Employers aren't loyal to their workers
11/10/2001I am an ex-factory worker who is not whining. I do have feelings for the 555 workers who lost their jobs at Churchill's.
In 1982 I would have lost my job at Libbey-Owens-Ford, but we had a contract that allowed me to exercise my seniority rights.
From 1982 to 1985 I made about $120,000 in wages, not counting all the years from 1955 to 1982 that I made excellent wages. I have made approximately $170,000 in pension and my pension goes on. For 46 years I have had a fringe package. Cost? Big bucks.
Anyone who has been screwed over by American management should not be surprised. There are exceptions, but as a whole, the management in our country has zero loyalty to its employees. Over the years I have heard employers exclaim “There is no `I' in team.” I could puke when I hear this. The union teaches that we are all brothers and sisters. There is an `I' in family. We teach that the individual is important.
Over the years I paid about $3,000 in union dues. I wish the rest of my investments paid so well.
ROBERT S. HAYNES
Grand Rapids
----
I was shocked to read about the resignation of Bernadine Healy as president of the American Red Cross.
Not so much because of the resignation itself, but because she was being paid $450,000 a year to head this nonprofit agency.
Why does the American Red Cross feel the need to pay its president such an outrageous salary? No doubt the job requires a certain executive ability. However, as a “not for profit” agency, can't they get a retired CEO like GE's Jack Welch to do the same job for much less, thereby allowing more money to go toward providing aid to those who need it? During World War II they called these people “Dollar-A-Year Men.”
In light of the tragedy of Sept. 11, perhaps Ms. Healy should follow the lead of others and donate her hefty salary to the 9-11 disaster relief fund.
The average citizen has to wonder just how much of their generous heartfelt cash donation is going to help the victims and how much is going to pay Ms. Healy's salary.
MIKE McMAHON
Robinwood Avenue
----
In this country, where deaths from the flu number more than 20,000 each year, somebody's playing games with the problem.
While self-appointed experts broadcast solemn advice to elderly folks to prolong life with shots, some codgers can't get them.
My doctor, a geriatric specialist, can't provide them and doesn't know when or whether he will have them available. The Sylvania Senior Citizens Center had them scheduled this past week for $10 or $12. Canceled.
You can buy a shot for $15 at Foodtown, $20 at Kroger's. Apparently Medicare will pay the charge. Really?
In any event, at age 85, I have the privilege to stand in line for several hours with a hundred or two coughing fellow citizens, with maximum chance to contract something vile, in the modest hope that through the gentle mercies of my favorite grocer, I may have my medical needs cared for.
FRED HAUSMAN
Nantucket Drive
----
With the decrease in air travel, railroads are soon to become popular again. However, the plans to gear up for future business extol the necessity for high-speed trains. Why? What's wrong with the speed the trains already have? Repairing tracks and building new commuter routes would be the sensible and practical way to proceed. What are we all hurrying to?
MARGARET COOPER
Perrysburg