan and Toyota trucks sold here are built HERE as are those MB suv's? ;D
Todd, we had problems with the Expeditions and Durangos we did too, just not many and nothing like a brake line NOT being connected or loose lugs. (BTW the problems we had with SUbs/Tah's were the 93-00 body (400 series if I remember the body designation correctly). When they went to the new body it was 100 times better.
QuoteDan do you realise all Nissan and Toyota trucks sold here are built HERE as are those MB suv's? ;D
Yeah, I know, but the MB isn't, atleat not the AMG model. Those are Stutgart or something.
Quotebernie, r u gunna b at tha banquet? we shood catch up there. i'm glad i make u smile, thatz sweet. u got mah #, u shood kall me and let me know how u r. therez not much on this end, just riding a lot and havin fun! ciao - rhiannon :-*
Why of course I am gong to the banquet you silly girl! I have to pick up my award's! Shoot me an e-mail with your number. I misplaced it. You have my e-mail address dont you? I am gonna be off for 2 weeks starting tomorrow. Bern!
Ok you dorks... this was a simple tread of Rob asking me if Chrysler was gonna be hiring and now its starting to take alife of its own! lol
Bottom line is this. No matter what you buy, Chevy, Ford, Dodge,Nisson, Toyota, Lexus, Yugo... whatever! There are always lemons and problems with every model.
Some people have good experiances and some bad. Problems are enevitable sometimes. Sometimes the problems that are experianced are not the fault of the manufacturer alone.
Some have quality issues, some have service issues, sometimes the venders that we manufactureres use has problems. Wich the manufacturer gets blamed for by the way.
Everyone has there own experiances and opinions. Some good ... some not so good.
As far as what Chrysler and Daimler are doing for the future is really anyones guess. I work in Belvidere not Detroit so I am not privy to such product info and development. But I can say this...
Our mision statement for our company is simply this.. "To be the preimer car manufacturer in the WORLD" Thats a bold mission statement for sure but one that everyone is trying hard to acheve.
I did happen to see one of the 3 new models that our plant will be building next year and I just gotta say this... Its way cool. Im excited! Bern!
QuoteBottom line is this. No matter what you buy, Chevy, Ford, Dodge,Nisson, Toyota, Lexus, Yugo... whatever! There are always lemons and problems with every model.
Hey now dont be knocking my next car. A Yugo is all I might be able to afford. ;D
Plus I always wanted to hot rod a Yugo. 3.8L GNX V6 in a Yugo that looks bone stock? ;D I wonder if 22" can fit on a yugo? ;D
Yeah, but GM has more problems than everyone else..
http://www.clickondetroit.com/automotive/4021054/detail.html
In 100,000 miles of commuting, hauling, and towing, my 98 1500 Chevy 1500 truck with a Vortec V6 and a stick shift has needed a set of tires, a set of plug wires, a cap and rotor, a coil, and a set of front brake pads. Oh, and last week the door handle broke. Replacement was $24 from Chevy.
My wife's beautiful, Viper blue with silver stripes 98 Neon RT.... Well, let's just say that I gave Dodge a chance, and they punished me repeatedly for my idiocy. It's one thing to build a flawed car. It's another to tell the customer that the problems he encounters aren't there, especially when service bullitens exist that deal with the exact problem.
At 80 mph, the car would pick up a resonance inside that was painful to the eardrums, like a subwoofer rolling one continuious note. You had to roll down the windows, or you couldn't stand it. I was told that there was nothing wrong with the car at 65mph, and since 80 mph was an illegal speed to be traveling, it wasn't Dodge's problem.
The car starved for gas when quickly turning left in front of traffic with anything less than 1/2 a tank of fuel. I knew that the gas tank pickup or baffle must be installed incorrectly. The dealer kept saying, "Can not duplicate." I finally took the service writer out and stalled the car with his door facing an onrushing semi. I was then told that the problem was occuring in a "High acceleration while turning manuver that exceeded the design limits of the car." Gee. The tires weren't even squealing. This from a special edition car that was concieved to win in SCCA showroom stock racing?
Then there was the car's 8000 mile head gasket replacement interval....
Nope. I got jagged hard with that Neon. It was a screwed up little car as designed, and the dealer literally made me want to go postal. Sorry, Mark. No second chances for my money. My wife would hit me in the head with a skillet if I bought another Dodge.
Quote Sorry, Mark. No second chances for my money. My wife would hit me in the head with a skillet if I bought another Dodge.
