I have of late been reading articles on groups considering strikes – specifically, professional baseball players, teachers and the aerospace machinists (IAM). Do these groups not see what’s going on in the world? We are at war, the economy is the worst it has been in 20 years, and the unemployment rate is off the scale. But, with what has become the norm for the human race, it’s me, me, me!
I have difficulty feeling sorry for a baseball player that only makes $3.5 million this year. What happened to doing it for the sport? I know I really pity them – being able to work at something you love and getting paid huge for it.
Teachers made the choice as to what vocation they would pursue. I am sorry, but everyone knows that teachers don’t make a lot of money. Teachers are making $36,000 or more a year with summers off. Compare your job to a person working at Burger King – perhaps it isn’t that bad.
The machinist’s make (I would guess) $45,000 per year accompanied by excellent benefits – and all the overtime they want to work.
All of these people want more money, better retirement plans, medical coverage and, of course, better working conditions. I would suggest that they all revisit this decision. They need to go to their bargaining unit and tell them they want to leave things the way they are for the first year of the new contract. They can go back to the table when, and if, things get better.
If I see a baseball strike, I personally will never watch or attend another ballgame in my lifetime.
Teachers, do as I did when I wasn’t making enough money to support my family. Get a second job or another line of work. We all have these choices.
Here’s a bit of advice to the Machinists. If you strike, you are all fools and deserve to be locked out. Boeing isn’t making money like they have in past years, why should you? Trust me, there are no jobs out there that pay what you’re making now.
You folks need to get a hold of this tiger before it eats you. Sleep well at night knowing that you have a job to go to when you wake.
Stanwood
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