Quote:
Originally Posted by brushbyair
Gary, as a former GM'er myself (retired after 34 years) I must say I would not leave the company with the benefits that you recieve. I know the future sometimes looks grim in the auto industry, but it has always been that way, in the early 80's during the oil embargo it seemed like I would never have steady employment with GM, then in the 90's it was a boon era, too much overtime. I don't know you entire situation, single, married, children, but I can tell you this, as you get older you will see how important the benefits alone you recieve from the company are worth all of the agony you deal with at the present. My suggestion to you would be to try to establish yourself with another airbrush artist or even try to establish your own business, by keeping your employment with GM you will ALWAYS have that to keep yourself established if your own business doesn't work out. Brushbyair ( Lansing 652)
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Brushbyair,
I'm abot an hour east of you over in Grand Blanc (just south of Flint) and work at the Truck and Bus (Local 598 formerly 651, 594, and 5960 LOL) plant there. Things are really getting screwy and my gut is telling me to get out and take this buyout. I been doing this as a side gig for a few years now and turn down more work than I actually do, so initial clientèle is there.
With that new two-tier agreement and the shady things my local is doing these days, man, I am just tired of the uncertainty and mistrust. I been there 13+ years and never seen the things going on like they are now. It ain't the work, I can work and am not scared in the least by laboring my body....been doing it since I was 13 yrs old in one capacity or another. Your point of view on this strikes close to me because you know what I am thinking I am sure after 30+ years in the shop.
My fear is of getting to near 30 years in the plant and having it all goto hell. We've lost about 200,000 UAW jobs since I hired in in 1995 and that number ain't moving north....at least at the 1st tier wages or permanent employee status level. I feel the writing is on the wall with things to come ala Dick Dauch and American Axle. I wouldn't be shocked to see it happen in the next contract actually.
Thanks for the input. I highly apreciate it and am delighted a fellow shoprat could chip in some advice.
Gary