We cant have that now, can we? BUT... I bet she would forgive you if you bought her a Viper! ;D
Becides Chris, I have seen your head. It would only hurt for a little while. :o ;)
QuoteHere's my official opinion on Domestic car quality, not that anyone really cares.... ;D
Chrysler is at this point and time manufacturing vehicles with "better" components, electronics, and such primarily because of the Dailmer Benz influence. The new Pacifica, 300, Magnum, and Jeep Grand Cherokee show that. What they are doing is bringing Mercedes parts and putting them in Chryslers. For instance, in my wife's Pacifica, the door switches are from Mercedes, and the exact same as in a new MB E-Class. Therefore, Chrysler has an advantage to all the other domestic manufacturer. They're making nicer, and better designed cars. GM is stuck on stupid, and will be for another 3 or 4 years (Trucks for example, same thing for 10 years, different headlights) and Ford, well, we won't go there. Anyways, that's my take, and I see it all day long. MB influence now drives Chrysler design. That's why I started buying (leasing) Chrysler products. First the RAM, then the Pacifica, and next a 300. The RAM however, has no MB influence in it what so ever, and is a piece of..........
Very good Dan. You have redeamed yourself. For a little while anyways... ;)
QuoteDan do you realise all Nissan and Toyota trucks sold here are built HERE as are those MB suv's? ;D
Built by non union workers though... >:(
Oh shit... I just opened a whole new can of worms! :-X
QuotePlus I always wanted to hot rod a Yugo. 3.8L GNX V6 in a Yugo that looks bone stock? ;D I wonder if 22" can fit on a yugo? ;D
I always knew you where a little weard but I am leaning more toward SICK! ;)
QuoteI always knew you where a little weard but I am leaning more toward SICK! ;)
Yeah but think of the fun I would have with the ricer car community. ;D Their fart canned, cold air intaked, over done body kit and wingged Civic got smoked by a YUGO. ;D Probably the same reaction I got when I smoked Z28's, Trans ams and Mustang GT's with my little 2.2L 1988 Shelby CSX. ;D Gotta love turbo cars putting 22lbs of boost back in 91.
QuoteBuilt by non union workers though... >:(
Oh shit... I just opened a whole new can of worms! :-X
Here, I'll open a can of worms too..
UNION WORKERS ARE LAZY !
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D :-* :-*
Where are you planning on riding next, Dan? >:(
Wherever you guys are. ;D
QuoteHere, I'll open a can of worms too..
UNION WORKERS ARE LAZY !
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D :-* :-*
You are treading in some DANGEROUS waters here with that statement. Care to retract it?? >:(
LOL!!!
You guys are too funny...
Dan got the exact reaction he was looking for. (Although I don't think when Dan said this he realized how big K3 was and how steathly Mark can be)
;D
BTW: Paul's a union worker too.
QuoteLOL!!!
You guys are too funny...
Dan got the exact reaction he was looking for.
BTW: Paul's a union worker too.
That was my Christmas present to Dan.....! I knew thats what he wanted! :P ;)
Merry Christmas Dan! ;) ;D
Merry Christmas ;D
Ok Rob... here is what I found out yesterday. The company will be hiring through there web sight. The web address is... //www.dcchourlyjobs.com. This isn't just for Belvidere Assy. But any plant within the Daimler-Chrysler complex and can be in the realm of Assembly, Stamping, Engine, Parts Depots, ect. Go to the sight and put in an application. This is open to all who wish to apply so naturally I am posting here so my racing freinds have a chance at applying. Good luck! Mark!
Thanks.
Maybe I can work next to you. ;D
Seems to me that Dan is lazier than any union worker I know. I've seen a lot of talk, and not much get done.
I'm also a union worker now. :)
QuoteSeems to me that Dan is lazier than any union worker I know. I've seen a lot of talk, and not much get done.
I'm also a union worker now. :)
I'm kinda in a union, but not really. IEEE. I'm not lazy though. Actually, I'm a workaholic. Every time I'm on here, I'm actually on the phone, and working.
QuoteThanks.
Maybe I can work next to you. ;D
I would rather have hot needles shoved in my eye sockets! ;)
Here is the release that was handed out yesterday...
Brothers and Sisters of UAW 1268:
Your union has just recived information in reguard to hiring parimeters that are to be utilized by the Corporation for the purpose of putting new people on roll as needed throughout the entire Chrysler Division. The web site address for more detailed information than is provided is s follows.......
//www.dcchourlyjobs.com
Openings may be for full time. (ordinary 40 hrs. per week plus possible overtime) temporary part time, (generally Monday and Friday work, sometimes requiring weekend or holiday work) or temporary (up to 119 days typically of summer enployment @ 40 or more hours per week)
Openings may occurin any plant within the Chrysler Complex and can be in the realm of Assembly, Stamping, Engine, Parts Depots. ect. A high school diploma. G.E.D., or equivalent is required. Any related experience within the job description you are pursuing is a plus.Some jobs may be physically challenging and a post-offer, pre-enployment drug screening and physical exam will be required prior to hire.
