the workers. He was talking about all sides of the automotive crisis but when he discussed the workers wages he said that people were throwing some ridiculous and inaccurate info out there. He said the rumors of workers receiving $70-$75 (his numbers) an hour compensation was total crap and a blatant attempt to turn people against the workers. According to him the average salaries of typical floor workers - not counting the new guys in the $14 range - was about $27-$29 an hour, and when insurance and other benefits were added the package amounted to $40-$45 and hour. He said the reports that were distorting that number into the 70's were adding in their pension package as well. But no one receives a pension AND an hourly wage at the same time.

Now, like a stated earlier, I don't know where the truth lies but this guy's claim makes a lot more sense to me. I never could see how an hourly wage in the high $20's turns into a $65 an hour (as per the article you posted) compensation, nor could I see how the union could negotiate that type of package or how the companies could stay in business for a week, let alone indefinitely, paying out that much money to each grunt. I'm not saying that isn't pretty damn good pay and benefits but $40-$45 sounds a lot more reasonable than $65-$75.

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"Wish I was your underwear hanging around your waist,
everytime you'd shake that thing I'd get a little taste" - JJ Cale