Joliet IAM Workers Strike CAT

While the news media states some of the basic complaints of the strikers, the public is usually led to believe the whole problem is these basic issues of holding wages, note the "right to" and asking union members to pick up a greater share of their genorous health benefits.

The entire contract between CAT and the union is probably in a series of binders that would fill more than a file drawers. I'll bet that in that contract, the union is demanding that the plant will not be closed, profitable or not, no temporary workers despite the fact that more workers may be needed only if there are short peak periods of production to meet demand and 30 or so other changes in the contract that will never be published in the media.

I hope they get things worked out where both sides make some concessions but in the end, not like GM, Caterpillar owns the business and the workers not satisfied with conditions, have the freedom in America to seek higher paying jobs with more benefits.elsewhere.

Caterpillar and the stockholders own the business and the workers, if union bosses, are reasonable, become or already are, valuable workers that help the company make a profit while drawing a better than average wage with good benefits, from sick leave, vacations, and insurance. To fill a need and make a profit is the reason 95% of all companies are in business. What the execs make appear to be reasonable for a $60 billion dollar company with approximately 53% of its business conducted outside of the U.S.

In the meantime, I occasionally watch professional sports such as the Bulls, Bears and Cubs. The games appear to be all sold out and the occupants of the seats appear to be largely working class or middle class people. Perhaps instead of paying ridiculous prices to attend these games and buy the over-priced concessions, pay to park, etc,  they might watch on TV like I do and listen to the:"just the facts" news, the listen or read commentaries about where many people believe this country is heading, learn enough to cast a reasonably intelligent vote, if they vote at all.and save some of their money for the sure to come 'rainy day'..

And perhaps do some exercise to get rid of some of that flab around their stomachs.It's very possible that we have too many "circuses" in the U.S. to detract people from what is going on in government.

I know that those who would like to see this country fail are not watching a lot of overpaid athletic performers.in billion dollar stadiums.