To check various geographic locations for job availabity within a specific area, access the Web site and then follow through the step-by-step selection process.
This information is relevant to DaimlerChrysler Chrylser Division jobs only and does not include any information in reguard to outside vendors or suppliers.
We hope yoy may find this information useful.
Fraternally.
Bargining committee
UAW Local 1268
Additionally, at Belvidere Assembly alone they will be hiring approximatly 1000 prople to start 2nd shift production within the next year.
The current model will end in September and the new line will be in production in January 2006. Mark B.
Finally had to read this thread...
Yeah...
Ok, fine...
Drive what you want.
GM has more problems? Who makes more cars?
BMW makes some nice cars, yeah, but I really can't open my check book to even thing of buying one. I'm sure it's a nice car, but it's built for a niche market...
When they start making cars that compete with Crapaliers, Foci, Neon's, Civic's etc.... Then we can talk.
Mecedes SUV's...again, how can I afford one? Really.
It's kind of like trying to get someone to replace a ZXR1200 with an MV Agusta. Yeah, the MV is pretty nice. But for that kind of cash, I can buy something that will do the same job for half the cost or better.
I'm not sure where all this started, but, somewhere, things got out of whack.
Somewhere when everyone was waving some kind of goofy flag, we decided that the cost of a product was the biggest issue. Additionally, add on the problem of civil litiation.
No manufactures of helmets in the USA.
Would Levi Strauss believe that his jeans aren't made here anymore? Been wearing 501's since high school, and I did notice the change in quality. Where's my money going?
Yeah, so, everything is global. Ford uses technology from Volvo and Jaguar. GM uses technology from Saab and Opel. Chrysler...well, you know.
Ultimately, I do worry about all this.
I live here in the United States. I'm probably going to continue working in the United States. Figure my kids will too.
What goes around comes around. Isn't all of Dell's phone help in India now? Well, when Haji needs to get his hair cut or buy a Big-Gulp from the convienence store, it's isn't going to be from downtown Omaha, it'll be from New Deli, India.
Doesn't pay taxes in my state to keep my kids in school or keep the teachers here buying houses or gasoline from the gas station in Waukesha.
Doesn't help me pay my insurance premiums for my old car.
I had a friend that worked as a German auto mechanic. Another friend was really well off. He thought that German cars were God's gift to man even though he was Italian himself.
Marvin, the mechanic, put it pretty well. "They've been making these things for over one-hundred years. They know how to make 'em...they just make 'em to break. All cars suck."
Stuff isn't built to last forever. I'm no GM fan, but I've went on independent service calls with my friend to replace master cylinders on Audi's with 40k on the odometer out of warranty. That's ridiculous, I thought. And that's suppposed to be an upscale car. Guess those upscale customers don't complain so much. If you've got that kind of cake to drop, you might not complain. But if you're making $18k a year, you'd be pretty sensative to issues like that.
My sister-in-law makes good money as a doctor of veternary medicine in SF. She can scope cat's all day long. But she doesn't understand that I don't want her buying my boys Christmas gifts that are made in China. First, my boys are pretty sensitive to the fact that all the junky toys seem to say "Made in China" on them. The other side is that she doesn't have any customers in China. Nor do I. They don't help me with anything.
I used to buy shoes. Still do yet. I'd buy a new pair of shoes ever year. Some lasted the year, some were pretty shot before then. Nike, Reebok, K-Swiss.
Finally, I started getting this idea that maybe I should buy some Red Wing Shoes. Hey, my dad worked on his feet for over thirty years (he was union...I think he wasn't lazy...when he came back from the Korean War, they finally got electicity at the farm) and wore Red Wings.
So, at Daytona in 2001, I walked out on my ride...long story...and I went over to the Red Wing Shoe store just west of the Speedway and bought my first pair of Red Wing Shoes. Hey, made in USA. Great shoes. After a year and a half of wearing them pretty much every day, I thought I should buy a second pair of shoes. Went to an outlet and bought their lower line called Worx. They are off shore built shoes distributed by Red Wing. Well, they sucked. Nine months later, they are the grass mowing shoes.
Still have my first pair of Red Wings.
I buy those shoes and at least I can say that, maybe, someone from the Red Wing factory might buy a school date from me. Maybe their kids will buy their pop from my kids when they are working at Burger King trying to make money to go to school here.
Here's my beef...
