In Michigan where the economy is already in ruins [1], the Grand Rapids Press [2] highlights warnings from University of Michigan economist Don Grimes about the nationwide UAW strike:
“It's not exactly what the state needs right now,” said University of Michigan economist Don Grimes. “You've got a train wreck in Detroit and a train wreck in Lansing. It's like a perfect storm.”
“The workers will be getting $200 a week in strike pay,” he said. “Before, they were earning $1,500 a week in pay.”
A $1,300 per-week pay cut is an awful lot to ask of these workers who have families to support. Meanwhile, GM looks to lose nearly $100 million per day [3] due to the loss of production.
Looks like UAW bosses are hitting everyone where it hurts the most: their wallets.
Links:
[1] http://www.nrtw.org/blog/wolverine-state-continues-downward-spiral
[2] http://blog.mlive.com/autoblog/2007/09/strike_could_weaken_michigans_1.html
[3] http://www.slate.com/id/2174601/fr/flyout