A tale of two systems: many readers don't believe it

Dec. 26, 2011 — Whether the U.S. could adopt the German model of unionization is not the problem. The problem is even though we have unionization in some parts of the country, [there] is an adversarial [situation] of union versus management. In part, this is due to the years of abuse by the management and the revolt, which necessitated the unions. Now we, the workers, are abused by both sides.

We are not allowed to speak to management without the union there. At the same time the union does little for us when they are there. Sit and listen, but not participate nor take notes. Yet, management has a second person jotting down, and fabricating, all the while.

Management is there to tak’…they are there to, as they have said, “to remind you that you are easily replaced, this job is going to be your life…so do not plan on having one outside of here.” Management in the U.S. is not here to negotiate for a better workplace, a safer one…not even for better service for the customer or a better product. They are here to make their money, have the least problems to reach upper management, and not get caught abusing the lower employees or the system. To get as much done for the least amount. Stepping on those one can while making ones way upward. I guess that is the true definition of capitalism in the U.S. I did not learn that definition.

The mention of the attempt to make unionization easier…that doesn’t help. It is too easy to intimidate employees. Once a union does come into a business, even a large, old-time one, it is easy for them to ignore the employees..they get their percentage off of the checks…they do little after. They leave it to the unknowing employees to flounder not knowing that once they get their union, it becomes “them” and are left to it without out much help or instruction.

I do not see the U.S. becoming any more than it has become, only less. Even the Germans have shown that their model is German-centered and once leaving their own country they go to the cheapest route. It is in the human nature of it. We want to be greedy…step on the backs of the workers…fire all no matter how it effects their families, the housing market, the whole country so long as the all important “me” is making the money. It is sad, but, true. I watch it daily.

— Lisa Katagiri, Newark, California

Dec. 26, 2011 — Your writing is excellent and on target.

— Peter Paulicks, Las Vegas, Nevada

Dec. 26 2011 — The article about differences between German and U.S. auto unionization failed to address the economics of foreign plant operations for the German companies. Are the foreign plants more profitable? What is level of productivity in Europe vs outside Europe? How about product quality differences? Do the companies use these plants higher profits to cover labor costs (and research and development costs) in Europe?

— Robert Dodsworth, Kimberling City, Missouri

Dec. 26, 2011 —  The article/debate points fail to explain how German companies can profit paying union wages and benefits double that of U.S. firms. Our auto firms have found themselves in bankruptcy precisely for high wages and benefits extracted by unions. In the case of U.S. auto manufacturers, where would the money come from to double employee wages? There certainly isn’t enough room in profits.

— Michael Simmonds, Omaha, Nebraska

Dec. 26, 2011 —  Excellent, I wish everyone would read your letter. If they did, more people might realize the root of our problems isn’t unions, it is because corporations [can get away with it].

— Charles Ponze, St. Charles, Missouri

 Dec. 26, 2011 —This is a good article. The essentials are correctly stated. Germany is an over-regimented society. The work rules in Bavaria are the same as in the Province of Hessen. In the U.S., states try to maintain their individuality and sovereignty from Washington. Those fundamentals will not change. A German wants security and pretty much gets it. An American wants freedom. But, do not be misled. See what is left over to the German worker, after all taxes are subtracted from gross pay. While the U.S. worker is underpaid, on a cost of living basis, his disposable income is about the same as his German counterpart.

— Peter Engelhardt, Summit, NJ