Vanson makes leathers. Great leathers, for that matter. Other manufacturers make leathers too, but they certainly don't have to pay $20 an hour plus benefits to their workers. Yet the prices are not so far apart. Vanson sells an excellent product for fair money...meanwhile, other manufacturers sell other leathers at a hugely inflated profit above the cost.
Ford, GM, and Chrysler make pretty decent products. Nothing and no one are perfect. And some people just seem to be bad at picking things...don't know why, but I don't seem to have many problems with vehicles. Anyway, you can buy a Focus, Neon, or Cavalier for a certain amout of money, or pay a little less and get a Hundai, Kia, or Daewoo.
Really!
So, how much do they pay their builders? I doubt that the guy building a Kia is paying anything that would keep any US teacher employed so that she can pay here property taxes and car insurance or even buy gas to help keep the roads kept up in Iowa City.
Long warranties... Where did people loose sight on this... If it wears out, it's not warranty.
Yeah, I ride a Japanese motorcycle. The standards for pay in Japan are at least fair. We could talk about my alternatives, but that would need to be another thread.
QuoteY
Ford, GM, and Chrysler make pretty decent products.
Uhmm.. Dave..... None of them make anything. They assemble and market. Nothing more. They subcontract to suppliers.
;)
I hear what you're saying. We sometimes ship things down to Mexico to be built. Ironically enough, our contract circuit board builder, whom is the largest electronics supplier in the U.S., has it's headquarters in IL. But, whenver we submit a new circuit board for quote, they submit it to the local plants and down to the Guadalajara (sp?) Mexico plants for quote. Then, they get the quote between the two, and the lowest wins. Funny thing is, it's the same company. They have Mexico bid against U.S. to see where it'll be cheaper to bid. 90% of the time, Mexico wins. Then, supposidly in the next few years, they will be moving all production down to Mexico. This company is "family owned" but also public.
The other weird thing is the quality. Mexico produces boards in much higher quality and quantities, but the weird thing is that they use the same machines, and the machines build everything with very minimal human interaction. Go figure... ???
QuoteThey assemble and market.
US workers. Office people. Lots of stuff.
Mexico, Canada. Yeah, lots of things.
Mazda pieces in Fords. Ford pieces in Mazda's.
Honda's designed and built in the US.
Real problem is that price can't be everything. I think older people understand this.
What happens if you really need something made "locally", but there's no place that can make it for you?
Computer stuff is a great example. How long before all the geek jobs get sent overseas? I'd bet that you could teach a guy code and have him doing the stuff that people here to for better than half the salary the a US worker gets...and his standard of living in his country with that salary would be better than the US guy.
When that US computer guy can't buy his upper end Acura anymore and has to curb back on other things...
What does that do to the economy here?
QuoteComputer stuff is a great example. How long before all the geek jobs get sent overseas? I'd bet that you could teach a guy code and have him doing the stuff that people here to for better than half the salary the a US worker gets...and his standard of living in his country with that salary would be better than the US guy.
When that US computer guy can't buy his upper end Acura anymore and has to curb back on other things...
What does that do to the economy here?
Tell that to the administrations of our local, state and national governments that don't put any really value on education for the middle class. The US ranks way behind many other countries in math and science, and our educational system is not equiped to deal with some of the challenges set to face our country in the foreseeable future. We will all be back to building things, because other countries will have the brain trust, and we will be the cheap labor.
If they need to save money in the local school, they should first cut extra-cirricular activities, but if the football team isn't getting uniforms, a whole army of parents show up, but if you decide to cut one 3rd grade teacher and the music program funding...no one will show up.
It's on us as citizens to see that the next generation be broadly educated, in everything from science math and history, to languages, art and culture. The schools can't do it, they don't have the funds. If we as a community placed the priorities right, and made teachers, schools and education an economic necesity, I think we could turn the whole thing around. We need to get back to the real point of education...learning.
I could go on for pages...I'll get off the soapbox now.
Hey Mark or Buell_391-
Did you ever ask yourself why you like to compete so much? Is it fun? Is it for the rush you get knowing that you got it ALL together more than the other guy? That maybe some luck is on your side, too?
I have read this thread and I find that the sniveling that occurs when an employer refuses to "step up to the plate" and play hardball is discusting >:(! What stops any of you from uprooting and finding an employer who can compete better? Comfort zone-itis? Go where the money and the jobs are, everybody wins on that one. If you have reasons for staying, well that's your choice; LIVE WITH IT!
