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Open thread Feb. 5, 2019

Dan Crawford | February 5, 2019 6:15 am

Tags: open thread Comments (3) | Digg Facebook Twitter |
3 Comments
  • Denis Drew says:
    February 5, 2019 at 4:11 pm

    It came to my mind, just now, while eating at McDonald’s that the minimum wage cannot be any higher what can be supported by the highest labor costs businesses — prime examples: fast food at 25%.

    By definition, sort of, the minimum wage cannot adequately reflect what lower labor costs firms can afford to pay — typical examples: most retail outlets at 15% labor costs — extreme example: Walmart at 7% labor costs.

    IOW, if McDonald’s can pay $15 an hour, then, Target and Walgreen’s should be able to pay $20 an hour, and, Walmart could pay $25 an hour.
    The minimum wage, then, is very, very far from the way out of our union-free (down to 6% in non-gov work) wilderness.

    Why Not Hold Union Representation Elections on a Regular Schedule?
    Andrew Strom — November 1st, 2017
    “Republicans in Congress have already proposed a bill that would require a new election in each [private employer] unionized bargaining unit whenever, through turnover, expansion, or merger, a unit experiences at least 50 percent turnover. While no union would be happy about expending limited resources on regular retention elections, I think it would be hard to turn down a trade that would allow the 93% of workers who are unrepresented to have a chance to opt for unionization on a regular schedule.”
    https://onlabor.org/why-not-hold-union-representation-elections-on-a-regular-schedule/

    • run75441 says:
      February 5, 2019 at 9:43 pm

      A little Reading for you: “OEMs who have made the move to China often contend that the severely reduced labor rates make up for any additional costs. Here, too, the study begs to differ. Dewhurst and Meeker remind us that the most significant part of a product’s cost is not labor (see photo, p. 19). In fact, wages contribute only 4% on average to overall cost, while part costs generate 72%. These figures have been compiled from data gathered by BDI over the past few years and include OEMs whose products span markets from computers and transportation to medical products and agricultural equipment.” https://www.plasticstoday.com/content/manufacturing-china-true-cost-may-surprise-you/3186036512801

  • EMichael says:
    February 6, 2019 at 6:51 am

    Dennis,

    For a pro-union advocate I find it incredible you keep pushing this anti-union legislation.

    It would absolutely eliminate any growth in unions and would eliminate many union shops.

    It puts the employer in total control of when, if and where such votes are held.

    You need to stop helping Republicans plans to kill unions.

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