Record profits mean nothing when the economy is setup by default to be inflationary, if they aren't setting a new record constantly they will soon cease to exist

 

I don’t get how someone can put a $ amount on how much another person should earn at their job. Put yourself in these workers’ shoes. Would you say ok $39/hr is enough for my family and myself. Would you say I’ll take the 50% raise vs a 77% raise? Imagine someone telling you that you’re overpaid for what you do.

Are you willing to do their job? 🧐

 

looks like the workers have a lot of leverage

 

I don't think anyone is arguing that the work is unnecessary or not valuable. Some of us ARE questioning if the skills required to do the work warrant a $350k/year paycheck. Or whether the quarter-Billion dollars per year the union will be raking in under this new contract might just possibly be a major factor at play here.

I mean, it's not like the head of the union just hosted a "candid conversation" where he said--and I quote--"I will cripple you", while wearing a $40,000 watch and who knows how much in gold chains. Oh wait, that did happen. But he's not completely without couth. The virtual background makes it impossible to tell whether it was filmed on his 76-foot yacht.

 

pure greed by the shipping companies

Source.

 

Begs the question of whether the unions have the best interest of these striking workings in mind, or do they simply see them as pawns in the game.

 

All the leverage in my opinion. It all depends on how long they can hold out to get what they want

 

Although I don't have any hard numbers, the ILA union reportedly has a lot of strike-funds. So, if management thinks that they can simply starve them out by stalling for time, that's not going to happen for quite some time.

 

Being in a job that has a powerful union.. the leadership is generally out for themselves.

 

Why do you keep supporting these unions whey they are rife with corruption? UAW has a long history of it, and this
https://laborpains.org/2021/04/01/lo...nd-corruption/

 

Unfortunately in some cases there’s some truth to this as well😔

 

Curious that they've left out 2023's profits, as the data is readily available.

 

I don't always agree with unions....sometimes they may go a little too far on some issues. But let's separate facts from fiction. First of all, they are probably no more corrupt than many corporate or government officials....the news stories each day prove that. Second, if it weren't for unions, there would probably be no such thing as a standard 8-hour day/40-hour week, or employer-provided health insurance. Third, on this particular strike, I'm supporting the job-security-issue more than the actual pay raise. Fourth, in Right-to-Work states (like mine in Virginia) workers are not forced to join unions in any particular industry...they can opt out if desired.

 

It might (?) depend on whether the companies have finalized their tax bills yet for money owed on 2023-income figures...can't really determine ultimate profits until the taxes are paid. Don't forget, those shipping companies are dealing with not just U.S. tax laws/schedules, but also those of many other nations around the globe.

 

As I said, the numbers are readily available. The industry posted a loss in 2023, and even pre-strike, 2024 wasn't looking great either. But now that we're here, the surcharges are flying and rates are skyrocketing. So I expect it will probably wind up well into the black when all is said and done. At your and my expense, of course.