UNIONS? In days before labor regulations were put forth to protect the rights of employees, YES the Unions were a very pertinent part of our working class. NOW, I think that the general consensus will reveal that they have far outlived their usefullness. They suck the life from it's members in the form of what they call "UNION DUES" which you poor suckers pay for. Ask your self this; what are these UNIONS providing for the masses these days? The UNIONS cannot even come close to providing near the benefits (RET., SAV.,401's College Scholarship Grants, shall I go on?), not to mention the flexibility in vactions, hours worked, health benefits, Blah, Blah, Blah... Believe me, my father started a UNION in Chicago in the early 50's. Long enough?
As for taking AMERICAN jobs by purchasing foriegn products; I say this, "I work hard for my money, I buy whatever the heck I want"! Sooner or later I toss it and some UNION trash hauler will keep his job for another week.
It seems appearant that YOU race a Buell and most likely OWN a Harley or two. Did you realize that ever time you shift gears on your bikes that it was Porsche that was paid to design the works? What about some of the electronics? That was a smart decision by one of our AMERICAN companies, they are reaping the benefits of outsourcing and AMERICANA!!
It's all about WORLD business, $$, competition and being better than the other guy.
The BAR WAS RAISED, we just have to step up to it!!!
BTW, I work for a importer, we engineer all of our line (except for limited models, under 400 production) to utilize up to 50% of parts and or materials from countries we import to. North AMERICA is our largest market. Think about the jobs provided to AMERICANS.... Blah, Blah, Blah. Way to much time on this thread.
:o
QuoteHey Mark or Buell_391-
Did you ever ask yourself why you like to compete so much? Is it fun? Is it for the rush you get knowing that you got it ALL together more than the other guy? That maybe some luck is on your side, too?
I have read this thread and I find that the sniveling that occurs when an employer refuses to "step up to the plate" and play hardball is discusting >:(! What stops any of you from uprooting and finding an employer who can compete better? Comfort zone-itis? Go where the money and the jobs are, everybody wins on that one. If you have reasons for staying, well that's your choice; LIVE WITH IT!
UNIONS? In days before labor regulations were put forth to protect the rights of employees, YES the Unions were a very pertinent part of our working class. NOW, I think that the general consensus will reveal that they have far outlived their usefullness. They suck the life from it's members in the form of what they call "UNION DUES" which you poor suckers pay for. Ask your self this; what are these UNIONS providing for the masses these days? The UNIONS cannot even come close to providing near the benefits (RET., SAV.,401's College Scholarship Grants, shall I go on?), not to mention the flexibility in vactions, hours worked, health benefits, Blah, Blah, Blah... Believe me, my father started a UNION in Chicago in the early 50's. Long enough?
As for taking AMERICAN jobs by purchasing foriegn products; I say this, "I work hard for my money, I buy whatever the heck I want"! Sooner or later I toss it and some UNION trash hauler will keep his job for another week.
It seems appearant that YOU race a Buell and most likely OWN a Harley or two. Did you realize that ever time you shift gears on your bikes that it was Porsche that was paid to design the works? What about some of the electronics? That was a smart decision by one of our AMERICAN companies, they are reaping the benefits of outsourcing and AMERICANA!!
It's all about WORLD business, $$, competition and being better than the other guy.
The BAR WAS RAISED, we just have to step up to it!!!
BTW, I work for a importer, we engineer all of our line (except for limited models, under 400 production) to utilize up to 50% of parts and or materials from countries we import to. North AMERICA is our largest market. Think about the jobs provided to AMERICANS.... Blah, Blah, Blah. Way to much time on this thread.
Wow... Rob simply asked if Chrysler would be hiring anytime soon and all of a sudden this is a bashing type tread? Please....! I have been in the automotive industry for about 30 years. I know full well what parts are put in and from what countrys.
I saiid earlier... buy what you want. Its a free country.
Unions? Good? Bad? who cares? They have there problems and advantages.
Its too early in the morning! I need coffee! :P ;)
Like the old saying goes.... Opinions are like a _ _ _ _ _es, everyone has one.
Super_Dave, along with myself were asked to be moderators of this board to maintain its spirit and keep it on track. We have made some decisions to lock threads and delete some that were getting out of hand and not maintaining the camaraderie that this BBS was created for.
We encourage everyone to post and share his or her thoughts and opinions, but do it in a respectful manner. Everyone has to deal with enough negativity in his or her daily lives; we don't need any more of it here.
Thanks,
Dawn
Well said Dawn! Thank you!
Cant wait to see you guys either! ;)
QuoteCant wait to see you guys either! ;)
Especially me? ;D
Who "owns" the CCS BBS? It's still "unofficial" right ???
Yup, there are a lot of opinions, guess I should keep "point in fact" ones off the BBS! :-X
My appologies Mark, hope you got your coffee in the morning, it's like running on pump gas when it should be C-12!!! :)