November 23, 2008
To the Editors:
It was appalling to learn last week that the CEOs of the nation’s largest automakers had flown to Washington in their private jets to ask for a multi-billion dollar handout from Congress. When Congressman Barney Frank asked them to raise their hands if they would sell of those jets, none did. That tells you something about how in touch with the world these men are.
The first step in resolving the crisis in the auto industry would be to oust these executives and replace them with a new team with lean salaries, eager to build fuel efficient American cars with all the “green” elements included.
I am a retired factory worker who spent 20 years on an assembly line and I noticed that frequently the people who knew most about how to produce a quality product were the workers themselves. They should be included in the fundamental changes that will be needed if the auto industry in this country is to be revived. Of course, specialists in new technology would be needed as well.
At the same time, it is alarming that much of the media focus has been an attack on the good wages and benefits that auto workers are getting. The United Auto Workers fought long and hard over many years to achieve good contracts. They are the kind of jobs we want all Americans to have and we need more such jobs, not less.
Sincerely,
Gillian Furst
(WAMM Supporter) |
